While it is obvious that the Disney Fantasy was going to transport me to another place, namely Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, Europa proved to be an unexpected bonus trip and pleasant surprise. An exclusive, adults-only area, Europa takes you on a journey through several cities on the continent, invoking a sense of déjà vu for those who have been, and providing a bit of exposure and inspiration for those who have not.
Forget those days of backpacking through Europe when you were young and broke. Instead, slink through this grown-up playground and get a taste of a more sophisticated Europe.
In Europa, doors are tantamount to borders, and as you go through each portal, you enter a different space, which offers a different experience.
At La Piazza, feel like you’re sitting outside in Italy. The bar is designed like a carousel and has a bar menu that features a quintessentially Italian drinks, such as prosecco, grappa and limoncello. A classic Vespa that revs and has working lights is parked next to La Piazza, adding to the feeling of being outdoors.
Grab a pint and cheer for your favorite football team – American or International – on the big television screenat the Irish pub, O’Gills. The red lager draft made especially for the pub, its private label Irish Cream or a vintage Irish whiskey will give you a taste of Ireland and certainly keep Irish eyes smiling.
Take in the European Skyline at this ultra-chic cocktail bar, which features changing views of various European skylines, including Athens, St. Petersburg, Barcelona, Budapest and Florence, photographed by a National Geographic photographer while sipping the city’s corresponding specialty drink.
Enter a French boudoir and recline on a Louis XIV chaise in the champagne bar Oh La La. The bar features a special label created by Taittinger, as well as special limited edition bottles of Taittinger Nocturne featuring Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. The signature bottles are available for purchase exclusively aboard the ship.
Inspired by London’s famous underground transportation, the ship’s dance club, The Tube is the place where you can show off your “moves like Jagger”. You can also try one (or all) of the six cocktails created for the club, including the “ 1863”, named for the year the train stations opened.
Those passengers sailing on the Fantasy with children who wish to explore Europa should feel secure in knowing that the ship’s steller kids’ clubs are open late and will provide a safe and entertaining environment for them.
Monique is a native Californian who has spent the last decade living in Europe and is using it as a launch pad to travel the globe with her family. Visit her blog at www.motravels.com.
I want to take more time to explore this area of the ship, so I guess another cruise is in line for me. From what I saw, it was spectacular.