So you wanna book a Disney Cruise but you don’t have kids. Or maybe you do but don’t want to ONLY do kid stuff. Is it even possible? Isn’t a Disney Cruise CATERED to the younger set? HA! Hardly.
The Disney Cruise Line fleet is currently comprised of four world-class ships — the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy. And the fleet will soon expand when the Disney Wish makes its debut with a Maiden Voyage scheduled for June 9, 2022! But can the adults in your traveling party have fun on these famously family-friendly ships?
OK, it’s true that a Disney Cruise Line ship will have a different vibe than many other cruising options. Most cruise ships are bars, casinos, bars, duty free shopping, bars, and…oh, yeah…BARS. A Disney Cruise is a different beast entirely. There will likely be more kids onboard than you may experience on other cruise lines. And that means that a lot of the entertainment and dining will be catered to a younger crowd as well.
But even though other cruise lines can dedicate more space and resources to adult-oriented activities, there are still plenty of awesome activities and perks for adults to enjoy on a Disney Cruise, regardless of whether they’re traveling with or without children! Remember — all those kids mean a LOT of time and care went into figuring out ways to keep them engaged and happy. If mom and dad walk off the ship exhausted cause their kids never let them relax, most families wouldn’t;t return, right?? This can mean time for mom and dad — or those kiddo-less travelers — to enjoy some adult-centric time. Here’s how.
Incredible Dining
In addition to the main dining locations, which definitely have a kid-centered vibe to them at times, there are also several adult-exclusive restaurants onboard each of the ships for guests aged 18 and up.
Each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet offers Palo, a luxurious, adults-only restaurant that specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. Palo offers both brunch and dinner, which are both exceptional experiences.
Keep in mind that reservations are required to dine at Palo and they do book up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation early if this is on your must-do list. Unlike the regular rotational dining options that are included with the cost of your trip, there is an additional $45 fee per person to dine at Palo, not including alcohol, so budget accordingly!
The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are also home to Remy, which serves fabulous French-inspired cuisine for brunch and dinner.
Just like Palo, reservations are required for Remy, and they will often book up quickly as well. There is an additional charge of $75 per person for brunch or $125 per person for dinner. This is a pricey experience, but it’s a great option for those with a passion for fine dining, just like the restaurant’s namesake!
There will also be several new adults-only dining experiences debuting on the Disney Wish! In addition to the ship’s own version of Palo, guests can also visit The Rose to sip on a before or after-dinner cocktail or choose from a menu of gourmet amuse-bouche and small plates. We imagine this new spot will serve much like a lounge focusing on cocktails and small bites.
The Disney Wish will also be home to Enchanté, the ship’s most elegant dining experience, featuring a gourmet menu by three Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement.
For those looking for an extra-special dining experience, each of the Disney Cruise Line ships has upscale, adults-only dining options to try!
Click here to read more about ALL the restaurants coming to the Disney Wish!
Nightclubs & Lounges
While Disney Cruise Line might not be known for its nightlife as much as some other cruise lines, there are some unique nightclubs and lounges onboard each of the ships!
The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are home to Skyline, an upscale lounge that offers virtual views of the world’s most scenic horizons.
The Disney Wonder features Cadillac Lounge, a glitzy lounge inspired by classic Hollywood that features live piano music nightly.
Other fun options include La Piazza onboard the Disney Fantasy, which has an incredible carousel-themed bar…
…and Fathoms onboard the Disney Magic, where you can catch live entertainment in this under the sea-themed lounge.
If there’s a game you’ve gotta catch check out O’Gills Pub, a lively Irish pub on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic. Crown and Fin is the pub you’ll find on the Wonder.
And when the Disney Wish sets sail, it will feature Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, which will be family-friendly by day and adults-only at night. This new spot will offer interactive tasting experiences and drinks inspired by the film, all set in a virtually-enhanced space that will transport guests to iconic Star Wars locales like Tatooine, Batuu, and more.
If you’re looking for a fun spot to grab a cocktail, Disney Cruise Line has several ultra-themed options to choose from!
Learn more about Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge!
Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay
Most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet while you’re on the island, there is an adults-only beach that’s perfect for catching up on your R&R.
Of course, there are a TON of family-friendly activities at Castaway Cay, but some of the options might appeal more to the “grown-ups,” like yoga classes, hiking trails, and beach sports.
Whether you want to rest and recharge or burn off some energy with something more active, Castaway Cay is a highlight for cruisers of ALL ages!
RECIPE: Make 4 Tropical Drinks Straight from Disney’s Castaway Cay!
Broadway-Caliber Entertainment
Each of the Disney Cruise Line ships features a lineup of original musicals and award-winning live productions offered onboard nightly.
Performances include adaptations of familiar stories like Aladdin and Tangled as well as original productions.
The onboard shows are intricate productions with elaborate sets and incredibly talented performers, making them must-see entertainment for theater fans of all ages!
The lineup of shows varies by ship, so if there’s a particular production you have your heart set on experiencing, be sure to check which ship it’s performed on before booking!
Check Out a Virtual Viewing of Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Tangled: The Musical’!
Adult-Oriented Activities
Just like there are areas and activities specifically geared for the kiddos, there are also sections and activities on the ship that are strictly for the 18 and older crowd. If you’re looking for a relaxing break away from the regular pool area, each ship also has the Quiet Cove Pool for guests age 18 and older.
And if you want to get really relaxed, check out Senses Salon & Spa, available on each of the ships! Here, you’ll find spa treatments, massages, facials, body wraps, and aromatherapy, all available for an additional fee.
There’s also an adults-only fitness center on each of the ships which have both weight machines and cardio equipment for those looking to keep up their workout routine at sea!
Plus, guests can also choose from other entertainment like mixology classes, cooking classes in the Palo kitchen, live music, and more.
There are even some shore excursions for adults only if you’re looking for a more adventurous option during your time off the ship!
Scheduled offerings can vary by sailing but the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app offers up-to-date information for passengers on each ship!
Disney Cruise Line Could Add Another Year-Round Port in 2022
Youth Clubs
If you are traveling with the kids and want to enjoy some alone time, each ship offers several youth clubs for kids age 6 months to 17 years to enjoy supervised fun.
The kiddos can enjoy activities like games, arts and crafts, and themed parties, all under the supervision of trained Crew Members!
In our experience, this is the highlight of the trip for your kids. They can meet characters like princesses and Marvel superheroes, do crafts and activities, and even have meals here — no need to pick them up early to go eat every single night! Plus, they give parents a special phone so they’re always in contact with the club and can enjoy their time away from their kiddos totally stress free. So, if you’re traveling with the kiddos but just need a little alone time on your trip, Disney Cruise Line has you covered!
Find out more about the new youth clubs coming to the Disney Wish!
Given Disney’s reputation for family-friendly fun, it’s no surprise that a lot of the activities on the Disney Cruise Line are created to cater to families. BUT that doesn’t mean ev-er-y-thing you do is just for kids. SO many adults opt to go on a Disney Cruise namely for the well-renowned Disney service onboard and the quality and care given to every aspect of your trip. It’s not a party boat like you may find on some other cruise lines — Disney notably does NOT offer a casino onboard any of their ships, for instance — but you can still have a very adult time onboard if you choose. For those who don’t mind spotting some characters on the way to their mixology class, a Disney Cruise can be a GREAT time for the adults as well!
PHOTOS & VIDEO! Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Star Wars Bar Coming to the Disney Wish
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Janice says
I would also mention the movie theater. It’s a real theater, inside the ship and not where you have to sit by the pool and try to figure out what the characters are saying -as you do on many other cruise lines. PLUS, if you happen to be onbaord when a new Disney, Marvel, etc. movie comes out, they show that movie on the opening day and throughout the cruise.
Each movie on the schedule of your cruise is shown multiple times, so you can choose to see it at a time when there will be fewer children in the audience.