Cruising With Disney, But Without the Kids
Cruising With Disney, But Without the Kids
Disney cruises are unabashedly a trip for the entire family, but particularly for the kids. Indeed, the ships’ offerings appeal more to childlike fancy than to adult preoccupations. With this in mind, is it possible for adults to enjoy the Disney experience without the tykes? Well, you’ll surely feel homesick to the stomach as soon as you catch a glimpse of Mickey and then remember that your kids aren’t there to gape at him with wide-eyed, childlike wonder. But if you’re looking for distractions which are family-oriented (sans the troubles of constantly picking up where your children left off), then Disney cruises can be an enchanting experience nonetheless.
Case in point: the uber slick-and-stylish Disney Wonder. The distinct dark-blue and gold and red trimmings remind you more of the love boat than anything else, a nostalgic charmer amid staggering behemoths. The embarkation is fuss-free and well-coordinated, and the sight of security scanning you with giant Mickey Mouse gloves is surely a novel experience in itself. You are ushered into the receiving area upon mention of your name and applause, and then the ship’s pretty much yours for the taking.
Since your trip is an adult-only affair, you’d definitely be less interested in hyperactive exploits, and more with relaxing alternatives. Out of acute foresight, the ship offers a well-developed spa and fitness center for parents who either want to keep up or take a time out from their kids and recharge. The crescent-shaped fitness center is spacious, with enough room to move about with medicinal balls or aerobic mats. There are at least fourteen treadmills, numerous bicycle machines, and full-body workout equipments; all these are lined up in such a way that you’ll have a commanding view of the warm Caribbean Sea as you sweat it out.
The dining experience is diverse with three out of four ‘shift’ restaurants. Palo is a notable standout, an adult-only diner which offers exquisite Northern Italian cuisine in a classy setting; you also have a sweeping view of the ocean from most seats. Take note that Palo accommodates only through reservation – make sure that you place the ten-dollar fee as soon as you go onboard or book the trip.
Undoubtedly, there are port stops which line your trip, and you’ll either maximize this opportunity or keep yourself at port for most for such occasions, as there are plenty of diversions onboard, including enjoying a super-sized screen view of a football game, or time to unwind at the roomy Vista Spa Villa. You can otherwise get a tan while reading a book at Castaway Cay’s adult-only Serenity Bay. One of the voyage’s main highlights is party night, when the whole ship turns into a swash-buckling party as troops of kids overrun the deck in eye patches and pirate hats. On-sea fireworks are also a unique treat for Disney cruisers since it is the only cruise line permitted to light up the sky with fireworks at sea. You’ll definitely have guilt pangs as the ship cruises over to Port Canaveral, but at least there’s the consolation that you can always take the kids out the next time you go onboard; plus, you’re fully recharged for the daily grind which awaits you.
