Cruising alone (with kids)

[flinkerfrosch]

Would any moms or dads take their children on a 4 night cruise on the Magic by themselves (without the other parent?)

My boys are 4 and 6, and I'm seriously considering a very last min cruise on March 10th.

I've never cruised before, so it makes me a bit uneasy with the "unknown"

We're already going in May for a b2b on the Dream (7 nights total) with my DH and friends, but thought a 4 night on the Magic would be great!

Any thoughts, advice, tips would be great!
Thank-you!

 

[ksloane]

I've been on 5 with my daughter and have #6 booked and waiting to book #7 if they'd ever release the dates. Do it! You'll have a great time and great memories to share for a lifetime!

 

[DahliaRW]

I totally would. But I've vacationed with my kids without my husband before too. A cruise would be super easy, considering. Kids clubs when you need a break, food all taken care of (no restaurants), etc.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I've been on 5 with my daughter and have #6 booked and waiting to book #7 if they'd ever release the dates. Do it! You'll have a great time and great memories to share for a lifetime!

Wow, 5! That's amazing!!!

Thank-you so much for your advice! I don't know why I'm so torn cause I go all over the place minus the DH, just never a cruise!

Enjoy #6 and good-luck with booking #7

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I totally would. But I've vacationed with my kids without my husband before too. A cruise would be super easy, considering. Kids clubs when you need a break, food all taken care of (no restaurants), etc.

Great points!!!! I totally forgot about the kids club!! I never even realized I could actually get some "alone time" sweet!!!!!
I agree a cruise would probably be the easiest vacation with kids cause they can't go far and yes, food is all included!

I was even considering a b2b- doing a 3 night then 4 night (both on Magic) but that might be a bit too much, who knows!?

Thank-you for your help!!!!!

 

[Justacruiser]

lol, do the B2B! The 2nd cruise will be better than the first. The kids will already know the deal. Last 4 cruises for us have been 2 different B2B's!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm taking my son 12 on our first cruise this March without DH or my daughters. I have taken my kids to Disneyland many times through the years without him or stayed when he's had to fly home for work. It all end up even in the wash.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

lol, do the B2B! The 2nd cruise will be better than the first. The kids will already know the deal. Last 4 cruises for us have been 2 different B2B's!

Would you a 3 then a 4 or a 4 then a 3? I have both options if I did it!?

We're doing a b2b in May. We're doing the Disney Dream 3 night and then the 4 night Disney Dream (concierge) on both, so excited!

In Sept we're doing the 4 night dream- 10 days at Disney and then the 7 night Fantasy.

If I go in March, is this too much? I don't want to over due it! Lol

Would the kids get bored?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I'm taking my son 12 on our first cruise this March without DH or my daughters. I have taken my kids to Disneyland many times through the years without him or stayed when he's had to fly home for work. It all end up even in the wash.

Nice! What ship? I was even considering doing a 7 night on the Fantasy instead of the 4 night Magic, but I really want to try the Magic. I've heard great things about it!

 

[erocrobro]

I took my three sons (11, 8, & 6) on the Fantasy last summer and it was by far and away the easiest vacation we have ever had. Everyone could choose to do whatever they wanted and I did not have to plan the logistics of how to get everyone to their own places other than spend a couple of minutes walking them there. Everyone could eat whatever they wanted. If they didn't like what was going to be on the menu that night, they could grab something before dinner up on the pool deck. We will definitely cruise again now that I now how relaxing it can be.

 

[frenigirl]

We had a horrible year in 2008. I planned a spring break 2009 4 day cruise in the Wonder. It was just me and two kids ages 7 and 4. It was wonderful. On port days, we stayed on board and enjoyed the empty pools. Did like CC. We ate in the MDRs for every meal. No juggling trays and jumping up to refill drinks. The kids tried the club once so I could get a facial. We preferred hanging out together. It was no overall fab vacation.

 

[hetheric]

I just did the 4 night Magic without my DH. The kids were great and we had a wonderful time. The cast members are very helpful.

 

[luv2sleep]

I've done a 14 night and two 7 nights solo with my son. Disney makes it so easy! You'll be fine and have fun.

 

[Laundress]

I travel without my husband all the time. Next month will be our 3rd Disney cruise without him. You will miss the extra hands but I bet you will find plenty to keep your boys busy. Make a plan and go for it.

 

[bbn1122]

Absolutely, but I am the type that took 2 toddlers and a newborn out to dinner (sit down) on a regular basis with out my DH.

I have gone short trips, overnight a night or two alone with the boys.

I did WDW alone with just my boys, but they were 14,10 and 8.
DCL makes it easy....everything is contained.

Kids clubs, make it easy for you to have an hour or two a day to yourself. Plus, there is so much to do together that everyone will enjoy!

But only you know your children, how they will travel and how you will feel.
Good luck!

 

[stsomewhere]

I would take my kids alone. That being said.....

I would wait until after their first cruise in May.

Since you are cruising in May with your DH , I would wait and just go with him. Your kids are going to be so excited and happy on the ship, your husband should enjoy and seeing your kids reactions.

Then, I would be booking another cruise with just me and the kids in June

 

[LeahJH]

I cruise solo with my 9 year old. We keep cruising because it is by far the less stressful vacation we have taken. Disney really does make it easy!

 

[scootch]

I have taken my girls to WDW yearly since they were 2 and 5 without hubby and on 5 cruises!! They are now 14 and 11. Cruises are actually easier as there are so many planned activities and if the kids like the clubs, you will actually get a little time to yourself.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Thank-you to everyone that responded!! Your advice, input and positive experiences have made me decide to book the cruise! We're going March 10th, 4 nights on the Magic! We're all very excited!
I've got a lot of work to do now since we leave so soon!

I think I might even do 2 or 3 nights at Disney pre cruise!

Yay

 

[TDC Nala]

I was on a cruise once with a mom who was by herself with her son who was about 8 to 10, don't remember exactly, and she complained that she thought she would be getting quality time with him, but he wouldn't leave the kids' club. So she was up in the Cove with the adults, complaining that she never saw her son.