I am an early riser and that doesn’t change on vacation. I relish being among the first to wake up and enjoy a long cup of coffee in the quiet of a “new” place.
Disney Cruise Line Returns to the High Seas
Pre-Arrival And Embarkation
Embarkation, Ship & Stateroom Tour, Palo Dinner
Castaway Cay, Ship Life & Remy Dinner
Castaway Cay Cabanas, Ship Life & Debarkation
Palo Adult Dining Review
Remy Adult Dining Review
Everything Disney Cruise Line
Day in Review: Castaway Cay, Ship Life and Remy Dinner
I put together a day in review video! Take a peek to see what’s in store on Disney Cruise Line. Spoiler alert: it’s magical!
Now, read on for alllll the details.
Vista Cafe
My Disney Dream days always start at Vista Cafe with a large cappuccino. I choose a seat by a porthole and soak it all in.
Safety Check
- Seating in cafe is available at every other table.
- Bill goes direct to your app.
Debarkation at Castaway Cay
Once we readied for the day, it was time to disembark for Castaway Cay! The new process is flawless and so easy. In the DCL app, you request a debarkation time and are notified when it is your turn to leave.
Safety Check
- New debarkation ticket limits crowds gathering at gangway.
Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island. Being on a cruise with two full days here – a “double dip” – is such a treat! There are white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, activities, dining and so much more.
Safety Check
- Face coverings are not required on the island, other than in indoor locations (shops, dining).
- Lounge chairs are appropriately spaced and plentiful.
- Tons of characters are out in socially distanced greeting spots and mini cavalcades.
- The 5k race happens on your own time.
- Bahamian cast members now reside on the island to limit exposure coming back and forth each day.
While a tram continuously makes a loop around the guest areas on the island, I always recommend walking to at least Scuttles Cove. There are so many great photo spots and characters along the way.
Non motorized rentals are all available. We’ve done kayaks and water trikes in the past. Today was all about lounging and floating.
Scuttle’s Cove, the kid’s club on Castaway, was open for littles ages 3-12.
One of my favorite DCL excursions, Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure, is also operating.
We spent our morning at Pelican Point, the family beach. It’s a large beach with plenty of shade and is location right in the middle of the action.
The cast is providing chair service. It’s not a day on DCL without a BBC. I have no idea what that stands for, but it is my family’s tradition to have one every day. :-) Drinks on DCL are very fairly priced. This one is $7.
We had lunch at Cookie’s BBQ. It is really the only choice on the island.
The bars are also open! People do love their island cocktails.
After lunch we headed over to Serenity Bay, the adult only beach. It’s quite serene but has limited seating. They also have food and bars over here.
When it was time to head back to the Dream, I loved getting the cool towel. This has always been a nice touch.
Room Service
Back on board, we did as we usually do – ordered room service! Room service operates 24 hours a day and is included, outside of tip. The All Hands on Deck (cheese plate) and Caprese Panini are my favorites. There’s a motto on DCL – “if you see it, eat it” – and I always oblige.
Safety Check
- Room service attendants now deliver your tray at the door of your stateroom, rather than coming inside.
- You can call to have your tray picked up, meeting the cast member at the door, or leave it for your stateroom attendant.
Characters
You can now meet more characters than ever before!!! The character interactions were absolutely incredible, personal and intimate. You still just show up at the noted times – no need for an appointment or anything. While the characters are a little distanced, you can still get close enough to have a full and detailed conversation with each and every one. You are also allowed to remove your face covering for indoor photos, which is sweet! You’ll find characters in the main atrium, but also wandering all of the ship and on Castaway Cay. You can find the appearance times in the DCL app. Today we met Belle and Cinderella and then Mickey and Minnie later in the night.
SAFETY CHECK
- Characters are safely distanced, but still close enough for wonderful conversations and photos.
- Face coverings can be removed at indoor character meets for a photo.
Meridian
Meridian is one of my favorite hidden gems on the Dream. I say it is “hidden” because most guests only stumble upon it when heading to Remy or Palo for adult dining. I always ask for the Sommelier Bin special. This was a $15 glass of champagne that I got for $10.
SAFETY CHECK
- Distancing between tables.
- Outdoor seating available.
- QR code menus.
- Checks go straight to your app.
Remy Dinner
I was beyond thrilled to try something new on this sailing – dinner at Remy! Honey and I have enjoyed their champagne brunch, but never took the time for dinner when sailing with the family. In addition to the prix fixe menu, there is a new a la carte menu. We took advantage of this and really liked it! I didn’t completely over eat and I saved a little money to boot. I think it’s a good change! This meal was so decadent that I will do a full post dedicated to the delicious details soon.
FULL REVIEW OF REMY
https://dixiedelightsonline.com/2021/09/remy.html
SAFETY CHECK
- Dining times are staggered and your arrival time will be noted in the Disney Cruise Line app.
- Dining tables are appropriately spaced.
- QR Code menus are used, however paper menus are available on request.
- All cast members in dining rooms wear face coverings. Guests wear face coverings when they enter, leave or head to the bathroom.
Let’s Sail and My Services
With the reopening after covid-19, some aspects of planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation will look different and the experience itself may be different too. You can book with confidence, knowing that your deposit is completely refundable up until the final payment deadline. Now, more than ever, it will be crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
I can hardly find the words to convey how special it felt to be back at sea with Disney Cruise Line. Extensive thought and planning went into reopening in a safe and comfortable way, while keeping the magic and wonder that Disney is known for. All of the activities, dining, shows, characters and more are here. Magic is here.
While I charge for my concierge vacation services at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, ALL of my services for Disney Cruise Line are complimentary. The cost of the cruise will not be any more expensive than if you booked it on your own!
Learn more about the reopening here: Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go
See ya real soon!
As Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Aulani Hawaii, Universal, Sea World and to over 40 countries on 7 continents through Adventures by Disney® and National Geographic Expeditions.
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