A Disney Cruise? They're too expensive and full of kids! Why are you going on one without your daughter?

When looking at a cruise vacation, we always look at the price first! What the price doesn't tell you what is really included once you step onto that ship. If you have ever cruised before on any other cruise line, you know you're going to pay for the soda package, upscale restaurants, put a deposit down for a towel, and many more things. On a Disney Cruise there is no soda package, soda fountains are on the pool deck open 24 hours a day at no extra charge. 
Need a towel for the pool? Go to the towel box and take as many as you need without having to show your cabin key to an attendant. 

​I have cruised other lines and I have compared my experiences with a Disney Cruise. The other cruises were fun and I'm sure I'll take another one with friends, but they did not give me the Disney experience I've grown to expect. Why am I telling you this? Well, I suggested we take a cruise to celebrate our anniversary. My husband said," Sure, but it has to be Disney." This coming from the man that NEVER wanted to cruise until 6 years ago I asked him to go one time for my 40th birthday. I showed him another cruise line and the price, which was cheaper than Disney, and he shot me down. I could not believe it! Then I asked him why Disney.  He gave me a long list of reasons: adult only areas, activities, customer service, cleanliness, food quality and choices, movies, Castaway Cay, and the luxuriousness of the ships. I had to agree with all of his reasons!

When you think of a Disney Cruise you think of children, I know I did. After taking one Disney Cruise, I realized how wrong I was. Disney wants to cater to all ages young and old. The first thing that I noticed happened in the cruise terminal while reading The Navigator, the daily schedule of activities. They had listed activities throughout the day by age level, families, adults, and kids' club. I was surprised to see the variety of activities for adults only: mixology classes, how-to cooking classes, adult only evening shows, and the list continued. Many of these peeked my interest and I wanted to try them. After boarding the ship I went to the pool deck and saw an adult only pool and hot tubs (18+). I could hear quiet music playing and the atmosphere was tranquil. And a coffee shop catering to adults! Not on a Disney Cruise, I must be dreaming or wishing upon a star! I toured Senses Spa and was amazed at how relaxed I felt just walking through the door. I experienced more adult only sections or quiet areas throughout my cruise. Now, don't get me wrong, there is a family pool with loud music and movies being shown throughout the day, character meet and greets, and kids' games, but I was shocked at the way Disney met the needs of everyone.

Fast forward to today. We are getting ready to take our couples' cruise in a month, it will be my husband's 6th cruise. I can't wait to attend a mixology class, play Bingo (not only for old people), relax by the pool, hit the nightlife at the different themed clubs, and enjoy a long weekend with my husband. And if I want to stand in line to see Cinderella, I can, but I don't have to. I can even dress up like a pirate for Pirate Night complete with fireworks or I can watch others as I have my rum drink. You aren't forced to do anything, it's your vacation! There is so much to do and not enough time to do it.  What will I do? Book another cruise while onboard! (My husband will be telling me which one he'd like to do.)