Whether the winter doldrums have got you down and you need an escape from the cold or you're just looking for a unique and exciting vacation that the whole family will enjoy, a Walt Disney cruise could certainly be the answer. Chock full of things to do for guests of all ages, these special cruises have been delighting thousands of avid cruisers and Disney fanatics for nearly a decade.

With the christening of the Disney Magic in 1998, Walt Disney cruise lines began to make its mark on the cruise industry. This was no snobby cruise line where kids were shipped off to activities and rarely seen. Walt Disney cruise excursions were all about family fun, first class service, excellent amenities, awesome activities, and the best that cruising had to offer.

Adding yet another dimension to the Disney experience, the chance to cruise and still enjoy the magic of Disney enticed many travelers to give cruising a try for the first time. Now, many go back year after year, eager to experience another taste of Disney-at-sea. The fact that you can combine a Walt Disney cruise with a stay at the Orlando-area theme park makes it even more special for visitors hoping to spend a little time with Mickey on land as well.

Few people go home unhappy after a Walt Disney cruise After all, everyone is treated equally here. The kids are the little princes and princesses of the ship, with enough activities crammed into each day to tire even the most energetic child. Little ones play the day away at the Oceaneer Club, where cordial Disney staff entertain those under 7 years of age with fun games, crafts, movies, and much more. Pre-teens hang out at the Oceaneer Lab, meeting new kids their age, participating in dances, watching the latest Disney releases, and even learning the fine art of Disney animation. Teens on a Walt Disney cruise can enjoy activities designed especially for them - including pool parties - hang out at the internet caf, or play age-appropriate video games.

Adults are treated like royalty, too! You won't be hard-pressed to find activities to enjoy while the kids are off doing their own thing. There are plenty of adults-only areas on both the Disney Magic and Wonder, including a quiet pool where the splashing is kept to a minimum. The Wide World of Sports deck is also a favorite destination for active adults. World-class spas, fitness centers, and salons cater to your every need and even Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, has a separate area for adults who dock there while enjoying a Walt Disney cruise shore excursion.

Standard voyages with the Walt Disney cruise line include 3- or 4-night Bahamian cruises or 7-night excursions to either the Eastern or Western Caribbean. A short cruise may also be combined with a few days at the Walt Disney World resort in central Florida. The Walt Disney cruise line does feature several special cruises each year, offering such itineraries as an 11-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean, with stops at such ports of call as St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Look for special sailings when you book your Walt Disney cruise as itineraries are subject to change.