Sailing without the kids

[myboysmom]

OK, I have just gotten this little idea in my head. 2006 will be our 20th Anniversary. We are starting to talk about what we should do. For our 10th we went to Hawaii and took #1 son who was 3 at the time. As my parents were along, we had a babysitter to allow us to go out a couple of nights. This time we think it should be just us.

DH would like an all-inclusive on a beach somewhere. I think a cruise would be so much fun. He is worried about sea-sickness. We own a boat and spend every nice day on it. We used to live by Lake Michigan and he never got sea sick. He didn't get sick on our whale watching excursions- even though we were holding the 3 year old over the side!

I am interested in the Disney line because we have the Disney Visa and we could earn points from now to then to put towards it. He seems to think it would be over run with children. What are your thoughts on this? I would imagine we would choose to go in Feb. or March.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Hygiene99]

Are there kids onboard.....

We have done 6 and have #7 booked u will not even notice the children if u do not want to..... Great time for all.. go have fun

 

[Disneymommie]

We did an Anniv. cruise in Aug. without our 3 kids. We choose Disney becase we knew what kind of quality and Magic Disney can do. I would have tryed Royal Caribbean but DH lives by Disney. We had NO problems at all with other children on the cruise. It was fun. We were able to do what we wanted, when we wanted without having to worry about where the kids were. The adult beach at Castaway Cay way the BEST experience. We saw more things there then when we snorkled in the snorkle area...sting rays, fish, starfish. It was just great.

When we went I brought Dramamine but did not need it. We could not eveb tell half the time if the boat was moving till we actually went out to deck to look. We lucked out with great wether and no rough seas. I say do the cruise. Then the next time bring the kids!

 

[figment52]

I am traveled with my niece and nephew and by myself. If you are with kids you see kids, if you are without kids you don't see them as much. The activities are segregated enough from those for kids and families and those without that it was never an issue for me. I thougt Disney did a great job of keeping like groups of travelers together.

I traveled with the kids the first week of March las t year and did not feel the ship was overrun with kids (in fact I hardly noticed them. My adult only trip was the third week of september and didn't notice a lot of kids then either.

I travelled DCL for similar reasons, Disney quality and values are more in tune with mine even without kids.

Happy planning.

 

[CamColt]

After going on a 3 day Disney Cruise with our kids and my whole family, DH and I went back 2 years later, alone(my 30th birthday gift). It was wonderful!
There are so many adult only places, and Disney does do a great job of keeping them adult only, unlike another cruise we went on for our honeymoon.
And in general other kids dont bother me, its my own that are work. So, just being away from them, where we could do what we wanted for once was a real vacation.
Obviously, I think you should go! Good luck convincing your DH.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

Don't let the idea of children be ANY EXCUSE to NOT go on a Disney boat.

Yes you will see some children, but there are plenty of people who go without any children. There are also enough adults-only places that if you want to avoid children you can.

 

[KeenHo]

My DW (Keenercam) and I have been on three cruises.

Our first, a trip alone (kids stayed at home) on the Celebrity Mercury (Western) was upscale and elegant. We were amongst the youngest age group on board. They had children on board too, but mostly kept them occupied away from the common areas. We had a great time.

Our second cruise was on the Magic (Eastern) and we traveled with our DD and DS. We traveled with friends and their two young children too. We also met some wonderful DIS'ers through this forum and had a great trip experience. It couldn't have been better, the recreation, night life, excursions and overall atmosphere of a Disney Cruise is by far a lot more fun than what Celebrity offered us. We think this is partly due to having the children and children's programs onboard.

The following year many of the Dis'ers we met on the family cruise were planning to go on the "new" western itinerary without the children. We jumped at the opportunity and had a wonderful time. As adults we enjoyed the adult pool. the adult beach at Castaway Cay, the evening entertainment offerings, Dueling Pianos, Sessions, Rock'in Bar D, Wine Tastings, etc. We dined at a table with close adult friends from the Eastern cruise (The Sowell's - Caroline & Mike) and another family (the Case family) with 2 children (boys). We had a great time interacting with the boys at dinner and seeing them throughout the cruise.

There are so many opportunities to be adults and to let yourself be a bit childish if you'd care to. Disney service, cleanliness and cast members make it worth every cent. Sea sickness wasn't an issue for me of for any member of the groups we've travelled with. If so, meds were taken on the trip as a precaution.

We loved the two Disney cruises so much, we booked our next cruise (the Western again) - while on board the Magic. We are sailing this July 17 on the Magic Western and taking our DD (15) and DS (11).

We loved the Western so much we have to take our children to see it and experience it. We are sailing with close friends with an infant and a 3 year old.

So, long story short - Go fot it! Going as adults without your children on a Disney Cruise is great! You won't be alone.

Good Luck,

Howard

 

[takemeaway]

In my opinion, if I did not have children, I would not cruise with Disney. I prefer to cruise a ship that probably has a few more things to do without the children in mind. I think it always pays to investigate, research and then decide what is most enticing to you.

Remember the dining rooms are louder because of the kids. The lobby can become chaotic when the characters come out to meet and sign autographs. And because it is a Disney cruise, you will probably see more kids running up and down the stairs. (Two of them were probably mine).

RCCL has a rock climbing wall, a casino, ice skating rink and more shopping on board. That is where I would be if only I could sell the children on ebay.

Just my opinion.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

I didn't think to mention that the percentage of children on board will depend upon when you sail.

We have usually sailed in October with relatively few children on board (kids are back in school). But one year, we managed to book over the Columbus Day holiday and noticed an increase in the number of children (3 day weekend, so kids did not have to be out of school as long).

So the percentage of kids changes based on when you sail.

 

[natdencro]

DH and I celebrated his 50th birthday on the Magic in Feb 03, and had a wonderful time! No children with us (except daughter - a Server). Plenty to do and see, and NEVER found other peoples' children to be a nuisance. I dont agree that Disney is just for famililes with children. We enjoyed seeing the kids' faces around the ship - smiling at all the characters, and joining in the fun. Yes, there is plenty of opportunity to escape the crowds if you so wish: Most of the noise seems to come from the pool areas, but hey - they were having fun! Plenty of time to sit quiet when we are old and grey! Oops, we ARE old ............. and grey!Pals went on an over 50 cruise, and HATED it................. way too quiet! Cant wait to see Mickey and pals in March! Nat