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We took our kids (18,16 and 8) on their first cruise, and our first time on a Disney ship (Dream). The ship was immaculate and there is nothing like pulling into port and making all the other cruise line passengers jealous! We actually started on a sour note...We booked the trip in the fall of '11 as a graduation gift for our eldest, who truned 18 before the cruise. We were told that he would have no problem joining his sister in the highly touted teen club, Vibe, as long as he would sign away his right to the adults-only areas. We caught some internet word that Disney had just updated their Vibe rules and that 18 year olds would not be allowed. We called and were told that this was the new rule but given that we booked ahead of the rule, and as he was a high school student, there should be no problem. We were even told it shouldn't be a problem as we checked into the ship. Then we went to Vibe and despite every effort, there was absolutely no option to change this new rule, and we were told that he was out of luck.
Without her brother, our 16 year old daughter tried the club but felt uncomfortable with no familiar faces...as such, the rule kept either kid from enjoying the Vibe. I don't know if Disney was afraid families like ours would cancel their trip due to the rule change but it seems, at a minimum, they should have sent notice.
Despite this issue, and probably due to the fact that with only 3 nights, there was more than enough to do without Vibe, all our kids had a great time. The Oceaner's Club was a hit for our 8 year old and they treated her wonderfully.
The shows and parties were a real highlight, and I would rate the food as good but not memorable (great dining rooms however).
Though warned that Nassau wasn't worth the time ("stay on the ship") we had a great visit there, with a water activities tour we set up, on our own, with Paradise (they have a desk adjacent to the port). We and the kids parasailed, jet-skied and beached it - great time.
Castaway Cay was nice but so touted that I'm not sure it could have met our expectations. Great bike ride, but the snorkeling is marginal.
The shows...don't miss any of them!
I'm sure we'll be back.
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