[llama]

We just returned from a seven day Caribbean cruise on Holland America line. My husband booked it for our anniversary and chose it over Disney, because he wanted a "grown-up" cruise. (Is that grounds for divorce)? Well, after two days, HE was saying "we shoulda done Disney". Not that the cruise was terrible, it wasn't. But what was so obvious to us was how Disney standards are just a cut above everyone else. Our ship was clean - but Disney's are spotless. Our ship was new (newer than Disneys) but looked "worn-in". The crew and staff were ok - but there was none of the smiling attention of the CM's on the Disney ships. Our cabin was a deluxe verandah, but it didn't hold a candle to the Disney deluxe verandah, and on, and on and on. And of course, NO MAGIC! The funny thing was that when we raved about Disney cruises to others on this cruise, most had no idea how wonderful they were. The response was "oh, that's just for kids". We tried to explain how Disney caters to both kids and adults - but I guess you just have to see to believe. The bright spot - even my husband agrees now - WE'RE GOING BACK TO DISNEY.

[PiratesFan]

My DW and I have never been on a cruise, but for the reasons you mention, if we did decide on taking one, it would be a Disney cruise without question. I for one, would not like the formal "adult" setting of a regular cruise, freestyle or non-freestyle. I think I would be very bored, as I am not one for relaxing at a pool. As a kid at heart, I think I would be very comfortable at whatever Disney had to offer for both adults and kids.

[BuzzLightyear]

Thanks for the report. We are going next April.
Can't wait!!!!

[trilliumB]

I'm really glad to see your post, llama --my DH and I have been thinking on and off about taking a cruise at some point. Of course, we LOVE WDW, so we were weighing taking a Disney cruise vs one of the mainstream varieties. We also were assuming that it would be too "kid" oriented for us (we're offspring-free, as yet), and didn't consider that "cut above" that Disney always manages to make compared to...well, *everyone* else.

Particularly, we were really put off by the thought of the noise and rowdiness of a lot of kids making pools, sunbathing and other activities/areas less than relaxing. Did you find this to be the case? I know that there are some activities/areas that are adults-only, but is it enough to make an entire trip feel relaxing and spacious, or is it more oriented towards the "getting away for an hour" needs of parents? We're afraid that the adults-only areas/activities would be too small or few...leaving us mostly in the midst of happy-kid mayhem...?

Basically, I guess we're generally wondering if it's possible to have a very "chill" adult, sunshine vacation, with lots of lazing about with fancy drinks, dips in the pool, uninterrupted romantic moments, on a Disney cruise? I'm realizing as I'm thinking about this that my concern extends into the sort of 'vibe' of the whole thing, like is the CM attitude very "Wheee! Yippee! Let's all do the Goofy dance! C'mon everybody, get up and boogeeee!!" That would drive us nuts. Is there a side to an adult Disney cruise that allows for a more sedate pace, that leaves room for romance?

[llama]

Trillium -(speaking as a now "kidless couple",too), I think that the ironic thing is the Disney cruise delivered far more adult enjoyment than the "mainstream" cruises.

1. The pool - on our recent cruise there were two pools (one just a wading pool). The main pool was absolutely inundated with kids. By the 2nd day I noticed that most of the adults had stopped going in the pool and were leaving it to the kids. There was an adults only swim every afternoon, but that rule was totally ignored. Also, the pool got kind of murky and uninviting after 2 days. On the Disney cruise there are three pools - one kiddie, one family and one adult. And rules are STRICTLY enforced. No children allowed at the adult pool. The result, of course, was heavenly. Quiet, relaxing, great easy-listening music. And meanwhile, the kids were having a blast on the waterslide in the family pool. I don't know how they do it (must be the magic), but even though the pools are next to each other, it's like you don't even know it's there. Everyone was happy.

2. Rowdiness - literally none on the Disney. Remember most of the kids are being entertained in the kids clubs (and who does it better than Disney). They're so occupied that I can honestly say that in 2 cruises, I never saw any out-of-control behaviour. And for every kid activity, there is one for adults.

3. Likewise at Castaway Cay there are three beaches and the adults only - Serenity Cove - is just that. You want romance? You want relaxation? You want adult? It's heaven!

4. "Palo" The adults only restaurant on the Disney ships is fantastic and the other restaurants are enjoyable too!

I guess the bottom line is that - ironically - on the Disney cruises we had more adult fun, entertainment, dining, relaxing and swimming, than on any other cruise we've taken. And, if you need a Disney fix of the magic, you're always welcome to join in the conga line with Goofy. (and I always took a lot of pleasure in watching how much fun the kids were having).

[trilliumB]

Wow, that sounds *fantastic* (or should I say, FANTASMIC! )!!

Thanks so much for filling me in. What good news! That really does sound just like heaven...Ah!

Do you remember the name of the boat you were on during your Disney Cruise (I assume they're all different)?

Thanks again so much for the info!

[llama]

Originally Posted by trilliumB

Wow, that sounds *fantastic* (or should I say, FANTASMIC! )!!

Thanks so much for filling me in. What good news! That really does sound just like heaven...Ah!

Do you remember the name of the boat you were on during your Disney Cruise (I assume they're all different)?

Thanks again so much for the info!

Disney has two ships - "The Magic" and "The Wonder". We were on the Wonder, but people have told us the Magic is virtually identical. The ship you get depends on the cruise you choose. (3 day, 4 day, 7 day Eastern or Western Caribbean) (and who else's ship's horn plays "When you wish upon a Star?)

[MrDisneyfan1]

Every reply to this thread is "Wonder"ful. If you have gone yet and you plan to...it is the best. We went for the first time with our 2 DS's (2 and 6) and loved every bit. So much that we are going at Chrismas time this year.

I would not think to spend my $ on any other cruise, with or without children!!!
Bo Voyage...
Den

[trilliumB]

Thanks for the added "Wonder"ment! After hearing what I've heard here, I can't see going on any other...

[chetnet]

Boy, the cruise posts don't get much respect here, ha!

Anyway, just wanted to add that Disney does it the best, by far.....even for the extra money. Have been on others, but the quality just doesn't compare, especially the shows!

And even though we've been on both ships with kids only, I would not hesitate to go on it as adults, as those areas looked far more relaxing than other cruise lines. And if you have kids, they will love it. Our kids, believe it or not, actually prefer cruising to Disney World. Now that's high praise!!

And, when you get to the island, make absolutely sure to snorkel and find the underwater Mickey!!! Had no idea it was there during our first cruise, but when we saw it during the 2nd one, it was pretty cool. Here's a quick pick>

http://groups.msn.com/ThePizzulloHom...to&PhotoID=391

Oh, and before I forget, do me (and yourself) a favor, have a Konk Kooler for me at Castaway Cay!!! (I have the recipe if you need it) ;o)

Enjoy!!

[Franco54]

Yes Chetnet the cruise tread is pretty quiet here, but it is a Great site for just about anything else Disney. We are doing the Dec 24-31 2005 Christmas cruise our first cruise ever! Can't wait!!

[crystalrp]

The first time we did the Disney cruise, it was just DH and myself. It was fabulous! I swear, we hardly even knew there were kids there! I would never want to cruise with anyone other than Disney!

[MrDisneyfan1]

Originally Posted by chetnet

B
Oh, and before I forget, do me (and yourself) a favor, have a Konk Kooler for me at Castaway Cay!!! (I have the recipe if you need it) ;o)

Enjoy!!

HELLO,
We will be sailing on December 5th and I will have TWO Konch Koolers for you!
And do please let me know the recipe, a love that drink.

Love your brick, we bought ours the day they went on sale, back when we got engaged there! Mine is under the security table though at this point.
Den

[chetnet]

Here you go! Enjoy!

Konch Kooler
==========
3 oz. Light Rum
3 oz. Dark Rum
4 oz. Orange Juice
1/2 can Coco Lopez Real Cream of Coconut (15oz can)
1/2 can of Frozen "Passion Fruit" Juice (Welches 11.5 oz container)
2.5-3 cups of ice
Mix in blender. Makes 1 pitcher, ha!

We've never seen our 2000 brick, yet. Our first brick, 1995, had 'Baby' on it, so when my son was born, it was only right to get one with his name on it too!

Love cruising!!

[MrDisneyfan1]

OK! that's sounds like a real treat this weekend. DCl sure does not get much attention, you're right! Maybe it's to far down the list, I know there is alot of "cruisers" out there!
Den