Distinctly Disney Experiences, Exclusive Tours and Rich Storytelling Bring One-of-a-Kind Excursions to Life

In 2010, Disney Cruise Line will offer the most diverse itineraries in the line’s history – sailing Mediterranean, Northern European, Caribbean and Bahamian routes. With a wide variety of European itineraries, Disney Cruise Line is working closely with local tour operators to create family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience these culturally rich and exotic locales.

All Port Adventures are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults – in true Disney fashion. Added touches such as more scheduled breaks, complimentary snacks and beverages, and fun port journals for kids are provided on 2010 European season Port Adventures.

While every port of call will offer Port Adventures for families to enjoy together, many tours integrate separate activities for children and adults. While kids are engaged in age-appropriate activities joined by youth counselors from the ship, parents are given the opportunity to explore cultural sites and points of interest in greater depth.

For the 2010 European season, itineraries also will showcase authentic cultural experiences in intimate, upscale settings during Signature Collection tours.

Some of the Port Adventures exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests include:

Distinctly Disney
At one port of call, a magical, one-of-a-kind experience brings local history and stories to life with the help of some Disney friends.

In St. Petersburg, Russia, the majestic Catherine Palace provides the setting for an elaborate Royal Ball. The noble estate served as Russia’s imperial family summer residence for more than 200 years, but on this Port Adventure it is Disney Cruise Line guests who are treated like royalty.

Catherine Palace is the stage for a grand gala hosted by Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. Arriving by horse-drawn carriages, the princesses entertain guests in the gilded Grand Ballroom. Live musicians and royal courtiers resplendent in period costumes and powdered wigs add to the ambiance and lead guests in song, dance and regal revelry.

Something for Everyone
At many ports of call during the 2010 European season, at least one Port Adventure will bring youth counselors from the Disney Magic ashore to join in special activities for children. While kids are enjoying “mini adventures” designed just for them, adults on the tour continue on with a more in-depth exploration of the destination. Everyone reconnects later in the tour to share their experiences.

During a tour of Florence, families experience city highlights together then divide into separate groups for their own style of fun. Children spend about an hour honing their skills as the next Michelangelo as they create their own traditional Italian fresco painting. During this time, parents are free to explore the rest of the impressive Palazzo Vecchio and take a deeper dive into the masterpieces of this Florentine palace. 

In Tunis, adults have time to discover the architecture and artwork of the Bardo Museum while Disney Cruise Line Youth Activities counselors join children as they create their own mosaics. The whole family reunites to explore the Medina, shop and visit the Mosque of El Zitouna.

Signature Collection
Signature Collection tours are found on all Disney Cruise Line itineraries and will be available as part of the 2010 European season. These exclusive tours are customized for guests seeking deluxe experiences ashore in intimate, upscale settings.

In Florence, the Tuscan Cooking School and Wine Tasting takes guests on a northern Italian culinary journey. An authentic Tuscan farmhouse is the venue where guests learn how to create delectable Tuscan cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.

An Italian chef provides one-on-one instruction and guides the hands-on participation. Guests then enjoy their culinary creations such as antipasto, grilled meats, pasta, focaccia and cantucci – traditional Tuscan almond biscotti. A sampling of wines bottled onsite at the farmhouse provides the perfect pairing to the regional feast.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.
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