It’s just after 10 p.m., but the poolside deck of the Disney Magic is full of life. A rock band plays on stage for the dancing crowd, while others watch from deck chairs, content in the evening’s enjoyment.

My family and I are tucked away on the side, where we can watch the activity. My children’s eyes are glued on the band, while mine are set on the twinkling lights of Cozumel, Mexico, which grow smaller as we sail from port.

Little do we know, however, that a shipboard assault is in the works. In a dark corner of the ship, Captain Hook plots with his pirates, intent on taking over the ship. At just the right moment, the scoundrels pull their swords. With a yell, they storm the deck and rappel down the walls into our midst.

But just when the pirates seem to have gained the upper hand, Captain Mickey and his friends arrive. Full of bravado, they chase out the rogues and get the party back on track. To celebrate her victory at sea, the Disney Magic sends streams of fireworks into the air that boom and flash overhead.

Mickey Mouse gives his autograph to an adoring young fan.

Disney has been entertaining children for decades, and Disney Cruise Line’s “Pirates in the Caribbean” party is no exception. While the company offers a variety of excellent itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean, it’s this passion for pleasing little ones that sets the cruise line apart.

What do families like about sailing with Disney?

Since returning from our trip, I’ve polled numerous Disney Cruise Line passengers, my family included. Here are their top 10 favorite things about cruising with Disney:

10. Family time onboard

Sometimes it’s hard to find activities that both parents and children enjoy, but there are plenty of options onboard with Disney. My 14-year-old relished beating me at Ping-Pong on the top deck, while our youngest, age 7, found his groove at the family dances. Some guests competed in the game shows for all ages, while others spent time in the ship’s three age-specific pools. My favorite family diversion? Going to Disney’s first-run movies in the ship’s large theater.

9. Cool excursions

While sailing is enjoyable, it’s just as fun to explore the cruise line’s Caribbean ports, with each offering something different. If you’re adventurous, you can explore the ports on your own. Our family took a taxi to Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea, where we found the best snorkeling of our whole trip just off shore. Since we’d brought our own snorkel gear from home, the only cost for our adventure was taxi fare.

In Florida’s Key West, a little Internet research before our trip led us to Ski Key West, a beachside company that took us on a Jet Ski tour of the islands — for a very affordable price.

At other ports, though, we chose to purchase Disney’s shore excursions. The cruise line has strict guidelines for all the tour companies they work with, so we knew we were in good hands when we went on an off-road jeep safari in Cozumel, Mexico, and diving in Grand Cayman.

8. No worries

Most of today’s parents grew up with Disney, so it’s a name we trust. Though it’s often more expensive than other large cruise brands, Disney Cruise Line offers peace of mind. There’s something to be said for safe, clean fun — and like many other parents, I know that I can usually find that with Disney, whether it’s their theme parks, children’s films or Disney Cruise Line.

7. Our favorite characters

For a child, there’s nothing like seeing your favorite story characters come to life. And there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the likes of Pluto, Mickey and Cinderella aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the company’s two ships. Even our teenager gathered autographs at the Disney Character Breakfast. Disney characters are also available during designated greeting times.