You might be wondering why I have already gone on a Disney Cruise several times as an adult without children. I was initially skeptical that too many kids would be on board. Yet, Disney cruises offer a surprisingly rich array of adult activities you will want to take advantage of.
Many activities are designed specifically for grown-ups, from serene adult-only pools to elegant dining experiences. Nightlife scenes are unlike some of your spicer cruises but include sophisticated bars with live entertainment and luxurious spas that provide relaxation and entertainment away from the little ones.
I discovered that Disney Cruise lines ships can be a great way to have fun- even if you do not have kids.
Adult-Exclusive Areas
Disney Cruises is known for its family-friendly atmosphere but also offers spaces specifically designed for adults. The adult-only sections include pools, hot tubs, specialty dining, lounges, fitness centers, and nightlife venues.
The Quiet Cove Pool is an adult-only area where adults can lounge by the pool without being bothered by anyone younger than 18.
Each cruise ship has bars and nightclubs clustered in an adult-only area. These venues host evening entertainment like live music, themed parties, and sophisticated cocktail hours.
For those looking to pamper themselves, the spa offers various treatments, from massages to facials, ensuring a relaxing retreat in the Rainforest room.
You must remember specialty dining. Adult-only dining options, such as Palo and Remy, also provide gourmet meals in an elegant setting.
Themed Entertainment and Activities
Disney Cruises offers a variety of entertainment options specifically for adults. During the day, you can participate in cooking classes, wine and liquor tastings, and art workshops. These activities enrich the cruise experience and are great for meeting fellow travelers with similar interests.
Evenings on the ship are mild, but adults can enjoy Broadway-style shows with the rest of the ship and live music in the lounges. Regarding Disney excursions, there are a few adult-only adventures that you can book directly with Disney, depending on your voyage.
Accommodation and Comfort
On a Disney cruise, adults can enjoy luxurious accommodations that cater to their comfort and relaxation. Whether you’re in a standard stateroom or an extravagant suite, you’ll find that thoughtful amenities and personalized services add to the experience.
Dining and Cuisine Options
Disney’s rotational dining will have you, along with the rest of the ship, rotating among the different main dining rooms. Dinsey has only two seating options: early and late. If you wanteat a little later in your trip, late dining is perfect for you because oftenoftene early seating is filled with children. Eating late is an excellent option for those who want to spend a little more time exploring the ship after their port excursions are completed.
Gourmet Restaurants
Onboard Disney Cruise Line, Palo, Remy, and Enchanté are top choices for an upscale dining experience and the only adult-exclusive restaurants. These restaurants provide a high level of service and exquisite dishes.
Palo offers Italian cuisine, including a delicious brunch and molten chocolate cake. The setting is elegant, featuring panoramic ocean views.
Remy provides a French menu inspired by Ratatouille’s gourmet adventures. Expect dishes crafted with precision and flair, paired with fine wines expertly chosen by the sommelier.
Enchanté boasts a romantic atmosphere and an evolving menu highlighting seasonal ingredients. This is the go-to spot for celebrating special occasions with a touch of Disney Magic.
One of my favorite places to eat is Palo Brunch. It is one of the best places to get northern Italian cuisine, and your
Mickey Mouse waffles in one meal. The best part? You can start your brunch with a glass of mimosa.
All of these adult restaurants charge an extra fee, but if you want to sneak away from the small children, this is a great place to grab a meal or two.
Casual Dining Spots
Of course, adults can eat at any of the casual dining spots around the ship, but if you want to avoid the children on your family vacation as much as possible, try eating at some of the lounges in the evening. The snacks are typically an extra charge, but they occasionally have happy hours, which can give you an extra 30% off your beverages.
Spa and Relaxation
One of the real joys of a Disney Cruise for adults is the chance to unwind and pamper yourself. With luxurious spa treatments and exclusive pools, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge.
Senses Spa & Salon
The Senses Spa and Salon is one of the best places to relax while on board. If you sign up for the Rainforest Pass, you will have access to the steam room and heated loungers. In some of the Rainforest rooms, you will also have a gorgeous view of the front of the ship.
Fitness Center
The fitness center has several weight machines, a dry sauna, and exercise equipment that you can use. The fitness center has some exercise classes that you will need to sign up for in your Disney Cruise line navigator app, and there are some fitness classes, like personal training, with an additional charge.
Adult-Only Pools and Recreation
The adult-only Pool area is a must-visit for serenity and peace. These pools provide a tranquil escape from the bustling ship life. You won’t find water slides here, but the adults-only pool deck lets you relax and soak up vitamin D while sailing.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Let’s face it: Disney Cruise Lines is not a cruise line you go on for crazy nightlife. However, there is some nightlife entertainment, from captivating live performances to stylish bars and lounges.
Live Shows and Performances
Live shows on Disney cruises are a treat for adults. These shows, featuring talented performers and breathtaking sets, added a special touch to my evenings. Additionally, various comedy acts and live music performances were available, making each night unique.
Many of these shows are in elegant theaters designed for comfort and excellent viewing. The diverse performances, from musicals to magic shows, provided ample entertainment for every taste. The lively atmosphere was engaging, making getting lost in the magic easy.
Bars and Lounges
When I wanted to unwind, the adult-only bars and lounges were perfect. Each Disney ship features distinct venues offering upscale settings and a variety of drinks.
On the Disney Wonder, I liked hanging out in the Cadillac Lounge.
Mixology Classes
One of the best ways to learn more about wine, whisky, or other spirits is to take a mixology or wine course. These courses are offered almost daily and cost a nominal fee, but they are a great value for an entire hour of learning and tasting new drinks.
Sommilner Bin
The Sommelier Bin is one of my adult-only discoveries on Disney Cruise Ships! Essentially, if a bottle of more expensive wine is opened at one of the adult-only restaurants or bars and won’t be consumed before the end of the day, it is distributed to the different bars for a discounted price. I’ve tried a couple of great wines from this bin, and it is always fun to see what they are providing for a discounted price.
Excursions and Ports of Call
Disney cruises offer a variety of excursions and activities at ports of call that cater to adults looking for adventure and cultural experiences. From thrilling adventures to immersive cultural tours, there’s something for everyone. Depending on the port, you may have adult-only departures for your cruise line.
If you do not, you can always book an Excursion with Shore Excursions, Viator, or Project Expedition to enjoy your day in port.
Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay Lighthouse Point
Castaway Cay, Disney Private Island, and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Private Experience, both have adult-only beaches for Disney Adults who need to get away from the crowd. Both islands offer fun activities and the opportunity to meet Disney Characters.
Themed Events and Parties
Disney cruises are known for their spectacular themed events and parties; there’s plenty for adults to enjoy. On some nights, you can expect themed parties such as Pirate Night, where guests are encouraged to dress up in pirate attire and join the deck party for fun.
Another highlight is the various nightclubs and dance lounges on the ships, offering nightly entertainment and themed dance parties. For those who enjoy a quieter scene, specialty dining events and intimate cocktail receptions provide a more refined atmosphere to meet other like-minded cruisers.
There are also a host of other themed gatherings, like character breakfasts and holiday celebrations, designed to bring guests together. Attendees often find these events memorable and a fantastic way to engage with new friends in a unique setting.
Planning Your Cruise
Planning a Disney cruise as an adult involves thoughtful booking strategies and choosing the optimal time to sail. Focusing on these aspects allows you to tailor your experience to enjoy Disney’s adult-friendly amenities.
Booking Tips
When booking a Disney cruise, timing and early booking are key. I recommend booking your cruise as soon as the dates are released. Disney Cruise Line often offers the best prices and cabin selections during this time.
Consider using a travel agent, like Sunset Chaers Travel Agency, which specializes in Disney vacations. We can provide insights into the best staterooms and tips on getting that coveted Palo Brunch Spot.
Best Time to Sail
Choosing the best time to sail can significantly influence your cruise experience. When sailing the Caribbean, I prefer sailing during the shoulder seasons, like late April to early June or September to early November. The weather is pleasant during these times, and there are typically fewer families with school-age kids onboard.
Another factor to consider is the specific cruise itinerary. Some destinations, like the Mediterranean or Alaska, have prime sailing seasons that might enhance your cruise experience. Holiday-themed cruises, such as Halloween on the High Seas or Very Merrytime Cruises, typically have more families and children on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney cruises offer diverse experiences tailored to adults, including exclusive activities, entertainment, and dining. Whether you are traveling alone or with friends, there are plenty of options to make your cruise enjoyable and relaxing.
What activities are available for adults on a Disney cruise?
Adults can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as intimate dining, luxurious spa treatments, and the Quiet Cove Pool for a peaceful swim. There are also exclusive locations that offer entertainment and nightlife geared towards an adult audience.
Can single adults enjoy a Disney cruise, and what facilities are there for them?
Absolutely! Single adults can enjoy all the adult-exclusive amenities, such as the spa, adult-only dining, and nightlife. Social events and designated mingling areas are also designed to help solo travelers meet new people and make friends.
How does the experience on a Disney cruise compare for adults without children versus families?
As an adult without children, you can take full advantage of the adult-only areas and activities without the family-focused experiences. The balance between family-friendly and adult-exclusive activities gives everyone a personalized vacation experience.
