First time cruisers, adults only....what should we know?

[Suttonmama1]

I recommend trying a class if available. Towel folding was actually fun- even if I was terrible! It was mostly all adults and we laughed the entire time

 

[Sir William]

We didn't start cruising until our kids were in or out of college. Our first cruise was on Disney and we were impressed by how well Disney keeps the adult area free of kids. We've had a less positive experience on other cruise lines.

First, enjoy the adult areas but don't restrict yourself to them. Disney has the best kids programs afloat and most of the kids I've seen on board are happy, excited, and having a great time.

Lots of things to do. They'll be listed in the Navigator (daily schedule). Pick a few but don't overload your day. You can't do everything, so don't try. Save something for the next cruise. Do what you want to do, not what you've heard you should do. DW likes to spend her free time sitting by the adult pool. I prefer to spend my free time on our veranda. I like the shows, but she has seen them once and that is enough for her. We've enjoyed massages at the spa, and DW likes to spend time in the Rainforest Room, and she usually gets a treatment of some kind on each cruise.

She loves CC, but I merely tolerate it (not into beaches or pools). I'd prefer another day at sea, but I know CC is a highlight for most. We usually spend the day at Serenity Bay (adult beach), but twice we've moved to the family area because we had some cold winds that made SB uncomfortable.

We like the MDR menus as a rule. We've had bunch at Palo twice, and only now after 7 cruises are we're finally getting around to doing dinner there. I second the suggestion to try brunch and stay with the MDRs for dinner on your first cruise. In my opinion, Palo and/or Remy are not "must-do" activities. As an aside, overall we've had excellent tablemates in the MDR, and meeting them is actually one thing I look forward to.

Excursions: I think these are personal choices based on what you like to do, or not do. We usually do 1-2 excursions per cruise, and spend time wandering around the town we're docked at. Sometimes we've even done separate excursions. We don't cruise for the excursions, but for the cruise experience. If you're not sure about what to choose, do some online research about those that interest you. On your first cruise (and probably your second), take those offered by the cruise line. After you've a few under your belt, you might consider doing some independently.

 

[skiingwife]

My advice is based on our favorite things to do onboard -

Mixology class and, if you're up for it, tequila and margarita tasting or mojito tasting. Always fun.

A day at the Rainforest Room - so relaxing.

Hot stone massage - heavenly! You'll be so relaxed

Palo brunch - beautiful venue, great food.

70's and 80's music trivia, Pub Trivia, movie quotes trivia - all very fun. See the daily Navigator for times.

Lunch at Royal Court on the sea day - sure beats the crowds at Cabanas. It's more relaxing there.

Have a drink at Skyline bar - it's never very busy. Even if no one else is there, it's fun to talk to the bartender about their home country and life on the ship. The drinks are good and the skyline changes every 12 minutes.

Have a drink at Meridian bar - beautiful view from the back of the ship.

Take a walk on the deck 4 walking/jogging track. Then sit in the comfy deck chairs and enjoy the ocean view or take a nap.

Go to Evolution every night - this is the adult only nightclub. Always something fun going on here, except on pirate night.

Skip Nassau and enjoy your time on the shop. Get a massage, use the rainforest room, enjoy the pools, read a book, play putt putt golf, see a movie, play shuffleboard, ride the aqua duck. There's so much to do and you're paying a lot of money for the cruise - you'll enjoy a relaxing day onboard more than anything in Nassau.

 

[mevelandry]

My DH and I will be doing a 4-day on the Dream in February. It's our first time cruising and is our "test run". It's just us two as our kids are grown!

Questions:

What a must do's?
What should we definitely bring?
What can't we bring?
What excursions are recommended for adults?

Was looking at the Balmoral Private Island excursion while in the Bahamas. Any opinions on that? Probably wouldn't do the package with the lunch since I'm a horribly picky eater. How does that compare to the Atlantis excursion?

Also considering the Graycliff Escape Nassau. Anyone have any opinions on that excursion?

What are your recommendations on the Castaway Cay day? What about the Castaway Cay Sandbar Beach Adventure?

Anyone been to one of their spas?

We're not really excited about carting along suit coats, shoes and things like that so are wondering if dining at Palo would be a "must do" before we definitely decide.

TIA for any and all help and opinions!

On a 4 nights cruise, I would book Remy (best meals of my life, totally worth the splurge and wearing all the fancy clothes) on night 2 or 3 because it's usually the same MDR on those nights.

I would also book Palo brunch. Palo for dinner is great but the brunch is very special. We actually prefer Palo and Remy over Enchanted Garden and Animator's Palate (we loved Royal Palace) so we usually end up doing both services with Palo + Remy.

While it's an extra charge, we really enjoyed The Cove Café.

The bars are all nice and very different. If you like it you should find one that suits you.

We loved the mixology class. It was fun and the drinks were good. If you are interested in wine, the class is interesting too.

In Nassau, we like Blue Lagoon... Fun boat ride to get to the island and great island really. Otherwise we prefer staying on the ship.

The spa is nice. The rainforest spa pass are affordable and give you access to the showers, jacuzzis and warm chairs (and tea and infused fruits water).

On Castway Cay we just relax and enjoy Serenity Bay. It's nice and quiet. We enjoyed the bike ride as well.