This summer we took a 4-day cruise to the Caribbean on the Disney Wonder. This was our second trip on the Wonder, so I guess we’re seasoned sailors from the Midwest now.
This is definitely a trip the whole family will remember. At 11, my daughter was more interested in beaches and friends than Disney Princesses. At 5, my son was delighted by everything from the plane ride to playing in the ocean on Castway Cay.
Of course this is Disney, so the experience starts long before you step on the boat. Disney follows up your registration with materials to help you prepare for the trip and build excitement for activities on the boat and onshore. Sure it’s marketing, but it’s all geared toward getting you on board for the entire cruise experience.
But the real Disney magic starts the moment you receive the OK to board the boat. Your first family portraits are taken on the gangplank. Next, you are ushered into the elaborate lobby where your family is announced while crew members applaud your arrival. The tireless crew is the real treasure on the boat. The Disney Wonder typically sails with 950 crew members for 2,400 guests.
Memorable moments included our dining wait staff who followed us to each of three themed restaurants. Our server accommodated all the kids’ special orders and double checked ingredients due to my son’s peanut allergy. Then she made time to entertain us with brain teasers, magic tricks and origami. Our steward didn’t just keep the room spotless, but he also thrilled the kids with a new animal-shaped towel every day.
Conversations with the crew revealed that most sign on for 6-month tours. Our head server was a mom from the Philippines who leaves her family for six months at a time, returns for two and then is back out to sea for another 6 months. Wow! I can only imagine that sacrifice.
When we remember our 2008 family vacation, it won’t be the gleaming decks, lobby chandeliers or costumed characters — it will be the little touches and flawless service provided by the crew.
Tags: crew, disney cruise, disney wonder, family vacation, marketing, service
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