Disney Magic - Western Mediterranean Cruise Travel Log

When I was growing up, the term "Disney" brought to mind either cartoons, family-friendly movies, TV shows, or Disneyland in California. Times have changed. Disney opened the trend-setting Disney World in Florida in 1971, and since then the company has opened theme parks in Asia and Europe. In addition, Disney Cruise Lines launched its first two ships in 1998 (Disney Magic) and 1999 (Disney Wonder). These two ships primarily sail from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean, but the Disney Magic repositions to Europe in the summer months, and the Disney Wonder will move to the West Coast of the USA in 2011 when the Disney Dream is launched. Disney will add a fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy in 2012.

Most cruise travelers know that Disney sails from Florida, and many families combine a visit to Disney World with a Disney cruise to the Bahamas and the Caribbean that includes a stopover at Castaway Cay, one of the best cruise line private islands. However, a Disney Magic cruise to the Mediterranean is a wonderful vacation option for adults and for families looking to see more of the world. The Disney Magic sails seven to eleven-day cruises roundtrip from Barcelona to fascinating ports of call in the western Mediterranean from May to September. The rest of the year the Disney Magic sails to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

I sailed roundtrip from Barcelona on the Disney Magic on a ten-day itinerary that included the following western Mediterranean ports of call:

• Valletta, Malta
• Tunis, Tunisia
• Naples, Italy
• Civatevecchia (Rome), Italy
• La Spezia, Italy
• Ajaccio, Corsica, France
• Villefranche, France

This itinerary is an excellent mix of diverse cultures, scenery, history, and shore activities.

The Disney Magic features many of the same shore excursions (called port adventures by Disney) that other cruise lines offer. However, Disney has gone one big step further, with port adventures designed specifically for families to enjoy. The next page discusses some of the excellent family port adventures, and the rest of this article describes things to do and see in each of the Disney Magic Mediterranean ports of call.

Next Page > > Disney Family-Friendly Shore Excursions and Youth Activities Ashore > >