Four Tips: How to Celebrate on a Disney Cruise

You guys, Disney Cruise Line knows how to party. My husband and I plotted many years ago that when we had “big” birthdays (right now that appears to be ones that end in “zero”) we would go on a trip. So when I saw a great deal for a cruise on the Disney Dream that would be over my zero-ending birthday I jumped on it! I waited over a year after we booked to walk onboard the Dream and hear “Welcome Derrick Family!” but it was so worth it. Here are just a few ways to celebrate on a Disney Cruise.

The Disney Dream in Castaway Cay (photo by Karen Shelton)

1. Make Your Own Day at Sea

I started my birthday out with room service (remember, it’s included!) on our stateroom balcony. Then we were off to the  fitness center! Crazy, I know, but it was by far the best view I’ve ever had from a treadmill, watching our ship approach Nassau. We finished our workouts in time to go up on deck as our captain skillfully maneuvered the ship into port backwards! Having been to Nassau before, we elected to have our own “day at sea” and stay onboard the Dream. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the ship with a little more freedom. If you’re not super interested in a port don’t be afraid to stay on the ship, you certainly won’t be bored!

The beautiful Nassau Harbor. Let the celebrating begin! Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

2. Celebrate With Palo

I was happily surprised to find that brunch at Palo was available on the day we were in Nassau. Woohoo! When we arrived I was immediately wished a “Happy Birthday” and we were led to a lovely booth by the windows. Our server then introduced us to the wonderful thing that is brunch at Palo, which requires both a buffet AND a menu (with the best lasagna and risotto known to mankind)…and then another buffet for dessert.

See why I started my day on a treadmill?

Delicious birthday art at Palo. Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

Our Palo team finished with this beautiful (and edible) work of art that I wish I could have brought home! Brunch or dinner at Palo is a spectacular way to celebrate on a Disney Cruise—for whatever reason! Just go!

3. Plan to be Unplanned

We arrived at our stateroom after brunch to another birthday surprise. A certificate and card, including the traditional Disney birthday buttons. Yay!

The Birthday Swag! Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

We had intentionally left this afternoon empty, so we decided to head up to the Quiet Cove Pool for some sun and to attempt to recover from brunch. Lunch was not even on our radar after Palo! When we were duly toasted we headed for the Aqua Duck, which is really more of a “water coaster” than a water slide. Even with people ashore there was still a bit of a wait, but it was so much fun! The tube of the slide is clear, so you have an amazing view of the ship and the ocean as you ride. I can’t wait to do this with my kids some day! Taking some time to slow down and enjoy the ship was so nice, I highly recommend keeping some “unscheduled” time in your itinerary.

4.  Party with the Crew

At dinner Vlad and Sin (our servers) were quick to wish me a “Happy Birthday” and ask how our day had been. When our dessert arrived I was surprised to get not one, but TWO! One I had ordered, and another Mickey-style birthday mousse that came out with our adorable servers singing for my birthday. You can bet I tried both of those desserts, so it’s a good thing I (sort of) ran the Castaway Cay 5K in the morning!

Nora’s adorable birthday cake and pirate creature! Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

But wait, there’s more! Back in our stateroom our adorable hostess Nora had worked her magic. She left me a birthday cake complete with beautiful rose petals and more chocolate. Finally we watched the fireworks for the “Pirates in the Caribbean” party from our stateroom balcony—a benefit of being on the starboard side of the ship. I must find a way to end more of my birthdays with Disney fireworks!

Now Let’s Celebrate YOU!

Are you getting ready for a celebration at Disney? Planning to celebrate on a Disney Cruise? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to help you dream up something magical!