Much like the Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line is also a fantastic option for adults who want to go on a cruise. Even if you're (still) not best friends with Mickey, Disney does some things differently. This cruise line offers top-tier service, great bars, some of the best specialty restaurants at sea, and an amazing experience if you're looking for a fantastic vacation. You know what DCL doesn't have? Casinos. So, if you are a fan of that, you will probably need to look for your next vacation elsewhere.
This guide will focus on the adult side of things when it comes to Disney Cruise Line, and we'll explore topics like:
- The Best Disney Cruise Line Ships for Adults
- The Best Dates to Travel with Disney Cruise Line
- What Adults Can Enjoy on Disney Cruise Line
- The Best Restaurants for Adults
- The Best Bars for Adults
Let’s get started!
The Best Disney Cruise Line Ships for Adults
I will say that the two best ships for adults are the two most recent ones: Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.
The reason is simple: both ships are more modern and offer some of the best entertainment and bars for adults. The Disney Wish features The Bayou and Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, two amazing bars for adults, while the Disney Treasure offers The Haunted Mansion Parlor and Skipper Society.
Both ships also have amazing specialty restaurants, including Palo Steakhouse - an upgrade over the traditional Palo that includes Italian cuisine and some amazing steaks - and Enchanté, which is a modernized and improved take on the fancy restaurant Remy that is present on the older ships.
The Best Dates to Travel with Disney Cruise Line
One of the main advantages of going on a cruise without kids is that you don’t have to wait for school breaks. Sure, you still need to take some days off work, but your boss will surely understand if you explain that you're going to meet Mickey Mouse while sipping a piña colada, right?
The best times to go on a Disney Cruise are usually from September to November. This is the low season, when cruises are often cheaper and less crowded. This is especially important for Disney Cruise Line, which is considered an expensive vacation, and saving some money can really make a difference.
I’d probably skip May through July. The middle of summer brings some of the biggest crowds and some of the most expensive fares as well. Also, pay attention to school breaks and special events like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween, when cruises can get crowded and cost a lot more.
What Adults Can Enjoy on Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is probably the best company for a cruise with your entire family, but it’s also a great option for adults only as well. And you know what, why can’t adults enjoy some of the family-friendly activities, like the stage shows, rotational dining restaurants and meet & greets? I say go for it. Enjoy everything they have to offer, and also some of the special adults only activities and areas onboard their ships.
Top Tier Service
It actually doesn’t matter if you’re the only person in the Milk Galaxy who doesn’t know who Mickey Mouse is, has never watched Star Wars, and simply doesn’t care about Frozen or Marvel. The thing is, Disney is a step above when it comes to staff service, meals, and entertainment. You can completely ignore everything Disney if you wish and still have an amazing time.
Quiet Cove Pool
Every Disney Cruise Line ship features an area called the Quiet Cove. This is an 18+ space with infinity pools, whirlpools, and bars for adults to enjoy while sipping a drink and soaking up the sun. The Quiet Cove Pool lives up to its name, offering a peaceful escape from the often chaotic main swimming pool. If you're looking for a tranquil time with your significant other, this is definitely the place to be.
Senses Spa & Salon
Disney Cruise Line also offers a large spa aboard all of its cruise ships, providing a variety of services, including massages, body treatments, salon services, and much more for those looking to relax. The Senses Spa & Salon isn’t cheap, with massages starting at $149, but guests agree that the service is excellent and the environment is pure luxury.
Stage Shows
Sure, everyone can enjoy these, but let me tell you, these shows are not just for kids. They are well-made productions that last about 40 minutes and feature a great mix of acrobatics, singing, and dancing. Some of the best shows are The Tale of Moana, Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, and Frozen – A Musical Spectacular. In fact, all of the shows range from good to amazing, and you should definitely check them out.
Castaway Cay & Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
These are the two Disney private islands in the Bahamas, and they’re fantastic destinations for adults as well. Castaway Cay features Serenity Bay, an adults-only area with a private beach and restaurant, while Lookout Cay offers adults-only beaches and multiple bars. In fact, even if you don’t visit the adults-only areas, you’ll still have a great time just enjoying the beautiful sights.
The Best Restaurants for Adults
There are two specialty restaurants you should definitely check out while on Disney Cruise Line, and both are adults-only: Palo and Remy/Enchante. Palo is sometimes referred to as Palo Steakhouse, and Remy is basically the restaurant Enchanté on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.
Palo
Palo is often considered the best restaurant onboard any cruise ship. That alone should be enough to make you book a spot here. Palo offers a mix of Italian cuisine and steakhouse fare, serving some of the best dishes at sea. You can order à la carte or opt for the prix-fixe menu, which costs $50 per guest.
Remy/Enchanté
Remy (or Enchanté) is an upscale restaurant onboard Disney Cruise Line, and it’s just as good as Palo. This French cuisine dining venue offers a prix-fixe dinner for $125, brunch for $75, and a Dessert Experience for $65. The price is steep, sure, but the experience is fantastic and luxurious. This is an even better choice for a romantic dinner with the love of your life.
The Best Bars for Adults
There are a lot of fun bars that are adults-only during the night. These include options based on classic Disney rides, Star Wars, and much more. If you want to relax while having a good time, you simply can’t go wrong with the choices below.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor
A bar exclusive to Disney Treasure, based on one of the most iconic rides at Disneyland and Disney World. It’s like having a good drink in the middle of a haunted house… while floating in the middle of the Atlantic. The atmosphere is fantastic, with small touches and CGI effects on the mirrors and walls that introduce some ghostly friends to your party.
Skipper Society
Disney Treasure is also home to Skipper Society, an adults-only bar inspired by the classic Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney. The atmosphere is fantastic, full of Jungle Cruise references, with an environment that makes it feel like you're somewhere in Africa.
Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
The Star Wars bar onboard the Disney Wish offers drinks made in Tatooine, Coruscant, and Naboo. The atmosphere is fantastic, designed to make you feel like you're traveling onboard a ship from one planet to another. I wish there were more CGI and practical effects at play here, but this is still a great destination for adults and Star Wars fans.
Skyline
This bar, found on both the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic, offers a unique experience: enjoying a drink while taking in views of cities from around the world, with the setting shifting from day to night. Destinations include London, Barcelona, Hong Kong, and New York. It’s definitely a top-tier choice if you want to relax, enjoy good music, and sip a great drink.
