It never fails. Whenever I mention that I have sailed with Disney Cruise Line, the first question I am asked is: "How did your daughter like it?". Then I have to explain, somewhat sheepishly, that my daughter did not go along, that it was just my husband and I. Some regard me with a perplexed look and let it drop. Others ask how I enjoyed the cruise with all those kids. Most certainly don't stay around to hear how I think that Disney Cruise Line has something special to offer adults. So, this is my chance to let you in on a little secret: Disney Cruise Line is great for adults traveling alone, and here are my reasons why.
1. Gorgeous, Sparkling Ships
Disney went above and beyond when designing the aesthetic of their ships. They hearken back to ocean liners with a dark hull, not black because that is not allowed, but a very dark navy blue. The life boats are yellow to match the color of Mickey's shoes, which required special permission from the Coast Guard; but they match the rest of the ship so perfectly that it would be difficult to imagine the typical orange eyesores. The wraparound promenade deck immediately made me think of the movie Titanic, with its teak loungers. Art Deco or Art Nouveau is the style of the interior decor, depending on the ship, with a Dale Chihuly glass-blown chandelier in the atrium. Sure, if you are looking for Mickey, you will find him; but the surprise is: you do have to look. Disney is long known for placing "hidden Mickeys" around their theme parks, outlines of Mickey which are hidden in plain sight, and the Disney Cruise Line continues this tradition throughout the ship.
Not only are the ships beautiful, but they are sparkling clean as well. I have never seen a crew working so hard to keep a ship looking brand new as I did on the Disney Magic. You will not find these ships looking rough around the edges in any way, shape or form. With the higher percentage of children, they seem to double down on sanitizing and cleanliness. And that is something that an adult can certainly appreciate.
1. Gorgeous, Sparkling Ships
Disney went above and beyond when designing the aesthetic of their ships. They hearken back to ocean liners with a dark hull, not black because that is not allowed, but a very dark navy blue. The life boats are yellow to match the color of Mickey's shoes, which required special permission from the Coast Guard; but they match the rest of the ship so perfectly that it would be difficult to imagine the typical orange eyesores. The wraparound promenade deck immediately made me think of the movie Titanic, with its teak loungers. Art Deco or Art Nouveau is the style of the interior decor, depending on the ship, with a Dale Chihuly glass-blown chandelier in the atrium. Sure, if you are looking for Mickey, you will find him; but the surprise is: you do have to look. Disney is long known for placing "hidden Mickeys" around their theme parks, outlines of Mickey which are hidden in plain sight, and the Disney Cruise Line continues this tradition throughout the ship.
Not only are the ships beautiful, but they are sparkling clean as well. I have never seen a crew working so hard to keep a ship looking brand new as I did on the Disney Magic. You will not find these ships looking rough around the edges in any way, shape or form. With the higher percentage of children, they seem to double down on sanitizing and cleanliness. And that is something that an adult can certainly appreciate.
The beautiful Disney Magic
2. Large and Impressive Standard Staterooms
With the majority of the staterooms starting at 200 sq. ft., Disney has some of the largest standard staterooms in the business. Yes, there are even inside staterooms with that square footage. Additionally, almost all staterooms include the double bathroom concept, which Disney has pioneered with a sink and small tub in one room, and a sink, toilet and shower in another. Even with only two adults, this feature is a godsend. All staterooms include a sofa which can fold out to form a bed, and are beautifully decorated. The Disney Dream and Fantasy have also added a new feature for inside staterooms: a virtual porthole which shows a real-time ocean view of what your cabin would see, were it on the exterior of the ship. Fun characters from Finding Nemo float across from time to time (for those of us who are kids at heart).
With the majority of the staterooms starting at 200 sq. ft., Disney has some of the largest standard staterooms in the business. Yes, there are even inside staterooms with that square footage. Additionally, almost all staterooms include the double bathroom concept, which Disney has pioneered with a sink and small tub in one room, and a sink, toilet and shower in another. Even with only two adults, this feature is a godsend. All staterooms include a sofa which can fold out to form a bed, and are beautifully decorated. The Disney Dream and Fantasy have also added a new feature for inside staterooms: a virtual porthole which shows a real-time ocean view of what your cabin would see, were it on the exterior of the ship. Fun characters from Finding Nemo float across from time to time (for those of us who are kids at heart).
Disney Magic Stateroom (courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)
3. Extensive Adults-Only Spaces
Most cruise lines have an area set aside for adults only. Usually it includes some hot tubs, lounge chairs, maybe a pool. Well, Disney ships have all that and more. Inside the adults only deck area, there is a coffee bar as well as a traditional bar which you can enjoy with the guarantee of no kids hanging around. Remember what I said about Disney going overboard on cleanliness because of kids? Well, the same holds true with adult amenities. It seems that because they know their reputation, they provide more for adults than most other cruise lines. In addition to the deck areas, there is also a night club district on every ship that is exclusive to adults in the late evenings. (Sometimes the largest lounge has family comedy in it around 7:00, but after that, no kids!) The spa is top of the line with couples suites, complete with ocean view hot tubs and all the relaxation you can afford. The Rainforest room in the spa deserves a special shout out for aromatherapy scented steam rooms and showers.
Most cruise lines have an area set aside for adults only. Usually it includes some hot tubs, lounge chairs, maybe a pool. Well, Disney ships have all that and more. Inside the adults only deck area, there is a coffee bar as well as a traditional bar which you can enjoy with the guarantee of no kids hanging around. Remember what I said about Disney going overboard on cleanliness because of kids? Well, the same holds true with adult amenities. It seems that because they know their reputation, they provide more for adults than most other cruise lines. In addition to the deck areas, there is also a night club district on every ship that is exclusive to adults in the late evenings. (Sometimes the largest lounge has family comedy in it around 7:00, but after that, no kids!) The spa is top of the line with couples suites, complete with ocean view hot tubs and all the relaxation you can afford. The Rainforest room in the spa deserves a special shout out for aromatherapy scented steam rooms and showers.
Chocolate Souffle courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
And how could I complete a section on adults only spaces without talking about the specialty restaurants? Palo, an Italian-themed restaurant on all ships, is quite simply the best specialty restaurant that I have visited at sea. (And a bargain at only $20) The chocolate souffle is famous for a reason: a fluffy chocolate exterior with rich, creamy liquid chocolate inside and vanilla bean sauce or extra chocolate sauce to pour in. The flatbreads, pastas, and entrees also impress, but my favorite thing about Palo is the brunch held on sea days. Imagine an upscale buffet with seafood, salads, cheeses, pastries, desserts and more with a made to order menu featuring chicken parmesan and handmade pizzas.
Remy, on the Disney Dream and Fantasy, is the most expensive specialty restaurant at sea ($75) and features French specialties. Both restaurants are adults-only, and on the two newer ships, there is an adults only bar between the two restaurants called the Meridian Lounge.
Remy, on the Disney Dream and Fantasy, is the most expensive specialty restaurant at sea ($75) and features French specialties. Both restaurants are adults-only, and on the two newer ships, there is an adults only bar between the two restaurants called the Meridian Lounge.
4. Great adult entertainment
I must concede that the Disney produced shows are geared toward Disney fans and families. Some are so sappy I found myself rolling my eyes continually. But, the comedians, magicians and other performers are decidedly NOT Disney and almost always perform an extra "adults-only" show in one of the lounges after the second dinner seating. Every single night there is some sort of show or activity geared especially to adults with a themed dance party following. One night was the tried and true marriage game; another a Quest-style scavenger hunt (bras and all). We were never bored in the evenings before or after dinner, and always looked forward to whatever offering they had for adults. The "assistant cruise director" is entirely focused on adult entertainment, and has a personality to match. Again, they are trying very hard to help you realize that this line is not just for kids. Add in the true movie theatre with first-run 3D movies (even adult features like "Up In the Air") and the large variety of drink tastings around the ship, and adults are unlikely to get bored, even without the casino.
I must concede that the Disney produced shows are geared toward Disney fans and families. Some are so sappy I found myself rolling my eyes continually. But, the comedians, magicians and other performers are decidedly NOT Disney and almost always perform an extra "adults-only" show in one of the lounges after the second dinner seating. Every single night there is some sort of show or activity geared especially to adults with a themed dance party following. One night was the tried and true marriage game; another a Quest-style scavenger hunt (bras and all). We were never bored in the evenings before or after dinner, and always looked forward to whatever offering they had for adults. The "assistant cruise director" is entirely focused on adult entertainment, and has a personality to match. Again, they are trying very hard to help you realize that this line is not just for kids. Add in the true movie theatre with first-run 3D movies (even adult features like "Up In the Air") and the large variety of drink tastings around the ship, and adults are unlikely to get bored, even without the casino.
Dedicated movie theatre courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
To conclude, I don't think that Disney Cruise Line is for all adult couples. If a casino is important to you, you will be disappointed. If you like show girls in your main theatre entertainment, you won't see them here. (Unless you count Ariel and Jasmine; they have somewhat skimpy costumes.) And you certainly won't forget that you are on a Disney ship with characters walking around, Disney music playing in the elevators and halls, and main dining spaces called Lumiere's. "But what about the kids all over the ship?", you might ask. The kids programs are so extensive and large that you don't see the kids running around the ship like you might expect. They even have a program where they serve the children their dinner quickly, then sweep them away to go play so that their parents can enjoy a longer meal. The bottom line is, if you like Disney and want an amazing cruise experience, you can have it on this line, even without your children.
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