2024 will be here in a flash!
If you're finding yourself asking: "Where can I go this year that is new and exciting?" "How can I maximize my chill time, while still being adventurous?" "How can I plus up my Disney vacation experience next year?" ...You've arrived at the right blog post. One of the most important things about travel is expanding your horizons, as you see and experience new things. For some, they prefer packing their bags and heading to somewhere unknown, to immerse themselves in a new destination. For some, especially Disney fans, a trip around the World Showcase will do. ;) This is why Disney Cruise Line is such a gem for vacationers. While sailing with DCL, you get the best of both worlds. You can spend your day exploring an exciting, new port and by night snag a photo with your favorite character, all while eating a Mickey Ice Cream Bar. It also allows those who want to see new places, the chance to see multiple destinations on the same vacation. It really is the perfect combo. Recently our agent Angela, decided to take advantage of everything mentioned above and combine her love of Disney, with fresh new places, by sailing the Disney Dream in Europe. Here's some of the things she experienced and a wonderful snapshot of why 2024 may be the year you spread your wings and experience the magic of Disney, European style.
Disney Cruise Line helped us experience the Dream of Europe.
We flew to Rome, Italy and spent three wonderful nights there. We arranged guided tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, The Roman Forum and Colosseum. The tours were very informative, and we were able to see things that I never dreamed I would actually get to see. We visited Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. After spending time in Rome, we made our way by train to the port city of Civitavecchia, Italy. When we boarded the Disney Dream. Immediately after boarding we had lunch in Animator's Palate, one of the amazing restaurants on board, and headed to our cabin, which was ready for us complete with our luggage we had given the porters. Disney has a way of treating you like royalty and this cruise was no different. Every Cast Member we encountered did their best to make us feel special.
This sailing stopped at 4 ports and we booked excursions through DCL for each day. Our first stop was the port of Naples, Italy. Our guide took us to the beautiful city of Sorrento, known for it's sea cliffs and beautiful waters. Sorrento is also known for it's large production of lemons. They were huge. The size of grapefruit. After spending some time exploring the city, we made our way to Pompeii. This ancient city was buried under the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius when it erupted in 79 AD. I felt like we were seeing an ancient Roman City frozen in time.
Our second day on the ship was a sea day full of relaxing on the ship and testing our knowledge with various Trivia challenges.
Day 3 we arrived at the Port of Mykonos, Greece. Once we left the ship, we boarded a smaller boat to visit the island of Delos. This island is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. This island is known for being the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. We explored the area then took the small boat back to the city of Mykonos. There we had a wonderful Greek lunch and enjoyed the sights and shopping before heading back to the Dream.
Day 4 brought us to the port city of Santorini, Greece. Here the ship had to anchor at sea and we took small tender boats on to the island. The whitewashed buildings and blue domed roofs were nothing short of a true "Mamma Mia" moment. This picturesque city is a social influencer's dream. Beautiful sights at every turn. At the end of the day, we took the cable car down to the port from the top of the island. That was a true adventure in itself. Others chose to walk down the mountain or even ride donkeys.
Day 5 found us on the island of Crete, Greece. We were able to see more of Greece's beauty. Pictures truly don't do justice to the beauty these islands have to offer. We saw the White Mountains, Ancient Aptera, Korunas Lake and enjoyed lunch at a local tavern in Argyropoulos. Lunch was once again amazing Greek food. The grilled meats, tzatziki, fresh vegetables, Greek salads, grape leaf rolls and amazing bread were a true foodies delight.
This experience was nothing short of amazing. Not only did we get to visit Italy and Greece and experience and visit places most only see in pictures or books, but we were able to experience the magic only Disney can bring. We had Character interactions, wonderful food, fabulous Broadway style shows and all the Mickey Ice Cream Bars we could ever want. This is definitely a sailing you don't want to miss out on.
With Disney Cruise Line continuously expanding its itineraries, there truly is something for every type of traveler. So, if you want 2024 to be the year to step into paths unknown, contact your MMV agent and start planning something magical with Disney Cruise Line.
