Single parent experiences?

[LikesMagic]

I'm a single dad taking my daughters, 9 and 15, on a seven-day western Caribbean cruise over spring break. I intend to spend most of my time with my kids, but assuming they'll dump me hear and there, has anyone had experience cruising as a "single" parent? Are the clubs all couples/families? I know I won't be dining in Palo by myself. I do hope to scuba once. Ideas? Experiences?

 

[kcashner]

I've done 9 DCL cruises as a single parent...starting on the maiden voyage with a 7 year old...soon to be our 10th trip for her 13th birthday.

The shows, etc. are divided into "adult" and "family." That just tells you whether or not the jokes, etc. are "clean" enough for the young ones. I've never felt out of place, etc. I snorkel at Castaway every time.

Depending on age, DD has been thru various phases of enjoying the club/lab and wanting to hang with mom. We kinda go with the flow. I'm happy to be with her as much as she wants, but I really enjoy my space too. It's a very easy vacation as she can eat when/where she wants, etc. and I don't have to do any advanced planning in that regard. The only thing I've not done is dinner at Palo, which as a single is a little weird. We sometimes have groups like the dis board gang that will do brunch or tea at Palo.

My experience is that her enjoyment of the lab, the stack, whatever is dependent on finding a "buddy" about her age. For our upcoming cruise, she "met" a friend thru these boards. The kids have been chatting on line, and plan to hang together on the ship. If she doesn't make a friend in the first day or 2, she will hang with mom a lot more.

THere is a "singles" lunch and a few other single activities...but I mainly did the family things. The adult programming is great too, and you won't feel at all out of place as a solo.....
Kathryn

 

[moocow35]

Hi,

I'm about to go on our 5th cruise as a single parent. The only time I see my DD is at dinner. I did not do Palo dinner, but went by myself to the brunch, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I never felt out of place by myself in the clubs or anywhere for that matter. I never made it to the single meeting, never had time. I might try this year, but enjoyed every minute by myself.

Robin

 

[professorandmom]

check out the boards for others on your cruise - I met a wonderful person on the boards who was also a single mom and company at Palos and the clubs - worked out great and helped make the "typical couple" places excellent!

The boards have saved me lots of money but best of all made the trip so enjoyable!
Barbara

 

[bostonlass]

I'm a single parent taking two girls, 7 and 8 on the Wonder April 18. This is a test cruise since the girls haven't been on a boat before and if they do good we'll do the 7 day next April. I'm so glad people commented about Palo's 'cause I thought I'd feel strange there too! Are reservations needed for brunch and is the brunch seating just couples and all alone people or do you sit at a group table?

Also, what about nightly shows? Did you other single mom/dad's go to those too or just stay in the room when it's their bedtime? I wish I could do a night thing just once since it is a vacation and all but at least there's a tv in the room and room service.

 

[professorandmom]

A few thoughts"

"Are reservations needed for brunch and is the brunch seating just couples and all alone people or do you sit at a group table?"
As far as I know there has only been brunch on the wonder as a test and it is not regularily there


Also, what about nightly shows?

If you mean Disney Dreams and Golden mickeys, you will want to go to those with your girls....in the clubs at night, I think you will want to consider leaving your girls in their club...every child is different as to how late they like to stay but many are HAPPY to be able to be there...I had to stay up until 1 am to check out my son from the club who loved it and did not want to leave

room service

I would encourage you to bring a beverage of your choice and relax in your room if you decide to stay in after your children go to sleep - I was fortunate to have a veranda and did stop up at the bar by the adult pool, got a drink and brought it back to the room to relax....you could also bring something with you to keep in the cooler. There is a PG and PG13 movie channel so there is something to watch (limited actual tv broadcasts though)

I found the whole trip one of the most relaxing vacations FOR ME because my children were occupied some of the time.

Have a great time
Barbara

 

[bostonlass]

Thanks Barbara!

I can't imagine my kids staying up past 9:30pm which has been their all-time high ever in their life, but then again we've never been on a cruise together so this could be a first!

 

[hughiedeweylouie]

Another single parent question:
As a single mom with two children, was there any safety issues as far as taking the taxis to and from excursions. I'm thinking of horseback riding and the dolphin swim--booking not through Disney if I get good vibes from you all that we will be safe.

 

[moocow35]

My DD and I took a taxi in Cozumel to the Dolphin Swim. Safety really wasn't an issue, but the taxi driver drove so fast, I was a bit nervous, but only regarding that.

Robin

 

[Katdb]

I know that Disney has the singles lunch at some point, but if you're interested in places like Palo's but feel out of place going solo, why not try to organize your own "solo group". I know anytime My mom and I cruise, we try to organize a Dis meet to exchange postcards, pintrade and some talking, so maybe a group of single Disers could be organized for your cruise.

To anyone flying solo, kudos to you for going to Palo's on your own. I know I hate eating alone, so my hat's off to you. But this way, maybe you can meet some new friends?

Take care,
Katdb