Sailing Into Platinum Status on Disney Cruise Line

A 3-night trip aboard the Disney Dream in 2012 paved the way for more than a decade of DCL vacations for Karin and her family.

Across the board, cruising has continued to pick up speed as a favorite choice among travelers. Grand ships offer all-inclusive amenities and itineraries to multiple destinations, all while requiring guests to unpack just once.

The Walt Disney Company took notice, expanding its reputation for superior service and imagination by launching Disney Cruise Line in 1998.

For MVT client Karin, Disney may not have been her first cruising experience, but all it took was a 3-night Bahamian sailing on the Disney Dream to sell her on the entire fleet and become a Platinum Castaway Club Member within ten years.

As a mom of four – including a son with special needs – Karin finally feels at ease with the care and attention given to children with Disney Cruise Line.

Karin is a proud mother of four, including one son with special needs. She’s no stranger to wearing many hats before, during and after vacation to make sure her family’s needs are met.

She’d heard great things about Disney Cruise Line, and took an impromptu trip with her mom, daughter and infant son in September of 2012 as a “test run” before bringing along the whole family.
“I was so nervous, but immediately all my fears were laid to rest,” she said, noting the ship’s cleanliness and top notch service. “I knew after watching the cast and crew with my daughter and my young son that my special needs son would be well-cared for.”

That first sailing was enough to hook Karin and her family for more than a decade. Since boarding the Dream back in 2012, she’s sailed every ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet to diverse destinations. 

“My husband and I would probably say the Wonder is our favorite ship,” she said. “We love the size and intimacy, we love the staff, and know them well. My kids would hands down say the Wish – they love everything about it!”

And while storied destinations like Naples and the Amalfi Coast are high on her list, Karin hails Castaway Cay as her top port of call when sailing with DCL.

She’s come to appreciate so much more than the storytelling and whimsy that come along with a Disney cruise.

Having sailed with other lines, Karin and her husband remark on the difference that Disney brings to the cruising experience. Somehow, Disney has treated them as both family and royalty – all at the same time.

“As a mom of a special needs child, there are few places or times in our life when I can truly relax,” she said. “On DCL, from the moment we get on, I feel a huge relief. For the first time since our son was born my husband and I can actually have him in child care and be completely relaxed, knowing he is cared for.”

This level of trust and comfort has allowed Karin and her husband to share time together while on vacation, a luxury they’re not always afforded elsewhere.

Becoming a Platinum Castaway Club Member seems to have been inevitable for Karin, who claims it would have taken less time to achieve Platinum status had the COVID-19 pandemic not shut down travel for so long.

You’re welcomed to the exclusive club after completing 10 sailings, and are immediately afforded some pretty shiny perks.

Not only are you among the first to access new itineraries, but Platinum Castaway Club Members get to book activities 120 days in advance, choose your own port arrival time with early online check-in, and are “gifted” a complimentary meal at the renowned Palo onboard restaurant. Plus, Platinum Members also get benefits afforded to Silver and Gold Members, like exclusive discounts and onboard receptions.

“I love my free Palo Brunch,” said Karin. “I also love being able to book activities like princess greets, excursions and adult dining classes earlier than others.”

More importantly, though, Karin views becoming a Platinum Member as a tribute to the time she’s been able to spend enjoying her loved ones.
“For me it means years of amazing memories, invaluable family time, years of friendships with crew that we look forward to seeing,” she said.

Karin recommends Disney Cruise Line to anyone and everyone considering taking to the high seas for their next getaway. From adults-only trips with friends to family vacations with kids of all ages, she believes it’s the right move for any demographic.

Coming up next for Karin… an Alaskan cruise with the whole family, followed by a Bahamian sailing with her husband to check out Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!

Looking ahead, Karin is preparing for a large-group Alaskan cruise this summer with her husband and four children, her parents and even her brother’s family. She and her husband also have a sailing on the calendar to experience Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point aboard the Disney Dream this coming winter.

With the phased reopening of the travel industry post-pandemic, Karin still hopes to see the return of Canadian sailings, longer southern cruises and embarkation opportunities out of New York City.