Disney Cruise Line--Cabo

Summer vacation 2008 was our 2nd Disney Cruise--a 7 night Mexican Riviera aboard the Disney Magic. That summer, the Magic was sailing out of San Pedro, California, for 12 sailings to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We sailed during the week of our wedding anniversary.

We took a non-stop flight from Kansas City to LAX, then were picked up at the airport by bus for a ride to the port in San Pedro, also known as the World Cruise Terminal. The bus ride was fun as the driver pointed out parts of the interstate that were used to film various movies, like Speed. Next to the cruise ships were the bridge to Long Island and ferries to Catalina. The terminal Disney was using was the Love Boat terminal. Talk about nostalgic!

After a day at sea we anchored in Cabo and tendered to our shore excursion--a dolphin encounter for the boy. We could watch, but not take photos. The photos had to be purchased at the end. So, after tendering to the marina, we walked a short ways to the dolphin marina/aquarium in Cabo. After a short introduction, the group of about 10 children were taken into pool with a shallow ledge.

First, let's get to know each other. The trainer demonstrated dolphin behaviors and the kids got to pet a dolphin and examine their flippers.

Next, a kiss. Ahhh, I think the feeling is mutual! At this point, the parents are sipping beverages at the umbrella tables next to the pool. Now, the description of the excursion said that this was a dolphin interaction, not a dolphin swim. So imagine my surprise when I look out to the large, deep pool and there is my son holding on to the fins of a dolphin riding on its belly. He was the first in the group to take a ride and as you can see by the photo below, he was thrilled!

Wheee!

The girl in the photo is from Japan. They were sailing on the Magic, too, and were seated at the table next to us at dinner each evening. While she spoke only Japanese, she and the boy were fast friends. It is a small world after all!

Cruising can be an awesome summer family vacation . . . well, an anytime vacation. Cruising with Disney means you get Broadway caliber entertainment, excellent cuisine, child care, room service, and fun included with your vacation. Extras include souvenirs, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, tips, and excursions. We re-booked for our winter 09/10 cruise while on board and saved 10% off the cost of our next cruise AND got a significant on-board credit to go towards those "extras." We also gave the credit for the booking to our travel agent who then handled the details for us AND we go an additional on-board credit because of our travel agency.

Cruising can be cost effective especially if you pay attention to the time of year, the length of your itinerary, and the type of stateroom.

While we had a limited number of sailings for the Mexican Riviera itinerary, the Disney Wonder beginning in January 2011 will be at home at the World Cruise Terminal in San Pedro for 4-5 years. So Mexican Riviera itineraries as well as Alaska itineraries will be plentiful.