Remember planning your family vacation and excitedly searching for the perfect getaway? For many, a Disney Cruise was at the top of the list. 2017 brought its own exciting developments in the world of Disney cruises. This post will explore the significant Disney cruise news of 2017, providing details on new ships, itineraries, and onboard experiences to help you relive the magic or plan future adventures.
Disney Cruise Line’s 2017 Highlights
2017 was a year of solid growth and enhancement for Disney Cruise Line. This section will cover the key announcements and updates that impacted the cruising experience for guests that year. We’ll explore new itineraries, ship enhancements, and special events that defined the year in Disney cruising.
New Itineraries and Destinations
- Caribbean Adventures: Disney expanded its Caribbean itineraries in 2017, offering more diverse port calls and longer voyages. This included visits to less-frequented islands, providing a more unique cruise experience. The extended stays allowed for more time exploring each destination, catering to those seeking in-depth exploration.
- European Voyages: Several European itineraries were introduced or enhanced, giving guests the chance to experience the magic of Disney in enchanting European locales. These sailings typically included a mix of classic Disney entertainment and cultural excursions to popular European cities. The opportunity to combine a Disney cruise with a European cultural experience proved extremely popular.
Insert a map here showing the expanded 2017 Disney Cruise itineraries.
Onboard Enhancements and Entertainment
- Refurbishments: Existing Disney Cruise Line ships underwent refurbishments in 2017, incorporating new technologies and refreshing existing spaces. These improvements often included upgraded staterooms, enhanced dining options, and updated children’s areas. The focus was consistently on enhancing the guest experience with improved amenities.
- New Shows and Entertainment: New stage shows, character meet-and-greets, and onboard activities were introduced throughout the year. Disney continued its tradition of producing high-quality entertainment, consistently introducing new offerings to keep the experience fresh and engaging. These updates often involved incorporating characters from the latest Disney films.
Cruising with Disney: A 2017 Perspective
This section provides a deeper look into the overall Disney Cruise experience in 2017, focusing on the unique aspects that defined the year. We’ll examine the typical guest demographics, popular activities, and overall customer satisfaction.
Guest Demographics and Preferences
In 2017, Disney cruises continued to attract a diverse range of families, but the core demographic still consisted primarily of families with young children. Many guests were repeat cruisers, highlighting Disney’s commitment to building strong customer loyalty. A high percentage of guests came from North America, but international travelers were also a significant portion of the passenger base.
Insert a chart here showing the demographic breakdown of Disney Cruise passengers in 2017.
Popular Onboard Activities and Amenities
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Meeting beloved Disney characters remained a highly popular activity. The unique opportunities to interact with favorite characters in a relaxed setting contributed significantly to the overall positive experience. Guests appreciated the ease and access to these characters on board.
- Youth Clubs: Disney’s age-specific youth clubs continued to be a major draw, offering structured activities and supervised environments for children of various ages. The dedicated spaces allowed parents some time for themselves while ensuring their children were entertained and cared for.
- Dining Experiences: The diverse and themed dining experiences remained a focal point, appealing to both children and adults. The quality of the food and the immersive dining environments contributed to the high level of guest satisfaction.
The Disney Cruise Experience in 2017: A Detailed Look
This section will examine specific aspects of the Disney Cruise Line in 2017, providing more in-depth information and details to help understand the whole experience.
Dining Options and Menus
Disney’s commitment to culinary excellence was clear in 2017. The cruise lines offered a variety of restaurants, each with unique themes and menus. From character dining to more sophisticated adult-only venues, there were options to suit everyone’s tastes. They often incorporated seasonal menus and special events to keep the dining experience fresh.
Staterooms and Accommodations
Disney offered a range of stateroom options, from smaller rooms perfect for couples to larger suites ideal for families. The focus was always on comfort and functionality, reflecting Disney’s high standards of guest care. Many rooms offered additional features such as connecting doors, ideal for large families traveling together.
Customer Service and Reviews
Disney Cruise Line consistently receives high ratings for customer service. In 2017, this trend continued, with many reviews praising the friendliness and helpfulness of the crew. The emphasis on creating a magical and personalized experience was highlighted in numerous testimonials. A 2017 survey showed a 95% customer satisfaction rate for Disney cruises.
Debunking Myths About Disney Cruises
Myth 1: Disney Cruises are Only for Families with Young Children.
While Disney cruises are extremely popular among families with young children, adults without children also enjoy them for the high-quality entertainment, amazing dining, and relaxing atmosphere. There are dedicated adult-only areas and activities designed to cater to couples and adults traveling without children.
Myth 2: Disney Cruises are Too Expensive.
While Disney cruises are a premium experience, various packages and options are available to suit different budgets. Booking in advance, utilizing special offers, and considering alternative stateroom options can help make a Disney cruise more affordable.
FAQ
What new ships were launched by Disney Cruise Line in 2017?
No new ships were launched by Disney Cruise Line in 2017. However, existing ships underwent refurbishments and enhancements to improve the guest experience.
What were the most popular itineraries in 2017?
The Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries remained extremely popular, along with select European cruises. The specific popularity varied depending on the time of year and availability.
Were there any special events or promotions on Disney cruises in 2017?
Disney Cruise Line frequently offers seasonal promotions and special events throughout the year. Checking their website around the time of your planned trip is the best way to find any promotions running during that specific period.
What type of entertainment was offered onboard in 2017?
Onboard entertainment in 2017 included Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, live music, movies, and a wide variety of activities for all ages.
How much did a Disney cruise cost in 2017?
The cost of a Disney cruise in 2017 varied widely depending on the itinerary, stateroom type, and time of year. It’s best to consult past Disney Cruise Line pricing information from travel sites or archives for a general idea.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at the Disney cruise news from 2017, it’s clear that the year brought a wealth of improvements and enhancements to the already magical Disney Cruise Line experience. Whether it was expanded itineraries, refreshed onboard amenities, or simply the continued excellence of Disney’s impeccable service, 2017 cemented Disney’s position as a leading provider of family-friendly cruises. Start planning your own unforgettable Disney cruise today by exploring current options and building excitement for your next family vacation.