single mom and son for West Coast Cruise?

[amykatmick]

I am considering booking a West Coast cruise for 2005. It would be just my son and myself - he will be 6.5 then. Will I be the only single parent on board? Will I be bored?

In your opinon, if you've done a Disney cruise, is it worth it for my son and myself? Is the social environment accepting for my situation?

Thanks in advance for your response!

Amy

 

[moocow35]

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[ValDisney]

I'm a single mom traving in dec w my 2 children. Do they sit single parents together? At the shows will I feel out of place if I am by myself?
Thanks

 

[jweiss]

I'm a single mom. this will be our third august cruising on the 7 day. the first year I went with my daughter, then age 11, and my mom. the second year I went alone with my daughter. this summer I will be traveling with my daughter, age 13, my neice age 12, and my three month old. I have never been made to feel at all uncomfortable. Last year they sat us at a table with a single dad cruising with his daughter. They do have a few get to gethers for people traveling alone or as single parents. I have never had time to attend, but I did meet several single parents last summer. I usually avoid formal night, because that tends to be more of a romantic night, the romantic pictures, etc. But that's my choice. I'm not the formal type anyway!!!!

 

[ValDisney]

When you boarded the ship did the crew ask where the father was or if you had permission to travel w the children alone. I am asking bc there is another tread about this. People are suggesting you need divorce papers or a letter form the father giving his permission.
Thanks

 

[jweiss]

No one ever asked, but she is adopted and I adpted her as a single parnet, so I am the only parent on her birth certificate. If I were you, I would DEFINITELY get a notarized letter from the father, as it is very possible you will run into troubles without one. For my baby, I'm taking all the legal papers with me, including the court order that says the judge knows we're traveling...... Would hate to not be able to board the ship!!!

 

[disneyjunkie]

I'm a single mom, my son and I will be taking our first cruise in April.


The only concern I have is what I'll do while we're at CC. I had my son look at the CC activities yesterday. He really wants to do the teen thing there, I think it's about four hours. I just can't imagine myself sitting on the beach doing nothing for that long.

Other than that I'm looking forward to the cruise. I'm sure my son will spend most of his time in the club, pool or arcade. I plan to spend a great deal of my time in the rainforest room.

 

[babybunrab]

O.K., I don't really know what I'm talking about, but it looked like there were lots of other excursions that are between 1 and 4 hours that you might like to do. If money is an issue, some are a lot less expensive than others (like renting a bike). That said:

The following may not apply to you, so please take it in the spirit in which it is intended.

It was hard for me at first when I was a single parent (for about 2.5 years) to go out and do things by myself because I was really shy--plus, I'd just been dumped by my husband, and if he didn't want to be around me, then who else would...

However, I discovered that I had an identity outside that of my role as "mom" and that people did want to be around me! Use this as an opportunity to let other people get to know you and to do something (like snorkeling or seeing the fish) that you may not get the chance to do again! It's hard to get out there, but you can do it!

End pep talk.

I hope you have a fabulous time

 

[carolsherman]

Ok I am not a single mom hubby refuses to fly but I always travel alone with my 2 kids you have no worries I met alot of alone parents traveling with the kids

 

[ValDisney]

What is the rainforest room?
Thanks

 

[invaderzim]

I am not a single Mom -- but I don't think there would be ANY better place for a single parent and child to travel and have fun then a Disney cruise. You can both be silly together, do activities together, but also there are things he can do while you do some "adult" activities (movies, spa, adult pool, bar lounges -- even bingo).

On all of our cruises, there are days when my husband stays in the room or up on deck to read, my DD goes off to the club and I go do my own thing. I've met some very nice people onboard and everyone is always willing to "show you the ropes".

You'll have a great time. I bet after this one, you'll book another one right away!

 

[jweiss]

i can't imagine being bored. i never get time to do all that i want. there are movies, bingo, adult education series/tours, etc. you can tour the bridge, the kitchen, etc.

 

[goofygal1975]

I'm a single mom, too, heading on our first cruise in may 2005. We are doing the 4 day first (just to see how my ds does). We hope to plan a 7 day cruise a year or so after that cruise!! I'm not too worried about being a single mom on the cruise. When my ds goes off to the clubs, i plan on going to the adult pool area and soaking up some sun, and reading!! Same on the beach, too! I may even get to catch a movie too!

I've done plenty of trips with just the two of us to Disney, and maybe thats why i'm not so concerned!

Enjoy your cruise!!!

 

[clh2]

Originally posted by ValDisney
I'm a single mom traving in dec w my 2 children. Do they sit single parents together? At the shows will I feel out of place if I am by myself?
Thanks

I can't answer your question about DCL seating single parents together.

However, my DH did not want to go to the show one night (actually it was "packing night") I sent DD down to get seats for her and me - and I did a little more packing. I don't recall what DH did that night - but the show was great! The shows are very much like a packed movie theater. Everyone is much more interested in finding good seats for their group of people - no one is pointing out who is single vs who isn't.

I also did the wine tasting class by myself - again something DH just wasn't interested in doing.

DH also did not spend the whole day outside at Castaway Cay - it just got too hot for him. So after lunch - he went back on the ship and caught a movie. DD and I were about the last ones back on the ship.

My advice - relax - and don't worry about what others are thinking.

 

[Rence]

Last December we went with a big family group. My sister was newly divorced. (Divorce was only final for a month).

After the trip was over she said that it was the absolutely perfect vacation for a single parent. There was so much to do with her girls as well as plenty that she could do on her own. While she was with other family members, she made it a point to go off and do things solo.

She expects that she will definately go again with just her and her daughters.

 

[moocow35]

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[amykatmick]

Thank you so much for all of the replies! It seems as though this will be a great getaway for us!

Amy