In July 2010, my husband and I were lucky enough to visit the Disney Magic cruise ship in Dover, along with 100 other travel agents. The ship had just returned from a Baltic cruise. That evening she was starting her repositioning trip to Barcelona to continue cruises in the Mediterranean.

Although a lot smaller then I expected, she didn’t disappoint. There is lots to do on board. There are three pools, a Mickey kids pool, with slide; a family pool with a big screen showing cartoons and Disney films; or you can relax quietly around the adult’s pool. The kids clubs are equipped with computers, video games, and a large play area.

On Disney cruises, while the kids are looked after, the adults can have a bit of ‘me time’ enjoying the treatments in the luxurious spa, or having a quiet cappuccino in one of the many cafés or, if you are feeling energetic you can fool about in the well-equipped gym.

There is a rotational dining system. Every night you enjoy a different restaurant, but you have the same waiters. In one of the restaurants, Animator’s Palate, there’s a dinner show celebrating the art of Disney storytelling and animation, and you see many of your favourite Disney characters come to life right before your eyes.

Throughout your meal, Disney character sketches located on the restaurant walls slowly transform from stark black and white to brilliant colour, amid the familiar classic orchestral themes of Disney movies playing overhead. Even the waiters start off wearing black and white and by the end of the meal are wearing colour!

The Royal suite is to die for but even the standard cabins, the ones most of us could afford, are well-appointed and tailored especially for families.

There is lots of evening entertainment with live shows, current Disney films, night clubs, fireworks and, of course, meeting all your favourite Disney characters.

To cruise on Disney Magic is any kids dream. My husband loved it!