single parent on cruise

[dadand1]

Hi all,
I'm serious contemplating a 7 day cruise with my 13 yr old son in Aug. I have read Disney sight and Deb's sight about cruising. Seems my son may have enough to do, but I am wondering about myself. doesn't really say much about single person activity. I can only lay by the pool and read so much, can only drink so much (which isn't much these days). Is there enough to keep me busy? I'm 54 yrs old. I am worried about being bored while onboard! lol
Also, minus shore shopping, how much may I wind up spending on shore activities. Just a general ballpark maybe is good enough. I don't expect specific. Maybe snorkling or jet skis and the like.
Your input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[TheWog]

Couple hundred dollars for shore excursions dependant upon what you do. They are priced on the DCL site - Fun Onshore. You can get most cheaper if you book yourself. I found jet skis to run $40/half hour on St. Maarten. Snorkeling can run the different price ranges, depending on what else may be included. Check the site for more info. I don't think it's too expensive on CC. I would budget some spending money for souveniers and trinkets, but don't break the bank. $100 for each port would be more then enough. There are games and shows and sports lounges for you. You should have fun.

 

[greytlady]

I can relate to being a single parent cruising. I am taking my DD11 and DS10 in a few weeks. At first I was wondering what I would be doing. I've met some wonderful people on the DIS boards so may get to spend some time visiting. I also plan on doing some fun things such as the spa, wine tasting, catch one of the movies - I'm hoping they'll still be playing Ladykillers with Tom Hanks. I printed off a Navigator from the www.castawayclub.com and there is so much that I don't feel like I will be spinning my wheels anywhere. I'd also like to watch the Match Your Mate show. I'm hoping my kids will enjoy the Oceaneers Lab so I can do some of these things. It'll be my first cruise as the only adult in the party.

 

[dadand1]

Thanks Wog and Greytlady for the fast response. The castaway sight is wonderful and helps alot. I think I'll be booking soon.

 

[Greysword]

You can also find some info on Dave's DCL tribute site. The Navigators page is:

http://www.dcltribute.com/navigators/east_carib/

On shore, the Eastern has quite a few great guy things to do such as old forts, courthouse, and other historical sites that should keep you busy. On St. Marin, you can get a taste of both French and Dutch life on the one island. St. Thomas also has an aquarium of sorts that looks great, or you can rent a Jeep and tour the island.

I think the ship has tours of the galley, bridge, and other cool Discovery Channel type things. I read once about an artist coming aboard to give lectures on Disney animations, and I am sure they have other stuff. Thi sis despite the fact you will probably have other DISers to have lunch or dinner with and do some activities.

St Thomas Tourism site: http://www.usvi.net/usvi/stt.html

St Marin: http://www.saintmartinsintmaarten.com/
http://www.frenchcaribbean.com/StMartinFrenchCaribbean.html

Just a thought. Have fun!!

 

[TheWog]

Once you book, check the meet and mingle threads. you will find others going on the same cruise. Have a blast. It's not just for little kids.

 

[moocow35]

I have done 5 Disney cruises as a single parent with a teenager. The only time I really saw her is at dinner or excursions we took. There is plenty for a single person to do. The bridge tour, wine tasting, the galley tour, the spa, watching the pool games at the adult pool, movies and many more things you can find by looking at the navigators at the Castaway site and also Dave's. You'll love it and be hooked!

Robin

 

[dianthus]

I just did a mom/daughter cruise with my teen on 4/17. We had a terrific time! She spent some time in the stack & with a friend she met. I met some great DIsers onboard. Another Mom & I took in the cabaret acts in the evening after dinner. I did several of the talk & events onboard & they were great. We did dinner, the shows and the family comedy show together nightly. We went to the beach in St. Maarten, shopped in St. Thomas & relaxed. Gave us alot of great time together.

You'll have a great time with your teen. Go & have fun!

~Linda

 

[dadand1]

Thanks All!
I really appreciate all the info and encouragement!
Gary

 

[tink1663]

I too am a single parent of 2 children and we will be taking our first cruise this year. I debated greatly over the decision for fear that the kids would be bored or worse yet want me to do 2 different activities at the same time. Well, after spending quite a bit of time on this board I have come to realize this is going to be the ultimate vacation. My kids will probably ditch me for the day which will give me much needed rest and relaxation. I have made it clear that we will have dinner together and go to the show. What they do after is their choice. If I know my kids they will again ditch me for the kids club. The kids clubs stay open to 1 am so you will have plenty of time to enjoy yourself at one of the adult areas. Like everyone else has posted already there are so many activities to keep you busy if you wish. I say you won't be sorry. You'll have the best of both worlds with a cruise. Time together and adult time apart. I think that is the makings of a perfect vacation.

 

[kcashner]

I've been cruising solo with DD since she was 4....on Disney since she was 7 (now 13). We've done the Magic 10 times, with DD in each of the age groups.

I've found the key to DD having a blast in the kid programs is making a friend in the first day or 2. It's really nice on the boards that she can correspond with people for a month or so before the cruise. That way, I have some free time. On those occasions when she hasn't met a buddy, I so have more "kid time" than I'd maybe like....but still have fun.

We consult as to what she'd like to do, but the bottom line is that the schedule is MY choosing. That is, do what I choose or go to the kid program. At 13, that's not a problem at all, but sometimes I had to insist when she was young.

Above all, don't hesitate to put them in the club/lab and have some time for yourself. Usually once they're in there, they have fun...even if they protested about going.

 

[jin diesel]

I am also a single-parent. I booked the 14 night westbound panama canal cruise for myself and my daughter. It's our frist cruise ever - so I'm a little weirded out.
I know she's gonna have a blast! I just hope I don't get sick of myself! Like Gary said, there's only so much I can drink!!!

 

[moocow35]

Jin diesel,

LOL We are booked on the same cruise. There is a thread started on the cruise meets board. I haven't posted there yet, but I'm sure we will have a huge meet, and possibly some other get togethers. This year 2/14 cruise it was so much fun to have "friends" onboard. To see a familiar face, stop and chat. Another single mom and I even went to the Palo brunch together and met up a breakfast at topsiders one morning. Trust me, you will never get bored!


Looking forward to meeting you!
Robin