[Winkster]

Ok, firstly, I apologise for the lengthy thread but here goes....

Two scenarios:

Pensioners
My parents are big fans of cruises and have been on several Carribean and Mediterranean with P&O.

They are both in their early 60s and the fact that there are few kids on the P&O boats really appeals to them.

They are however also both huge WDW fans and so I was wondering whether a Disney Cruise (combined with a trip to WDW) would appeal to an older couple who do not want kids running round all the time.

I appreciate that the Disney Cruise ships have quieter areas for adults but given that my parents are used to the luxury and tranquility of an almost child-free cruise ship.

Young(ish) couple
Then, there's us - a mid-thirties couple with no kids.

The thought of the kind of cruise my parents go on puts me off as I don't want to be stuck on a boat with a load of pensioners (and I'm sure they don't want to be stuck with me!).

Like my parents though, the thought of a being shut on a boat with a load of screaming, excited kids also puts me off. I'm not wanting to spoil their fun but it's just not for me.

We do however normally add on a few days elsewhere at the end of our Orlando trip for some rest and relaxation (Ft Lauderdale, St Pete Beach etc) and I'm tempted to try a short cruise next time instead.

The cruises do however seem very kid-orientated which isn't for us.

We're also not beach people and can't lay round pools for hours, preferring to be up and doing something.

So, I have two quetions:

1) Do you think my parents would enjoy a Disney Cruise based on the type of cruises they are used to.

and

2) Do you think a Disney Cruise would suit us?

Thanks!

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[ladylilo]

Hi There!

I have only ever been on a Disney Cruise so I can't compare it to any other cruise line. Therefore my comments will be somewhat biased.

You are obviously fans of WDW so therefore must be tolerant of children to a degree (afterall WDW and children go hand in hand - imagine WDW without kids and it loses some magic). Therefore the fact that families with children are well catered for on the Disney Cruise Line should not put you off.

Yes you will find noisy children, but they are in the Children's pool area, which you can easily avoid. There is also a whole deck dedicated to the Children's clubs and nursery and the teenagers also have their own dedicated area. There is no need to visit any of these places unless you have kids to drop off or collect. The other time that you will find a lot of children is at the character signings in the atrium. However, the times of these are listed in your daily navigator (timetable) so can easily be avoided.

The adult-only pool is wonderful and includes a pool-side bar and jacuzzis. It was very quiet when we tried it out. And there is an adult-only spa and gym (if that is up your street).

There are deck parties, which are aimed at kids, but you don't have to join in. There are plenty of other areas where you can enjoy a quiet drink away from the hustle and bustle, and don't forget the adult-only restaurant Palo's, which I hear is the highlight of the cruise.

During the day there are loads of activities aimed at adults, such as beer or wine tasting, a cooking series and bridge tours. One evening activity that I enjoyed was star gazing (although it was rather windy).

The excursions offered at the ports of call are very diverse. If you want beach, you can have beach, but there are also sight seeing tours or museums etc. Castaway Cay is a beach-orientated stop, but even here you can avoid the beach with some nature tours. However, the beach is gorgeous and yet again there is an adult-only area tucked away from the busy family beach.

I would recommend that you have a look at the Disney Cruise Line Website. They have just added podcasts, which are quite interesting.

We loved our Disney Cruise so much that we have rebooked and this time I am taking my parents.

Claire

(Goodness reading that back, it sounds like an advert for DCL! Perhaps I should offer my services!)

[Winkster]

Hi Claire

Thanks for your post. You've certainly allayed some of my fears!

I think the thing with the parks is that you go expecting kids (of course!) and become one yourself when you get there.

Cruising on the other hand, has always been a more adult past-time and traditionally (until Disney came along) less child-friendly.

From what you say, I think I'd enjoy a cruise although it's probably not my parent's thing.

None of us are quite the child-hating monsters I may have made us out to sound (why on earth would we go to Disney if we were???) but I do like a bit of peace and quiet from time to time.

Thanks again

Paul

[DisneyCruiseFan]

As an empty nester who has cruised 9 times with Disney, let me reassure you that there are LOTS of areas on the ship to enjoy yourself as an adult. Disney has done an AMAZING job of separating the adult and children areas. The spa, quiet cove pool and coffee bar are all great "escapes". I have also found the Cadillac lounge to be a favorite spot for those adults who would like to sip on a nice scotch or cognac while enjoying soothing live piano music. If your parents are Disney fans, I think they will find plenty of "escapes" on the ship while still being able to enjoy the Disney atmosphere they have found appealing in the past. Last, but certainly not least Disney Cruise ships offer an adult only restaurant, PALO. Their upscale menu is fantastic and rivals any 4 or 5 star restaurant I've even eaten at. Don't forget to try the Filet with Gorgonzola cheese sause and chocolate souffle for dessert. It's all heavenly!!!

[InstImpres]

Disney as usual does an amazing job for everyone. I cruised solo a few months ago (DD was not happy with me!) I was seated for dinner at a table of 7; 2 couples one in their 50s and one in their 60s both cruised many times DCL and two woman celebrating their 30th birthday. The dining rooms are divided for the most part based on family type, so ours was mostly childless people or those with older teens and we filled a dining room.

If you love Disney, chances are great you'll love the cruise.

As others have said, there are plenty of adults only areas.

You are treated to the style, magic and experience you expect from Disney and that is what makes it unforgetable.

Enjoy

[Winkster]

Thanks for your replies here.

I really want to try a cruise now - probably only a 3 or 4 day one to see if I like it.

We're planning a trip to WDW next May so hopefully I can convince my partner to try it after our stay at WDW.

Thanks again!

[Joe and Angie A]

the cruise would be great for both parents and yourself. There are the areas of the ship for adults only, beach for adults only, and restaurant for adults only. We have been on twice and doing a third over christmas this year.

[ilovelilo]

You CANNOT GO WRONG with a Disney Cruise. People of all ages would love it!!!!

[caheffe]

My husband and I are nearing thirty and also childless. We are not child-hating, but, as I say, we don't have them for a reason. We have been to Disney several times, 3 of those times have been on the Disney cruise. Might I suggest a more adult-friendly time to vacation? We have found that September is a great month to go. Kids are just getting settled into school and many parents don't like to pull them out so soon, therefore, less kids. As stated from other members, they have their own areas, but now there are less of them.

Happy travelling!

[dahuffy]

Originally Posted by caheffe

My husband and I are nearing thirty and also childless. We are not child-hating, but, as I say, we don't have them for a reason. We have been to Disney several times, 3 of those times have been on the Disney cruise. Might I suggest a more adult-friendly time to vacation? We have found that September is a great month to go. Kids are just getting settled into school and many parents don't like to pull them out so soon, therefore, less kids. As stated from other members, they have their own areas, but now there are less of them.

Happy travelling!

I whole heartedly agree! MY DH and I are both 50 and childless. We went on our frist cruise ever, in '04 with DCL,to celebrate our 25th anniversary. It was a Land Sea Combo. We had never been to Disney or on a cruise and figured this would be a good way to experience both. I panicked when I found out that our stateroom was on the same floor as the kids clubs and movie theatre. Was I ever wrong! It was sooo quiet. Unlike on the floors that are nothing but staterooms,there was no real "traffic" around ours unless it was someone going to their room. Not just people wandering the halls. We were on the 6th floor for our last one and right off the main elevators. Where it wasn't all that loud, I did have a magnet removed from my door. No big deal, just wasn't too pleased.