Are my kids too old for a Disney Cruise?

[purfectlyweird]

I'm 25... I enjoyed the kids club at the open house hahaha. Don't get me started about the daycare. They'll be fine, especially since you guys are a Disney family.

Kids club fun by two 24yr olds lol
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[Tonka's Skipper]

There is plenty for all ages on DCL ceuises. Our kids when in thier teens always seemed to be.busy, making friends out side the.clubs.

AKK

 

[lisareneeo]

Thanks for your responses! My son will be home for Spring Break and we are going to discuss it then. Thanks everyone!!

 

[garrisonwa]

We are getting ready to leave this week (YEA!) for a Disney cruise but I am a little concerned about my 18 year old. The last we were on the ship, she and her sister (now 16) hung out all the time in the Vibe. They would go there every night after the shows while I hung out with the youngest one swimming and watching movies. I understand Disney is pretty strict about the age groups and that she will not be able to hang out in the Vibe this year. Does anyone have alternative suggestions for her (or them together?) We had such a great time last time and I hope this trip turns out to be just as memorable. Thanks!

 

[CableKC]

Just check them in at the Vibe and see how they like it. There were plenty of teens that were on the boat. If your 17 year old looks big enough...you can probably get away with sneaking him into Serenity Bay while going to the Adult sections of the boat. At worst, if they don't like the Vibe....I found that many of the teens simply liked to go and do their own thing while wandering the ship and/or Castaway Cay.

 

["Got Disney"]

My boys are 21 and 18....soon to be 19...we are heading out again in October.....we cruise every year or so since they were 2 and 5...last year at age 17 he was fine with the teens area as well as with the 18 -21 meet and greet, and activities they have laid out for them as well...and also at that age they can go into the adult clubs as well...just no drinking......there are lots of kids their ages on the ships....no worries at all...go and have a great time...don't pass it up......

 

[NZMUM]

We are getting ready to leave this week (YEA!) for a Disney cruise but I am a little concerned about my 18 year old. The last we were on the ship, she and her sister (now 16) hung out all the time in the Vibe. They would go there every night after the shows while I hung out with the youngest one swimming and watching movies. I understand Disney is pretty strict about the age groups and that she will not be able to hang out in the Vibe this year. Does anyone have alternative suggestions for her (or them together?) We had such a great time last time and I hope this trip turns out to be just as memorable. Thanks!

Our last cruise my daughter was 18 & my son 15. My DD went to the Club 18-21 meet on the first night and found some people that she met up with in the evenings in the clubs. She also met with another girl a couple times during the day just to chill.They had a lunch each day for that group, which she didn't go too since it was too close to breakfast lol, and a meet each evening in one of the clubs. During the day she enjoyed the adults pool area and Cove Cafe, and movies.
My DS went to Vibe and found a group that he hung out with. Had a great time and we barely saw him.
We went in January which I guess is not a peak cruising time for that age group. Both my kids had a great time. Because of their ages we didn't really notice the younger kids, since we were able to make more use of the adult areas than we have done before, and we didn't have to go near the kids clubs.

 

[Peggytc]

You can tell them I'm 32 and husband will turn 36 on our cruise in September! Disney dies a great job of appealing to kids and adults, the right amount of whimsy without feeling like its juvenile at all. If they are open minded they will love it!

 

[Garyjames220]

Hey

Me and my partner are going on the med cruise this month. Just a wee bit worried from what am reading here she can't drink at 20 years old ?

I thought you could in Europe ???

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Our kids never did out grow a DCL cruise.......they continue to go now as adult ages.

AKK

 

[Bruiserknits]

I am thinking about a 4 night Disney Cruise on the Dream over Thanksgiving 2015.
My kids will be 19 and 17. We are a "Disney" family and have been to WDW about 15 times. We have also been on a Disney Cruise (The Wonder) about 10 years ago.
My children have been very lucky and have also been on 2 other cruises (Royal Caribbean) with several families we are friends with. They have also been to a few all-inclusive vacations. Most recently, this past summer to Mexico (again with several families we are friends with) We went to Mexico celebrating 4 of the kids graduation from High School.
My son is away at college and Thanksgiving is probably the best time for us to go. My daughter will be a senior in high school. I was talking with my son today and "feeling him out" on the idea. I think he is most concerned as to what he will be doing at night. I did explain this is a trip to spend some quality family time and he is fine with that. I just don't want them to be the oldest kids on the ship with a bunch of younger children.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts/feedback from anyone who has traveled with children this age. I know my kids will enjoy a show or two but they are interested in what other activities are offered for people their age.
Thank you!!
Lisa

Actually you answered your own question when you said you were a Disney family. Have fun and remember Disney does a great job of entertaining at all ages.

 

[Garyjames220]

Really worrying now my partner can't get a drink

 

[Garyjames220]

???

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Can your family have a great time on a Disney cruise? Absolutely yes!

Could you family have a great time on another cruise line? I'm going to say yes to that too.

If it were me, I'd look at several lines/ships and find 3 cruises that would suit your timeframes and then go from there. I wouldn't just look at DCL based on your family's ages.

 

[gzmtlock]

I saw your thread on another forum, and I saw another poster make a point worth keeping in mind:

Your 17 year old won't be able to go to the 18-21 lounge (or any of the 18+ options such as gym, Palo/Remy, adult clubs, adult coffee shop etc--and reportedly enforcement is somewhat consistent, even if the 17yo in question is only days away from 18), but your 19 year old will. The 19 year old won't be able to go the 17yo's club. The split could be awkward.

This impacted our family. Kids are 20-months apart. They enjoy hanging out together when we vacation as a family. They both loved the kids/teen clubs when they were at that age. But when DS turned 18, we held off on family cruises until DD also passed that mark - at their request. It's different than when there were clubs for both; as PP said, the 18-21 year olds kinda have to make their own group - sometimes it gels nicely and there's a fair amount to do, sometimes not.

If your kids won't miss hanging out together, then it probably won't matter to your family. To ours - it did. (So rather than cruise, we got a villa over NYE, and they got to roam WDW together. So they really didn't give up much. . . )

 

[Garyjames220]

Hey

Me and my partner are going on the med cruise this month. Just a wee bit worried from what am reading here she can't drink at 20 years old ?

I thought you could in Europe ???

 

[NZMUM]

Hey

Me and my partner are going on the med cruise this month. Just a wee bit worried from what am reading here she can't drink at 20 years old ?

I thought you could in Europe ???

Hi. Found this on DCL's website:
"The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. is required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.

In recognition of the expectations of our multi-national guests, for roundtrip cruises departing from European countries, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21, a parent or guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) and/or ward(s) who is between the ages of 18 and 20, may sign a beverage consent form allowing the 18 to 20 year old to purchase alcoholic beverages while in their presence onboard. Parents or guardians may complete the beverage consent form in the Guest Ticket Booklet or inquire about the consent form at check-in. Please note: The 18 to 20 year old must comply with all laws and Disney Cruise Line policies related to the consumption and distribution of alcohol in Europe, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. This policy is subject to change without notice."

Hope this helps.