How is a Disney cruise for the adults?

[fluffysue]

I hope to be traveling on a Disney cruise next August with my sister, nieces, and my dad. (I want to say it is the Dream, but don't hold me to that). I would have my own room and do not plan on keeping the same schedule as the kids, who still go to bed super early, or my dad, who doesn't stay up much later. Is there enough to do there to interest an adult without kids later in the evening? I see a lot of adult-only areas (which really surprised me given it is Disney), but have read that things tend to end on the early side. Just curious, as it likely won't be a deciding factor, I really want to spend the time with my family (during the hours we are all awake at the same time. ;)).

 

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Edited December 26, 2013 by fluffysue

[Scrapnana]

You probably won't find a lot of late night activity - most of the bars close at midnight. There are, however, plenty of things for adults to do. I went with my family and dinner time was when we all got together. We each did our own thing before and after.

 

Disney usually charges 200% for solos so you might want to book with one of the kids in the room with you if you want to save some money. Once you get onboard you can rearrange people.

[mdvlprof]

DCL is a great line for adults. Adult-only restaurants, adult-only coffee bar, adult-only pool, adult-only beach on Castaway Cay....

And I notice kids less on DCL than on other lines, because DCL keeps them busy, so they're not running around bored.

My youngest is 22, and DCL is still my favorite.

[moki'smommy]

First, the hint about booking someone else in your room even if they sleep elsewhere is key. DCL charges 200% of the cruise fare portion of the ticket if you cruise solo (you essentially pay for 2 people even if there is only one, but pay for only one set of taxes). Not sure if your dad would be a solo also, but it will save money if you book 2 in each room and then shuffle after boarding. A good travel agent who knows DCL inside out can help you arrange this in the least costly way possible.

 

As to evening activities, it depends on the ship/length of cruise. On longer cruises, there is an after dinner "adult only" show that starts at 10 or 10:30, followed by a themed dance or other event. On the shorter cruises, there are not the variety performers, so the show structure is different. There are late night snacks in the night club area, and late night movies. As noted, the action on DCL pretty much ends about midnight. During the day, there are adult only areas, but how strictly they are enforced varies greatly. It is not unusual to see kids in the adult only areas (Cove Cafe and pool). While they will be hauled out of the pool IF you point it out to a CM, DCL seems to not care about them walking, running, skating, etc. thru the area whether alone or with parents, quiet or screaming, etc.

Edited December 26, 2013 by moki'smommy

[Irene7]

I love DCL and we are a family of 4 adults. But if you feel you need a casino or bars being open till 2:00 am then it is not the right fit for you. But if drinking until midnight is fine and you don't gamble then I recommend DCL highly!

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

We have no kids but we LOVE Disney. We love running around the parks and we LOVED our Disney Cruise. We have a Land & Sea combo anniversary planned in May and CAN'T WAIT! Its true that there are less things to do after midnight, but there were still dance DJs in the adult clubs and we never even made it to see a movie at any of their theaters :( which I plan to make up on the next one. There is SO much do to in general (like parks) that I wanted to clone myself several times! Castaway Cay is amazing, one of our very favorite ports ever. So much to do and the only thing we paid for were some water bottles for volleyball. My honey and I liked it so much, we have his and hers Disney Visa accounts and so far, we have gotten over $400 in gift cards and rewards! (No points system, they go dollar for dollar.) And we still have until May to get more so I'm hoping to get the tickets paid for at this point. :) If you like Disney movies and music, you should love it. Disney is an entertainment company.

[fluffysue]

Thanks for the responses! I wish my family hadn't already booked their cabins BEFORE telling me, so it is too late to book with one of the kids. I also waited so long in deciding that I can't even get their dinner seating, but I'm hoping that can be changed. I appreciate the feedback. Although I'm a night person, I'm not a huge partier and would be happy enough with bars being open until midnight and then I can always hang out on my balcony with a glass of wine or something, if nothing else (hey it is only 3 days so I may as well spring for the balcony :) ). I am also a big Disney fan, so the sheer amusement of the Disney theme, plus cruising still being a novelty for me, should be enough. :)

[moki'smommy]

About the dinner seating bit....when you book, have your reservations linked. You will automatically be moved to their seating and be seated with them.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I hope you got late dining..it's way better for adults as all the bitty ones go to early seating for the most part. Some nights (pirate night) we were one of the only big tables. I love late, we got it again by choice this next cruise. Show first, hang around ship or veranda, nice dinner, run around ship for dancing and karaoke after and since I don't sit down immediately after for a show, I don't fall right to sleep after dinner. Gotta walk around! We stayed up til 2 most nights! Later dining is super fun.

 

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[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Thanks for the responses! I wish my family hadn't already booked their cabins BEFORE telling me, so it is too late to book with one of the kids. I also waited so long in deciding that I can't even get their dinner seating, but I'm hoping that can be changed. I appreciate the feedback. Although I'm a night person, I'm not a huge partier and would be happy enough with bars being open until midnight and then I can always hang out on my balcony with a glass of wine or something, if nothing else (hey it is only 3 days so I may as well spring for the balcony :) ). I am also a big Disney fan, so the sheer amusement of the Disney theme, plus cruising still being a novelty for me, should be enough. :)

 

Is there a reason you can add the kids in, if you have your own room? I'm confused.

 

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[moki'smommy]

Is there a reason you can add the kids in, if you have your own room? I'm confused.

 

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The point is that the least costly way to cruise is to have at least 2 people in each cabin. One person in a room costs almost the same amount as 2 people. Third and 4th people (adult or kid) pay a lower rate.

 

IF OP had been able to move a second person to her cabin, it would cost less for the total group. Splitting rooms 3+2 costs less than cruising 4+1 for the same number of people in the same categories.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Bring a friend...?