Well, I’m back from my wonderful Disney trip to New York, safe, sound – and thoroughly, utterly and completely spoiled. I was with Disney PRs Nikki and Laura, Lydia from Virgin Holidays and a really lovely group of journalists.
We spent many happy hours making up James Bond/food mash-up film titles (the best was ‘Fiiiiishfiiiiinger’, though Dr Naan and The Spy who Loved Meat were up there too) while being bussed from meal to meal and, of course, oooh-ing and ah-ing over the Disney Fantasy, the latest and swankiest Disney cruise ship. It’s a truly spectacular floating play palace which offers just about the best 7-day family holiday that anyone could imagine. Seriously. I’m not one of nature’s cruisers – I could easily get claustrophobic conpletely alone in the Gobi desert – but, for the first time, I totally saw the point of a family cruise holiday. When I described it to my children, all of them were gagging to go, from the 16-year-old to my five-year-old stepson. And there’s stuff for adults, too – posh restaurants, a grown-ups only pool and a stunning spa.
I could rave on about it for hours, but instead I’ll let my photos do the talking. Yes, for once, I managed to get a few decent snaps. Enjoy.
Cheers! We get off to a great start as we are upgraded to Virgin's Upper Class by lovely Virgin Holidays
Here we are, fresh from the airport, in a typical New York scenario (a traffic jam)
The super-soothing stairway at the Ace Hotel
Off for our tour of the magnificent Disney Fantasy. Our first glimpse doesn't disappoint - the stunning foyer, complete with peacock feather carpet and giant chandelier
This is not just a picture, but a mural featuring millions of tiny hand-set mosaic stones. It's in the children's waterplay area near the enormous Aquaduck ride
No, this isn't a new seamonster a la Ursula in Ariel - it's a hand-blown, Murano glass sculpture outside adults-only restaurant Palo on board the Fantasy. It's supposed to represent all the different types of pasta .... not sure whether those Disney wags were joking 
A treatment bed in the adults-only Senses spa on the Fantasy - but you can't book this one, it's reserved for me
I think you can see how it’s all developing, can’t you? The Fantasy really is a fantasy boat if you want to have quality time with your children, then avoid them in grown-up restaurants and the spa. Of course, there’s proper babysitting available for the kids – no one is left to get cabin fever.
Anyway, that’s enough for today, more of my adventures tomorrow – don’t want you to get as spoiled as me, do we? See you in the morning.
March 5th, 2012 at 7:56 pm
TELL US MORE!!
Fab photos, by the way, you lucky beaver x
March 6th, 2012 at 11:00 am
I know, I’m so lucky, it was a really lovely trip. And I’m quite proud of my pics – you know what they’re usually like! x
March 5th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
It’s like the Love Boat of old! Lovely lovely lovely, you lucky thing you x
March 6th, 2012 at 11:02 am
Oooh the Love Boat, that was a fantastic series, why isn’t it on any more? And Fantasy Island was great too ….. I think the Disney Fantasy is probably a combination of the two … without the slightly sinister guy in the white suit ….. x
March 6th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
You lucky girl – so jealous Lx
March 9th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
I know, I was sooooo lucky, it was utterly fab. It’ll be your turn next x
March 6th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
So pleased you had a great time Alice. Hope you also remembered to bring the kids something back?
March 9th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Thanks, Naomi, it was fab – and yes, I brought back loads for the girls (though they were still a bit jealous!) x
March 7th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Loving your writeup
Wish we were still there!!
March 9th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Oh so do I!!! Wouldn’t it be fab? Thanks so much for everything x