Disney Cruise Line has decided to replace Cost Maya with Grand Cayman for several of its special 7-night cruises in 2008 and a similar cruse in November 2009 that make two stops at Castaway Cay. Costa Maya was decimated during last hurricane season and despite a great effort to actually open earlier than expected, the Disney Magic will not be returning.

Disney Cruise Line has not commented on why they choose to change their itineraries to include Grand Cayman instead of Costa Maya. Grand Cayman is a planned port on the standard 7-night Western Caribbean cruise itinerary which makes the port very familiar. Personally, I believe Grand Cayman is a more family-friendly destination. The only draw-back is you do need to tender to get into Grand Cayman which does take more time and can be a bit of a hassle when travelling with smaller children. Although, some guests, and many children, enjoy taking the tender to and from the ship!

Popular activities on Grand Cayman include trips to the Turtle Farm (http://turtle.ky/), Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City (http://www.cayman.org/divesite/stingray.htm), and a little place called “Hell”. Yes, Hell. You can even send a post card to your friends back home with a postmark from Hell. Now, there’s a unique souvenir!

Bernadette Stark is a Certified Travel Agent and owner of Vacation Dreams Travel which specializes in Disney World and Disney Cruise Vacations.