Early Risers

[vicarrieous]

What do early risers find to do on the ship with kids?

We did our first Disney cruise in 2018. While we enjoyed it, we quickly realized we are not on cruise time. Our kids get up early despite being on vacation and do not like to stay up late which cause a problem as we found most activities were held later in the day.

 

[Capitalangel]

My son and I have spent many mornings walking around an empty ship or getting food from room service and sitting in a hallway/ empty lounge. I wish they would have cartoons or something in the D Lounge for early birds

 

[71 Truck]

I like to take sunrise pictures. I also like to take pictures around the ship with no one in the background.

 

[tvguy]

If the weather is nice, there is nothing like being out on deck watching the waves and islands. We couldn't get our kids to bed before 1 am (Eastern) most nights as we are West coasters and 1 am is like 10 pm to our bodies. We spend a lot of time after midnight out on deck taking in everything.
But I would suggest finding a public area way from staterooms so you don't disturb those who are sleeping. On our Disney cruise, there were actually kids running and yelling in the halls at 5:45 am on a sea day. I found that very inconsiderate on the parents part.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I love the ship in the morning. Only a few people, myself and the crew. I usually go up to Satellite Falls, and the bow of the ship and look over the ocean (careful.... it gets ridiculously windy up there!!!), or Quiet Cove and grab myself a nice relaxing chair and read a book.

However, yes... early to rise, early to bed is a problem for me too since I do second seating, and that means I am eating at 9pm which is usually my bed time. Aren't you not supposed to go to sleep for an hour+ after you eat? Plus, events like Pirates Party are too much for me, so I often miss them as I am back in my cabin.

 

[Quellman]

The night before bring some golf clubs and balls into your room so you can start a round of minigolf already. But you are right, the ship is so quiet in the morning (pre 0900). Bringing some card games is nice. If you have young kids, toddler time is an ok activity and usually the nursery is open for those kids.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

My Husband works early and when we are cruising, he still follows a similar schedule. Usually hes up at the latest around 4 and goes to bed right after late dinner. I refuse to change to early dinner for many reasons including the fact that I always request a private table and have no desire to eat with so many children. Leave the early seating for them if they need it.

On both the Fantasy and the Magic he made friends with all the deckhands that were up cleaning and power washing. It was always funny because they got so excited to see him and always said hi.

He loves waking up early when the ship is quiet and he doesn't have to deal with so many people.

Traveling with kids, it might be a challenge with some of the later events (Pirate night, etc) but really its not a huge thing. Honestly I think it might actually play to your advantage in a lot of situations because other kids are still sleeping. I would walk by the pool when it opens and rarely are there kids there if you want to go for an early swim.