It's not for everyone!

[rwlyo]

My wife and I have just returned from the May 15th, 7-Day Eastern Cruise on Magic. We have always enjoyed Disney. We are satisfied members of the Disney Vacation Club. We decided that there would be no better way to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, than a Disney Cruise. I will start off with praises on the ship, crew, and food. All were what we would expect from Disney, outstanding. However, we will not ever book a cruise on Disney again. The cruise is strictly for families, and should be advertised as such.

We had the late dinner seating, to avoid the number of children in the dining rooms, as well as the shows. The shows start with an announcement about no video taping, or flash photography of the show. If Disney is going to make a rule, ENFORCE IT! In every show, we had people video taping in front of us, as well as taking flash pictures. There's nothing more annoying than trying to watch a show, while having someone's video camera viewfinder shining in your eyes, or their camera flash going off. There were also children playing with toys that had spinning lights on them. Where are the considerate parents? There should have been a show time for adults only.

There was a photographer taking pictures at the 2 family pools, but none at the adult pool! There was a photographer at the family beach, but none at the adult beach! The food served at the adult beach was different than served at the family beach. Everything about Castaway Cay was geared for family( i.e. children). When we wanted to listen to the band at the Promenade Lounge after dinner, it was packed with children jumping up and down on the dance floor, and the parents video taping them. I probably would have been doing the same thing with my girls when they were young. But as a couple, we didn't enjoy ourselves at all.

We have enjoyed many wonderful trips to Disney World, as a family, and with just my wife and I. We realize that the family is Disney's focus, and it's appreciated. But the cruise is really focused for families. Maybe they could schedule a separate cruise for adults only, but I don't forsee that happening. I thought maybe it was just the way we were looking at things until we spoke with other couples. It was pretty much a general opinion (of the ones I spoke with) that couples without children on board are the forgotten passengers. And although most of the parents were very considerate of others, the few who allowed their children to behave in any way they wanted, overshadowed you.

I know I'm a flame target, but the Disney cruise isn't for everyone.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

You won't get flamed here. I will be traveling with my family on our first Disney Cruise, also a Vacation Club Member. Honestly, after reading alot on these boards, the cruise scares me!!! We originally booked the 7 day, I cut it down to a 3 night. Why, for the reasons you noted. KIDS GONE WILD!! Now before I get flamed, I have 2 kids, I know how they can get, but when you throw hundreds of kids together, all it takes is a few parents who do nothing to control their kids to ruin a good time. I would assume at the shows the kids should be sitting and watching, kind of like going to a play. Do they sell the light up whirly things at the shows, or are parents just allowing the kids to bring them in. Sorry you didn't have a good time. I'll report back in August after our cruise! Why doesn't Disney inforce the no videotaping or picture taking. I'm surprised there even allowed in the theatre.

 

[Hygiene99]

That is your Opinion , And You are Entitled to it..

However on the 6 cruises we have Been on With No Children
We dont Feel That way ... At All......

We have Been able To Go and Enjoy ourself's each and every cruise ....

And Maybe u should just try another cruise line..

if u wanted a Photo At the adult Pool Did u ask ????
Im Sure they would have been able to help u out..

However I dont see a Large need for That...

And You are Right Disney Cruise is not For Everyone....

Peter

 

[Desert Disney]

Your experience is your perception and perception is truth in the eye of the beholder, no one should try to convince you otherwise on here or anywhere else.

For someone to book a disney cruise and think that it is as much a non-family cruise as any other line - that would be incredibly naive.

While non-children cruisers can have fun at Disneyland or any other Disney environment it is blatant that Disney targets the family cruisers.

I am sorry you did not enjoy your cruise, but to be honest I think it is very obvious the target audience that Disney has.

 

[CAMICKEY]

rwlyo - We actually had our picture taken at the adult pool for our May 8th Western (did not buy it but it still was taken). I respect your opinion and agree that a Disney cruise is more tailored to families but I also feel that there are plenty of things to do if your children are not there. Our DS6 spent about 30 hours in the Kids clubs (his choice) and my DW and I never ran out of things to do. - Mike

 

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by rwlyo
The shows start with an announcement about no video taping, or flash photography of the show.

Is it no video taping? Or is it "no video taping with external lighting?"

I see ppl videotaping and my only tought is "it won't do it justice."

 

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by CAMICKEY
We actually had our picture taken at the adult pool for our May 8th Western (did not buy it but it still was taken).

CAMICKEY--We actually had our picture taken at the Goofy pool on our May 8th Western (just dh and I--kids were swimming)

Shortly after that the Shutters photographer fell into the pool, camera and all, going completely underwater! Our picture never did make it on the racks at Shutters!!

 

[DrCavin]

We were on this cruise as well. I think the gift shop sells the toys your are describing, just outside the theater. We went to the 8:30 shows & did not notice the problems you had. Only show I really saw video cams & photos was the kids program on Friday & they did not make the announcement for that show. Probably depends on who is sitting around you.

We only saw photographers on the 1st day & at CC doing candid shots, only saw them with the characters the rest of the week. When we went to the adult beach, I would say only about 20 people were there, so that is probably why they don't send someone down. They were only on the family beach in the morning and did not see them the rest of the day.

I think there were 2650 people on board with 970 kids, not a good ratio if you are looking for "adult only" activies. I was getting worried after reading a few posts before we cruised that I was going to be in trapped on "Kids Gone Wild" cruise, but I never felt overwhelmed by kids. Guess we avoided the rowdy kids

 

[izzinmac]

Without flaming rwylo, we have just the opposite feelings about DCL for adults. I think a lot depends on expectations before boarding, and some luck finding the activities you like without kids. We have been in both situations - DCL cruises with kids, and DCL cruises with adults only. While we love our grandkids - the cruise is much more enjoyable without kids. Disney certainly focuses on families- and thats where the crowds are!! That's why we love the adult pool and the enforced 18 or older only, the rainforest, Palo, and other adult only venues (Beat Street at night). We don't even go to serenity bay on CC, just go to the far end of the family beach past heads up bar, and it is usually empty. We stay away from Promenade Lounge and Studio Sea because it is open to families. We've never experience the photo/video issue in the shows (except for the occasional fool who can't follow rules!!). Regarding shutter photogs - I am trying to avoid them anyway, so not seeing them at the adult pool is a plus for me. Once again, our expectations are what determines our satisfaction - we are looking for peace and quiet and lots of Verandah time! We think DCL does it best because they separate adults only from families. Rwylo, I would'nt give up - your next experience might be better.

 

[FLGalInTN]

I agree wholeheartedly that a Disney cruise is not for everyone. If I had my druthers, I'd be sailing on Celebrity to Bermuda. But, as DH and I want this to be a fun, memorable vacation for the family, we chose DCL. I think they know their niche market quite well. IMHO, one would probably have to be a big Mickey fan to enjoy a Disney cruise sans children (I don't know for sure, our cruise in August will be our first on DCL and our first with kids). I'm sorry your cruise experience was not what you expected. Next time, you might want to consider Celebrity. It might be more to your liking.

 

[Greysword]

As a cruiser to be, I will take this point of view in my input

I think rwlyo has some good points that have been reiterated by several posters (like Hydster (Heidi) after her cruise.

The literature and advertisements from DCL is that adults will be able to have as much fun (in the least) as kids will on their cruises. They seem to try and go out of their way to attempt this with the larger adults pool, private beach, seperate adults area, etc. I am sure they do a splendid job, for the most part. This sets a high expectation just from the brochure, paper or video (Thank goodness for DISers to tell us about reality ).

There sounds to be a pervasive problem with inconsiderate guests, however. In several posts people have mentioned kids running around unsupervised playing with the elevators, parents exploding on CMs that try to keep kids out of the adult areas, chair and hammok(sp?) hogs, reserving of seats for their entire party in the theaters, hacking illness (and Heidi's drug lady) in public areas, and others I can't be specific about from the top of my head.

Although many adult couples that sail DCL can overlook things the kids do, it is the lack of responsibility on the part of the parent that seems to make DCL a poor place for some DISers. Rwlyo even says that many children behaved well, and the credit is to the parents. I take this (and many other threads) to mean that irresposible parents, which let their children run wild, is a potential problem on DCL, and I for one will be bracing myself to face this inevitable reality.

Me first seems to be the new American way...

Just my thoughts on the post, and it is important to note that the OP did say they probably won't be cruising DCL again so I think we can hold on the "go somewhere else" comments . Oh, and thank you rwlyo for your candid and useful remarks!

 

[SueEllen]

I have to agree with Izzinmac. I was also on the May 15th cruise and this was our first cruise WITHOUT the kids.

Of course everyone will have a different experience, however we do not go to the Promenade Lounge or Studio Sea for the reasons listed above. We stick with the adult only venues in the Beat Street area. Also we love that there is an adult only pool, coffee bar, restaurant, beach and more. While there are a lot of kids on board, we were not exposed to a bunch of "monsters" last week. In fact it was just the opposite.

No, we didn't get many candid shots by the Shutters staff, but that was probably a good thing. In fact, even on the last cruise we took with the kids we didn't get many of the candid shots, mostly the posed ones with the characters. It saved me money by not having so many pictures taken.

You are correct, it is not for everyone. My parents would not have enjoyed it, but we certainly did.

I hope your next cruise is better.

Sue Ellen

 

[FLGalInTN]

Good post Greysword. It got me to thinking. I always assumed that the adults-only areas of the cruise ship were to allow parents to get a bit of a break from their kids. That's what I hope to use them for at any rate!

Your comments regarding children being allowed to run wild are so true. As a parent I consider it my responsibility to ensure that my child behaves in a civilized manner. I know kids will be kids, but parents must be parents as well.

 

[hayesktrm]

I agree with you--there isn't as much on Disney for adults as the other cruise lines. If it weren't for the kids, we wouldn't be paying more than 50% more to go on another Disney cruise. Personally, my DH and I had more fun on our 3 day Carnival cruise than our 4 day Disney cruise--but the kids had such a wonderful time it was totally worth it. Also, Castaway Cay was such a blast (that made our trip). We did go to the adult beach for awhile and there was hardly anyone there. They do try to add things just for adults. As for the candid shots--we didn't have any! I couldn't believe it--on other non-Disney cruises, we couldn't get the photographers away from us. This past cruise, except for coming on board, we didn't have any other pictures that we didn't wait in line for (and we had kids with us). Good comments and be happy that you can go on other cruise lines--it will save you a bunch of money

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

My husband and I just took our first Disney Cruise (the Western on May 8) and we absolutely loved it! We don't have kids - in fact I don't particularly like kids - and I was worried going on a Disney cruise. However, with the adult pool, Beat Street and all the other adult's only offerings, I feel like I barely even saw any kids. We thought it was heavenly and I would probably only cruise with Disney in the future!

I agree that they didn't take as many pictures of adults, but at $10 a shot, I'm ok with that! We were a little upset when we found out that we missed an awesome buffet on Castaway Cay (we ate in the adult area as well) but hey, nothing is ever perfect.

We would definitely recommend the Disney Cruise to our childless friends!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by rwlyo
The cruise is strictly for families, and should be advertised as such.

I would have to disagree. I'm 28 and my boyfriend is 27 and we've cruised with Disney Cruise Line five times and have three additional cruises booked. I would have to say that it's by far the most enjoyable vacation I've ever taken. We have never been in the situation of saying, "Hmmm... I'm board. There's not really anything to do!" while on the Disney Magic. In fact, in five cruises we're still finding new things to do on each sailing.

So, to say that DCL is "only" for families probably doesn't live up to reality. However, I would agree with you that it's not for everyone. I mean, what is?

 

[rwcmath]

DH and I are going to try one, but we decided on the 3 night just in case!

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Originally post by ThreeCircles
"Hmmm... I'm board."

Yeah, we heard you guys could be a little stiff til you got some drinks in you. And you didn't hear rwlyo complaining the water was too cold.
But you have to agree, Disney is marketing 'the family'. It cost the family a lot more to stay at WDW or to go on a DCL trip than it does a couple. And Mikey E. definitely like us spending as much as we possibly can.
So rwlyo didn't like his cruise, it was his vacation so his opinion is the only one that counts. So he won't cruise with DCL again, probably the best for him. Atleast he is basing his decision on first-hand experience.

 

[Muushka]

I will say it again, thank you rwlyo (and everyone elso who does this) for your honest observations. What you observed may not be what someone else experiences, but it does prepare people for less than perfect vacations, and lowers expectations. That is a good thing, I believe.

I posted after our cruise (kidless) that we were very happy with the adult oriented areas. Trust me, kiddos can easily irritate us, but we were lucky I guess that we were not exposed to large numbers of rowdy kiddos. No problem at dinner, and I don't remember any problem at the shows. One area that we did have a problem with was at the movies. But we found if we sat in the back in the folding chairs our exposure to kid-related problems (crying, talking...) were at a minimal. We took the stairs a lot, but when we did use the elevator, we didn't even have one kid push any unnecessary buttons or anything.

I guess Someone above figured 20 to 30 foot seas and whole gale winds were enough for us to deal with .

 

[courtney]

good thread, thanks for the perspective...

I went into my first DCL trip with no real expectations, and was impressed with the complete experience. There seemed to be a lot of things to do for all ages, and we were never bored, with our without kids. Even just relaxing doing nothing in particular was great.

I'll admit, I'm not a Disney-holic (shh, don't flame me, hee!), but DCL truly did impress me. I've been making glowing recommendations to both singles and families.

I do agree that some people need to use some discretion with their cameras... I have a camcorder that I used during some of the stage shows (since my niece would eat it up once we got home), but I did not use the flip-out LCD. We didn't use any strobe on our cameras, and tried to be very discreet. I think it's a matter of people not really knowing the proper ettiquite to use with these technologies.

Anyway. Off the soapbox with me.