Disney "Magic" Cruise, 2022

Our ship, the Disney "Magic"

We had reservations to visit Europe in July 2020, when the pandemic hit. Not only was our land tour of Spain canceled, but so was our Disney cruise From Barcelona to Dover, England. Disappointed, we nevertheless transferred our deposit to a cruise through the Panama Canal the following February, but it, too, was canceled. Finally, last week, we got to take our cruise—this time a six-night round-trip voyage from NYC to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Disney "Magic." Our goal? To see the fall colors rarely seen in Los Angeles.

This was our third Disney cruise, so not many surprises, though the experience—and service—was stellar as always. We boarded our ship in the Port of New York, after successfully passing a COVID test at the dock terminal. Lunch was waiting for us as soon as we came aboard. At 4:45PM, the crew and several Disney characters greeted everyone with a raucous and rousing show topside. We then went downstairs to prepare for dinner. We like the "early seating" (5:45PM) so we can digest our meal well before bedtime.

Never a dull moment on the Disney "Magic," even though we spent two entire days at sea. We enjoyed "Broadway-style" shows at night and a plethora of onboard daytime activities. Though there were lots of folks our age on the cruise, we (of course!) won the first "name that tune" contest of the trip: snippets of rock 'n roll songs from the '50s/60s. We also made new friends while waiting on line to meet some of our favorite Disney and Marvel "characters."

Highlights of our much-too-brief Disney "Magic" trip included dinner at the Animators Palate dining hall. Not only was the food excellent, but on our first night, scenes from animated Disney movies were projected on the walls surrounding the tables. I wasn't the only one wiping away happy tears. Then, on our fourth night, a highly imaginative show encouraged diners to create their own cartoon characters, which amazingly came to life before dessert! Luckily, we had wonderful dinner companions all six nights at table #57. Could it possibly be coincidence that the only other passenger who worked in radio was also seated at our table? I think not. Tim and new friend Jeff had lots to talk about!

Ahoy! Aboard ship, still docked in NYC

Crew and characters welcoming everyone before heading out to sea

Top deck: Not so hidden Mickeys

And more!

You know you're on a Disney cruise 

when your captain is a mouse!

Ship's lobby decorated for Halloween

Me with Mickey at the helm in the

ship's lobby

Passing the Statue of Liberty at sunset as we head out to sea

Day at sea: Getting our steps by walking around the ship.

3 laps = 1 mile

Winning "Name That Tune." Our prize: Mickey luggage tags.

(Are you seeing a theme here yet?)

Photo op with Captain America

And Jack Skellington, plus girlfriend Sally

My personal fave: Thor!

Night entertainment in the Walt Disney Theatre

Dinner show in Rapunzel's Cafe

Eating a hot dog poolside

Our silly cartoon characters that came to life in

Animators Palate. Can you guess who drew which?

The boat ride was wonderful, but so were the onshore tours. So please keep reading below!