Is 11 too old for first Disney cruise?

[bayri]

I vote to ask for your daughter's opinion! Show her some videos of what's on board, or of other people's vlogs, and see how she reacts. I think the best case here would be to ask. My partner and I both just went on our first Disney cruise (28 and 25), and had a blast!

 

[Donna M]

On our first cruise, our son was 17 and enjoyed the trip.

 

[Snowwhyt]

I vote to ask for your daughter's opinion! Show her some videos of what's on board, or of other people's vlogs, and see how she reacts. I think the best case here would be to ask. My partner and I both just went on our first Disney cruise (28 and 25), and had a blast!

I don’t know that you can find videos on the trivia, bingo, silent disco, drawing class, towel class, art walk or cooking or so many other things offered on the ships, found on the navigator.
It’s like saying Magic Kingdom is a ride park just like 6 Flags. But if your only looking to scream your head off, and run from ride to ride, eat a quick burger at food court to get back in line, 6 Flags is your place. And that makes some people happy and that’s fine. I see the cruise as a way to try new things and new food. My daughter was a fussy eater until her cruise at age 11. I asked that she try adult plates instead of the child meals. I requested she smell the food, taste to see if it was what she expected. OMG is she a expensive restaurant diva now! She loves mushrooms, capers, salmon, stuffed ravioli, and fancy deserts.
I can’t see anyone picking the Magic or the Wonder on video’s because it would seem like after the water slide what was left to do? But the Navigator is where the activity can be found. Copies of prior navigator’s can be found online. And description of some events are there for clarification. Although activities in the clubs especially for 11 and up are harder to get info about. But they have several each day and tailor them to the kids they get per sailing.

 

[bayri]

I don’t know that you can find videos on the trivia, bingo, silent disco, drawing class, towel class, art walk or cooking or so many other things offered on the ships, found on the navigator.
It’s like saying Magic Kingdom is a ride park just like 6 Flags. But if your only looking to scream your head off, and run from ride to ride, eat a quick burger at food court to get back in line, 6 Flags is your place. And that makes some people happy and that’s fine. I see the cruise as a way to try new things and new food. My daughter was a fussy eater until her cruise at age 11. I asked that she try adult plates instead of the child meals. I requested she smell the food, taste to see if it was what she expected. OMG is she a expensive restaurant diva now! She loves mushrooms, capers, salmon, stuffed ravioli, and fancy deserts.
I can’t see anyone picking the Magic or the Wonder on video’s because it would seem like after the water slide what was left to do? But the Navigator is where the activity can be found. Copies of prior navigator’s can be found online. And description of some events are there for clarification. Although activities in the clubs especially for 11 and up are harder to get info about. But they have several each day and tailor them to the kids they get per sailing.

Even if you can't get videos of the specific activities, just the general air and excitement you see families and kids having could be helpful! So maybe OP asks their daughter if she's interested, or if she'd like to learn more about the ships and what's offered in general. But if the worry is if she's "too old" or worried about cost vs the experience the daughter gets out of it, the best bet is to ask the daughter what SHE wants to do or is excited over. That's all I was getting at. Does she want to see the characters and see Disney-themed stuff and have a low-stress way to try new foods? Or does she only want to sit by the pool all day and couldn't care less about characters and princesses and theming? If the trip is for the kid, find out what the kid would prefer to do.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Even if you can't get videos of the specific activities, just the general air and excitement you see families and kids having could be helpful! So maybe OP asks their daughter if she's interested, or if she'd like to learn more about the ships and what's offered in general. But if the worry is if she's "too old" or worried about cost vs the experience the daughter gets out of it, the best bet is to ask the daughter what SHE wants to do or is excited over. That's all I was getting at. Does she want to see the characters and see Disney-themed stuff and have a low-stress way to try new foods? Or does she only want to sit by the pool all day and couldn't care less about characters and princesses and theming? If the trip is for the kid, find out what the kid would prefer to do.

Still, things from the navigator are not represented in mainstream media. Sure you can see the pool, live and movie shows, characters and maybe that’s enough for her. But I’m still saying there’s more to Disney cruises then media offers when you consider entertainment.
What I’m trying to say is my 11 yr old daughter didn’t go to the clubs, and of 6 the cruises has only been in the water one time and never went back to the pools. I was terrified she would be so bored on her first trip because I could tell everything they offered(I watched as much as I could) was not her usual interests. But the items on the navigator filled the void that pools and kids clubs didn’t.
She used a highlighter in 3 colors on the navigator(mom dad her). Going to miss those.
I understand what you are saying about the ease to find what’s on the ship, just afraid the impression it leaves of activity options end with all those large group activities. I just wanted to give a broader picture for the people who don’t fit into the normal 24 pack of crayons.

 

[vertigo235]

What a silly question, no age is too old for a Disney Cruise.

 

[auntlynne]

I’ll address something you brought up - price!

If you or your daughter don’t need the Disney experience, consider another carrier.

Look at online videos and other sources to see what fits your vacation needs at this time.

Disney is deluxe pricing.

Yes, the stage shows are some of the best (if you like Disney). I like having an actual movie theater onboard (with the latest Disney movies).

But I find the crew and the food to be on par with other cruise lines. And I enjoy not having a casino (the smoking aspect - which may not be a consideration, as many ships are going to a no-smoking casino, anyway).

I’ve sailed 26 times-18 of them Disney, but am branching out to find what fits my current needs.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Our last was Royal Caribbean and needed to come back to Disney for cleaner adult shows. My daughter and my father walked out on 2 shows that were not very tasteful in comedy department. Same family members who refuse to take a picture with characters. I walk a fine line I tell you.

 

[Elsa75]

I’m sure this question has been asked a zillion different ways but please bear with me. And blame Covid

I planned a 2021 cruise when my daughter would have been 8 thinking it was the last year she would really be in to a Disney cruise.
None of us have cruised with Disney though we’ve done a few trips to DW and DL and had a blast.
However when Covid hit we of course cancelled our cruise (or maybe it cancelled on us) and so realistically fall of 2023 would be the earliest we can book another cruise. That would make our daughter 10…or 11 if we push to end of 2023 or later.
Should we just forget Disney cruise lines and opt for a less expensive cruise experience? Perhaps princess or carnival?
advice would be so welcome and appreciated!

NOT TOO LATE!!! We have been going at least annually since my son was 10 - he is now 20! This is still his favourite place in the whole world. We have had to reschedule his grad trip multiple times after he started university and - you guessed it - when offered a one week trip anywhere - ANYWHERE - in the world to celebrate his launch into manhood, he wanted a Disney cruise. It is never too late for a little Disney Magic in your life! No one does entertainment better - for adults, kids, teens...

 

[Elsa75]

NOT TOO LATE!!! We have been going at least annually since my son was 10 - he is now 20! This is still his favourite place in the whole world. We have had to reschedule his grad trip multiple times after he started university and - you guessed it - when offered a one week trip anywhere - ANYWHERE - in the world to celebrate his launch into manhood, he wanted a Disney cruise. It is never too late for a little Disney Magic in your life! No one does entertainment better - for adults, kids, teens...

I agree though, after reading a lot of other comments. It is VERY pricey. We have done other vacations and other cruises - but to be honest nothing else for us really compares. We justify the hefty price tag by knowing that the vacation will be top quality, with something for everyone. None of us are actually into "Disney" at all - of course we loved the movies etc when kids were little but we have never been to the parks/resorts. I like that this vacation is a "no-brainer". The ship is gorgeous, immaculate. The staff are exemplary. Food is fresh with a huge variety of choices. I can find plenty of space, peace, and quiet, when I want it. The kids are secure and have teen clubs, sports, kids areas, pools. But yes - it is a huge price tag.

 

[SunshineyDays]

I think 11 is a wonderful age for a first Disney Cruise. My DD was 17, DS was 9 and youngest DS was 7 on their first Disney Cruise and they all loved it. My kids love Disney and we’ve been to DW a lot. All three of them really enjoyed the cruise and at 22, 14 and 12 are pushing hard to go on another one. I’d say go - she’ll have a wonderful time.

 

[n2mm]

My granddaughters started cruising at 3 and 5. While things have changed over the years, they still enjoy it. Now at 17 and 15 (next month) they are very excited to get back onboard In THREE weeks from today. Like others, they’ve endured many canceled cruises, even last month they had to cancel because of C. The youngest always makes friends. The oldest will check out the vibe, but doesn't always connect with fellow teens. Last cruise she hung with us oldies or stayed to herself. This will be #9 for them. They are eager to get their platinum lanyards one day. Though they usually grab mine. They are also booked for September 2022 which hopefully gets them to #10 finally.

 

[Clojel]

I’m sure this question has been asked a zillion different ways but please bear with me. And blame Covid

I planned a 2021 cruise when my daughter would have been 8 thinking it was the last year she would really be in to a Disney cruise.
None of us have cruised with Disney though we’ve done a few trips to DW and DL and had a blast.
However when Covid hit we of course cancelled our cruise (or maybe it cancelled on us) and so realistically fall of 2023 would be the earliest we can book another cruise. That would make our daughter 10…or 11 if we push to end of 2023 or later.
Should we just forget Disney cruise lines and opt for a less expensive cruise experience? Perhaps princess or carnival?
advice would be so welcome and appreciated!

Okay...here's my take on this question...its obviously very kid dependent but I think the BIGGEST question you should ask yourself is whether your kid is the type that will take one look at Mickey in the atrium and say "ugh, this is a cruise for babies". Some kids, especially preteen age kids, are trying SO hard to be grown up that they are immediately turned off by anything that could possibly be "babyish".

If your DD isn't like that, then I would lean towards the "go for it" camp. We've cruised with DD 3 times (ages 7, 9 and 12) and we're going again - at her request - next February when she will be 13. She could care less about the "fab five" - though she does enjoy stumbling upon a random Peter Pan or Stitch every once in awhile. She would never wait in a line for a meet and greet, but she's not bothered by the "Disney" aspect in general. She LOVES DCL b/c she wants to eat fancier food at dinner, she wants to play bingo with her dad all afternoon, and ride the aquaduck with me first thing in the morning. And then in the evening, she wants to take off the the kids club/Edge and hang out with the friends she seems to make on every cruise. And, b/c she's a bit older, we can give her the freedom to kind of come and go as she pleases b/c the ships are relatively small compared to other cruise lines and she very quickly figured out her way to get from place to place.

Like others have said, I'd probably throw it out to your daughter and see what she's thinking...but I think as long as she's not going to just dismiss it on its face as "for babies"...you will both have a fabulous time .

 

[ilovebassets]

Definitely not too old, but in 2019 we took the kids on a RCCL mega ship, and my oldest did prefer that to DCL. This spring break, we are doing a mega ship again and over summer, a DCL cruise. My 9 and 11 year old will enjoy DCL but are more excited for the mega ship offerings. We want the young ones to experience DCL though like the big kids did.

 

[Jhondy]

I did my first disney cruise when I was 16 and didn’t care about Disney. I loved that cruise so much that it made me fall in love with Disney. We did a second disney cruise when I was 17. After that my family did some RCCL cruises. I’m now in mid 30’s and my favorite cruise memories are all DCL. I’m still Facebook friends with some of the kids I met on the DCL cruises. I’m very excited to start taking my daughter on DCL cruises!

 

[bbn1122]

My oldest turned 16 on his first Disney cruise and his most recent was January 2020. At 16, he had the perfect personality for the Teen Club. He had a blast, staying out till 2am. He meet so many friends, that he stayed in touch with for years after.

Meanwhile, my other sons were 10 and 12 on that first cruise. They stuck together and never really took to the Clubs. All kids are different. But my sons always had a blast on Disney cruises, if they were 10, 13, 17 or 20 or 26!

Our last family cruise in 2020 they were all Adults, so Palo, Bars, gym and adult pool were all available to them. We had a blast.🛳

 

[tj48103]

I’m sure this question has been asked a zillion different ways but please bear with me. And blame Covid

I planned a 2021 cruise when my daughter would have been 8 thinking it was the last year she would really be in to a Disney cruise.
None of us have cruised with Disney though we’ve done a few trips to DW and DL and had a blast.
However when Covid hit we of course cancelled our cruise (or maybe it cancelled on us) and so realistically fall of 2023 would be the earliest we can book another cruise. That would make our daughter 10…or 11 if we push to end of 2023 or later.
Should we just forget Disney cruise lines and opt for a less expensive cruise experience? Perhaps princess or carnival?
advice would be so welcome and appreciated!

My oldest son is 13, he still absolutely loves it.

 

[tlprice]

It definitely depends on your kid. On our 4th DCL cruise we had a boy (probably around age 9 or 10) at our table for dinner that HATED the Disney cruise. He was very sports and video game minded. There weren't enough sports for him on the ship and they had brought his video game system so he sat in the room and played video games all day. His mother realized a DCL cruise was a waste of money for them.

My daughter has been at 8, 9, 10 twice, 11 twice, 12 and will have just turned 15 on our next cruise. I'm wondering if she will still like it as much at 15 as she did before. Obviously there's a big gap between her being 12 and 15 thanks to Covid cancelling many of our cruises. We are thinking about branching out to other lines that are less expensive now that she is older. We'll see.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I was 32. So. No.

 

[Dug720]

There weren't enough sports for him on the ship

I'd think ANY cruise would not be a great choice for a kid who is uber into sports. Even the NCL ships with the go kart tracks only have so much. Cruises aren't really meant to be sports camps.