Help convince me & my DH

[my3lilonkeyz]

So me and DH have been together 18 yrs and married almost 4 yrs. We have never had a real vacation with just the 2 of us and we never took a honeymoon. Up until the past couple years we really couldn't afford it. I suggested today that me and him go on a 4 or 5 night Disney Cruise and we both keep coming back to feeling guilt of going on one without the kids. I feel like I really am doing something wrong by going without them but at the same time I really think we need a trip with just us. And I will only do disney. Please help convince us what to do...I value everyone's opinions. Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So me and DH have been together 18 yrs and married almost 4 yrs. We have never had a real vacation with just the 2 of us and we never took a honeymoon. Up until the past couple years we really couldn't afford it. I suggested today that me and him go on a 4 or 5 night Disney Cruise and we both keep coming back to feeling guilt of going on one without the kids. I feel like I really am doing something wrong by going without them but at the same time I really think we need a trip with just us. And I will only do disney. Please help convince us what to do...I value everyone's opinions. Thanks!

Well, you're going to get some slightly (slightly???) prejudiced views here. My vote - go for it. Be aware that DCL cruising is addictive (especially for Disney-minded people). Many adults go on DCL (with and without their kids).

 

[Meghatron]

We honeymooned on the Wonder without our daughter (son wasn't born yet). Had a great time, and so will you! Sent from my Tricorder using DISBoards

 

[my3lilonkeyz]

We are addicted! LOL we took the kids back in April and had the time of our life and so did they. I would like to go on the new improved Magic. As for opinions, I expected to hear how vacations are for families and especially Disney but I am prepared to hear that. I am a Disney fanatic (my daughters name is Mickey) and can't begin to imagine even sailing with any other line.

 

[Meghoya]

Honestly? I wouldn't do a Disney Cruise with my husband and not the kids. I wouldn't have fun because I would be watching the joy on the faces of everyone else's kids and missing my own!! I do think you deserve a romantic trip, though. I'd just choose something less kid focused. We love Sandals Emerald Bay. No kids. (Will I be stoned for recommending something non Disney on the disboard?). It's up to you, though. Do what makes you happy! If you really want to do the Disney cruise without kids, then give it a try! You can always justify it by saying you are checking it out before you bring the kids in a few years

 

[amyh13]

Honestly? I wouldn't do a Disney Cruise with my husband and not the kids. I wouldn't have fun because I would be watching the joy on the faces of everyone else's kids and missing my own!! I do think you deserve a romantic trip, though. I'd just choose something less kid focused. We love Sandals Emerald Bay. No kids. (Will I be stoned for recommending something non Disney on the disboard?). It's up to you, though. Do what makes you happy! If you really want to do the Disney cruise without kids, then give it a try! You can always justify it by saying you are checking it out before you bring the kids in a few years

I agree. I would TOTALLY recommend a cruise without your kids. But not a Disney Cruise. There are LOTS of cruise lines geared to adults that would feel like a true honeymoon. And I have cruise LOTs of brands.

 

[Meghatron]

There are LOTS of cruise lines geared to adults that would feel like a true honeymoon.

Our kids-free DCL honeymoon was very much a "true honeymoon." Some of us just like the Disney brand that much.

Also, the OP said only Disney. I feel the same way when I consider trying another cruise line.

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[Gilland18]

We did the 14 day EBPC cruise in our 50's without any children or grandkids, only my 80's parents. It was the best vacation I ever had!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Cruise 1 - just DH & I (and we're older adults)
Cruise 2 & 3 (B2B) - again just DH & I
Cruise 4 - DH, me, DS23, DD24, and DDs BF26
Cruise 5 - DH, me, and DS18
Cruise 6 - DH, me, DSs mom & her husband, DHs sister and her husband (all adults - well chronologically).

IMO, you don't HAVE to have kids along in order to enjoy cruising DCL.

 

[ilovetexas]

So me and DH have been together 18 yrs and married almost 4 yrs. We have never had a real vacation with just the 2 of us and we never took a honeymoon. Up until the past couple years we really couldn't afford it. I suggested today that me and him go on a 4 or 5 night Disney Cruise and we both keep coming back to feeling guilt of going on one without the kids. I feel like I really am doing something wrong by going without them but at the same time I really think we need a trip with just us. And I will only do disney. Please help convince us what to do...I value everyone's opinions. Thanks!

DH and I celebrated our anniversary on the Fantasy last spring and left our three kids at home. I didn't feel guilty then and still don't. HOWEVER...you both already feel guilty about it so I'm afraid you won't enjoy yourselves.

You're going to have to make a compromise somewhere; either take a non-Disney vacation or take the whole family. If you're feeling guilty before the trip is even booked, that doesn't bode well for success. If you can put the guilt behind you, DCL is a great cruise without kids. Just be aware, that ship is going to be full of little ones enjoying the Disney magic.

 

[JohnsPrincess]

I say go for it! You may feel a twinge when you see the kids onboard having fun...BUT...also think about the ROMANCE of it with no kiddos! The adults only pool/hot tub. A massage without having to put the kids in the club. Dinner...with all the fun of Disney but with just hubby to chat and reconnect as a couple. It's not like your kiddos have never been on DCL and more than likely, they'll get to go again! Take the vacation you and hubby want, don't worry about the kids, and plan something for a couple years (or whenever) down the line for all of you!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

So me and DH have been together 18 yrs and married almost 4 yrs. We have never had a real vacation with just the 2 of us and we never took a honeymoon. Up until the past couple years we really couldn't afford it. I suggested today that me and him go on a 4 or 5 night Disney Cruise and we both keep coming back to feeling guilt of going on one without the kids. I feel like I really am doing something wrong by going without them but at the same time I really think we need a trip with just us. And I will only do disney. Please help convince us what to do...I value everyone's opinions. Thanks!

I'm a little confused, your signature says 7 months til your Wonder cruise. Is that the one you and your husband talked about today, or is that a family one? If that's a family cruise I would definitely take one by yourself. The other option is if you can afford to take the whole family do it and just plan on getting a lot of alone time. The kids will have a great time in the clubs and you two can get your alone time.

 

[Bella29]

I would do a weekend away locally - a B&B or hotel, and then take the kids on the cruise. Dh and I will probably cruise DCL without the kids after they go off to college, but until then I just don't see us going without them. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year by taking them and the grandparents on a cruise!

 

[mstee777]

I say go for it. I've cruised DCL without my kids (or DH) and had a great time. I travelled with a family member, and my best friend and her husband. Yes, there were times when I'd think, "oh the kids would have loved this", but I know that I will cruise DCL with them again so I did not feel too guilty.

When cruising without the kids, the trip is totally different. Our table at dinner was adult only. I spent more time in the rainforest room. I enjoyed the hot tub and the night life. Enjoyed the cooking and tasting classes. It felt like a nice grown up vacation. I love Disney characters, but did not stand in line for signings. And we enjoyed adult excursions. I never would have gone to the tequila farm if we were cruising with the kids.

In fact, DH and I are cruising the Med in July without the kids. We are traveling with another couple, and are planning to have an absolute blast. While onboard, we will rebook for a family cruise. I love DCL. Like you, I'm not really into other lines. I know what to expect on a disney ship and that is why I chose this trip for our late honeymoon.

 

[Summerl30]

I'd go to Venice or Paris or rio or do a more adult focused cruise than do Disney without the kids, but for dh and I the best part of Disney was seeing how much the kids enjoyed it. We don't think it's a product we prefer for the two of us. Just my two cents. Though I'm sure we'd enjoy it we'd enjoy something more adult focused more

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

We love cruising DCL and we have no kids. We did WDW & a 3 day this yr and have some WDW (and probably SeaWorld) and a 4 day booked next year. If you love the parks, you will love the cruising. We enjoyed the family atmosphere (no smokey casino, no thongs on the stage floor) and the 'magic' and great service and high caliber entertainment and technology. We enjoyed seeing the kids every where with huge eyes dressed like princesses or pirates, and then we could retreat to adult areas if we wanted. We enjoyed the movies on demand (newer ships). It blew away a carnival. We also enjoyed making our own margaritas from our own room stock. No other cruise line lets you bring your own whatever. So there are lots of pluses. I recommend a 4 day. Its less investment and if its not for you (fat chance of that!) it's only 4 days. Likely you will be crazy for it like we are, which I suggest rebooking on board. Kids or not, DC is great cruising for people that enjoy watching Disney movies or going to Disney parks.

 

[caitlinS9]

I'm in the camp that says go without them. An adults only cruise is TOTALLY different from one with kids. You are only on your schedule, you can do the adult restaurants w/out coordinating kids schedules. You can enjoy second seating without tired kids. You can laugh (inside of course) at the mom's that are stressed out by their kids. You can enjoy cove cafe & the adult's only pool. SERENITY BAY - need I say more?!?!

If (and only if) you guys are stay out til 3am type people, then i would book another cruise line. But if you are like me and turn into a pumpkin at midnight, DCL is perfect for you.

Oh & did I mention the rainforest room!?!?!

 

[Gigi22]

OP, I have two words for you that may help you deal with feelings of guilt over not taking your child with you: due diligence. As good parents, you are trying out the experience before taking your child on a trip!

 

[darkwing818]

OP we've completed 10 Disney cruises & enjoyed each. Our first 7 were with our DDs, but the last 3 it was just DW & I. When we did our 1st "alone" cruise (DVC member cruise) w/o the girls we felt terribly guilty, even though one was in college & the other was in high school & staying with friends. That being said our next 2 cruises (2012 & 2013) w/o DDs were both 7 day cruises on the Fantasy. Both girls are in college, and amazingly the guilt was gone & we had a great time .
I don't think we could have taken a Disney cruise when the girls were younger & not feel guilty (or even enjoy ourselves) going on a Disney cruise (or 's ) with out them.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

I wouldn't, but I only have 1 child and he is 14. I figure that we can do all the adults only trips when he goes to college. Ironically, we spend most of our cruise without him anyway. He stays in Edge/Vibe ALL day. He eats with us only if we make him. We do the Adults only areas, Spa, Palo, whatever we want. So, even though we don't cruise without him, we get an adults only experience.

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