A Voyage to Treasure Forever

By Shelby Knopp

When Stephanie and I booked the inaugural eastern Caribbean sailing of the brand-new Disney Treasure, we knew it would be magical. We’ve both sailed Disney before, but something about this ship—her name, her promise of adventure—felt different. Still, nothing could have prepared us for the week ahead.

It was more than a cruise. It was a living story—one that surprised us at every turn.

Stepping Into a Jewel Box

“The Wishes family!” The Cast Members’ voices rang out as we stepped into the Grand Hall, and just like that—we were royalty. Stephanie and I both had that ‘this never gets old’ grin, and we both just stood there, soaking it in.

The Treasure’s Grand Hall shimmered like a jewel box: sapphire, emerald, and ruby tones glowing under golden trim. Aladdin’s lamp glowed faintly at the base of the staircase as if guarding secrets yet to come. The chandelier above us spilled light across the room like gems falling from a chest.

Our Caribbean Adventure

The view from the skylift at St. Thomas

The itinerary itself read like a dream: Tortola, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay. But it was St. Thomas that stole our hearts.

The island greeted us with pastel buildings stacked into the hillsides, flowers tumbling from balconies, and ocean water so clear it looked unreal. We took the sky tram up to the summit of the island, gripping the rail as the tiny car swayed all the way up. At the top, the view nearly took our breath away—the Treasure gleaming below, framed by turquoise sea and endless sky.

We lingered at the little shops, sipping cold drinks, laughing at how easily we could imagine staying there forever.

Castaway Cay, meanwhile, brought a rainy day. But instead of spoiling the day, it nudged us into our own little adventures. I rented a bike on the island and pedaled through the mist to explore every last inch. Stephanie curled up with her book on our balcony on board, watching the storm blur the horizon. Different experiences, both perfect.

Dining With Stories

Each night carried us into a different story through Disney’s rotational dining.

Plaza de Coco was our clear favorite. Night Two stole the show—the music pulsing, the food tasting like elevated latin family recipes, the characters weaving through the aisles celebrating family.

At Worlds of Marvel, Spider-Man strolled by our table after a stellar battle on the top deck, and I swear for a moment I forgot I was on a ship.

We didn’t even make it to Palo or Enchanté this time—and honestly, we didn’t miss it. We enjoyed all the dining that was included with our fare and it was more than enough!

Shows, Surprises & Secret Spots

The Treasure overflowed with entertainment. The headliner was The Tale of Moana. Broadway-level sets, music that lifted the entire room, and storytelling so powerful I caught myself lost in the music and singing along.

Pirate Night brought fireworks over the open ocean. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, dressed in pirate gear, we laughed and cheered as bursts of color painted the sky beside the Mickey funnel.

But the magic wasn’t only on the main stage.

We wandered into the Sarabi Theatre at night for grown-up versions of earlier shows—comedy that leaned cheekier, magicians who pushed their tricks further, even an Indiana Jones choose-your-own-adventure show that had the whole room dying of laughter.

We sipped cocktails at the Haunted Mansion Parlor, where the smoky drinks and flickering lights made us feel like we’d stepped inside a ghost story.

And surprises popped up around every corner. One afternoon, the atrium transformed into a full Jungle Cruise re-enactment, complete with corny puns. Another day, we found ourselves cheering for babies in a crawling race down a tiny track. (Spoiler: chaos reigned. Not one stayed in their lane.)

The Neverland and Wonderland Theatres became havens, too. One afternoon we sank into plush seats with popcorn to watch a brand-new Mufasa movie release. The next day? The Little Mermaid, reminding us of our own childhoods. Nostalgia and novelty, all in one week.

And then came my favorite memory.

I was stretched out on a lounger near Funnel Vision, the giant screen showing Disney movies over the pool deck, the sun warming my skin. Stephanie had run off to grab a snack. I opened my eyes—and there she was. Daisy Duck. In full glamorous stride, and without missing a beat, she came right over and “joined” me, posing and primping for photos as though we’d been sunbathing together all along.

Only on Disney do you go to relax—and wind up tanning with Daisy Duck.

Peace and Quiet

The Rainforest Room in the spa became our little sanctuary. Surprisingly the ice room was my favorite haven of them all, then we would melt into heated loungers and enjoy the aromatherapy.

But the swing beds on the terrace were the crown jewel. Swaying gently in the breeze, letting the sea carry my worries away. This was the perfect spot for a mid day nap on those long sea days.

A Magical Surprise

One of the most meaningful memories came not for me, but for my kids back home. With the help of Cast Members and a few beloved characters, I filmed a video just for them, revealing that they’d be going on their own Disney cruise for spring break. Mickey waved, Goofy danced, and the Cast Members leaned into the fun with me. When I finally showed the kids, their faces lit up with pure joy.

That’s the kind of Disney magic you don’t just see—you feel.

Final Reflections

I worried seven nights might feel too long. But the Disney Treasure proved me wrong. There was always something to do, always another surprise around the corner. It wasn’t just about ports, shows, or food. It was about laughter, connection, and the comfort of traveling with someone who knows you best.

The Treasure gave us that—wrapped in luxury, wonder, and story.

And while it may have been our first sailing on her, it certainly won’t be our last.

Because sometimes, the real treasure isn’t the ship itself. It’s the memories she helps you make.