The Art of Disney's Dream Cruise Ship

When you think about a Disney cruise ship you probably think it's all about Mickey Mouse. That is only partly true. It's also about Disney heroes, princesses, pirates, and all your favorite Disney characters. But this is no cartoon ship. Artists and interior designers took all those Disney characters and turned them into elegant rooms and lovely works of art.

My husband and I are avid cruisers. We've enjoyed vacations on the ships of many different cruise lines, but our favorite cruise line is Disney. The company excells in customer service, quality of food, numerous activities including on their private island, Castaway Cay, and fantastic ship decor. Our trip on the Disney Dream did not disappoint. I was impressed with the interpretation of the characters and stories into the design of the ship. The details in every sculpture, tile mural, and frieze were amazing. I took numerous photos and I'd like to share them with you. They may just inspire you to take a Disney Cruise.

This is the Dream's atrium. I took this very late at night and there was no one around. I love the chandelier.

Disney Art is very collectable. I have several original pieces myself. Learn about what goes into an animated movie, a theme park, or a cruise ship with these great books.

Upon entering the ship guests step into the magnificent atrium. This is the center of the ship and the grandest space onboard. The character art is subtle, blending so well with the decor you really have to study everything carefully to find the characters. Upon first glance the grand staircase railing appears to be swirls and curls, but take a closer look and you see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto integrated in the design.

The frieze around the balconies shines golden in the chandelier light. The relief is actually the characters from Mickey to Huey, Louie, and Dewey, ready for the beach with a wave pattern behind them.

A bronze statue of Donald in an Admiral uniform is the only character you immediately notice. High on his marble pedestal, Donald is the most photographed piece of Disney art aboard ship.

On board the Disney Dream are exquiste glass tile murals depicting specific scenes from various Princess Fairytales. Each mural is created with small squares of color glass tiles set in patterns that render a picture. This type of art is time consuming and sometimes grueling. But the result is worth it. Here is my favorite glass tile mural of Cinderella.

Only Disney can create a castle on a one of their cruise ships. The Royal Palace is elegant dining at its best. Not only is the food excellent, but so is the decor. Stepping across a coat of arms, guests enter the dining room through castle gates. Every single detail is princess orientated from the inlays on the floor, to the carvings on the chairs. Even the chandeliers have a touch of royalty. The servers are dressed like princes and princesses. You definately get the white glove treatment.

This photo shows the "castle" gates where you enter the Royal Palace. The coat of arms inlaid on the marble floor represents four of Disney's most popular princesses. The rose is for Belle from Beauty and The Beast, the shoe is for Cinderella, the crown is for Sleeping Beauty and the apple is for Snow White.

I love having a piece of our Disney Dream cruise in my office. Reminds me of the fun we had every day..

If you were traveling without children would you still take a Disney Cruise?

Throughout the Dream are beautifully framed images of Disney characters and Walt Disney himself. But these are no ordinary photographs or paintings. With a wave of your hand you can make them move, sing, play music, or talk. Want to be a dectective? An onboard dectective game will have you scurrying all over the ship looking for clues to solve one of two mysteries that involve missing paintings or missing dalmation puppies. Just pick up a playing card and hold it up to the framed artwork to get a clue. I won't tell you anymore. I don't want to spoil the surprise.