Ahoy there, Stephen, and welcome to planDisney!
Ah the Panama Canal itinerary! The mere mention of it sends me into a flashback like Ego from "Ratatouille!" This is without doubt one of the favorite Disney Cruise Line vacations I've ever been on. We were on the first itinerary through the new Cocolí locks a few years back, so I know for a fact that you and your crew are in for an absolutely incredible adventure! Not only is it one of the longest itineraries offered, but it's on my favorite ship, the
Disney Wonder! Between the length of the cruise, the unique Ports of Call, exciting
Port Adventures, and the educational presentations about the Panama Canal while making your transit (seriously, don't miss them!), I have no doubt the memories of your sailing will last a lifetime!
What's that on the horizon? Yes, we knew adventure was coming, but I'm talking about that mast in the distance? AH, ye be sailin' into pirate waters, it seems!
Aye, there be pirates plottin' a boardin' of the Disney Wonder on yer sailin' - as with most itineraries four-nights and longer, savvy? It looks like they're a few leagues away, so you've got time to prepare, but pirates be crafty and tend to surprise us, so be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once you embark to see what specific night you'll be crossing blades! You'll have a menu befittin' a pirate captain inspired by pirates across the seven seas, and a fireworks show reminiscent of cannon fire! Oh, do keep a weather eye out for that tricky Captain Jack Sparrow...I hear stories that he sometimes can be found sneaking around Deck 4...but dead men tell no tales...
Not only are you scheduled to have a
Pirate Night, but you'll likely have multiple opportunities for formal, semi-formal, and of course, cruise casual nights! Remember you can participate in as many or as few as you'd like - it's your vacation - and with so many nights to
enjoy everything that's included on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you'll have your sea legs with time to spare. Just be ready for walking on land to feel like Naveen's first steps...er...hops as a frog after two weeks!
Since your cruise departs from New Orleans, it's also a perfect way to get in the spirit for all the spaces on the Disney Wonder themed to Disney's "The Princess and the Frog!" I'm so jealous of the multiple times you'll be able to dine at
Tiana's Place! Obviously the beignets should be on your list, but the dinner and music are fantastic prelude to your dessert - haha! Speaking of music, don't miss your opportunity to take in some live jazz with a cocktail or snack at the
French Quarter Lounge while sitting in a trolley car, too. On our last cruise on the Disney Wonder, we probably spent more time there than anywhere else!
Gosh, I could go on and on, Stephen, but I'll head back out to sea and let you prepare to make your own magical memories! Thank you so much for your question! If any others surface while you're making your final preparations, please sail our way again here at planDisney and drop me a line.
Fair winds and following seas!
Andrew