A Disney cruise isn't just for kids - here are 7 things adults will love onboard each ship

Advertisement
A Disney cruise isn't just for kids - here are 7 things adults will love onboard each ship
Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky
  • Disney Cruise Line voyages are some of the most popular cruises available.
  • With Star Wars-themed sailings, fine dining, and spas, Disney cruises are hardly just for kids.

If when you think of Disney Cruise Line all you imagine are rabid Disney fans and rambunctious children, you're dead wrong.

Sure, Mickey himself will make an appearance, but Disney Cruise Line sailings are designed for every age group and level of Disney fandom, or lack thereof.

In fact, many of the best activities and perks on Disney cruises are specifically for adults, like gourmet dining, craft cocktails, spa treatments, and more. I've been on many Disney sailings and honeymooning couples, girls' trips, and adults who left their kids at home - as I've done - are often the norm.

These are the best things for adults onboard the Disney Dream, the Disney Magic, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Wonder, and the upcoming Disney Wish.

Advertisement

Bars and lounges onboard are upscale or themed.

Bars and lounges onboard are upscale or themed.
A rendering of a forthcoming bar on the Disney Wish showcases impressive, immersive design. Disney

Disney storytelling is vivid on every ship, especially within signature bars. Each cruise has a variety of drinking establishments that become adult-only spaces after 9 p.m. but these are the best ones.

Skyline on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream

The cosmopolitan Skyline lounge delivers a transportive experience from the comfort of your bar stool with windows to the world that offer a virtual aerial view over cities such as London, New York City, Hong Kong, and Barcelona.

Meridian on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream

The Meridian is an upscale travel-themed lounge with sophisticated decor alongside craft cocktails, wine, beer, aperitifs, and digestifs, as well as a cigar selection to be enjoyed in an outside area.

Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish

It's not open yet, but it's pretty much a given that the "Star Wars" themed Hyperspace Lounge will be the most popular bar on the high seas with an immersive, out-of-this-world design.

Insider Tip: Make sure to check out all the activities offered at onboard bars such as trivia, tequila tastings, and live music.

Separate restaurants offer elegant alternatives to regular dining.

Separate restaurants offer elegant alternatives to regular dining.
Palo is one of my favorite ala carte restaurants onboard a Disney cruise. Sunny Chanel

Disney Cruise Line dining features rotating themes every night, but for a more elegant affair, each ship also has separate adult-only restaurants, including these favorites.

Palo on Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy.

Palo pays homage to Venice, Italy with Italian fare. Order from a prix fixe menu for dinner or brunch inspired by Northern Italy for a $45 surcharge, which is a great value.

Remy on Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy

The most luxurious experience on a Disney ship is at Remy, a French fine-dining restaurant, available at a $125 surcharge per person for dinner.

Palo Steakhouse/ Enchanté on Disney Wish

The Disney Wish will debut two adult-only upscale gourmet restaurants — Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté — both inspired by "Beauty and the Beast." The price has yet to be revealed.

Insider Tip: While upscale dining is a treat, don't forgo the included rotational dining. From Tiana's Table (a "Princess and the Frog" theme) to the beloved Animator's Palate, these dinners are a fun, interactive experience.

Advertisement

Each ship has a Quiet Cove for adults with its own pool area, bar, and cafe.

Each ship has a Quiet Cove for adults with its own pool area, bar, and cafe.
The Quiet Cove is a designated pool area just for adults on every Disney cruise ship. Sunny Chanel

In addition to the main pool, each Disney ship has an aptly named Quiet Cove, which is an adult-only deck with its own pool, whirlpool spa, lounge areas, open-air bars, and the Cove Café.

The Disney Wish will be unique in that its Quiet Cove will have an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Insider Tip: Look to the boat's daily itinerary for various events offered in the adult pool area from games to live music.

Every ship has a Senses Spa for adults.

Every ship has a Senses Spa for adults.
Each Disney cruise ship is home to the adults-only Senses Spa. Sunny Chanel

Each Walt Disney Cruise Line vessel houses the adults-only Senses Spa where you may book a massage, facial, mani-pedis, or even a session of cold sculpting.

All ships offer hair styling as well, but the Disney Wish will debut themed services at their Untangled Salon and Hook as well as a "Peter Pan" inspired barbershop with a hidden bar serving vintage bourbon, whisky, port, and more.

Insider tip: If you plan on indulging in a treatment, book in advance online or in person on the first day of the cruise as these treatments book up fast.

Advertisement

On Castaway Cay, a stretch of sand is reserved for 18 and up.

On Castaway Cay, a stretch of sand is reserved for 18 and up.
Castaway Cay is a white-sand oasis with a private section specifically for adults. Sunny Chanel

One of the highlights of Disney's Caribbean cruises is a port stop at the cruise line's private island, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas. I love the white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, biking, BBQ, and there is even a 5k race awarding medals at the end.

The main beach welcomes families, and as such, teems with children. However, the secluded Serenity Bay is reserved just for those over 18. My advice? Book an open-air Cabana Swedish Massage under swaying palm trees followed by a margarita from the Castaway Air Bar.

Insider Tip: For added luxury and privacy, book a cabana at Serenity Bay for around $399 for four people. There is limited inventory, so make sure to book ahead of time.

Many of the best port excursions cater specifically to adults.

Many of the best port excursions cater specifically to adults.
Disney Cruise Line offers excursions like rum tasting, ATV tours, and more. Sunny Chanel

Disney Cruise Line offers all kinds of excursions when you disembark at various ports. There are hundreds to choose from but these notable choices stand out as well-suited for grown-ups.

Bacardi Rum and Distillery Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Disney Fantasy

While docked in Puerto Rico, take a guided tour through the Bacardi Rum Distillery where you'll learn about the company's history, how they make their liquor, and taste some, of course.

ATV Adventure available on select sailings

For a dose of adventure alongside nature, several destinations such as Bonaire, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic offer ATV tours for adults, which are often paired with perks like lunch or a beach break.

Temezcal Ritual in Mexico on Disney Wonder

Recharge your spirit in this experience akin to a sweat lodge. A ceremonial leader will guide guests on a rejuvenating 90-minute purification ritual.

Insider Tip: Culinary and cocktail excursions are a great way to get a taste of the destinations you're visiting. They're also usually among the more affordable options.

Advertisement

Select sailings offer special programming geared to grown-ups.

Select sailings offer special programming geared to grown-ups.
On themed days like Marvel Day at Sea, take part in a meet and greet with characters like Loki from "Thor" and "The Avengers." Sunny Chanel

Disney is known to offer extra ways to celebrate throughout the year, with select cruises that are themed after holidays or fandoms, including the following standout sailings.

Star Wars Day at Sea on Disney Fantasy

Star Wars Day at Sea takes place on one day of a 7-night voyage with iconic characters like Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Darth Vader. A "Star Wars" themed fireworks show, movie marathon, costume celebrations, trivia sessions, and scavenger hunts also take place.

Marvel Day at Sea on select Caribbean sailings

Marvel Day at Sea honors superheroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the Black Panther on select 5-night Caribbean cruises with a day of meet-and-greets (at a safe distance due to COVID protocols), a stage show, movies, costumes, and special entertainment and treats.

New Year's Eve on select sailings

Disney offers special programming on cruises for Christmas and Halloween, but there is something extra romantic about spending New Year's Eve at sea with a festive dinner menu, a New Year's Eve dock party, and the Disney characters dolled up in their finest.

Insider Tip: If you like to dress up, these themed days are a great opportunity to break out your Princess Leia or Loki costumes, or don a celebratory dress or tux.