Disney Cruises

[gatordoc]

Have any childless seniors taken a DCL cruise over March breaks? We were invited to join some ABD friends on a March 2026 cruise (they are teachers). Just want to prepare for the volume of kids since we normally cruise when schools are in session.

We’ve done several. My observation (though YMMV) is that when there are more kids on the ship, the adult areas on the ship, on castaway, etc. are less crowded (more people doing family things). If the timing of second dining works for you, there are generally fewer kids there, and the same is true for the corresponding show. And most ports have adult-only shore excursions. Of course there will be parts of the ships with tons of kids, but honestly we don’t mind that as long as there are more quiet refuges available when we want that.

 

[Chirple]

We’ve done several. My observation (though YMMV) is that when there are more kids on the ship, the adult areas on the ship, on castaway, etc. are less crowded (more people doing family things). If the timing of second dining works for you, there are generally fewer kids there, and the same is true for the corresponding show. And most ports have adult-only shore excursions. Of course there will be parts of the ships with tons of kids, but honestly we don’t mind that as long as there are more quiet refuges available when we want that.

We are second seating people for every cruise; I agree with your statement. Good point about adult areas. When we were on the WBTA in 2017, it was the opposite. I ended up sitting by the family pool where it remained relatively empty.

 

[Deb]

Any thoughts on securing the best rates? I know DCL runs very expensive. Not interested in anything less than 5 nights and would prefer longer. Can travel at anytime and with short notice

 

[Chirple]

Any thoughts on securing the best rates? I know DCL runs very expensive. Not interested in anything less than 5 nights and would prefer longer. Can travel at anytime and with short notice

We book opening day for Platinum. There are other rates released closer to cruise dates, but I like to "set it and forget it".

 

[Deb]

We book opening day for Platinum. There are other rates released closer to cruise dates, but I like to "set it and forget it".

unless Platinum is "never cruised with DCL" that won't work for me.

 

[Chirple]

unless Platinum is "never cruised with DCL" that won't work for me.

If the cruise isn't during a school holiday time (summer, winter, fall/spring breaks), you probably won't see much change in pricing from opening day until discounted rates are released.

It might be beneficial to pick the itinerary you want during the next release and watch the pricing.

 

[WDWEPCOT]

I had a fabulous time going solo !!!! It was amazing !!! Highly recommend it!!!

 

[leggoons]

I am cruising on the Disney Magic out of Galveston this Sunday. It's a 5 nt cruise and my 1st as a solo after 16 previous Disney cruises with family. I really enjoyed my solo WDW vacation 2 years ago and I'm hoping I enjoy the solo cruise as much.

 

[Chirple]

I am cruising on the Disney Magic out of Galveston this Sunday. It's a 5 nt cruise and my 1st as a solo after 16 previous Disney cruises with family. I really enjoyed my solo WDW vacation 2 years ago and I'm hoping I enjoy the solo cruise as much.

I would love to do a solo cruise, but I would feel guilty leaving my husband at home because he loves cruises. I am overdue for a solo WDW trip; he enjoys the parks but not all day.

 

[Chirple]

We finished our cruise on the Treasure today, and it might be tied with the Magic for favorite out of the current sailing six. It was a western itinerary, but we only got off at Castaway (repeat ports for us).

The ship interior is stunning. I am a fan of rich jewel tones. The Haunted Mansion Parlor was very well done, and we hit it twice when it was not crowded. Lots of families onboard, but I noticed there were a large number of adults without children sailing. Since we aren't pool people, we didn't frequent any of the adults-only areas except lounges.

This is the light fixture in the Grand Hall/atrium. As I was waiting to enter Mickey's Mainsail on the first night, it changed color. I did not see it happen again the rest of the cruise.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My daughter & I are planning my Grandson's 1st Family Cruise in April. He will only be 2 yrs old, but we are excited just the same! I'm not sure if we are doing land or just Sea yet, but either way, it will be his 1st trip to Disney! This will be my 3rd time aboard DCL, Lucky you for going on #18!!

I realize it's very close to your cruise date now but 2 is a hard age to be on DCL imo. It's old enough to see the pools and want to go in them, but unless he's fully potty trained, he can't go in them. No pull ups. No swim diapers. They are also too young to go to the kids clubs. In your situation, if the parents have grandparents or extended family, they'd have some help watching the kids to be able to do some adult entertainment.
It is still a fun time but just know it gets a whole lot easier for parents and children once they're around 3-3.5.