Thinking of cruising sans younger kids, opinions appreciated!

[Arvandor_Ilfirin]

I went on my first Disney Cruise/first cruise ever just last year with my dad and my little sister (she's turning 6 this year); it was a four day Bahamian on the Disney Dream and while Nassau was a bit of a bust for a number of reasons, ultimately I really enjoyed the trip and the itch to go again has wormed its way into my thoughts these last few months. I promised my mom she and I would go back to Disney this year-- a promise I intend to keep-- but I can't shake the thought of wanting to make it a full circle trip that includes a cruise as well.

My problem is that without my little sister there (anyone with little ones knows they're a day-filling handful) I'm not entirely sure there will be enough to do to entertain my mom, my fiancee and myself. I know a lot of people say there's plenty to do for adults, and I did enjoy the adult only beach/entertainment/etc, but my fiancee is generally unsure of things that are overly kitschy and I worry he'll get bored if I book the 7-day Cozumel trip that I have my eye on. We're in our twenties and pretty active in general, and I know the excursion days will be a hit, it's just the at sea days I worry about.

So for anyone that has a SO or family member with a finnicky demeanor, how did they handle the cruise(s) you've been on? Did they wind up enjoying themselves or should I start to consider a much shorter cruise to swap out for a few more days in Disney instead?

And lastly: I've no experience with dining schedules (other than the fact that my dad booked us a rotational dining plan) so if I wanted to take them to Paolo or something a little more his style, would I need to book that separately or can I arrange for it in advance?

Thank you guys!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I went on my first Disney Cruise/first cruise ever just last year with my dad and my little sister (she's turning 6 this year); it was a four day Bahamian on the Disney Dream and while Nassau was a bit of a bust for a number of reasons, ultimately I really enjoyed the trip and the itch to go again has wormed its way into my thoughts these last few months. I promised my mom she and I would go back to Disney this year-- a promise I intend to keep-- but I can't shake the thought of wanting to make it a full circle trip that includes a cruise as well.

My problem is that without my little sister there (anyone with little ones knows they're a day-filling handful) I'm not entirely sure there will be enough to do to entertain my mom, my fiancee and myself. I know a lot of people say there's plenty to do for adults, and I did enjoy the adult only beach/entertainment/etc, but my fiancee is generally unsure of things that are overly kitschy and I worry he'll get bored if I book the 7-day Cozumel trip that I have my eye on. We're in our twenties and pretty active in general, and I know the excursion days will be a hit, it's just the at sea days I worry about.

So for anyone that has a SO or family member with a finnicky demeanor, how did they handle the cruise(s) you've been on? Did they wind up enjoying themselves or should I start to consider a much shorter cruise to swap out for a few more days in Disney instead?

And lastly: I've no experience with dining schedules (other than the fact that my dad booked us a rotational dining plan) so if I wanted to take them to Paolo or something a little more his style, would I need to book that separately or can I arrange for it in advance?

Thank you guys!

The youngest we've ever cruised with was 18. We've still not run out of things to do on a Disney cruise. Not all activities are actually "Disney-fied".

Regarding dining. All cruisers on the Disney ships have the rotational dining. You don't sign up for it. Everyone is assigned to a specific rotation for dining the 3 Main Dining Rooms. Palo is an adult-only, extra pay ($30 per person) dining room. You make reservations either before hand (after your online check in/excursions/activities window opens) or once onboard you can see if they have any availability.

 

[kswright02]

Dh and I are going in 3n bahama on the magic in Feb without our kids....I'll let ya know after that. Because I'm a little worried too...not that worried though...more worried I won't get off the ship in Nassau!

 

[sturner324]

My husband and I are in our late 20s without kids. We have been on 4 and 5 night cruises, and we are going on a 10 night to Hawaii in September. There will be 5 straight sea days, and I can't wait!

I think I will enjoy relaxing and not working, even if I get a little bored (which I doubt) I will sort of welcome it. I plan to enjoy all the new movies onboard, load up my kindle with books, and check out the daily activities. The nights I know will be full with shows and dinner. Plus we have enjoyed the late night adult shows. I also plan to try out the fitness center. 5 days at sea eating... Yea, I may need to work out. We should be well rested for exploring the islands for the second half of the cruise though.

I will say, even without kids, we are big Disney fans. That probably makes a difference when traveling DCL without kids. But I think your fiancé can still enjoy it, even if he's not a big Disney fan. Just keep an open mind and try new things!

 

[GioCruise]

There is so much to do... From Bingo, a Mixology Class, Spa Day, there were so many adult activities I didn't get to do because my son who was 6 at the time wasn't interested....he's going to be turning 8 for our next cruise and I'm totally ditching him for the adult onboard fun (Sorry Kiddo but a Moms gotta do what a Moms gotta do!) no there isn't a casino or stuff like that but there is plenty. I like one day of being in the zone and having nothing but time to veg poolside in the adult pool area.

 

[preciouspups]

I'm pretty sure I could find a way to enjoy a cruise without my 8 year old.

 

[lizabu]

Our next cruise is sans kids. The last cruise my teens complained a lot and didn't want to go to the clubs and didn't want to do anything without me so I never got to do any of the grown up stuff.

 

[Meeko5]

DH and I went with 2 friends on a 3 day disney cruise that he won through work. We were early 20s, not yet married. We all had a BLAST. DH is not a disney guy at all, and has said he would absolutely book a disney cruise again, kids or no kids. The adult only pools and beaches are wonderful. We never felt out of place and the ship was big enough that we didn't feel overrun by kids either. Definitely do it!

 

[Footnotegirl]

Took our first three Disney cruises without kids, and loved them all. We went to shows, watched movies, enjoyed the adults only dining, getting spa treatments, doing dancing lessons, cooking lessons, taking tours of the ship, and just hanging out on deck with a drink and a book and relaxing. The Western Caribbean itineraries tend to have only 2 at sea days anyways, and there are a lot of really great shore excursions at the various ports of call. I think your mom and fiance will find that they have plenty to do without having to resort to kitsch.

 

[thumpie's mom]

When we started cruising, my daughter was a child. Now she is 20 and we are still cruising with Disney. We have never gotten bored on a Disney cruise, there are so many young adult and adult activities to do. Definitely do recommend Palo's...it is a experience not to be missed. My DH is not a Disney person, but he LOVES going on the Disney cruises. I don't think your fiancee will have hard time enjoying himself.

 

[com_op_2000]

DW and I have done 8 DCLs, 6 of them just us. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you choose to be; between the sports deck, spa/gym, running/walking track, classes, night time entertainment, bingo, and then eating you can be fully involved. You can book Palo/Remy at 90 days ahead of the cruise, cause you are now a silver CC member.

 

[Drusilla99]

My sister & I just did a girls weekend cruise, no kids. It was her first DCL, my 5th. I've always had my kids & was a little nervous how I was going to entertain my sister; she's always go, go, go. We did a show, Palo, the pirate party, the adult bars, and spent the rest of the time by the adult pool. It was great & she had a wonderful time. Now she's looking forward to our Alaska cruise next year & has my mom excited!

 

[dittymau]

Yes, do it! My wife and I are sans kids November on the Fantasy...

 

[mmfox316]

I have been on 4 cruises. At this point my kids are 20 and 16. The first was the entire family the last three were just my wife and myself. The last three were the best by far. But, I did run out of things to do. It was GREAT! I sat and napped in the adults's section while my wife read. If I tried hard I could have found something to do but the peace and quiet was too much to pass up. I can't encourage you enough to leave them home. We have another one planned for November on the Magic. I am really looking forward to it.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Our extended family cruised together several times, but it was like pulling teeth to get DH's brother to try a Disney cruise. Once he was on board he actually enjoyed himself. What kind of activities does your fiancée enjoy? If he's the type who always has to be busy, perhaps going commando at WDW then relaxing on a short cruise would be more his style. After he sees how fun a shorter cruise is, hopefully he'll be ready for a longer itinerary.