Family fun onboard a Disney Magic cruise

Hey, nice ears!” is a compliment I quickly get used to hearing onboard Disney Magic. Perusing the rows of Mickey Mouse ears lining the gift shop on the first day, I opt for a snazzy gold sequinned pair, which turns out to be a deft choice.

It’s impossible to be over-dressed on a Disney Cruise Line (DCL) sailing – everywhere I turn there are legions of tiny passengers dressed as princesses. My sparkly ears blend in perfectly.

As veterans of land-based holidays, my husband, Dan, and I have been lured to sea by the promise of an easy family holiday with our five-year-old, George, and two-year-old Harry.

Our seven-night Norwegian Fjord itinerary departs from Dover, and we’re instantly won over. Forget the faff of tackling an airport with children – within 30 minutes of arriving at the port our bags are whisked away, we clear security, collect our keycards and stroll on to the gangway.