Adults Only Disney Cruise

[JM_97]

We are looking at taking a Disney Cruise. It wouldn't be for a few more years, as we want to save up some money, but we still want to have a general idea of where we want to go, what to expect, etc. so that when we have more serious conversations, planning won't be as stressful. With that, it would be just two adults. I know Disney advertises their adult offerings, but I was wondering if anyone could share their personal experiences? We enjoy Disney, but don't want to feel like we're in a Disney commercial. It probably won't make a difference, but we would love to go to either the Bahamas or Caribbean. Wouldn't rule out something in the Pacific Ocean too.

We've both been on a Disney cruise, but it was a long time ago so this would be a new kind of experience and I'm sure things have completely changed! Any comments would be great. Thank you!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are looking at taking a Disney Cruise. It wouldn't be for a few more years, as we want to save up some money, but we still want to have a general idea of where we want to go, what to expect, etc. so that when we have more serious conversations, planning won't be as stressful. With that, it would be just two adults. I know Disney advertises their adult offerings, but I was wondering if anyone could share their personal experiences? We enjoy Disney, but don't want to feel like we're in a Disney commercial. It probably won't make a difference, but we would love to go to either the Bahamas or Caribbean. Wouldn't rule out something in the Pacific Ocean too.

We've both been on a Disney cruise, but it was a long time ago so this would be a new kind of experience and I'm sure things have completely changed! Any comments would be great. Thank you!

Well, we've taken 12 DCL cruises as "adults only". The Disney themeing, while present, isn't that much in your face. You can choose to participate in "Disney stuff" or not.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have done 22 cruises and have been on all the ships but really like the fantasy and the magic. If you’re going to the Caribbean and you want 7 days or more then it would be on the Fantasy. We always take our disabled adult daughter and her friend and while our daughter still loves the characters and shows, it’s pretty much an adult cruise for us.

We have been to most of the ports and we actually use the ship as a floating resort so unless it is a new port, we rarely get off any more. We spend our days at the Cove pool which is 18 and over, work out, get coffee at the cove cafe, watch movies either on the big screen by the pool or inside. We love castaway cay and get a spot right by the beach and snorkel.

I think there is a lot for adults. The adult area at night has music, comedians, singers doing adult only shows, the Disney shows are so professional and well done that they appeal to all ages. On the longer cruises there tend to be more adult activities during the day while at sea. We did the transatlantic from Dover to NY a couple years ago. It was in September so there were a lot less children and more adult only couples. There were lots of adult activities like cooking classes and lectures. It was great fun and four straight days at sea which was fabulous.

We have also done the Mexican Rivera cruise which was fun. But we have been going to Puerta Valletta for several years now and don’t feel the need to cruise to Mexico any more.

We have done the Panama Canal cruise on another line, crystal, which is pretty much adult only. But I’d recommend that itinerary because going through the canal is fascinating.

My only other advice is to as long a cruise as you can. There tend to be fewer children. And by the time you go the new ships may be up and running,

 

[kiford]

We heading on our 11th DCL cruise in January. All cruises are adults, no kids. We have late dining - fewer children at that seating and in the early show since it's over the time when the early dining is. Do dinner in Palo, possibly brunch and both brunch and dinner at Remy if we're on the Fantasy or Dream. We spend a lot of leisure time in the Cove Cafe which is adults only as well as in the adult only pool area and hot tub. On the Fantasy we would spend time in Satellite Falls. Afternoon movies tend to be sparsely populated and fewer kids since they're often in the clubs. We go to the lounges. During the day they are open to kids but they're not of much interest to many so they tend to be frequented by adults mostly and after 8 pm (9 pm?) it's adults only. There are adult only activities, such as cooking demos and we'll do a variety of alcohol tastings. Sometimes there are adult only excursions although we tend to find this mostly on the European cruises. We spend time in the gym and in the spa. Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay if we get off for more than just lunch. Often we just do lunch and then go back to the ship which is quite empty; if on the Dream or Fantasy, it's a great time to do the Aquaduck. We book a verandah room so we do spend time there either watching movies or sitting outside and just watching the water.

 

[SnappySerape]

We are looking at taking a Disney Cruise. It wouldn't be for a few more years, as we want to save up some money, but we still want to have a general idea of where we want to go, what to expect, etc. so that when we have more serious conversations, planning won't be as stressful. With that, it would be just two adults. I know Disney advertises their adult offerings, but I was wondering if anyone could share their personal experiences? We enjoy Disney, but don't want to feel like we're in a Disney commercial. It probably won't make a difference, but we would love to go to either the Bahamas or Caribbean. Wouldn't rule out something in the Pacific Ocean too.

We've both been on a Disney cruise, but it was a long time ago so this would be a new kind of experience and I'm sure things have completely changed! Any comments would be great. Thank you!

It depends on what you enjoy doing! I'm a 31 year old male with no kids who has done a few Disney cruises so far. I don't really drink (maybe 1-2 drinks on a 7 nighter) or party but I thoroughly enjoy myself on the cruise! I'm also not a huge beach fan (having lived in FL my whole life) so having things on the ship is important to me. Here are a few things I've enjoyed on the cruises: origami, "Anyone Can Cook", character photos, towel folding, crafts, Disney trivia (even though I get my butt kicked usually!), karaoke, watching the children enjoy the lobby music, chatting with the cruise staff about where they've been or where they plan on going is great, alcohol tastings, enjoying a Disney movie on the Tunnel Vision in the evenings, most of the stage shows, and pin trading. I've been raised with Disney so it's really something I enjoy. Your mileage may vary with what you're ok jumping into. In general, the staff have always been courteous, professional and playful without really blowing pixie dust right in your eye.

I tend to avoid spa related things because they can sometimes be pushy when you attend but if you don't attend, there isn't much pushing at all.

Sometimes, there will be blocks of times when nothing may interest you. In those instances I might nap, read a book, or play a video game. If you make a friend or two during your trip, it's a great idea to bring a card game like Uno or small game like Catch Phrase to fill time. If you can't get the seating time you want or into a wine/alcohol tasting, try asking when you get on board, there'll sometimes be spots available.

If this is your first cruise, I would recommend a 4 or 5 day to really get a grasp on how it's going to fit for you. 3 days tend too feel TOO rushed (especially if you like it) and 7 days could feel like forever if you don't enjoy it. After that, if you like it, the sky's the limit! Good luck! These boards are filled with great folks with a lot of experience who can help!

 

[iloveeeyore]

DH and I (ages 55 and 52) are taking our first Disney Cruise ever in a few weeks! We chose the Fantasy 7 night to the Western Caribbean with Star Wars Day at Sea because we adore Disney AND Star Wars AND we really wanted to see Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. This particular itinerary checked all the boxes and we couldn't be more excited about it! If you're interested in the Pacific Ocean, check the schedule of the Wonder, which home ports at San Diego for part of the year. There's an itinerary to baja that really interests me and you can do 4, 5, 6 (maybe?) or 7 days I believe, though the 7 day sailings are really rare.

We have been reading some cruise reports on these boards and watching tons of YouTube vlogs that are making us fall in love with the ships and the cruise line. Definitely search for those, there's tons of info out there. I will be writing a detailed report here with photos when we return and will focus on the adult-only perspective. We have already lined up dinners in the specialty restaurants and a couples' spa treatment, and have plans to spend lots of time...well, virtually ALL our time in the adult lounges and pool areas. The excursions that we have planned are geared toward adults.

Note, DCL is really late at releasing their itineraries compared to most other lines. They only have their full schedule out through April 2021 maybe only a few sailings listed for May 2021. Based on previous years, the schedule will likely be extended around January-March. Just mentioning this because you said you're looking pretty far into the future. There will be a new ships coming too!

 

[Quellman]

There are kids only spaces, family spaces, and adult only spaces. I have cruised as part of each of those groups temming all the way from 1998 to last month! The only set of cruises that might be a bit more DIsney in your face would be the Marvel and Star Wars day at Sea cruises. Those have days devoted entirely to those movies and characters, meaning it will spill into other areas of the ship. You can still ignore a lot of it, but you pay a premium for those cruises despite their terrible months of departure.

 

[CamColt]

DH and I have taken 3 Disney cruises without our kids when they were younger. They have been on 19 Disney cruises with us and are now adults themselves who still like to cruise with us. We enjoy the adult time very much. We never felt like we were overrun with kids, in fact, sometimes it's fun to watch other kids being difficult when we knew ours were at home and we didn't have to deal with it. The adult areas were great to relax in during the day and the adult entertainment kept us busy at night, although we would like it to go a little later. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend an adult only Disney Cruise.

 

[Empress Room]

Our 26th Disney Adults Only cruise is coming up on January 19, and we cannot wait. DCL does adults only very well. Having been on all four ships, we prefer the Magic and the Wonder to the Dream and Fantasy, simply because of the smaller size, but any of the four will provide a great experience. Palo is a great adults only restaurant, as is Remy on the two larger ships. The adults only areas are just that, adults only. You will not feel out of place. You can interact and see children in public areas if you wish, and you can stick to the public areas that are 18 and over if you prefer. The Disney stage shows and entertainment really set them apart from other cruise lines, and the level of service and theming is unmatched. Go for at least 7 days, as the longer cruises tend to have even less little ones if that is what you are looking for.

 

[JM_97]

Thank you all so much! Definitely leaning toward a 7 night Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy (or whatever ship might be going there) if I had to decide today.

Another question — what is the nightlife like on board most ships? I really liked the pictures and info I saw about the adult entertainment on the Disney website and would definitely be interested in checking that out.

Also, (sorry for so many questions lol) but is there some sort of alcohol package? I know when I went on Norwegian a few years ago, you could pay upfront for your alcoholic beverages. If there isn't one I don't mind paying out of pocket, but was wondering because I couldn't find anything on the website.

 

[iloveeeyore]

We are accustomed to alcohol packages on other cruise lines and were disappointed to find that DCL doesn't offer one. They do offer wine packages (differing price levels) and beer packages (don't drink beer, can't give specifics), and their alcohol prices are VERY reasonable! They also have a drink of the day for under $6.00 including tip (but always something really sweet and sugary). Honestly with their prices being so low, we would probably do better just ordering a la carte than paying a high price for a package.

Also, you are allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine or 1 six pack of beer per adult, not per cabin, as many other lines allow.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

2 bottles of wine or 1 six pack of beer per adult,

Upon embarking and can refill this allowance at every port you visit. We've done 11 cruises with 3 more on the books and spent 60 days at sea while spending <$200 on booze as we bring it with us and pick up more in each port.

As far as not wanting to be in a Disney Commercial. I get it. While we enjoy the movies and watching the little ones squeal and run up to Cinderella, Belle...makes us smile; that's not our cup of tea. Totally OK. We avoid that scene quite easily and there's very little loss to our experience. At this point, DW & I are more excited about our cruises than the kids. Though, the European adventure upcoming has everyone whiskers twitching.

Anyway, the service, style and decor on the ships are astounding. That's what sold us and why we keep paying a premium for Disney Cruise Line

 

[Quellman]

Another question — what is the nightlife like on board most ships? I really liked the pictures and info I saw about the adult entertainment on the Disney website and would definitely be interested in checking that out.

On standard itineraries, expect most things to be winding down by 11pm most nights. Remember, most of the ship all have families (kids) on board. Those kids usually need sleep especially to keep up with excursions and all the fun they are having.
They do have some great fun games, like match you mate, adults trivia, etc. There are also adulter versions of some of the entertainers. Some cruises have musicless dance parties which seem to be a lot of fun as well. The lounges will usually have people just enjoying, so if you are chatty that can be a good place to hang out. There is usually also one dance type room with a DJ spinning music until 1am or so.

 

[fhtpdw20]

I do not drink any alcohol but my kids went with me on the last cruise. There are special priced "drink of the day", various tastings and Skyline Lounge offers a passport. I think it was 7 beverages for the price of six. You will get a little booklet with recipes for the signature beverage in each city in a foreign country portrayed in the lounge. Those cities are London, Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Budapest, Athens, and St Petersburg.

 

[DisMommyTX]

You can search for the daily Navigators people have posted online to get a sense of the various daily and evening activities. We are night owls and were bored on our Disney Magic cruise as there was very little open after 11pm, and the ship became a ghost town hours earlier than most other cruises. I have heard that the bigger ships have more nightlife, so I have high hopes for our upcoming Fantasy cruise. Fyi, we have found that NCL has the best live music (and usually free drinks and dining pkgs) for our adults only cruises.

 

[MrsDuck]

The majority of our cruises have been adults only! We've LOVED the adult offerings - Disney and non-Disney.

 

[mmmears]

We enjoy sailing DCL as an adult-only family (now) but prefer the cruises that go to what we think of as interesting destinations. I'm not sure we would book a Bahamas one again unless we find ourselves in Orlando.