I’ve now been on two cruises with Disney Cruise Line. One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Isn’t that just for families?” I admit, I asked the same question. I was afraid I’d be bombarded with children on vacation. I adore children, but I don’t have any. I didn’t want to spend a nice chunk of change on a vacation with hundreds of children, contained on a ship. I feared no escape.
I was wrong. Yes, wrong. While I have not been brave enough to cruise during peak season, when kids are out of school, the ship was not overrun with small humans. The few exchanges, at dinner or in the family areas, ranked on the cuteness scale. The youth activities team is very talented. The occasional fit I witnessed were mostly due to kids wanting to go back to kids’ club, rather than be with their parents or go on a port excursion. Yes, the kids are in their respective kids’ clubs or with parents at the family or toddler pools.
Most of my time was spent at the adult pool and attending adult activities on the ship. The crew is watchful to make sure children are not in these areas. There are places for quiet, if that’s what you enjoy, but it is Disney. Don’t be surprised to hear a passerby singing softly to the Disney music heard in the hallways and family areas. I like Disney music; I chimed in a few times myself.
There’s a variety of entertainment. You can go to the Broadway-style shows Disney has produced, attend a show by another entertainer, or skip it altogether. The ship is impeccably clean and kept up. The crew is friendly and, if asked, always excited to tell you about their home country. Mistakes happen, but I found the staff wanted to make things right.
I have never cruised another company, but Disney has taken care of me. I don’t choose my travel on price alone. I like a deal just like anyone else, but I look for quality. By choosing the time of year I travel, I have been able to get both. I’m single and have never cruised with kids. If you’re guessing I’d cruise Disney again, you’re right. I’ll be on the newly announced Hawaii sailing in 2015.
Disclaimer: My two sailings have been on the Disney Wonder. The company also has the Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream.
amusingly loquacious 