15 Things Adults Can Enjoy on a Disney Cruise

When it comes to cruising, nobody does it quite like Disney. The ships, aptly named Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish, are vessels of excitement, from the spacious staterooms and fantastic entertainment to the imaginative youth clubs and sumptuous dining options. But what about the adults? You’ll be pleased to know that we have 15 things adults can enjoy on a Disney Cruise to ensure this age group has been remembered in this blog post.

The list varies from cruise ship to cruise ship since the deck plans and dining/entertainment options differ. Still, they can easily be swapped out depending on the boat you sail on.

1. Chill Out at Quiet Cove Pool

As a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the ship, the Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil oasis where adults can enjoy a quiet swim, relax in the whirlpool spas, or soak in the sun. You can even order a refreshing beverage from the Cove Bar steps away.

The padded lounge chairs are perfect for reading a book, taking a nap, or relaxing.

Pro Tip: If you skip a port of call, you may have the Quiet Cove Pool all to yourself as we did.

2. Enjoy the State of the Art Fitness Center

For those looking for a more active way to spend their vacation, Disney offers a state-of-the-art fitness center complete with workout and cardiovascular equipment, weight machines, exercise classes (pilates, aerobics, yoga), and toning sessions. And let’s be honest, it’s a great way to offset all those incredible meals you’ll indulge in.

3. Dine at Remy or Palo

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, look no further than Remy and Palo. Both onboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Remy offers a French-inspired gourmet dining experience, while Palo serves up Northern Italian cuisine. These adult-only restaurants require a reservation and a dress code, but it’s worth it.

Guests must be 18 or older.

Note: A reservation is needed to dine at both of these restaurants. Book them on the Disney Cruise Line website or once you get onboard. You will be charged a cancellation fee if you do not show up for your reservation.

4. Get Pampered at the Ship’s Spa and Salon

Get ready to indulge in serious pampering when you visit the spa and salon onboard a Disney ship. Choose from various treatments, from massages, body wraps, and facials to hair styling, teeth whitening, and pedicures, and enjoy some quality “me time” while being treated like royalty.

Disney’s Senses Salon and Spa was literally a retreat at sea with its fantastic services, steam rooms, and sauna. Spa appointments can be booked online or once you get onboard.

5. Catch a Movie or Show

Disney is known for its incredible entertainment, and their cruise ships are no exception. Check out the Buena Vista Theater, which features first-run movies and live shows, or head to the Walt Disney Theater for Broadway-style productions. And remember Disney’s incredible fireworks show, which takes place on most cruises.

6. Learn About (and Sip) Champagne

Head to Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar on the Disney Dream if you want a romantic or educational activity. The elegant atmosphere and incredible selection of wines and champagnes are sure to impress, and the Champagne Flight, featuring three glasses of bubbly, is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

7. Dance at the Nightclubs and Lounges

Each Disney ship has an area full of bars and lounges. At night, this space becomes adults-only. Whether you want to sit back and listen to live music or drink a cocktail under a disco ball, there is something for all adults to do on a Disney Cruise of the evening.

Pro Tip: Icy pop cocktails are our favorite.

There’s plenty of fun after hours, from Ooh La La on the Disney Fantasy to Pub 687 on the Disney Dream, Fathom and Keys on the Disney Magic, and Azure on the Disney Wonder. My family loved the Pino bar and Skyline, where the city views changed daily.

8. Sign Up For a Tasting Class

Beverages tastings and classes are plentiful on Disney Cruise Line. You might find a few interesting ones aboard your cruise: bourbon, chocolate, rum, wine, martinis, margaritas, mojitos, and beer. Some classes may involve a nominal fee, but it is super fun to sample the (often) adult libations. I always look for things I want to familiarize myself with when I look for tasting to sign up for.

Pro Tip: Sign up early; these fill up quickly.

9. Participate in a Mixology Class

Are you feeling crafty? Head to the Meridian Lounge on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy for a mixology class, which will take your tasting one level further. Learn how to make classic cocktails, or try your hand at creating your own signature drink. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend an afternoon or evening.

10. Earn A Disney Medal

Don’t miss the chance to join the Castaway Cay 5K while visiting Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. This 3.1-mile trek showcases hidden parts of the island you wouldn’t otherwise see. The 5K is free and suitable for all fitness levels, whether you prefer running or walking. Plus, every participant receives a coveted Disney medal upon completion.

To register for the Castaway Cay 5K, visit Guest Services.

11. Check Out the Disney Cruise Line Activities

Disney offers a variety of engaging activities for adults to enjoy throughout the day. With your very own Adult Activities Director, you can partake in bingo, bridge, volleyball, trivia, karaoke, dancing, crafts, and interactive game shows.

Take advantage of the opportunity to make new friends and have a blast!

12. Take Your Own Character Photos

What better way to document your Disney Cruise than a picture with your favorite Disney characters or Mickey Mouse in my book? The cast will make several appearances during your cruise, each time in different outfits.

Relish the short photo lines onboard and collect as many photos as possible to document your memorable Disney cruise.

13. Enjoy An Adult-Only Port Adventure

Most Disney Cruise itineraries offer adult-only excursions. Look for a note indicating that it’s for adults under the Port Adventures listing. These trips cover rum tours, snorkeling, cabana massages, and historic site visits.

Check the Disney Cruise Line website or ask the Port Adventures desk for adult-exclusive excursions onboard.

14. See Broadway-Style Shows

Disney Cruise Line’s live stage shows could be on Broadway–they are that good! The music, costumes, and sets are pretty phenomenal, especially for a cruise. Each ship has different productions.

Dream: Disney’s Believe (story of a busy father who reconnects with his daughter with the help of a little Disney magic), The Golden Mickeys (a tribute to Walt Disney films featuring a few characters you don’t see very often), and Beauty and the Beast.

Wish: Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular, The Little Mermaid, and Disney Seas the Adventure.

Magic: Twice Charmed, An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story, Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic, and Tangled: The Musical.

Wonder: The Golden Mickeys, Disney Dreams —An Enchanted Classic, and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

Fantasy: Disney’s Believe, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, and Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular.

I recommend seeing the shows, even if you typically skip them. If you don’t feel like getting dressed and going to the Walt Disney Theater, you can watch them on TV in your stateroom.

15. Relax at a Private Bahamian Oasis

Serenity Bay is an exclusive adults-only retreat on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. If your cruise includes visiting Castaway Cay, Bahamas, spend your day at this tranquil beach. Serenity Bay offers a perfect escape for adults, whether you seek relaxation, water activities, live music, or the Open Air Bar.

Castaway Cay is truly a white sand beach paradise with umbrellas, beach chairs, waterslides, and all sorts of outdoor fun. There is a playground, shops, walking and running trails, and a specialty barbecue restaurant for dining on the island.

Misconceptions about Disney Cruise Line

Despite popular belief, kids are not omnipresent on Disney Cruises. While you may come across children, most of them are well-behaved. The onboard kid’s clubs are fantastic, and many children choose to spend a significant portion of their vacation there. The ship’s theme centers around Disney without being overwhelming.

While the dining rooms and live shows reflect Disney movies, you won’t have Goofy sitting next to you or be forced to watch “Frozen” repeatedly. Despite Disney ties in adult nightlife areas, the cruise offers an escape from a typical “Disney vacation.”

Disney Cruise Line caters to more than just families with small children. One Christmas, my family (including a 22-year-old) had a blast on a Disney Cruise. There was ample entertainment for all ages while still enjoying quality family time. Disney caters to families of all ages.

Caribbean Ports of Call

For those interested, Disney’s ports of call in the Caribbean include Costa Maya, Progreso, and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as George Town (Grand Cayman), Bahamas, Falmouth (Jamaica), and several Florida ports or embarkation cities (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Port Canaveral).

Organized port excursions range from zip lining to submarine tours and lots of in-between.