Disney cruise shows you a magical side

Fairy tales are a big part of Disney and a spell was certainly cast on me during a recent tour of the delightful Disney Magic.

I was on a magical tour of the ship which has been "re-imagined". The ship is reminiscent of the magnificent ocean liners from a different era with art deco design elements throughout.

An announcement is made that you have arrived when you step aboard onto the three-storey newly designed atrium lobby.

The blues, greens and yellows depict a colourful undersea garden.

You are greeted by Mickey and then a bronze statue of Helmsman Mickey. A dazzling chandelier depicting rays of the sun hangs from the ceiling.

Disney Magic is grand, but the emphasis is on fun and there are such wonderful finishing touches – the lifeboats are yellow to fit in with the Mickey Mouse-inspired colour theme and the hands on the clocks are Mickey's.

Specially commissioned paintings, sculptures and woodwork, as well as rare animation cels from the expansive Disney archive, adorn the ship.

The changes made mean there are distinct areas whether you are a tiny toddler, a cool teenager or a couple on a romantic break.

The pool area is split into three areas – there's AquaLab for the youngsters with a fantastic new kids' slide Twist 'n' Spout and Nephews' Splash Zone, which has a fun-filled play area for infants and toddlers.

For families there is another pool area with AquaDunk – the breathtaking water slide which begins with a near-vertical drop. You can even sunbathe and swim while watching a Disney film on a huge screen.

And there's an area for just the adults too called Quiet Cove.

It's not just the pool areas, where the child and adult areas come into play. The decoration and grandeur of the ship means this is not just for Disney fans or children, but caters for everybody.

Adults can also be pampered in the spa whether you would like a treatment, to relax on the heated loungers or a sauna.

But, for the youngsters a whole new adventure comes to life on Disney Magic with the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. This caters for kids between the ages of three and 12.

At Marvel's Avengers Academy youngsters can join the ranks of their mighty heroes with computer games, arts and craft. Captain America might even be at their passing out parade.

Children can play with characters from the Toy Story film, including Mr Potato Head, in the large scale replica of Andy's bedroom.

Parents can also be reassured that their youngsters are safe with Disney Magic staff always able to contact you if your child wants to see you or you want to check on them.

Dining on Disney Magic is also special with rotational dining available. This means that you could eat in a different restaurant, but have the same waiting staff serving you every night. This makes you feel so special because these waiting staff get to know your tastes from day one, for example your favourite drink.

Adults can eat in Palo, which offers a little more sophistication and speciality dining. They could then follow it up at O'Gills – a sports bar and lounge. In the evening it is open to just adults.

But, the big draw for me would be the Animator's Palate. The monochrome canvas of the restaurant explodes into an array of colour.

You can also draw at the table and this could be turned into part of one of the magical interactive dinner shows on the ship.

There's more casual dining at Cabanas, which has a California beach theme, and the sea colours wow you.

Family comfort is at the fore again with the staterooms. They have been designed with families in mind – curtains separating seated areas from the bedroom and split bathrooms so you can get ready at the same time.

There are 256 inside staterooms; 621 outside staterooms; 259 with an ocean view and 362 verandahs, including suites.

And of course Disney wouldn't be Disney without music and you can sit back on your cruise and watch musicals – some starring your favourite characters. Walt Disney Theatre, which seats 977, has a show twice nightly. And the effects can be astounding with ice on the walls, snow and bubbles from the Mermaids.

Shows onboard include the award-winning Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic; Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story and All-Aboard: Let the Magic Begin.

Princess Anna and Queen Elsa from Frozen will now be appearing on selected sailings to make appearances, sign autographs and hold exclusive Meet & Greets.

Disney Magic is the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and carries 2,713 passengers. Next year, Disney Magic is sailing her first British Isles itinerary – she will visit Scotland, England, Ireland and France.

Throughout next summer, Disney Cruise Line also will return to Norway, Iceland and ports of call in more than 15 European countries.