10 Reasons Why Adults Without Kids Should Cruise With Disney

From serenity pools to champagne bars, adults-only excursions to private-island retreats, there’s so much on board for the 21+ crowd.

By: Deanne Revel

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Photo By: Disney Cruise Line

Adult Pools

One of the best-kept secrets about sailing with Disney is that the adults-only pool areas are usually pretty empty. Most adults sailing with Disney have children, so, if you don’t, you can enjoy the Quiet Cove pool--sometimes all to yourself. In addition to Quiet Cove, the two larger ships in the Disney fleet, Dream and Fantasy, offer an additional adults-only space: Satellite Falls. This tranquil oasis features a pool with a 360-degree waterfall that you can even sit behind.

Fine Dining

In addition to the complimentary dining offered on board, adults can make a reservation at the upscale Palo for Italian-inspired fare. It’s a delicious tour through Italy, from the antipasto appetizer cart to the must-order limoncello tart for dessert. And on the Disney Dream and Fantasy, adults can also dine at Remy, a French restaurant with a subtle nod to the Pixar film Ratatouille.

The Spa

It might surprise you, but Disney has a great spa scene. And the same Senses Spa at the park resorts can be found aboard Disney ships. Even if you don’t have the budget for a treatment, book a day pass for The Rainforest Room. This hydrotherapy journey features steam rooms, saunas and tech showers that create different rain experiences--from a warm tropical storm to an invigorating tundra rinse.

Activities on Board

In addition to adults-only pools and sun decks, there are tons of activities on board just for the 21+ crowd. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the tasting workshops, from wine and dessert pairings to mixology classes. And the '80s and '90s music trivia events hosted in the pubs are a lot of fun. If you’re interested in design, check out the "Art of the Theme" ship tour. This free tour dives into the decor and design of Disney’s Art Deco-inspired ships.

Excursions Your Way

I like to make the most of my time in port. So when I get off a ship, I’m ready to hit the ground running. I can’t stand the hurry-up-and-wait chaos that is being sorted into port excursion tours. It eats up so much of your day. Disney has adults-only "your way" port adventures that give adults their own time to explore. This is a great option on Mediterranean cruises where the big attractions and destinations, such as Rome or Florence, are farther away from the actual cruise ship ports. It’s essentially quick transportation for savvy travelers who hate tour groups. And the group size on these tours is really small, as most adults cruising with Disney can’t book these tours because they have kids with them.

Private Island Beach

On most Caribbean sailings, DCL visits Castaway Cay--Disney’s own private island in the Bahamas. The island’s layout is spread way, way out with tons of activities. Even the family-friendly beaches feel spacious. But for the 21+ crowd, you can head to Serenity Bay. This private beach on a private island is one of the most exclusive spots in the Caribbean. Relax under swaying palm trees, dip your toes in the insanely clear and calm water, or grab a bite from the secret eatery just for Serenity Bay (read: no long line for lunch). And if that’s not enough tranquility, you can even rent a private cabana for the day complete with a TV, fridge and a fan.

Bars and Lounges

Disney magic isn’t just for kids. The bars and lounges on Disney ships are just as well-designed and detail-oriented as the themed kids' clubs. The District on the Disney Dream features Pink, an Instagrammable millennial pink Champagne bar, and the Skyline, a bar that’s designed to feel like a penthouse suite with skyline views. And these views magically change to different city skylines, from Paris to Hong Kong.

Pubs

In addition to the bars and lounges, each Disney cruise ship has its own pub. Yes, the TVs play ESPN, but it’s not just a sports bar for dads. These are well-designed spaces for all beer lovers. Disney Wonder has an English-inspired Crown & Fin pub. Both Disney Magic and Fantasy have an Irish-inspired O’Gills Pub. And the Disney Dream has Pub 687, a posh sports bar with beer-cocktails and the exclusive "687" red lager that you can only try on the Disney Dream.

Nightlife

DCL is known for its family-friendly shows inspired by Disney Broadway hits, but the ships offer tons of great entertainment for adults, too. Night clubs, such as Fathoms on the Disney Magic, offer dancing, karaoke, comedy shows and even cabaret acts.

Fitness Programs

One of my favorite places at Disney World is the gym, and I know that sounds insane, but it’s always virtually empty because people are off in the parks with their families. It’s the same on Disney cruises. It’s quiet and the ocean views are amazing. In addition to the gym, DCL offers great fitness programs such as sunrise yoga and a free 5K race on Disney’s Castaway Cay island.

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10 Reasons Why Adults Without Kids Should Cruise With Disney

Related To:

Shop This Look

Adult Pools

Fine Dining

The Spa

Activities on Board

Excursions Your Way

Private Island Beach

Bars and Lounges

Pubs

Nightlife

Fitness Programs

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