Disney Cruise Across the Baltic Sea
I never met a kid or a kid at heart who didn't know what Disneyland is. Some, if not most, have crossed paths with its name and the man behind the dream. Walt Disney has served as an inspiration to many, from one generation to the next, and his magic continues to this day.
When I was about six or seven years old, my mom brought me to Disneyland, and I was floored! I still remember some of the rides; my favorite was the Submarine Voyage (which has since changed into Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage) and the Matterhorn with the Yeti ready to grab you at any moment! At the center of the park was the Sleeping Beauty Castle – from all the castles in its different parks, this one was my absolute favorite. Going to any of them was and will always be a thrill!
When I became a parent, I knew that I had to experience Disneyland with my children – it's just one of those things that just had to be done. As a parent, visiting them with your children is an experience that's certainly one for the books. The first time my husband and I visited Disneyland as parents was when our firstborn was only two years old. My parents in law and the rest of the family flew to Florida and went to Disneyworld. It was also during this time that we took our first Disney Cruise that sailed to the Bahamas on board the Disney Wonder. I was then still uninformed that Disney had diversified into the cruise line industry and was excited to be on board the ship. Although Liza was just a toddler old then, I know she had a blast! So when there was a chance to experience the Disney Cruise all over again, after we had Amara, we booked our way to the Disney Cruise to the Baltic Sea.
Captain Mickey Mouse welcoming us to the ship in 2008.
Off to the Bahamas with the Disney Wonder.
All aboard!
The Baltic Sea Disney Cruise is a week-long journey that starts in Copenhagen, Denmark. On board the Disney Magic, we sailed off to Estonia, St. Petersburg, Finland, Sweden until finally returning to Denmark. On the first day, cruisers had a day at sea. Here, we explored the ship and started signing up for activities that the whole family could enjoy. During the second day, we docked in Tallin, Estonia. The following day was dedicated to St. Petersburg, Russia. The next day, we ventured off to Helsinki, Finland. Stockholm, Sweden was our last stop before having another day at sea. Eventually, our boat arrived back in Copenhagen on the seventh day.
We're off to the Baltic on board the Disney Magic!
Looking for our cabin.
Found it! Our room for seven days at sea.
That quintessential picture inside our stateroom.
Bunk beds -- just what girls wanted.
I love the Disney Cruise Line toiletries!
Time to go exploring!
The roofdeck on level ten.
The adults also have their own pool to themselves. Here on Deck ten, children 18 years old and below are not permitted.
Down Amara goes to Deck nine where all the food can be had.
Would you dare to ride the AquaDunk? Don't worry, there are lifeguards always on standby.
You can watch Disney movies on board while you wade in the pool.
Deck nine has all sorts of food selections, from hamburgers and hotdogs in Pete's Boiler Bites to pizza in Pinocchio's Pizzeria. There are also healthier options such in Daisy's de Lites.
After we've done our initial exploration of the Disney Wonder, we headed to Deck four to attend the mandatory safety drill, and everyone accounted for. At 5:30 pm was the much awaited Sail-Away Party on Deck nine. Let the party begin!
After a busy day exploring the ship and choosing which activities to take, Alex, Liza, Amara and I were ready to eat our first dinner at the Lumiere.
Our first day at sea, we had a hearty breakfast at the Cabana on Deck nine. That day, the girls had a scheduled meet and greet with Olaf, Anna, and Elsa. The afternoon was spent souvenir shopping and play time at the Oceaneer's Youth Club. Later that evening was the formal night, we all got dolled up for dinner to meet the Captain.
A Frozen encounter.
Souvenir shopping is one of my favortie activities while on board at Mickey's Mainsail.
Formal night was spent at the Animator's Palate.
A picture before our food arrived.
A family picture by the main lobby.
Happy to meet you, Captain Marco
The second day at sea we sailed to Estonia and toured Tallinn. That evening, Alex and I had our date-night in Palo. You can choose from a standard course meal or create your own as suggested by the knowledgeable waiters.
Date-night here we come!
A picture by the entrance is in order.
Such a lovely evening spent with hubby.
Alex ordered the scallops. Doesn't it look delish?
After touring around St. Petersburg on the third day, we roamed around the ship in leisure.
Keys is a place that is for adults only. Here, you can enjoy a drink and dance the night away.
Have small kids but want some quality time without them? No worries, you can drop them off at the It's a Small World Nursery. That's what Alex and I did when we had a formal evening dinner for adults only in 2008. Everyone was courteous and very hands-on with the children.
A chill atmosphere with live performances can be experienced at the Promenade Lounge.
You can appreciate and buy yourself a beautiful Disney artwork from the Vista Gallery.
Choose or create your own album of memorable pictures from the cruise in Shutters.
On our fourth day at sea, we went to Helsinki, Finland. When we were back on board, we watched Tangled: The Musical in the Buena Vista Theater. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat at the Preludes Snack Bar.
See those icicles? Frozen fever is going on.
Every day is quality time spent with the kids on the boat.
The cold doesn't bother my girls.
Past meets present: 1. On the left, taken in 208, Liza is running towards me. On the right, shot in 2017, Liza now joins Amara.
Past meets present: 2. The couple edition.
We docked off in Sweden on the fifth day. After a beautiful tour around Stockholm, we boarded the ship with excited girls ... because that day was their princess make-over day!
Carioca's is full of vibrant colors with bright orange, yellow and cobalt blue details.
First things first have a good dinner at Carioca's.
Having my own me-time on Deck ten with my kindle on this beautiful sunny day.
The sunlight in Sweden is absolutely breathtaking. Definitely, no filter needed.
Two seats are ready for the girls at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
My girls with their very own fairy godmother at their service.
Transformed into Princess Elena of Avalor (still in rubber shoes) times two.
Inside the loot bag: Princess crown, the scepter of light, makeup and lipgloss, glitter nail polish, shampoo, makeup remover wipes, a unique necklace and a sash to complete the look.
Our sixth day was a day at sea. Alex, Liza, Amara and I savored all that we could in the ship ... including the ice cream at the Eye Scream Treats. We also watched the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tale at the Buena Vista Theater.
The Cabanas are well equipped for breakfast as well as lunch with a wide variety of food selections every day.
A Mickey pancake anyone?
Before viewing the film, you can catch up on Disney trivia while waiting.
Of course, what's a movie without popcorn?
Our last dinner on board the Disney Magic.
Alex shooting the hoops in the Wild World of Sports Deck.
It's the last night the girls will be sleeping with Elsa and Anna using the bunk beds.
Back in Copenhagen on Sunday, June 4, 2017. What an experience it has been for the entire family!
Had our last meal at Lumiere for breakfast before the ship.
Goodbye for now, Disney Magic! We had a blast!
On board the Disney Cruise Line was indeed magical, to say the least. I was perfectly content to stay on board and experience all the activities (not to mention the unlimited offerings of food) that the entire family took pleasure in. Docking off to the different countries across the Baltic was just the cherry on top of it all. I find it utterly amazing how a man who dared to dream and has that vision realized not only through the creation of Disneyland alone but with the many facets that stem from it. The word "Disney" has gone beyond theme parks and princesses, it has branched out into creating magic wherever its deemed possible – both on land and on the sea. They say that curiosity killed the cat, but as Walt Disney says …
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
If there has ever been a man with the evident Midas Touch, I'd say it would be none other than Walt Disney. More than merely turning everything he touches into gold, Walt Disney's legacy is to move the hearts of children and adults included through its theme parks, movies, toys, timeless stories, and vacations by its appreciation and experience. Who wouldn't want to go on an adventure with Disney? I know I would! The enchantment and wonder are there for everyone to behold, delight and treasure. Disney has become synonymous with these words and much, much more. The memories that we've created and the cherished experiences we've shared keep us coming back for more! Mind-blowing, isn't it? And to think that all this magnificence began … with the help of a single mouse.
