There are pluses and minuses to being the first on a cruise ship, either at its introduction or its return after a major refurbishment. It’s always nice to be the first to see, touch and play with the new features and amenities on the ship. It’s nice to be the first to sleep on the new bed, enjoy the room’s shower. But it also means running a risk that the trip may never even happen. Or, possibly even worse, some features may not yet be open or available for use. Read more...

When I took my grandson Logan on a Disney cruise, he knew exactly what he wanted for a ship souvenir. And, as a 22-year-old college student, Logan was old enough to buy it.

“The Disney refillable beer mug is a great idea,” he says. “It’s much cheaper to have a beer every evening if you buy the mug. And you get to take the mug home so it’s a nice souvenir. Read more...

I’ve seen hair-braiding booths set up on beaches and cruise ports to serve passengers on ships.

But I had never seen a hair braiding station on a ship, unless it was in a spa. That was a first when I saw a braider busily at work on a Disney cruise.

Jacob Marvel is so excited at the treasure he just got that he finds me in the crowd to share the good news.

“I will never ever trade it. This is my favorite,” the 9-year-old declares, clutching a red-white-and-blue image of a Disney cruise ship. Complete with Mickey Mouse’s legendary ears, the ship looks as though it is sailing on a deep ocean with stars sparkling overhead. Read more...

Does your little princess or pirate want to look the part on a Disney Fantasy cruise? A new magical boutique aboard the ship can help them do just that.

For the first time at sea, at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Fantasy, aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie- dusted and piratical makeovers at this very special salon. Read more...

When my grandson Logan and I went on a Disney cruise, we often left our cabin headed in different directions.

As a 22 year old, Logan was going to the pools, the clubs and all the young folks’ activities.

I was usually going off with my camera and notebook to interview someone or take photos of all the shipboard fun. In my free time, I went to the shipboard programs and the spa. In fact, I went to the spa every day. Aah, so relaxing! Read more...

A first-time Disney cruiser wondered about needing a bed rail for her 3-year-old son. Should the mother carry a portable railing from home or would one be available after she arrived on the ship?

Wanting to be prepared, the mother sent her question to a Walt Disney “moms panel.” Read more...

She doesn’t look a day older. But raven-haired Snow White is now 75.

The first Disney princess, Snow White has been charming movie goers since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was first released at Hollywood’s Carthay Circle Theater on Dec. 21, 1937. Read more...

Clutching her official Disney autograph book, 5-year-old Dawn Stevens waited in her beautiful Cinderella gown. What made the stars in her eyes and the patient smile on her face?

“I’m going to get an autograph from Snow White,” the youngster said. “This will make almost 10 autographs that I have gotten.” Read more...