Disney Named Top Cruise Line by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine

Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as the No. 1 cruise experience at the Annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler magazine in New York City.

Known as the leader in family cruising, Disney Cruise Line took the top honors in the Mega-Ship category, which is part of the magazine’s annual readers’ survey that recognizes the best in travel for resorts, destinations, airlines, cruise lines and car rental agencies.

Samantha Brown, renowned travel expert and television host on The Travel Channel, presented the award to Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz at the awards gala in New York City.

“We are delighted to be recognized by such an esteemed travel community,” said Holz.  “This award is a testament to our continued dedication toward creating an unparalleled family cruise vacation. We appreciate the support of our guests who have sailed with us time and again and who helped make it possible for us to receive this highly regarded award.”

In addition, the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine recently named Disney Cruise Line the Top Family-Friendly Large-Ship Cruise Line in the 2010 World’s Best Awards poll.  Disney Cruise Line offers cruises for the young and young at heart, with a wide variety of events and activities designed to provide guests with a vacation experience that every member of the family feels was created especially for them.

New Ships, New Itineraries
These awards come as Disney enters the final stages of construction for one of two new ships, and begins to more formally expand itineraries to new destinations.  Known for establishing the family cruise market when the Disney Magic debuted in 1998, Disney Cruise Line continues to build upon this success with a focus on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

The newest ship, the Disney Dream, is scheduled to sail its Maiden Voyage on January 26, 2011 from Port Canaveral, Florida.  Meanwhile sister ship Disney Fantasy is scheduled to set sail in 2012.

In 2011, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas from homeport, Port Canaveral, Fla.  The Disney Magic will continue sailing seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises, before returning to the Mediterranean for another summer of itineraries in this region.  The Disney Wonder will begin 2011 by repositioning to the West Coast of the U.S., sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, while spending the summer sailing first-ever Alaskan itineraries from Vancouver.

New Ship — Disney Dream
In addition to all of the features Disney Cruise Line is known for, the Disney Dream will have several new notable innovations for guests to enjoy.
*AquaDuck, a first-of-its-kind water coaster, is an exhilarating, high-speed thrill ride that combines all the ups and downs of a roller coaster with all the twists and turns of a water slide.

*Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world for inside staterooms, with a real-time view outside the ship where high-definition cameras feed live video to each stateroom.

*Enchanted Art immerses guests in Disney storytelling and looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present.

*New dining experiences including Remy, an exquisite top-deck restaurant, only for adults, with incredible ocean views and French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs.

Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line has received over 50 distinguished awards and recognitions from the travel industry, since first setting sail in 1998.  These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment, to youth activities and spa facilities.  Since 2007, the line has consistently placed in top spots with Condé Nast readers’ polls, however this is the first time for the company to place No. 1 overall.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500.  Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.