23 and going on a Disney Cruise

[charever]

My grandparents are paying for the entire family to go on a Disney cruise in March. Unfortunately, I am the oldest grandchild at 23, then my brother is 20, and all of the others are 4-15. While I am entirely grateful that my grandparents are paying for us to go, and I have never been on a cruise so I am excited, I am just worried that there wont be much for me to do, or many (single) people my age. I will be spending some time with my family, but I also wanted to meet other 20-somethings. Any suggestions on what there is for me to do?

 

[Anisum]

I think there absolutely will be, especially if you are outgoing. You can go to mixology sessions with or without your family (though they have a small extra cost) and meet people as the tables are set up in such a way you usually end up with a few strangers. That's where I usually meet people my age. Both you and your brother can hang out at the 18+ clubs and I've found there are usually at least some people your age. The difference for me is I'm not usually looking to hang out specifically with people my own age throughout the cruise. I like to meet new people as I go about the ship or get off for excursions but I may never see them again after that specific meeting. There are plenty of activities though and I've found going to various activities is a way to meet people.

Since I've been over 18 I've only had experience of the Magic and Wonder but I think that there may be even more activities/adult areas on the Fantasy and Dream. I'm sure some other DISers will have information on that. There's also probably a cruise meets thread on the board and people there may have information specific to meeting people your age on the cruise. You may even make friends before you go.

 

[charever]

I think there absolutely will be, especially if you are outgoing. You can go to mixology sessions with or without your family (though they have a small extra cost) and meet people as the tables are set up in such a way you usually end up with a few strangers. That's where I usually meet people my age. Both you and your brother can hang out at the 18+ clubs and I've found there are usually at least some people your age. The difference for me is I'm not usually looking to hang out specifically with people my own age throughout the cruise. I like to meet new people as I go about the ship or get off for excursions but I may never see them again after that specific meeting. There are plenty of activities though and I've found going to various activities is a way to meet people.

Since I've been over 18 I've only had experience of the Magic and Wonder but I think that there may be even more activities/adult areas on the Fantasy and Dream. I'm sure some other DISers will have information on that. There's also probably a cruise meets thread on the board and people there may have information specific to meeting people your age on the cruise. You may even make friends before you go.

Haha joys of being a bartender means that I probably won't want to pay for mixology. And I think we are on the dream. I understand that I most likely won't be seeing these people again, but it would be nice to spend sometime with people my age on the trip, and not just be around younger kids the entire time.

 

[dcassetta]

You might look for the 18*21 club activities. I know you are a little older than 21, but it would allow you and your brother to meet other young adults on the ship.

 

[lanejudy]

There is often a "college age" group that tries to get a group started on each cruise. Usually in the 18-21 age range but I've heard they aren't particularly strong on that upper age limit, just keep in mind that most will not be of legal drinking age so if you prefer to imbibe that may not be the right group for you. Your brother, and probably you, could hang out with that group. It's key to attend the first night, otherwise the group never really gets started. There are also lots of "all ages" activities throughout the ship that you can enjoy with your younger cousins and older relatives.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Trera]

There is often a "college age" group that tries to get a group started on each cruise. Usually in the 18-21 age range but I've heard they aren't particularly strong on that upper age limit, just keep in mind that most will not be of legal drinking age so if you prefer to imbibe that may not be the right group for you. Your brother, and probably you, could hang out with that group. It's key to attend the first night, otherwise the group never really gets started. There are also lots of "all ages" activities throughout the ship that you can enjoy with your younger cousins and older relatives.

Enjoy your cruise!

Seems like I remember seeing a singles meet on the navigator but have never been so I dont know the typical age range for this.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You might look for the 18*21 club activities.

The club is called the 1820 Society. They dropped allowing 21 year olds due to the alcohol issue (they can buy it, and DCL didn't want issues with them "sharing" with the under 21 group).

So, the 20 year old can attend the 1820 Society, but I don't think the 23 year old could.

 

[TheHippie524]

They do in fact have a singles group meet every day in various locations. Go. It will be fun. DEFF go to any of the trivias. and the bars because if you are outgoing, you will deff find people your age to talk to and hang out with.

I'm 25 and just got off my 7th, 5th being over the age of 21.

 

[charever]

They do in fact have a singles group meet every day in various locations. Go. It will be fun. DEFF go to any of the trivias. and the bars because if you are outgoing, you will deff find people your age to talk to and hang out with.

I'm 25 and just got off my 7th, 5th being over the age of 21.

I'm a trivia junkie, so that may work.

 

[TheHippie524]

I'm a trivia junkie, so that may work.

Oh so am I! Everything from 50s/60s music, to tv theme songs, ultimate Disney, brainteasers, and other music trivia. Super fun, and you win an AWESOME grand prize of a DCL key chain lmao. Still super fun, and easy way to make friends.

 

[charever]

Oh so am I! Everything from 50s/60s music, to tv theme songs, ultimate Disney, brainteasers, and other music trivia. Super fun, and you win an AWESOME grand prize of a DCL key chain lmao. Still super fun, and easy way to make friends.

Ummm.. Obviously a keychain is the greatest prize ever. lol. Haha thanks though, I'm paranoid about being one of the few people my age on the boat.

 

[clten]

Have you checked the cruise meet for the cruise you will be on? You can post on there to see if there is anyone from these boards (or traveling with someone from the boards) that would be about your age.

 

[Trera]

Have you checked the cruise meet for the cruise you will be on? You can post on there to see if there is anyone from these boards (or traveling with someone from the boards) that would be about your age.

Good advice. I didnt think about that.

 

[dcassetta]

The club is called the 1820 Society. They dropped allowing 21 year olds due to the alcohol issue (they can buy it, and DCL didn't want issues with them "sharing" with the under 21 group).

So, the 20 year old can attend the 1820 Society, but I don't think the 23 year old could.

Have been way over 21 since before DCL started, so have not gone to these activities. Are you saying that a 23 would not be permitted to attend an event with other adults?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Have been way over 21 since before DCL started, so have not gone to these activities. Are you saying that a 23 would not be permitted to attend an event with other adults?

A 23 year old can attend adult activities (actually anyone 18 and over can). What I'm saying is the group formerly known as the 18*21 (college) group is now the 1820 Society. They eliminated 21 year olds from participating in that particular group.

 

[dcassetta]

A 23 year old can attend adult activities (actually anyone 18 and over can). What I'm saying is the group formerly known as the 18*21 (college) group is now the 1820 Society. They eliminated 21 year olds from participating in that particular group.

I understood that the group and composition had changed. It just seems odd to me that one adult could not join another group of adults. Age exclusions in the kid's clubs, where everyone is legally a child, make sense to me. Now, maybe the average 21 (or 23) year old person would not want to hang out with someone 18 or 19. But, for Disney to specify an age limit that would leave people out, makes me a little sad.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I understood that the group and composition had changed. It just seems odd to me that one adult could not join another group of adults. Age exclusions in the kid's clubs, where everyone is legally a child, make sense to me. Now, maybe the average 21 (or 23) year old person would not want to hang out with someone 18 or 19. But, for Disney to specify an age limit that would leave people out, makes me a little sad.

It probably has to do with those "kids" who aren't really ready to plan and participate in "real" adult activities. They still need their little space where it's just them.

I believe the original concept of "anyone over 18 is an adult" and, therefore, could do any activities onboard that were designated "adult-only". Then there were parents who were concerned about their 18 year old high school senior who would be now interacting with others (maybe without mom or dad at hand) in an environment that they weren't prepared for.

Time was that an 18 year old who was still in high school, or hadn't actually started college yet, could still participate in Vibe. Then, when the age limit was set in concrete, those "young" adults weren't prepared to be dropped into the adult world (well, according to some parents), and DCL set up the College club. But, not everyone goes to college. So they went with the 18-21 grouping as the crossover age grouping. But, from what I've read, there were issues with those who were 21 purchasing alcoholic drinks and sharing. So the newest format is 18 through 20 year olds.

 

[hrhdhd]

<snip> I'm paranoid about being one of the few people my age on the boat.

Even when I cruise solo, I meet people without really trying. Start a chat with someone in the buffet. Say hi to someone by the pool. Of course, they might be older or younger than you; does it matter?

Maybe it's just me, but I would welcome the time to read, nap in the cabin, go to the spa, exercise, nap in a deck chair, attend whatever events I wanted to, grab a snack, see a movie, nap again, get a coffee, you get the idea. I don't get the "must meet people [my age] and hang out with them" thought.

I hope you enjoy your cruise; a free one is quite a treat.

 

[texas disney mom]

I understood that the group and composition had changed. It just seems odd to me that one adult could not join another group of adults. Age exclusions in the kid's clubs, where everyone is legally a child, make sense to me. Now, maybe the average 21 (or 23) year old person would not want to hang out with someone 18 or 19. But, for Disney to specify an age limit that would leave people out, makes me a little sad.

Technically disney does not allow under 21 to stay in a room without an over 21 either. So there must be legal issues with the group- I mean that for disney you are not an adult until 21.

 

[TheHippie524]

Ummm.. Obviously a keychain is the greatest prize ever. lol. Haha thanks though, I'm paranoid about being one of the few people my age on the boat.

Just like any social setting, you might not find people your EXACT age, but you will most definitely find people to have great conversations with that are around your age. You seem outgoing, and that will certainly help you. I'm extremely outgoing, so I have never really had a problem making friends or talking to people, especially on a Disney cruise where people share the love of Disney hehe.

I second finding your cruise meet thread, and seeing if they have a facebook group set up. BEST way to meet people.