How to Enjoy a Disney Cruise as an Adult

When most people hear the word Disney, they think of family fun. Adults can have just as much fun on a Disney cruise as children, but they often don't realize just how many activities are available for them on the Disney ships Magic and Wonder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Dine at Palo, the adults-only restaurant. On both the Disney Magic and Wonder, there is an adults-only restaurant called Palo located on deck 10. No one under 18 is allowed to dine at Palo. There is an extra charge for dining at this restaurant, but it has its own galley so the food is made to order just like in land-based restaurants. There is an extensive Italian menu with pasta dishes, seafood and a popular beef tenderloin. The most popular dessert is chocolate souffle, but there are other sweets and freshly made gelatos with flavors that change nightly. Adults can have a romantic meal at Palo while their kids play in the supervised clubs.

2. Experience the spa for individual and couples. Both the Disney Magic and Wonder have a spa on deck 10 that is restricted to adults only. It offers several couples experiences, such as a couples massage that can be done onboard or in an oceanfront cabana on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Individuals and couples can also book experiences in spa villas, which have a private hot tub out on their verandah. The most popular couples experience is the Rasual room, an intimate experience in which a couple shares a mud bath and relaxes in a private steam room. Individuals can choose from relaxing spa services like a hot rock massage, a variety of facials, mud wrap or aromatherapy massage.

3. Try the Cove Cafe and Quiet Cove Pool. While the Mickey and Goofy pools are typically overrun with children, both the Disney Magic and Wonder have an adults-only pool area. There are two hot tubs, comfortable loungers with cushions, an adjacent bar, and a coffee shop. When the noise and craziness of the children's areas get to be too much, adults can escape to this little piece of paradise where anyone under 18 is forbidden.

4. Hit the nightclubs. The Disney Magic and Wonder each have a themed nightclub district with clubs that are off limits to cruisers under age 18 after 9:00 p.m. each night. The clubs feature adult-oriented shows and games such as "Match Your Mate," which is similar to the Newlywed Game, along with comedians, magicians and an adult scavenger hunt.

5. Watch adult programming. Children on a Disney cruise have activities such as making Flubber or baking chocolate chip cookies, but adults don't have to be jealous, because the longer cruises on the Magic and Wonder feature adult activities. Cruisers over 18 can learn how to fold napkins, make towel animals and prepare appetizers, main courses and desserts just like the ship's chefs.

6. Find Serenity Bay. Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay, is a paradise for everyone, but the adults-only beach makes it especially attractive to cruisers over age 18. Adults take a tram to Serenity Bay, where they can lounge in a beach chair under an umbrella, swim or snorkel. A special adults-only lunch is served at the beach so you don't have to travel back to the main part of the island to eat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you child is at least 3 years old and potty trained, he or she can be placed in the kids' clubs on the Disney Magic and Wonder any time at no extra cost to you. Children can even stay in the clubs at dinnertime and they will be taken to a special buffet by the club counselors.
• You will be issed a pager at the beginning of the cruise so that the club counselors can page you if there is a problem or if your child needs you.
• If you sail during school vacations and holidays, there will be a much higher number of children on your Disney cruise. If you are childless or sailing without children and want to avoid them as much as possible, sail during the school year.

Resources

• Activity schedules can be found on here