Disney Cruise Line's "Water Coaster"

Cruise lines are pulling out all the stops to lure family cruise vacationers, and Disney is introducing a new type of attraction on its latest ship, the Disney Dream: a water coaster. Cleverly named the AquaDuck, this 765-foot flume ride sends cruise ship passengers on an inflatable raft through a clear acrylic tube that twists and turns around the top deck. The ride rises four stories off the upper deck, and includes a loop that swings out over the water, offering passengers a clear view of the sea 150 down. The attraction also passes through the forward funnel and careens through the kid's area inside the ship. The AquaDuck is free to cruise ship passengers, but kids must match the height limit, as the ride is too intense for small children.

Source: USA Today

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

New Cruise Ship: Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line has announced its newest cruise ship, the Disney Dream. Details about the new ship came during a much-vaunted New York City ceremony last week.

Currently under construction at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard, The Disney Dream weighs in at an impressive 128,000 tons, and can carry 2500 passengers, but may be able to carry over 1200 more. The Disney Dream will include an adults-only area called The District, featuring bars and clubs. One example is the Skyline bar, which features skylines such as Tokyo and Paris displayed on the windows. The cruise ship also features a "watercoaster," The AquaDuck, a transparent water tube.

Joining the Disney fleet in 2011, the Disney Dream will sail out of Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida. A sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, is slated to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2012.

Source: Disney Cruise Line press release

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Lines Use Discounts to Lure Customers in a Weak Economy

Rising fuel prices have hurt the company stock of many cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, and the Walt Disney Co., parent of Disney Cruise Line.

This economic pressure, along with an increase in passenger capacity of 24 percent in 2008 over 2007, means that mass-market cruise lines have been aggressively promoting discounts and deals, especially to popular first-time locations like the Caribbean.

As a result, there are plenty of great deals on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney cruise lines.

Now is the time to choose a cruise!

Source: FloridaToday.com

Photo: Coral Princess (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010