*To embark on a trip of a lifetime and awaken the soul, cruising with Disney on their Dream ship during their 25th anniversary is the perfect ticket.

Celebrating its quarter-century anniversary, Disney Cruise Line pulled out all the stops – complete with new offerings and shimmering decorations across their entire fleet of ships and I received an invite to sail 7 days on the Mediterranean seas with Captain Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Dream for an unforgettable excursion.

Usually, my summertime sailings end up in the Bahamas because I love the Caribbean, so this 7-day trip from Spain to France and then Italy, gave me new “get-away goals” that will certainly help me plan where to set sail in the future. Here’s why:

I along with my daughter Mikaela, best friend Renee and sister Chanel, boarded the Disney Dream looking forward to experiencing all the wonders of the Western Mediterranean.

We visited the magnificent cities of Nice and Eze in France and indulged in the hassle-free shore excursions offered at the port of Cannes.

In Nice, it’s nice. We missed the Cannes festival by just a few days, but we were able to see where the stars shined as we walked the crowded streets for a tour. And I hobbled the best I could up a very steep hill headed toward a real medieval castle on a cliff between Monaco and Nice above the Mediterranean.

What I learned the hard way is that if you plan on doing a walking tour anywhere in Italy or France or Spain, get to the gym a few months ahead of time to prepare your legs for the agony of walking uphill so you won’t get defeated! While I didn’t make it all the way to the top of the castle like my Gen-Zer daughter with legs of iron, I was able to see amazing, breathtaking views from my purview where I settled down and took in all the beautiful scenery.

And my mind did entertain thoughts of, “I could actually retire here one day!”

In this beautiful city, peppered with people sitting outside enjoying the ambiance, we had lunch at a restaurant and indulged in French cuisine, with staples of pasta and wine, and fellowshipped with new friends.

This is only the second time Disney has cruised the Dream to these dreamy destinations.

“We are here to provide happiness,” said Andy Hudson, the hotel Director of the Disney Dream. He continued, “One of the biggest things we remember, Walt created our parks… for people to escape what’s going on in the outside world. People come onboard for fantasy for us to provide that happiness and that little bit of escapism and that is what creates the magical moments that we create day in and day out and deliver the Disney difference.”

And oh what a difference a day – or two, or three –  on the Disney Dream makes!

Leaning in to the History of Florence and Pisa in Livorno Italy

Upon arriving at each port, I was enthralled by the charm and history of each destination. From whisking by the Promenade des Anglais in Nice to standing in the shadows of the Duomo in Florence, I was simply captivated by the beauty of the region.

We strolled across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and reached the Cathedral Saint Maria del Fiore, the iconic cathedral famous for its Brunelleschi cupola known as “Il Duomo” and its ornate bronze doors called The Gates of Paradise.

The Disney Dream sailed to Florence and Pisa, where we stood in the shadow of the Duomo and wandered the age-old Piazza della Signoria. Along the way, we were introduced to a colorful cast of vendors, and fellow tourists who all added to the rich fabric of the experience.

In Florence, I was immediately captivated by the stunning beauty of the iconic Florence Cathedral, also known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and popularly referred to as “The Duomo.” And it’s a sight to see with its white marble-covered exterior façade featuring red, green, and pink polychrome designs culminating in an exquisite style. I immersed myself in the rich history of the Cathedral, thanks to our tour guide and was glad to share the experience with my 19-year-old, learning about its construction in the 1430s and its position as a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage for centuries.

We then ate some authentic Italian pizza at a local joint and when things got too loud as we laughed and talked, a waiter was quick to hush us up. We certainly weren’t in Kansas anymore, so to speak, and quickly obliged by being a little quieter. So here’s a no-brainer: when you are out of the U.S., be respectful of other cultures and follow the decorum of the locals.

Then off to Pisa we went, walking a few miles over to the legendary Leaning Tower where we worked to get the right angle to take pics as if we were holding it up. This was fun and there are dozens of people trying to do the same which makes it kind of hard to do. But I think we did pretty good!

Enjoying On-Board Amenities

Another benefit of sailing on a cruise ship like the Disney Dream is the days at sea which we got a few days in and were able to rest and indulge in the onboard activities. By day 3, I was at the Senses spa, which provides tranquility, pampering and relaxation in an ocean-view environment, while getting a head-to-toe massage to ease my aching muscles. And I had a blast at the Silver Anniversary Soiree.

Disney is truly accommodating and has the nicest people greeting and caring for you. I felt the love. I also felt the love with the various sweet treats the Disney crew dropped into my room every night too!

The Disney Dream has so many amenities.

While my friend and sister loved the private adults-only pool area called the Quiet Cove, my daughter’s favorite spot was Club Evolution inside the District, which was the main club for adult guests. Trust me when I tell you that teens will feel very independent on a Disney cruise given that there are exclusive clubs for them to hang-out. Evolution brings a piece of big-city nightlife to the high seas and is inspired by the metamorphosis of the butterfly. Mikaela was able to meet friends from all over the globe and hang out at a silent disco until the wee hours of the morning. And I didn’t worry one bit! Feeling safe, seen, and heard are hallmarks of cruising with Disney.

Other onboard highlights:

• Dinner at Palo – Every seat provides a beautiful vista. This refined Italian-inspired experience boasts of stylish furnishings, Frette linens, custom art, warm wood tones, and a rich red, green, and gold jewel-tone color palette. Our waiter was so accommodating and provided a truly engaging experience. While eating at Palo is extra on the Dream, I highly suggest paying the premium and making a reservation to eat dinner there. And ask for their mouth-watering croissants and chocolate souffle. Thank me later!
• Animator’s Palate – Dinner at Animator’s is an unforgettable experience for kids and the kid at heart. And since I’m a kid at heart I totally joined in drawing a character and was so delighted to see my character come to life on the screen. How did they even do that? It’s Disney magic at its best!

• Room Service – Getting room service in the wee hours of the morning was everything! Want a late-night slice of pepperoni pizza? No problem! Got a hankering for some chocolate chip cookies at 2 a.m.? Check! Room service has got your back!

Another on-shore excursion centered around Rome. We visited the Colosseum in Rome, Vatican City — which was a highlight because I love the movie, Gladiator. The arena once housed gladiator battles and executions with animals and men, is now a maze of tunnels, columns, with a lot of holes in the structure too. To see it in person and stand inside and tour it is by far one of the most memorable tour stops. And we were able to really capture breathtaking photos.

And we stopped by to toss a coin into the legendary Trevi Fountain, where you toss a coin backward for good luck!

But by far, my favorite tour stop was sailing the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

The majestic Amalfi Coast and the splendid town of Sorrento completely captured my heart with its enchanting stretch of coastline in Southern Italy, dotted with quaint fishing villages and beautiful beaches. Ooo la la!

As I boarded a boat and glided across the glistening waters, I was left in awe of the vivid blue sea and the colorful villages. I relished in the enchanting ambiance of Sorrento, enjoyed a scrumptious Italian lunch, and embraced the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

And lemons are everywhere! We learned that Amalfi was once a seafaring republic with a significant port in Minori and a wide net of trade routes reaching across the Mediterranean. And lemons became a highly desired trade item for their uniquely bright and tangy flavor and their use in various products from fragrances to cuisine. Tip: Make sure you grab a cool Limoncello treat during hot summer days in Sorrento!

This was my very first time exploring Europe, and I discovered a newfound appreciation for traveling and was inspired to dream even bigger and explore the world around me more with open eyes and an open heart. And I was glad to have the opportunity to do it with Disney.

As the cruise came to an end, I realized that the trip was more than just visiting charming destinations. I learned to treasure relationships, make valuable connections, and cherish memorable experiences. With a refreshed outlook on life, I disembarked the Disney Dream, enriched by the experience and eager to plan my next adventure.

Visit https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ to plan and map out your own Disney cruise excursion.

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