In August 2025, a small group of us set off on a truly unforgettable adventure – a Disney cruise sailing from Southampton to Belgium. What made this trip so special was that it marked Max’s very first holiday abroad, and we were all incredibly excited to be part of such a meaningful milestone.

From the very beginning, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and a few natural nerves – had we packed everything, would everything run smoothly, and most importantly, would everyone enjoy the experience? As it turned out… we needn’t have worried.

🚢 Settling Into Life at Sea

We spent five days together (Monday to Friday) exploring everything the cruise had to offer. After settling into our staterooms on the first day, we started as we meant to go on – with a magical performance of Aladdin.

The days that followed were full of activities, laughter and memorable moments. From meeting Disney characters and joining in music quizzes, to enjoying live bands and spectacular shows like Believe and Frozen, there was always something for everyone. Of course, we also enjoyed plenty of delicious food along the way!

A Change of Plans – Making the Best of Belgium

Originally, we were due to visit Bilbao, Spain, but due to Hurricane Erin, our itinerary changed last minute and we docked in Belgium instead.

Although accessibility was more challenging than expected, the team worked together to adapt our plans. After a 35-minute walk, we reached a beach where we found a partially accessible path to the sea. We spent time relaxing, chatting, and reflecting on everything we’d experienced so far.

On the way back, we stopped at a chocolate shop to pick up some souvenirs – a lovely way to round off our time ashore.

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Night & Special Moments

One of the highlights of the trip was Pirate Night! We all dressed up, met Captain Jack Sparrow and other characters, and enjoyed watching the sunset over the sea as we waved goodbye to Belgium.

Moments like these – simple, joyful, shared together – are what made the experience so special.

🍽️ Outstanding Support and Care

One of the most impressive aspects of the cruise was the exceptional support from the Disney staff.

Our waiting team quickly got to know us, even remembering our drinks orders and ensuring the table was set up safely and comfortably.
The kitchen team adapted meals when needed so everyone could enjoy dining together.
Staff consistently treated us like “family,” which made a real difference.

A particular favourite moment was dining at Animator’s Palate, where interactive screens brought characters like Crush from Finding Nemo to life – something that brought so much joy.

Our stateroom host also went above and beyond, respecting how we had adapted the room for safety and checking in regularly. These thoughtful, person-centred touches made a huge difference to the overall experience.

💭 Reflections and Learning

Like any trip, there were a few challenges along the way:

A temporarily lost bag caused some anxiety (thankfully resolved!)
Limited pool accessibility meant not everyone could participate
Busy lifts sometimes made moving around the ship more difficult

Despite this, the positives far outweighed the negatives. The teamwork, planning, and adaptability shown by everyone ensured that the holiday was a success. Most importantly, there were smiles, laughter and a real sense of shared joy throughout the entire experience.

❤️ What This Experience Meant

We came away from this trip feeling incredibly proud. It was a privilege to support such an important experience and to see the happiness it brought.

The individuals we support continue to inspire us every day, and being part of moments like this reminds us why we do what we do.

🌈 Looking Ahead

If we were to do something like this again, we’d:

Plan more thoroughly for unexpected itinerary changes
Ensure packing is managed carefully (and securely label luggage!)
Continue advocating for improved accessibility wherever possible

✨ Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a holiday – it was a shared adventure full of firsts, challenges, laughter and unforgettable memories.

Experiences like these show just how powerful meaningful activities and person-centred care can be. With the right support, anything is possible ✨

An Enchanting Adventure at Sea - our Disney Cruise experience…