Single parent concerns

[forest]

Hi all. I am recently divorced with a 15 yr. old DD, 12 yr. old DD and 9 yr old DS. Am interested in booking a DC next year and taking the kids. Have been to WDW many times with them, with ex - once on my own. I wasn't sure how "comfortable" I would be as an "only" adult, shows, dinner, sunbathing, etc. Any one have experience with this? Suggestions for room cat, etc. This is VERY new to me and I am not sure what to book! Thanks for any advice, tips, hints. etc.

Maureen

 

[Francisca64]

I'll be heading out on my own in Sept with my two, 7 & 12 and I've received some great support from this board about the same concerns. I know that there will be other singles on board the same time and we have chatted together already. We'll be booking a night at Palos. I also believe that DCL will seat you with similiar guests during dinner, possibly another single parent.

If you'd like some companionship ask a friend or family member to join you or let me know. I'm planning to do another cruise next year, I'd be glad to hook up if the dates work out. My mum is going with me on another one this year, sans children.

I thought since the kids haven't been on a cruise since they were very small I'd start them out on a four day, see how everything goes. I've booked a cat. 11 and feel that will be just fine for us.

As far as shows, probably your kids will be with you and when they are not with you simply enjoy a lovely drink by the pool, relax in the Rainforest room at the spa or stroll deck four.

A bit of courage and self confidence and you'll have a lovely time.

 

[professorandmom]

Just came back from a great 4 day two weeks ago. There is no doubt the boat is filled with couples. That said, there are lots of chances to meet other single parents (and there are some). I was very blessed to meet another single mom on the boards and went to Palo, etc.

Besides the companionship issue, might I suggest this was the best vacation my kids and I ever had. Finally, I had a great time - so many times before we have gone to Disney and other kid places. While fun, it was mostly for the kids. The cruise gives single parents the break I craved - kids well occupied (had to drag them from the clubs at 1 am!) and time FOR ME!

By the way, I found the veranda well worth the money - mainly because I enjoyed a drink and the cheese tray out of doors but without being surrounded by others....I booked early and the cost wasn't too much more. The kids really didn't use it so it really was just for me.

Good luck,
Barbara

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Maureen.

I wasn't sure how "comfortable" I would be as an "only" adult, shows, dinner, sunbathing, etc. Any one have experience with this?

I am a single parent and have been raising my son solo since before he was 2. The dear lad just turned 10.

Our first cruise was August of last year on the Magic. My son didn't care for the Oceaneers Lab so he spent most of his time with me. We had a blast. It was enjoyable being together without the responsibilities inherent in single-parenting at home. I was mildly amused by other "intact" families with "dad" talking through gritted teeth and "mom" exasperated at dh's gritting and the kids drained from the excesses of cruising. Single parents and their child(ren) somehow seem to handle relaxation better. (This is my perception only, folks. Not fact).

Spouses, my dear Maureen, can be highly overrated. I believe you'll find the evening shows very entertaining for you AND the kids. If you have conversational tablemates, dinner will be an absolute joy. As far as sunbathing is concerned, I would think it more relaxing without a spouse - unless your ex is someone who would massage your back and feet without expecting an immediate "favor" and was willing to take it upon themself to check up on the children and on the way back bring you a refreshingly cold drink without ever losing the smile on his face... inotherwords, someone like me. lol.

During the day there are so many activities to choose from that more than likely you'll decide you need another cruise to try those things you missed the first time. At night time there are ample adult activities for your enjoyment if your kids are comfortable in the Clubs. If not, there are also plenty of family activities each night.

The only way you can really "lose," Maureen, is to allow your uncertainty of being comfortable as a cruising single parent take control of you and your family's choices. Your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner...

 

[forest]

Francisca, Barbara & Buckaroo's Dad-
Thanks for your help, concern and comments. I am going to research for next April, I am a teacher so it has to be Xmas, Feb. , April or summer! Your advice is wonderful. I am not shy or too reserved, but curious if I would stand out. Sounds like we'll be OK.

Buckaroo's Dad - Do you know my ex? The "favor" thing is funny. Actually to ex is a good guy who made decisions (quite a few) when we were married. But, he was never fun to travel with -too stressed. My kids and I do better alone!!

Barbara - love the tip about the veranda - I know I would love it!!!

Francisca - when do you usually travel? we have never cruised before, the ex hates boats!! For years I tried to convince him that this is not a "boat", to no avail. My luck, his loss. The kids and I will do it alone, just like everything else ! Let me know how Sept goes - I will be slaving in the classroom!

Maureen

again thanks for all the help to all of you, you were very convincing!

 

[CarolAnnC]

I am a widow and I have enjoyed cruising with my two teen daughters several times. The girls have always made friends and gone off much of the time with new found friends. I, on the other hand, enjoyed some peace and quiet time! LOL!

The spa is a great place to relax and I always go for a manicure and pedicure while on board.. Often times I can be found in the internet cafe, lol. Wonder why? hmmmmm.

I do enjoy a verandah room, if only for the fact that I can relax and read while having my own little space.. Love having continental breakfast there in the early mornings, too.

We have had wonderful tablemates at dinner, and the girls and I enjoyed making new friends there too. All in all, I would highly recommend a Disney Cruise for a single parent. Enjoy!!

 

[floridaminnie]

I'm aslo a single mother. My parents always tag along, but I love the time that I am able to have to myself while on the ship. DD loves the club (I literally have to drag her out). It is nice to sit by the pool with a drink without hearing "Mommy! Mommy!" I've done several of the "adult" entertainment by myself without feeling out of place. I even went to this one group event game by myself and they just paired me up with a group. I'm also a teacher, but I head back to work this WED! Ah! AT least DD goes back to school tomorow. Two days to myself. Too bad I have cleaning to do!

 

[kjcolv]

Hey Maureen and Hey Barb

Professorandmom and I enjoyed our cruise together. Her first, our second. My children are the exact same ages as your except I have all boys. I have posted before that I feel like an advocate for single parents vacationing with children. I've been doing this single parent vacation thing for 7 years now. We have had great and not so good experiences. The DCL ranks up there with the very best. I recall my fear the first few trips, DCL really takes care of all the planning for you and makes it very easy. All you have to do is decide which of the many things you want to do. As far as feeling comfortable, you will find every variation of family on board, single moms, single dads, grandparents raising their children, gay couples, happy couples and as Buckaroo's dad pointed out unhappy couples (and I sigh and say ahh sometimes being single is a very good thing). I never felt out of place, however I will say it is not a place to go hoping to meet single men, apparently there are other cruiselines more suited to that!!

We got to have family time, alone time and best of all one on one time with each of my sons (a rare thing). I will say this trip was better because I had a friend (thanks to these boards) and we were able to enjoy Palo's and just have some grownup conversation on occasion. My best advice, read the boards, learn everything you can and post your date and hopefully find someone travelling at the same time

 

[midnitemist]

Very well said Buckaroos Dad and all of you.
Disney guests and just DCL, make everything wonderful where know one feels out of place. The dis board people are great too.

 

[Gina]

Hi Maureen!

We (my little boy and I) have sailed twice on the Magic, with our third booked for next February. He is 7 now. We used to go to WDW for a week every year, but the cruise is just a gazillion times better to me. And really, I think a single parent can appreciate it even more than others. Time alone is so rare for us... so incredibly precious -- and to be able to spend time doing whatever you want, knowing that your kids are well-taken care of and having the time of their lives is just priceless.

The best advice I can give you is, GO to the singles' gatherings. You might be the only one there, especially the first night one and the next day lunch one, but you will have the chance -- if nothing else -- to chat one-on-one with a member of the amazing Cruise Staff. And once they get to know you.... trust me, you will not be bored. LOL And there will be no sitting on the sidelines at Rockin' Bar D, or fading into the background at any event they host. They are SO great about gently pulling the singles "into the action"... and they are the neatest people to get to know. You will have so much fun.

And you can always book for February 21st, and come hang out with me!! *grin*

-gina-

 

[forest]

Thanks to all of you for your help and comments, it really has motivated me to book for next year. Normally I am very outgoing and social, but never having been on a cruise before, I was unsure if the DCL were filled with all couples with children, How wrong I was! I love the idea of a diverse population! I am certainly NOT looking for single men on a vacation with 3 kids!! I am just starting to "get in the groove" of officially being a single mom, but kind of been one since day one! Great dad, poor husband! Ok - preferences for location of cruise?? any tips, one DD is all about sun and social life, one DD all about culture and history, DS will do anything, he's the youngest!! Any ideas?
Maureen