Top Ten Things to Do On a Disney Cruise- Without Kids!
Everyone who is even slightly familiar with anything Disney, knows that they have the market on kid entertainment. With so many cruise lines these days it may be hard to settle on which brand is most appealing to adults. I often hear adults brushing off Disney Cruise Line when considering an adult cruise, or bemoaning the idea of a cruise with their kids, because they don’t know what they will do once on board. Adults unfamiliar with Disney Cruise Line assume that it’s geared towards kids and Disney has left out the older generations. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
I had a recent opportunity to sail on a 4 night Disney Cruise from Galveston, Texas on the reimagined Wonder. Taking into consideration that I had left my children at home, I decided to focus on activities and experiences that appeal to people traveling without children. Of course the things that I list below can easily be done even if you have children traveling with you (tuck them into the kid’s clubs, they won’t even notice you have left them, I promise!), this will help you see how well Disney has gone to make sure that adults are just as well entertained and happy as the kids!
My top ten list of activities for adults on a Disney Cruise:
- Once you have made your final payment on your cruise and your booking window has opened, take a minute to snag a reservation at Palo or Remy, the adult only restaurants on board the Disney ships. Depending on your itinerary, you will be able to book dinner most evenings and there are usually limited brunch options on “at sea” days. There is a nominal fee, but the food is amazing and you will leave feeling like you had an exclusive dining experience at a 5 star restaurant. (You must be at least 18 years old and there is a dress code, so be sure to check requirements prior to booking.)
Palo is on the Disney Wonder 
Definitely not chicken nuggets or pizza! 
It’s hard to choose! - Stake out a chair in the adult only section of the ship. (follow link to see video) There are plenty of chairs in the shade or in the sun, choose one that makes you feel relaxed. Bring a good book or magazine that you have been meaning to read and read it without interruption! Wait staff from the bar routinely circulate, so if you would like a cold drink from the bar, they will be happy to bring one to you. Most importantly, take a nap! You know that you want to, and how wonderful to nap in a lounge chair as the sound of waves lap in the background!
No children allowed beyond this point! - Don’t forget to pack your swim suit. There is an adult only pool area, complete with hot tubs, bar, more lounge chairs, and quiet! Remember, this area is for adults only, ages 18 and up. The kids must use a different pool, so rejoice in the peace and quiet and revel in the fact that you are on a Disney Cruise and there aren’t children splashing you!
- Reserve some time in the spa! The Disney ships offer a full service spa and for an additional fee, you can pamper yourself with a massage, facial, and more. There are often specials listed in your nightly Navigator newsletter (left on your bed in your stateroom, additional copies available at Guest Services), so if you don’t want to reserve something ahead of time, there are opportunities to schedule something once on board.
- There are some fantastic nightclubs on board the Disney ships (follow link to see video). Again, consult your nightly Navigator for specific opportunities during your cruise, but expect to find a wide variety of entertainment. Comedians, trivia competitions, magic shows, live music, piano bars, current sports on the TV, variety shows and more! More often than not, you may have to pick and choose what you can fit into the evening because there is so much to do!
After hours clubs on the Disney Wonder 
The Cadillac Lounge on the Disney Wonder 
The Crown and Fin- A Proper English Pub on the Disney Wonder 
Plenty of cozy areas to hang out with new friends in the Crown and Fin on the Disney Wonder. 
Lots of beverage options in the Crown and Fin on the Disney Wonder! 
Plan on hanging out a while at Azure on the Disney Wonder! 
Entertainment for adults in Azure later in the evening on the Disney Wonder - If you are an adult beverage enthusiast, then you may want to sign up for one of the specialty tastings. Most cruise itineraries offer a beer tasting, liqueur and chocolate tastings, whiskey tastings, and/or mixology classes.
Liquor and Chocolate tasting - If you prefer to stay healthy while onboard the ship, be sure to check out the health and wellness activities. Walk a mile around deck with a new group of friends, take a fitness class in the spa (check with the spa for classes offered during your sailing, some require a nominal fee), or join a boot camp!
- If relaxation is more your speed, but you would like to get out and socialize, you may want to check out Bingo, the art of napkin folding, take an organized tour of the ship, learn about diamonds, gemstones and watches in a seminar to prepare you for big purchases on your days in port, or join in a card game in one of the clubs, and the list goes on.
- Disney shows first run movies in their movie theaters on board the ships. Depending on the release date, you may be one of the first to see a big blockbuster movie! As an example, the most recent Star Wars movie played in the theaters on the Disney Ships on the same night that they were released in the theaters on land, and those guests wishing to see the movie only had to pick up a ticket from Guest Services (no additional charge) and head to the theater. No long lines, crazy crowds, and fighting for the best seats since all the seats on a Disney Cruise are wonderful.
- The Grand Finale: If your cruise itinerary includes a stop at Disney’s Private Island, Castaway Cay, you may be excited to know that there is a secluded beach specifically for guests ages 18 and up! When you disembark the ship, look for the signs pointing to Serenity Bay and either take a leisurely stroll or take a ride from the nearby shuttle stop.
When considering a Disney Destination vacation, there is truly something for everyone! Disney Cruise Line has worked hard to make sure that everyone enjoys their cruise experience and I am sure that you won’t leave disappointed!
