Cruise Planning Part III: The Family Cruise Lines

Port Canaveral (ongoing); Barcelona and Dover (seasonal); Los Angeles (the Wonder will be calling San Pedro home starting in 2011); Vancouver (2011)

Alaska (in 2011), Bahamas, Caribbean (Eastern, Western and Southern), Europe (Mediterranean and Northern), Mexico (Mexican Riviera), Panama Canal, Transatlantic

Disney has multiple programs for its passengers who are 17 and younger, as well as Flounders Reef Nursery (M/W)/it's a Small World Nursery (D/F) for those 3 months to 3 years. Starting in February 2010, activities in the The Oceaneer Club (typically ages 3-7) and the The Oceaneer Lab (usually ages 8-10; ages 8-12 on the Wonder) combined, allowing children to select activities by interest (like science, crafts or problem solving) rather than age. The change allows siblings in different age groups to participate in the same programs. The daily Navigator will continue to recommend activities for specific age groups, but it's now up to parents and their kids to pick the program in which they are interested. The Edge (formerly Quest) (ages 11-13) allows preteens and teens to captain a virtual ship and chill watching the latest Disney Channel shows; Vibe (formerly Aloft/The Stack) (ages 13-17) is a haven for teens who want a break from mom and dad with everything from nightly dance parties to their own beach on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Also, families have access to an online service provided by provided by Babies Travel Lite thatallows them to order baby supplies — such as diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items — before their cruise and have them delivered to their cabin.

Take the incredible service and pixie dust of a Disney vacation and put it on a boat. Families that appreciate everything a trip to the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort has to offer will enjoy the nautical version. Dance the night away with your kids at Studio Sea, be a part of the action when the pirates take over the ship at the Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party, or watch the world premiere of the latest Disney movie in the Buena Vista theater — which now offers 3-D. No casino, but there are plenty nightspots for the adults at the three clubs on Route 66 or Beat Street on the Magic and Wonder. On the Dream and Fantasy, adults have The District, with five uniquely themed venues, including a bar with a changing skyline and one that feels like you are inside a bottle of champagne.

Starting at $349 for three nights and $449 for four nights on the Wonder (cruise only); and $599 for seven nights (per person for inside stateroom on the Caribbean and Bahamas routes). Land and sea vacations can also be arranged with a stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort prior to the cruise, which includes tickets to the park and hotel accommodations.

You can also book shore excursions, spa appointments, dinner at the adult-only restaurant Palo (and Remy's on the Dream and Fantasy) and space in the nurseries online a certain amount of days before your cruise once you are paid in full.