Need advice for 1st DCL cruise

[jim61vik]

Hello all.

I have been watching DIS unplugged and the gang has really got me interested in trying my first DCL cruise, my 12 yr old daughter would love it. After hearing how Teresa and JL's kids really liked the clubs for kids I don't know if I'd even see my daughter for most of the trip.

We just came back from a 10 day WDW visit and had a wonderful time, but spent all of our time together.

I guess that very thing leads to my concern. I have just recently become a single dad. SO if my daughter loves this as much as I think she will (it would be great) but not sure what I'll do on my own. I know DCL is not a singles cruise kind of thing and to be honest I don't want it to be. But, I don't know if I really want to spend a lot of time on my own.

I'm sure my daughter and I will do some things together but is there really any adult activities I can do on my own or ways to spend time with other adults without seeming "creepy"? while she spends time in the kids club.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello all.

I have been watching DIS unplugged and the gang has really got me interested in trying my first DCL cruise, my 12 yr old daughter would love it. After hearing how Teresa and JL's kids really liked the clubs for kids I don't know if I'd even see my daughter for most of the trip.

We just came back from a 10 day WDW visit and had a wonderful time, but spent all of our time together.

I guess that very thing leads to my concern. I have just recently become a single dad. SO if my daughter loves this as much as I think she will (it would be great) but not sure what I'll do on my own. I know DCL is not a singles cruise kind of thing and to be honest I don't want it to be. But, I don't know if I really want to spend a lot of time on my own.

I'm sure my daughter and I will do some things together but is there really any adult activities I can do on my own or ways to spend time with other adults without seeming "creepy"? while she spends time in the kids club.

There are lots of adult activities. As well as "family" activities, which you can participate in, even as a single. There are single get togethers on different cruises (lunch with an officer, for example).

I'd suggest having a look here:
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/personal-navigators/
to check out past Navigators and see what sorts of activities are available and see if any of the interest you.

One note, not all kids like the clubs, so you may not be "on your own".

And, never underestimate the power of just sitting in a deck chair and watching the sea go by. It's supposed to be a vacation, not a "let's see how much we can cram into our trip" experience.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Hello all.

I have been watching DIS unplugged and the gang has really got me interested in trying my first DCL cruise, my 12 yr old daughter would love it. After hearing how Teresa and JL's kids really liked the clubs for kids I don't know if I'd even see my daughter for most of the trip.

We just came back from a 10 day WDW visit and had a wonderful time, but spent all of our time together.

I guess that very thing leads to my concern. I have just recently become a single dad. SO if my daughter loves this as much as I think she will (it would be great) but not sure what I'll do on my own. I know DCL is not a singles cruise kind of thing and to be honest I don't want it to be. But, I don't know if I really want to spend a lot of time on my own.

I'm sure my daughter and I will do some things together but is there really any adult activities I can do on my own or ways to spend time with other adults without seeming "creepy"? while she spends time in the kids club.

We've spent 17 days on 3 cruises, started when the kids were 10&11, last cruise they were 13&14 and in 3 weeks will be boarding again, they're now 14&15. They've spent about a total of 3 hours in the clubs. We do lots and lots of family stuff, trivia, towel folding, dessert making, bingo, arts and crafts, etc. but there are also times when I just hang out by myself watching the water on a lounge chair. I don't think you'll seem weird at all doing stuff by yourself but there's also a great chance for some father/daughter bonding. The best part is you can unplug from technology and enjoy time together. Book it and enjoy your time together, you won't regret it.

 

[clten]

I think cruising is a great vacation because everyone in the family gets to choose which activities they will enjoy doing -- kids in the club or with other family members at game shows, crafting or watching movies. Adults have a wide choice too. Since families often are running in different directions, no one would look at you twice showing up for an event by yourself (how do they know you are traveling alone, as a single dad or if the family is napping or doing something else?) I also find people on cruises are more apt to strike up conversations with strangers (we're all one big community for however long you are on the cruise!) So you may just find some cruise friends yourself to go to some activities with.

So if your daughter enjoys the clubs, find activities you will enjoy or just enjoy the relaxation on the sea. If she doesn't enjoy the clubs, there are plenty of family activities to keep you both busy as you want to be.

 

[gismo1554]

I travel solo on DCL and really enjoy it! Spent last years WBTA mainly doing Family style activities and never once felt out of place. Seriously you will have a great time! There are lots of great adult/family activities and people are so friendly you will not feel out of place. People will chat and you will definitely make friends quickly. Look at past navigators as suggested to find the types of things involved. Also they do have single lunches so if you want to dine with others you can and coffee mingles.