Disney Cruise: It’s Pure Magic!

For your family summer vacation, the Disney Cruise Line offers a seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida on the Disney Magic. Sailing to islands in the Caribbean, including Castaway Cay, which is Disney’s private island and theme resort, this vacation combines the best of both worlds – a relaxing and enjoyable cruise for adults, and a fun-filled adventure for kids.

Disney Cruise Line and Disney Magic, in particular, are geared toward families, and among the many activities available for children are the Walt Disney Theater, the Buena Vista Theater, and Studio Sea. In addition, there are three pools; one for children, one for adults, and one for both children and adults.

More importantly, the cabins are larger than normal with one and a half baths and can accommodate up to six family members.

The Disney characters, Mickey and all his friends, are the star attractions on the cruise. There are a variety of play areas for children of any age, including sports games, and the Oceaneers Club where autographs by Mickey and friends can be acquired.

There are seven restaurants, fitness center, full spa service, and while the kids are at play mom and dad can relax and take advantage of the many amenities offered for them as well.

There is a movie theater, which offers Disney productions, shopping plaza, and three adults-only bars. However, there are also two lounges where family entertainment is provided.

For children ages 3-12, Disney Magic offers the Oceaneers Club and for children 8-12 there is the Oceaneers Lab with activities including: sports games, arts and crafts, dance classes, and computer time. For teens 13-17 years of age, Disney Magic offers the Stack, which is designed specifically for teens and guided by ship counselors who provide music, movies, video games, big-screen plasma TVs, a lounge area, dance floor, Internet café and teen-only activities.

Disney has designed this ship exclusively for children as well as teens (although there is plenty for adults to do as well). Keeping with Disney’s tradition, The Goofy Pool area on the Disney Magic is transformed on special occasions to accommodate a new 24-by-14-foot jumbo LED screen, attached to the ship’s forward funnel. Guests will enjoy feature films poolside, along with enhanced outdoor entertainment and deck parties.

The Ports of call include: St. Maarten, St. Thomas (great for shopping), St. John, and Castaway Cay. Departures are on Saturdays and booking early is highly recommended. Passports are required.

A Disney Cruise of this magnitude is the best possible family vacation you can imagine. Leave your worries behind and enjoy all this cruise line has to offer while, at the same time, knowing your kids are going to have the time of their lives!

Boston – So Much More Than A Tea Party!

America has some incredible history, and the eastern coast has more than its fair share. By combining history with exciting attractions, Boston may be just the type of destination you are looking for. Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner or with your family or friends on a summer vacation there is sure to be something that will keep everyone happy.

With hotels conveniently located near all the best sites, one that is certainly worth trying out is the Marriott Boston Long Wharf, which is located at Boston Harbor. You wont be far away from other attractions as also nearby is the New England Aquarium where you or your family can view a variety of fish, sharks, and barracudas. If marine-life doesn’t suit all the family, there is also an IMAX 3-D movie you can enjoy while there.

As you would expect from a big chain like Marriott, the Marriott Boston Long Wharf hotel has all the amenities you or your family will need. It is worth noting that it is a smoke-free environment as well. There is an indoor pool for the kids and a sun-deck for mom and dad.

When you need to stretch your legs, also nearby is the busy Quincy Market where you can dine and shop to your heart’s delight.

As I said, Boston has more than its fair share of history and along with that Boston has many museums. The one that may attract the children is the Museum of Science. They have an outdoor area where the kids can test out Newton’s law of physics, as well as the Theater of Electricity will really “shock” the kids. Be sure to take a look – it makes science so much more fun than reading books all the time.

The Children’s Museum is particularly wonderful for younger children. Here, the children can spend a few hours playing in the water or engage in all the fun activities specifically designed for children.

Since the Marriott Boston Long Wharf is also a block away from Faneuil Hall, you can dine outdoors whilst watching the amazing array of street performers that engage the crowds.

Of course, no trip to Boston would be complete without a visit the Boston Tea Party ship and museum. Here you can board the ship, view the tall ships at the harbor, and have a light lunch while there.

If you have older children, perhaps you will want to take the Freedom Trail walking tour. It covers over a dozen historical sites and is quite fascinating, and is a great learning experience for the kids. You can also take a tour of the house of Paul Revere located in downtown Boston.

Is the family sports fans? If so, you can go to Fenway Park, or catch a baseball game while there. Attend a Boston Symphony performance, visit the Franklin Park Zoo; make a visit to Beadworks where the kids can make their own jewelry; or take the Boston Movie Mile walking tour. There is a special place where this tour will take you. Here’s a hint: It’s a place where everybody knows your name!

Dine on delicious American cuisine including Boston’s famous beans at either Faneuil Hall or on the waterfront, or check out the many other restaurants that serve delicious international fare. Check with the concierge at your hotel to find out where the nearest clambake is being offered as well.

You and your family will love everything Boston has to offer, so check out the aforementioned Marriott Boston Long Wharf hotel as well as others that may suit your needs and plan to spend an exciting vacation in this historic city.