The Disney Magic on the Mediterranean Sea

Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1

Most summers, Disney Cruise Line sends one of its ships to sail along the coast of Europe.  We were fortunate enough to be a part of the 2016 sailings aboard the Disney Magic, beginning in Barcelona, Spain, sailing over to Italy, up the Italian coast, then to the French Riviera, and back to Barcelona.  Join us as we recount our family adventure and see if cruising the Mediterranean with Disney  is something you would like, beginning with Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1.

The streets of the Barri Gotic in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Our port of call was Barcelona, Spain.  We had spent several days prior in Italy and flew into Barcelona the day before the cruise.  I love Barcelona!  I cannot wait to get back.  The morning before boarding the Disney Magic for Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1, I went out on a run to better explore the city.  The architecture, the beaches, the art, the history, and the friendliness of the city are intoxicating.  I was excited to begin our cruise, but sad to have had so little time to explore.

Barcelona tram from deck 10 of the Disney Magic

Welcome Aboard!

Our taxi driver to the airport was friendly and informative, just as we found almost everyone we encountered in Barcelona.  The check-in process for the cruise was surprisingly fast and we were soon ready to board.  When you board a Disney ship, a line of cast members (Disney employees) greet you and announce your arrival over loud speakers, “Welcome ‘FamilyTravel’ Family!”  The cast members and others cruisers clap and cheer as you enter.  This may be corny, but it is still a nice touch.

Helmsman Mickey statue in the lobby of the Disney Magic

Settling In

We settled into our room which was the same as on all Disney ships:  clean and comfortable.  For the three of us, we have a king size bed and sleeper sofa, both which are very comfortable.

Our room on Deck 2 midship of the Disney Magic

We then set out for lunch at Cabanas, the buffet,  and out to explore the ship.  The Disney Magic recently underwent updating and refurbishment.  Everything is crisp and beautiful with an Art Deco motif.  The ship was abuzz on Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1.  There were tours, talent shows, movies and more.  Even with the excitement, we were really tired and decided to nap before dinner.

Senses Spa on the Disney Magic

Dining

Animators Palette on the Disney Magic

On Disney cruises, each family has assigned evening dining.  You rotate through the three main, table service restaurants.  You are assigned table mates and a wait staff who rotate with you throughout the entire cruise.  On Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1, we were assigned to Animators Palate: California cuisine with an animation studio theme.  We love Disney Cruise Line food.  Dining is one of the many highlights of a Disney cruise for us.

A beautiful and delicious desert at Animators Palette

Tonight’s meal did not disappoint!  The food was delicious.  Our table mates were a wonderful family from Georgia whom we hit it off with wonderfully.  As always, the Disney servers and service were amazing.  It was an smahing start to the evening.

Evening Show

Sunset over Barcelona from the Disney Magic.

After dinner, we went to Deck 10 to enjoy the brilliant sunset over Barcelona.  Then it was off to the Walt Disney Theater for a show.  The headline show on Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1 was “All Aboard!  Let the Magic Begin!”  featuring the magical comedy of Pete Matthews.  We have found the opening shows on other Disney cruises to be somewhat ho-hum, but this one was actually quite entertaining.  Pete Matthews put on a great show.

Shopping on the Disney Magic after the evening show.

Day 2

Our Disney Mediterranean Cruise Day 1 was a spectacular start to an amazing vacation.  Day 2 is a day at sea, heading eat across the Tyrrhenian Sea toward Naples, Italy.  Join us for our first sea day.

Shot from deck 10 of the Disney Magic