Though I paid for the cruise and additional amenities, I want to thank Disney Cruise Line for providing the free internet access. All photos and opinions are my own.
With all that Disney Cruise Line offers, “family friendly” experiences are at the top of the list. However, I think a common misconception among my peers is that Disney Cruise Line is for kids and doesn’t offer amenities for the adult crowd. That could not be further from the truth. Disney Cruise Line is inclusive of everyone and has gone to great lengths to incorporate not just families and kids, but couples and adults alike.
We have cruised with Disney Cruise Line 10 times now and 9 of those experiences have only included the kids and family time. Sadly, my husband and I had never carved out time for just ourselves. Crazy huh? Believe me, when I began planning for this 10th cruise, it dawned on me that we are now traveling with a 15-year-old and a 9-year-old (who turned 10 on the cruise). Everything they discussed prior the trip didn’t involve my husband and I (which sort of made me sad), but I understood that they are older and the dynamic is now changing (for the better) when it comes to my future family vacations. So… the planning for “adult-only” time began.
Here are a few of my personal (1st time) favorite activities to do with your significant other when the kids are with you on vacation.
1. Visit Serenity Bay
Serenity Bay is the adult beach area on Castaway Cay (Disney’s Private Island). Worried about how to get there? No worries, there are plenty of signs to direct you to the tram to Serenity Bay. When you arrive, it is a sight to behold. It was so peaceful and for a minute I kept thinking that something was missing. What was that you ask? Kids! That’s right, I have spent so much time in those wonderful family activity areas, that I wondered where the kids were. Never fear, I came to my senses really quick and was in the moment with my husband and to top it off, the discussions we had didn’t involve the kids. It was wonderful!
2. Why Leave The Room?
A good tidbit of information… Order room service and watch one of the movies on OnDemand. Disney Cruise Line offers plenty of in-room entertainment in the form of On-Demand programming. There are so many viewing options to fit your individual tastes from Disney/Marvel movies to Hollywood features and TV shows.
We watched so many movies as a family, but when the kids went away we ordered room service (cheeseburger and wings, yum!) and watched our favorite Disney / Marvel films.
3. Visit Venellope’s Sweets and Treats and Quiet Cove Pool
After we toured Nassau on our own, we headed back to the ship and had lunch. Once the kids left, we visited Venellope’s Sweets and Treats for some delicately sweet Macaroons.
By the way… while we were there, we even ordered the Vanellope’s Go-Cart Sundae to be served during dinner for a special family treat.
After we got our treats, we headed to the Quiet Cove Pool area to just sit in one of the two-person round lounge seats and people watched while we ate and just talked. (Granted, we watched people on that “other” cruise, but it was enjoyable just the same).
4. Relax in the Rainforest at Senses Spa & Salon
You have to reserve this 1-Day Pass prior to your cruise, but for $16 per person (plus tax and gratuities) it is a great value for what you receive. The Rainforest is marvelously peaceful and serene and I immediately felt at ease. After we donned our robes, we indulged in the fruit infused water and the heated tiled lounge chairs that gave a spectacular view of the ocean. In addition to the those heated tiled lounge chairs, you will find steam rooms, a dry sauna, and two hot tubs, though we did not experience those this round. I think we took too much time just luxuriating in the lounge chairs.
5. Partake in the Palo Brunch
Can you say decadent, romantic, fascinating, dreamy (too many words to think of)? It was our very first time here and to be honest, I have always assumed that this place was not for us. It seemed so out of reach and so far beyond our daily norm. I was wrong and I can admit that. From the moment we arrived, everyone was so friendly and provided supreme service to us in ways we haven’t experienced before.
We tasted a little bit of everything from the buffet and savored the Artichoke Ravioli (I might have had two helpings).
We will be back for sure!
6. 4th Floor Deck
This may sound strange, but the 4th-floor deck is relaxing. While our room was being cleaned, we wandered onto the 4th-floor deck for a leisurely stroll and sat down in one of the available seating choices. To enjoy this for yourself, find a good spot and enjoy the sounds of the ocean during your day at sea. Besides, you never know who you may see!
I have learned that the key to proper adult-only planning will involve utilizing the spaces specially designed for teens (Vibe) and PreTeens (Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab) to your benefit. There is an abundant amount of resources on the internet that will give you an idea about times, activities, etc prior to your cruise date. Just be sure to check schedules when you arrive on board and plan accordingly. Also, To ensure that you get to experience those perfect romantic dinners and experiences for two, be sure to make reservations at Palo, Remy and/or Senses Spa & Salon as soon as your booking window opens prior to your cruise.
This adventure was nothing short of amazing and I want to encourage other couples with children in tow, to take the time and experience new things just the two you together, even if it’s for an hour a day. We didn’t experience the rocking clubs or bars but they are great ways to spend time together as well.
We will never forget our 10th Disney Cruise with the spectacular crew members who enhanced our experience from Charm and Didit to Joy to I Gusti and even Popeye (our driver to the airport)… Bravo Guys!
Next Stop… The reimagined Disney Wonder and/ or the Disney Magic (any itinerary)!
Until Next Time!
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