It's not for everyone!

[ThreeCircles]

Wow! Is my spelling poor or what?!

And, that water was cold!

I don't deny that Rwlyo's experiences are what matters the most to him. And, I wasn't arguing with his experiences by any means. But, I can't agree that DCL is "strictly for families."

Sure, the cruise line wants to attract the families, without a doubt, but I believe they also do a great job in attracting couples who do not have children.

 

[tammy bell]

We just got off of the 5/15 Magic and while it was extremely evident that there were A LOT of children, I never saw any of the kids running out of control. The kids were all acting appropriately and being supervised by their parents. As for the flash photography and video taping, we were at the 8:30 show and didn't see any of that. I do agree, however, that a Disney cruise is not for everyone. Nothing is good for everyone. We are all different. I'm sorry that your trip wasn't Magical, for us, it was the time of our lives.

 

[CamColt]

No flames here...everyone is entitled to their opinion and thats what these boards are all about. Thanks for sharing your experience.
However we felt the opposite. We first cruised with our kids and extended family. After that cruise, DH and I felt we missed out on so much of the adult stuff, we went back alone. That second trip was a totally different experience and almost better as we were much more relaxed not having to take care of 2 kids.
While we will be taking our kids on our next cruise, I would love to do it alone again. Other kids dont bother me, its my own that drive me nuts.

 

[ceejay13]

Thanks for a very interesting post. We, too, are DVCers and have booked one of the 14 day repositioning cruises for next year. It is my DH and another couple who have previously cruised with DCL. Although we have been on 5 cruises, none have been with DCL. We debated between this one and a 12 day Hawaii cruise on Celebrity but being the Disney couple we are we chose this unique Disney offering. I do appreciate everyone's views both positive and negative.

 

[msdis]

We are a childless couple and have done 2 DCL cruises and one non DCL. We loved DCL and will cruise again. DH is not a big kid fan and not a big entertainment fan. We get a cat 6 verandah room and he relaxes and sits in peace which is what he loves to do. I attend the shows and partake in whatever else I want. We spend lots of quiet moments alone together too, and love the food and dining experiences. We had kids at our tables and that was fine. I love kids as long as they are not too out of control. I think Disney does a great job of providing for adults only. If you expect that because there are special sections therefore the kids and all that goes with them disappears, that would be a false impression. I think though that some cruises have more kids than others and maybe that affected the atmosphere. Sorry you did not enjoy it. I agree too, that DCL is not for everyone. I guess if I opened my eyes I would see some of that too except having someone wait on me, no housework, no cooking, no dishes, eat what ever I want.......... Did I mention how good the food is? I guess being spoiled for a week and being away from work, the rest becomes a mirage.

 

[dianthus]

I asked my sister & BIL who have no kids to come on the 14 day FL to CA with us. They said NO WAY! They are so afraid it'll be 2 weeks of characters and whining kids everywhere. They took a cruise on Princess last August & said the characters would have made all the whining kids on their cruise at least a bit happier...

They appreciate the Disney quality, but have a low threshold for the Mouse thing. I appreciate their honesty, as they probably would be miserable. Then I would whine!! LOL! DCL is definitely not for them... They prefer Radisson or Oceania. Radisson is probably not the cruiseline for us, as we like a family atmosphere!

I can definitely see the OP's perspective!

 

[PizzieDuster]

Yeah, I can completely understand the O/P's view.

My DH and I were so excited to be able to have fun together while the kids where in their clubs - during the day or night - that sometimes we were so disappointed.

Wine tasting.... well, about 5 people fell asleep. I had pictured it would be a group of people, gathered around, talking, having fun, learning, tasting, etc. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. But hey, you get a pin at the end!

I can understand why people want the dueling pianos back! Diversions was a bore - unless there was a basketball game. I thought I had heard it was like a sports bar. Well, then they need a lot more screens and more activities.

Rockin D Bar was fun - when the live band was there. When that dance floor is hopping, it's soooo much fun! I felt like I was in high school again!

I remember a post some time back. Someone was disappointed about the activites on the last night. Something like - we went on a 7 day cruise and did not expect that the last night would not be included.

I thought about this poster after my DH and I dilligently packed up early and had all our luggage out and gleefully took off to enjoy one last night on the Magic. It was just DEAD! Like being at Disneyland 10 minutes to closing! All the chairs on deck 9 and 10 were being stacked up! You just felt like "doom morning" is just around the corner! No adult going away party, no adult dancing the last night party (at least the kids club do have a going away -sail away- see you next time get together). It felt like the staff had their day off before the new group of guest boarded the following morning. Where was everyone?

My DH had to wait 10 minutes for a bartender to find a wine glass that last evening. "Oh, let me try to go find one." Sorry, but a plastic cup with wine and ice wasn't going to cut it. Hey... my cruise was not over yet. Quit pushing me to end my vacation!

Yes, it's great for kids. But how many times do us adults have to dance to YMCA (the "Village People"? Even the show Hercules is more up to date!) Do the electric slide - listen to "I will survive" and Jon Bon whatever his name is. "Match your Mate". So predictable. Of course we participated in all that stuff but sometimes we were bored. Been there, seen that type of stuff. Until we got to watch a couple get very upset that they weren't picked for Match Your Mate. Now that spiced the evening up

As far as video cameras during the shows! I totally agree! How annoying is it to be in a dark theatre and someone pops up their camera and you try not to look at their screen and it totally distracts! And you just know someone is going to talk to them so you watch. And we did see CM's informing them that it was not allowed. And even THAT is a distraction. But I'd say the CM's were effective. THat and the fact that everyone is now WATCHING YOU! But that really did not in any way "ruin" our moment.

There are way too many positive experiences and we had a great time. But unlike last year, I walked right off the Magic and said good bye!



The excursions where heaven sent!

 

[rwlyo]

Sorry if I offended any of you. I was expressing what we experienced on our trip. It sounds like no one else experienced the same things we did. I will site a few examples of the "inconsiderate" folks overshadowing the 99.9 % who were the opposite.

Day 1 at Topsiders before our room was ready. Famlily at table next to ours, 3 young boys, mom and dad. Mom goes to get food for boys. Youngest (about 3) starts screaming very loudly in short bursts. He's not crying, or angry, in fact he's laughing between bursts. His father just stares out the window, never saying a word. Mom comes back with food. All is quiet for a few minutes. While dad continues to eat and stare out window, the same boy starts throwing ice across table at mom and laughing. She smiles and continues reading the Navigator, while some of the ice is hitting another table.

Day 2 or 3 in line to get a burger by the pool. a different little boy is swinging on the handrail that separates the line from the pool area. He is laughing and kicking 2 ladies in front of me. Dad is next to him drinking beer and talking to another gentleman, never saying a word to the boy. The ladies and I exchange glances and shake our heads.

I already mentioned the cameras and toys in the shows, but this was the kicker for me. The big last night show. We were in one of the last few rows. the show starts, the father and son in front of us start throwing popcorn at each other and laughing. The lady behind me starts singing a lulaby to her baby, who is cooing (I don't mind cooing babys at all). Then her and her husband start laughing at the cooing sounds and trying to get her to make more sounds. All of this while the performer is on stage! I looked at my wife, I said let's go. We went to our stateroom and packed to leave. There were hundreds of considerate people in that show, but they were all overshadowed by these morons. Evidently no one else experienced these things, and I'm glad. Every Disney vacation should be magical. Ours wasn't. This was just a report of some of the things that ruined it for us. Maybe some folks can read and learn how to be more considerate of others on the same trip, wanting the same magical experience.

Again, sorry if I upset anyone that thinks everything is wonderful on all Disney cruises.

 

[traycie2201]

No offense taken , the boards are here for us to all express our opinions and i've read reports from people on the same cruise with very different experiences, sorry it didnt live up to your expectations, the same things that annoyed you would probably annoy me but i'm a bit more vocal and would probably have said something to the offenders except for at topsiders where i'm wondering if the little boy had learning difficulties or adhd , as a mum i find it hard to believe they would ignore such behaviour if it wasn't something they've had to deal with before and know the best route to sort ?
Anyway thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[mmouse37]

You do not need to be sorry for anything...and I think this thread was very supportive of your experiences. I did not feel any negativity as I have seen in other threads....we all know everything onboard is not great all the time and unfortunately there are always going to be inconsiderate people onboard who are clueless to how their behavior is affecting others.

You have every right to expect a Magical vacation and I am sorry to you did not experience it. I do not think you upset anyone here.

MJ

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Originally posted by rwlyo
Maybe some folks can read and learn how to be more considerate of others on the same trip, wanting the same magical experience.

Unfortunately, those seem to be the people that never read these threads.

 

[natdencro]

Im also sorry that you didnt care much for your Disney cruise, but it sounds to me that it wasnt so much the children at fault - but the PARENTS. Yes, we too have experienced children misbehaving - especially in the dining rooms during dinner. Many parents let their children "play" in the aisles.............resulting in the poor Servers having to navigate their way through groups of kids while carrying 18 plates of dinners. However, the Head Server was summoned, and hey presto...............the kids were returned to their parents pretty smartish! Job done!

We have cruised 4 times on the Magic WITHOUT children, and loved every minute of it. Some parents think that going on holiday means NO RESPONSIBILITIES! However, if you choose to go on a family based ship, you will expect to have kids on board. Children= noise/crying/laughing/cooing/splashing/etc.,

We have always found PLENTY of things to do on board if you look for them, and CC bike ride was quiet and beautiful. Maybe Disney isnt for you, fair enough. By all means go on the cheaper cruises, but dont complain when you miss the fun of seeing little folks' faces when they spot Mickey and Co around the ship. Priceless! Nat

 

[invaderzim]

There have been some very valid and well thought out comments and suggestions here for both Disney Cruise lovers and the Disney Cruise naysayers.

For my two cents -- we are DCL devotees. As I have noted on previous threads, DH won't even consider another cruise line. I have always been happy with DCL, but last time offered to try another cruise line because I thought he might like that. He said no way -- stick with Disney.

My daughter was 15 the last time we went and spent 24/7 in the teen club. They did some great activities and adventures and she had a blast. My husband and I felt like we were really on an adult vacation -- late dining, clubbing, adult pool, midnight ship walks -- and never felt that there were tons of children under our feet. And both of those cruises were sold out. Plus, we really enjoyed just chilling on the verandah. Watching flying fish at 1 a.m. and seeing the distant lights of islands floating by in the privacy of our room with drinks in hand -- heaven on earth!

We had the occasional rude child -- who was accompanied by just as rude parents -- but they were ignorable and laughable.

You will find rudeness at the finest hotels or resorts -- and yes, even on Celebrity. But you have to learn to avoid it and just make the most of your time.

Hope your next cruise, whoever it is with, turns out to be more of what you were hoping for. Have fun....

 

[Muushka]

Again, rwlyo, I really appreciate honest opinions like the ones you expressed. Like I said, I was surprised that the kiddos didn't get under my nerves like I thought they would. We were just lucky.

In regard to the fact that it sounded like it was the parents fault and not the children's fault (from another poster), it does not matter which one is at fault, parents or children. Bottom line, it ruins the experience for those around children that are misbehaving.

 

[invaderzim]

That's why we think the additional $$ for a verandah is a no
brainer. It's priceless to have your own little haven to sit out on at night and get away from it all and still hear the ocean. The verandah is always our one big splurge.

 

[Ratt45]

DW and I do not have kids and we have had a GREAT time on both of our Disney cruises. The original poster picked Disney and HAD to have know what to expect. If you have EVER been to WDW or any other Disney park, there some extremely rude and misbehaved children that you will ever see. My belief is that Disney tried to recreate the Disney feel on the ship that is in the parks. Unfortunately, sometimes that means those children are part of the experience. If someone wants adult only activities and apparently no children, then DCL is not for them.

 

[BoardwalkBabe]

I think knowing ahead of time what it will be like to be on Disney cruise without having children of your own is really helpful.

We did the 7 day at the end of April and don't have kids. I was concerned about being trapped on a ship with a million screaming kids, but that really wasn't the case.

Our vacation style tends to be very relaxing, so we're not looking for things to do. We enjoyed the adult pool, did some excursions while at the various ports, played slug on the beach at CC, and really just enjoyed doing nothing. But that is our style!

We enjoyed being on the ship and not having to do much more than remember what time to be at dinner. On the last sea day, we did split up because I went to see one show and played bingo while DH soaked up the sun for one more day up at the pool before going to see a movie. That was it - the most activity filled day of the entire trip! <grins>

Yes, there were kids and they weren't always the best behaved kids, but we didn't purposely to where there would be a ton of kids either. We're not into the club scene, so the late dinner rotation followed by a leisurely walk around the ship or (in my case) a mad dash to Shutters to search for photos was fine for us (there were plenty of photos - I exceeded my package total).

Vacation expectations are different for everyone; we're the type who stays at a deluxe resort and then stays there because we enjoy the amenities the resort offers. Same goes for the cruise. We are hoping to do the 7 day eastern cruise next April and having an extra day at sea just means more "slug time" for us.

 

[cjsmith]

This has been a very interesting thread to follow. I LOVE DCL and loved all 4 of our cruises that we did. However, in October we're sailing with Princess our of San Juan since it's just my husband and I. (Of course the kids would kill us if we did Disney without them.) To be honest, I am alittle apprehensive about sailing with anyone else besides Disney, but I'm also really looking forward to the changes. I honestly don't think that Disney does do enough for adults. I do love Palo, the adult only pool, Beat Street, etc., but maybe because we did 4 cruises in 1.5 years, I felt that there weren't enough activites at night. The 70's dance night is fun, but it's the same every time you see it. Our friend who cam with us on one of our cruises were surprised at how quiet the bars are at night.
It will be very interesting to see the differences between the two cruise lines and our experience as a whole without having our kids traveling with us. I don't know if I would book another line with the kids though and will be back on a Disney cruises as soon as possible.

 

[OJulie67]

Our situation was a bit different than yours...But, still the same.

We had our 5 year old with us. However, she would not, for anything, come out of the clubs. So our 4 days on the Wonder were spent with DH and I stumbling around without kids for the first time in 5 years and wondering what the heck to do! After the first night, we could very quickly see that Disney was made for our kids...but not for us! All the brochures and videos made it sound like the nightlife was great for adults, even if your kids were in the clubs and that was just not the case. The shows are geared for families with small children, and the dance clubs and lounges are not our style. I think the most people I saw on the dancefloor was maybe 6 at a time.

Our days were full of relaxation, fun, sun and good times...our nights...well, they were simply...boring. We agree that Disney is a wonderful, great and beautiful ship...However, it is not for everyone. We are cruising again next spring, but this time we are going for a line that has some real nightlife!

 

[hayesktrm]

rwlyo, thanks again for the post. I hope Disney reads some of this and adds some more activities for adults. There were a lot of activities, but my DH and I aren't into the club or dancing scene, and we can catch a movie any time. We loved the shows, but they were definately family oriented. I think this was a great post so people without kids can judge for themselves if DCL is the right cruise for them.