KIDS, ADULTS

The Wonder's year-round itinerary -- which includes a stop at Nassau and a day of sun and fun on Disney-owned Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private island -- is packed with activities for kids. Frequent meet-and-greet sessions, including character breakfasts, showcase Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale and other Disney legends. The fun also includes do-si-do dancing with Snow White, learn-to-be-a-pirate interaction with Captain Hook, a visit to Neverland with Wendy Darling ... well, you get the idea.

The kids activities are arranged for five age groups, with venues as diverse as a marine science lab and a teen disco. Ready to splash? You'll find three age-specific swimming pools.

A Disney cruise can be enjoyable for adults, too.

Granted, it helps if you appreciate the company of, or easily tolerate, hordes of children experiencing the time of their life. (Read that: Screams, giggles and pleas for ``Just five more minutes, Mommy.'')

Escapes are available for grownup reflection. And grownup partying.

During my four-night Disney Wonder cruise, I was surprised to discover late-night comedy shows; an adults-only entertainment district with a sports pub, dance club and piano bar; a Quiet Cove pool (quiet by comparison but still jam-packed); and a 10,000-square-foot spa and salon. Indulge in flights of martinis or beer, then unwind with a volcanic-stone and warm-oil massage.

Don't anticipate Crystal-, Cunard- or Celebrity-style spa and fitness facilities, though. And don't bother looking for slot machines or poker tables; there are no casinos on Disney ships.

CASTING AWAY

Castaway Cay is a staple of all Wonder and Magic itineraries. Like other lines' private islands, this is a haven for sunbathing (with family and adult beaches), paddleboating, sailing, kayaking and games guaranteed to get you soaked.

Ships dock only a short distance from the beaches, sports activities and all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet. Trolleys meet the vessel, and you may well be accompanied by Jack Sparrow or other characters on your journey.

One potential bonus on four-night voyages: If your scheduled day at Castaway Cay is a washout -- as ours was when heavy rains drenched the area -- the distance back to Port Canaveral is so short that the ship can meander about overnight and dock again the next morning.

It's little Wonder -- or Magic -- that these ships are so well-received that Disney, which will send the Magic to Europe for a second time in 2010, plans a major expansion. Two significantly larger vessels are due in 2011 and 2012. No itineraries have been announced but Disney has applied for a 10-year permit to visit Glacier Bay National Park, signifying interest in Alaska.

Capt. Mickey better buy a coat.

WHAT IT COSTS

Kids-sail-free: Disney is offering a Kids Sail Free promotion on most three-night cruises this spring when traveling with two paying adults in the same cabin; maximum three guests per cabin. The special is valid for kids 12 and under on sailings from March 12-May 28.

Prices for Disney Cruise Line's combination land-sea packages -- and for cruise-only vacations -- vary widely depending on the season and preferred accommodations. Expect to pay more during peak periods that include holidays, Spring Break and summer. For example, a three-night cruise for two adults in April starts around $1,650. www.disneycruiseline.com.