I've taken 4 Disney cruises without kids. Here's why they're actually the perfect adults-only getaway. (2024)

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I’m never bored on a Disney ship.

On most of the cruises I've been on, the main activities include eating and drinking. However, that's not the case on Disney cruises.

In addition to having great pools, Disney ships are known for having a wide variety of activities throughout the day. My favorites include trivia, mixology classes, panel discussions with Disney animators, and animation classes.

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The food is by far the best I’ve had at sea, and I’ll always splurge on the specialty restaurants.

Food plays a big role in determining where I vacation, and I've had some of the most incredible meals on board Disney ships. In addition to the food, the restaurants are well-themed and detailed. While there are plenty of elevated eats, there are also casual bites, like pizza, and Disney favorites, including Mickey waffles.

While the main dining rooms are delicious — and included with the cruise fare — I'll always splurge on one of the specialty restaurants that charge an additional fee.

These upcharge restaurants offer a more intimate experience with super personalized service and a greater variety of dining options. My favorite is Palo, which is open for both brunch and dinner. Here, I've enjoyed fresh pasta, standout wine, and high-quality wagyu.

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I love the themed bars, and the drinks are surprisingly affordable.

While Disney doesn't offer a drink package that includes co*cktails, the well-themed bars are worth the splurge.

From a Star Wars-themed watering hole to a Peter Pan-themed speakeasy, I really enjoy the inventive co*cktail programs and immersive settings. Each bar also has its own unique themed drinks, which keeps things exciting.

As a regular at Disney World, I was also surprised to find that drinks are much more affordable on a Disney Cruise, with prices consistent across the ships I've been on.

For example, my favorite Dole Whip spiked with rum was $9 on board, compared to the exact same version priced at $14 at Disney World.

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There are plenty of adults-only spaces.

While I tend to spend much of my day at the lively main pool, which features Disney movies and live entertainment, there are also plenty of adults-only spaces, including pool areas exclusive to guests 18 and older.

Some ships even have bar districts with multiple venues exclusive to adults.

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The rooms are spacious and practical.

I've found the rooms on Disney cruises to be the most spacious — and practical in design — I've encountered.

Most rooms on Disney ships also have a split bathroom, which means the toilet area is separate from the shower. This is a vacation lifesaver when multiple adults are trying to get ready at once.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy Disney Magic.

I love Disney ships because, from dressing up for pirate night to meeting my favorite characters, there are plenty of opportunities to feel like a kid again.

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The shows on board are Broadway-quality.

I'm a sucker for live entertainment, and each Disney ship offers at least one Broadway-style production. From "Frozen" to "Beauty and the Beast," I always make sure to check out these high-quality musicals, which are included in the price of the cruise.

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Disney’s private islands are very relaxing.

I've been to several cruise-line private islands, but Disney's are by far my favorite. Castaway Cay, located in the Bahamas, exudes relaxation. The island is home to one of my favorite activities, the Castaway 5k, which is included in the cruise fare and allows participants to earn an exclusive race medal.

Disney's newest island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is located near the southern tip of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. The beaches here blew me away and were some of the best I've experienced after dozens of trips to the Caribbean and Mexico.

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Disney Cruise Line is the perfect adults-only vacation, and I can't wait to plan another trip.

As a big fan of the parks, Disney Cruise Line takes those magical elements and upgrades them at sea with incredible food, live entertainment, and relaxation — making for the perfect adults-only vacation.

Its ships are home to some of the most exciting, highly themed lounge options I've encountered, and I love the Broadway-quality productions. While on board, I'm able to do as much or as little as I want.