Why DCL for adults?

[pbrim]

I have never done a cruise at all and I am in the early stages of planning for 2012 or 2013. What I'd like to know from some more experienced cruisers is: If you are an adult with no kids, what are the advantages of DCL over other cruise lines? What's different/better about DCL?

 

[ShawnaMom]

If you're a party person that likes to burn the midnight oil at the clubs, DCL probably wouldn't be for you. The kids clubs close between 11pm-1am each night, so anyone with kids too young to leave alone in a cabin ( which is a great number I'm sure) has to leave the clubs and retire for the night pretty early ( and I say 'early' because before I had kids, when I was all about the nightlife, I didn't even leave the house until 9pm or later. I came home when the sun came up ). So yeah, an exciting nightlight that lasts into the wee hours of the morning isn't what DCL is all about. However, when the evening rolls around, many of the clubs have fantastic events planned for adults. There are comedy shows, DJ's playing music while people dance, piano bars, adult swim time at the adult pool. There are several bars where you can just chill out. DCL can indeed take care of their adult guests. You'll find that each ship has it's 'kid free' areas that you'll enjoy. If you are in love with the magic that Disney is famous for, you won't be disappointed on this cruise line. Between the magic of the character sightings and Disney movies being shown at all hours of the night, to the awesome service you get that Disney is famous for , you really get your money's worth IMHO. I've cruised on DCL and Carnival, and Carnival was definitely more for the kid-free crew. My DH and I went on Carnival sans kids and we had a blast. We did a Disney cruise with the kids and we had the most amazing time. It's hard to compare the two because they're both good in their own ways.

 

[pbrim]

I'm pushing 60 and was never into the night club thing even when I was in my 20's (back in the paleolithic). I love WDW and I was just curious about DCL. I guess I just need to decide how well I can handle there being hoards of kids. (My great-neices and nephews are adorable, of course, but other people kids are different -- even when they aren't on my lawn;)

 

[jadedjojo]

DH and I have no children, and don't intend to have any. We are 30 years young and both huge Disney fans, so cruising on Disney is a passion! We are also both big kids at heart. We visit the parks all of the time, and are the adults you see running around with an ice cream cone at 10 AM. Or dressed up at MNSSHP. Or chasing Pluto around for a photo (that's DH. I chase Chip and Dale ). I never questioned our love for Disney or if it was appropriate or not until on one of our cruises a lady at our dinner table asked us and one other child-free couple at our table, "Why would anyone without kids cruise Disney? It's just dumb." Of course, I was offended, but then I realized to those who aren't big Disney fans (she wasn't, was there only for her 11-year-old), it may indeed seem a bit odd.

So, here are the reasons we've thought of for cruising Disney over other lines if you don't have kiddies:

1. If you are a big Disney fan... well duh!
2. If you enjoy having your own ADULT beach in paradise (Serenity Bay at CC. Also has its own adult BBQ).
3. If you enjoy 24-hour, top-of-the-line service
4. If you enjoy quiet times and fun times in the adult clubs at night, NO KIDS
5. If you enjoy peace of mind in knowing that you are in a safe environment and you don't have drunken people falling at your door at 3 AM
6. If you would enjoy your own ADULT pool area and cafe
7. If you would enjoy a stateroom that is 25% larger than industry standard.
8. Deck 4- relax, relax, relax!
9. Broadway shows AND movies in the theaters

I'm sure as soon as I post this, I will think of many other reasons, but I have to cook DH dinner . I would have never considered crossing over to another cruise line, but Disney cruises are steadily getting more $$$. Our twice a year splurge is getting hacked down to one a year... hence, one of the few reasons I would say to not cruise on Disney. Other reasons would include if you really, really dislike kids, and if you are not Disney fans in the slightest. Some non-Disney fans like it anyway, some don't. You certainly won't be pushed to hug Mickey at every corner- most of the time, you have to go looking for him! But to the Disney enthusiasts, there are plenty of little nuances around every corner to keep us busy . The one other thing I will add is I like the Wonder and Magic more than the Dream. I loved my experience on all, but if you wanted to see somewhat less kiddies, I'd suggest the older ships. (The adult area on the Wonder is also much better... huge Cove Cafe!! What's not to love?)

 

[bananarumba]

My husband and I went on a cruise sans the kiddos with my sister-in-law and her hubby. We all had a fantastic time! Everything is set up so great, that we didn't really even notice the kids on board too much.

The quality of the Disney Cruise ships are amazing. There is plenty to do for adults. We all said we'd never cruise a different line again. We enjoyed the night shows, but also the clean nature of all the productions.

It was really fun - kind of like being a kid again, but in a really sophisticated sort of way!

 

[extechie rbd/wdt]

Why not?!?

If you like Disney, the characters, and good service......

The character's aren't in you face if you choose where to be and when to go.

Ex Techie

 

[aberrydisneygirl]

Me and my DH are going on our first cruise ever on the Disney Magic in March and we do not have kids. I dont dislike kids, but not having any I am not very patient with them either, however I love, love, love Disney. I am so excited about our upcoming cruise and plan on staying mostly in the adult only areas and from what I have heard should still be able to have tons of fun without kids. I think a vacation is what you make it, if you want to have a great time you will.

 

[kcashner]

6. If you would enjoy your own ADULT pool area and cafe

This is seriously my only gripe--they need to keep the kids out of the adult area. Most of the ship is geared to kids or families. Of course, adults cruising without kids are welcome to use family areas/activities. But the enforcement of some "adult" areas is quite lax.

DCL for adults is great! If you are a Disney freak, go for it. If not, perhaps another line would suit you better.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

I'm pushing 60 and was never into the night club thing even when I was in my 20's (back in the paleolithic). I love WDW and I was just curious about DCL. I guess I just need to decide how well I can handle there being hoards of kids. (My great-neices and nephews are adorable, of course, but other people kids are different -- even when they aren't on my lawn;)

My Husband is in his 60's and I talked him into taking our 1st Disney Cruise last month (no children here either). I am the Disney fanatic and he tolerates it because he loves me. On our Repo cruise the Cruise Director said there were 900 children on board. My DH looked around and said "where did they hide them". The only time we really saw the children were on our way to dinner (we had late dining) when they were all lined up for the Character meets. My "I will never get on a cruise ship" DH actually said that he had a good time, and would do it again as long as it is a DCL ship

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Cruise Director said there were 900 children on board. My DH looked around and said "where did they hide them". The only time we really saw the children were on our way to dinner (we had late dining) when they were all lined up for the Character meets.

Totally agree. We have 2 kids (teens) and have been sailing DCL for years. It never seems like there are *that many* kids onboard. We travel with friends who are either: couples with no children or single, never married ... and they were pleasantly surprised with the 'adult' feel of the ship.

How do they do it? Must be the Disney magic?!

 

[simbasmom2]

My DH and I take our 14 and 11 year olds with us of course, but when they are off at College, married, etc. we will go by ourselves (or with them as adults if they want to go). We love it for all of the reasons listed above. We have been on Carnival, it was great (but not Disney). I am sure we will try NCL and go back to Carnival (the Breeze looks amazing), but our hearts are with DCL.

 

[SnowWhite2]

I noticed many more kids "hanging around" the ship during holiday times - Easter/Christmas/NYE - than during our February sailings. With our kids in HS, we need to go during school holidays which takes us right into the "kids hanging out" period. Otherwise, we'll cruise without kids when school is in session.

 

[Bunless]

Of the different cruise lines we've been on (Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Disney), Disney is the only one where we felt that the adult areas were truly for adults. On the other lines they never enforced the adults only pool, gym, and lounges. The only areas that were enforced were the casinos. On Disney the adult only areas are really kept that way, it's always a bit of fun watching them bounce the kids from the pool and beach.

While we love Disney vacations, we aren't Disney-people (always avoided the character areas). Other than a few touches, it didn't ever feel like a Disney vacation, other than the great food and service.

 

[MeggerasMa]

DH and I are close to your age and we have our second Disney cruise scheduled. We've cruised several other lines (HAL, RCCI, Princess) and no other line compared in our eyes to what Disney ships have. When we sailed on the Wonder several years ago, the cleanliness of the ship impressed us immensely. We also appreciate the "old world" feel of the beautifully appointed features and decking that she offered. The cast and crew treated guests respectfully, yet with friendliness that didn't seem artificial. Kids on board never were a bother (we do have 3 of our own - but we have NEVER cruised with them - and they are grown now anyway!). In fact, the kids we did see on Disney were probably better behaved than many adults we encountered on other lines! I do Love Disney. DH does not. This is important to note: DH is the one who said "Never again. We will not cruise on any line other than Disney". This was his statement after we got back from our Hawaii cruise on a different line. Try Disney. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.

 

[DL1957]

I'm pushing 60 and was never into the night club thing even when I was in my 20's (back in the paleolithic). I love WDW and I was just curious about DCL. I guess I just need to decide how well I can handle there being hoards of kids. (My great-neices and nephews are adorable, of course, but other people kids are different -- even when they aren't on my lawn;)

DH is 61 and I am 60 we were not blessed with children and have been sailing DCL and only DCL since 1999. DS and BIL went on a cruise with us in 2010 and have now sailed twiced and have their third DCL cruise booked. they have sailed other cruise lines and after their DCL cruise have not looked back. Why Disney magic - service and taking care of all their guests! Enjoy!

 

[over50visits]

Advantages: the quality of the ship (they seem to keep it looking brand new everywhere); the comfortable beds; the professional entertainment in both the theater and the clubs; Castaway Cay (this is a huge advantage); fine dining at Palo and Remy; crew members who really do seem happy to see you everywhere, all day; rotational dining.

Kids don't seem to be everywhere, in fact just the opposite. They are all either in the kids pool or in the youth activity room, not around the ship. And the club area at night is generally not for kids.

 

[allears]

Ive have cruised DCL with and without kids. And I have only cruised Disney. The choice for me is simple, I love Disney and I love their product, for all of the reasons others have listed and just because these ships, services and atmosphere simply match my likes and dislikes.

 

[txwdwmom]

In a word - SERVICE! I've cruised every major cruise line and nothing compares to DCL - not even close. Whether we sail with children or without, it's DCL for us. We even honeymooned with DCL

 

[Thnlk]

My wife and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on our first Disney Cruise last February. We had such a great time we booked for February 2012.

 

[Namsupak]

We started sailing DCL before we had our daughter and it was great. I agree with the previous posters on the service, quality, and cleanliness. I just wanted to mention that being on a ship without a Casino is a plus for a lot of people as well. Also the Disney cruises are mostly inclusive, we don't feel like we have to pay for a lot of little extras while on the ship, just our excursions and gratuities. Oh and another plus for a lot of people is that Disney lets you bring your own alcohol.