This truly is a ship of dreams! After nearly two years of construction, the Disney Dream cruise ship set sail on its maiden voyage on January 26. The majestic vessel is the third in the line of Disney ships, and like the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder before it, the new cruise liner has plenty to offer. Passengers onboard can: slide up, down and around the ship on a 765-foot water-coaster, dine at enchanting restaurants, and of course, enjoy Disney-themed musical performances each day.

This summer, TFK Kid Reporter Veronica Louise Mendoza had the chance to sail aboard the Disney Dream. She chatted with Ray Smale, the ship’s cruise director, about his work and some of the vessel’s highlights. (Videography by Rachelle Cagampan and Veronica Louise Mendoza / Editing by Jeremiah Ysip)

TFK:

What does a cruise director do?

RAY SMALE:

I’m in charge of all the fun stuff that happens on the ship. We have something for absolutely everybody. We have some fantastic movies onboard. We have the Midship Detective Agency game, where kids can interact with the artwork throughout the ship. There is also plenty of entertainment for adults.

TFK:

What is some trivia about the Disney Dream?

SMALE:

There are 88,130 Swarovski crystals in the chandelier in the main lobby. Also, the ship weighs 108,000 tons!

TFK:

What is special about the Disney Dream?

SMALE:

We have some unbelievable technology onboard. For example, we have the first-ever water-coaster on a cruise, the AquaDuck. There are some really high-tech innovations on this ship.

TFK:

What can kids learn from going on a cruise?

SMALE:

They can learn about the nautical terms and how ships work in general. They can also learn a lot about the environment. We do a lot of environmentally based programs onboard.

TFK:

What are some highlights that every first-time cruiser on this ship can enjoy?

SMALE:

You have to come to the shows! You cannot come aboard the ship without coming to [see The Golden Mickeys, Villains Tonight and Dreams]. And don’t forget to ride the AquaDuck.