When I was sixteen my parents took me on a cruise, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. As a teenager, I was kind of dreading being stuck on a giant boat in the middle of the ocean with my parents, but there was just so much to do, whether in ports of call or at sea. Now that I’m the parent and I’m constantly looking for fun activities and vacations to treat my family to, I’m starting to see the whole thing from a different perspective, and I’m having an oddly similar reaction to that of my teenage self. I mean, am I ready to board a ship for seven to ten days with my children?
It could sound terrifying, but here’s the thing: the Disney Cruise Line obviously read my mind because they’ve thought of everything. Disney Cruises are jam packed with so many Broadway-style shows, princess tea parties, Water Coasters, and deck parties that your kids will be having the best time of their lives, allowing you a lot of R&R while they’re at it. Because, the truth is, Disney cruises aren’t just for kids. Sure, there are Frozen adventures, pirate parties, and all-you-can-eat buffets, but there are also some insanely luxurious amenities and experiences for the grownups, too—stuff that Disney Cruise Line takes to another whole level. Go ahead, check out these awesome splurges, and maybe you’ll be as tempted as I am to book your next family vacation on a Disney Cruise.
Photos: Disney Cruise Line
8 Disney Cruise Splurges You Absolutely Can't Miss Out On
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Castaway Cay
This is Disney’s very own private island in the Bahamas, with to-die-for crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches where you can snorkel, have a drink, or even try a beach yoga class.
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Luxury Spa Villa Suites
Whenever I go on vacation, the first thing I do when I hit the ground is make a beeline to the spa to book a massage. But Disney Cruise Line lets you go way above and beyond the average massage: the Luxury Spa Villa Suites feature a private veranda, personal whirlpool, and open air shower, plus complimentary tea ceremony, bathing ritual, and foot cleansing ceremony. With all those options for pampering, you may have a hard time choosing between the different spa treatments. Rest assured, however, that you’ll be so relaxed by the end they may need to scrape you off the table and wheel you back to your room.
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Extraordinary Dining
If you’re tired of eating chicken nuggets and pizza with the kids back at home, maybe it’s time you stepped it up a notch with a mouthwatering, adults-only meal at Remy or Palo, Disney Cruise Line’s two signature specialty restaurants. Dine at both locations with the kids or without. In a gorgeous, romantic atmosphere, the knowledgeable staff will seamlessly pair world class wines with modern Italian dishes like sea scallops in a prosecco and white truffle reduction. Yum.
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Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandas
These spacious, art deco staterooms are built for families, complete with a spacious seating area for the daytime that turns into bunk beds at night. Bonus: split bathrooms mean that more people can get ready at the same time. With 24-hour room service included at no extra charge, you can sit down for a private family meal on the verandah and catch up with each other on the day’s events.
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Ever-Changing Views at the Skyline bar
Pull up a seat and order your favorite cocktail (or three) at the Skyline bar, thatfeatures panoramic, constantly changing world-wide skylines. It’s like visiting a new bar with breathtaking views of a new city every day.
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Flashy Broadway-Style Shows —
It’s safe to say nobody does on-board entertainment like a Disney Cruise. And it’s really not just for the kids, is it? I mean, having watched every Disney movie at least a dozen times, I’d be pretty psyched to take in a lavish musical production in the gorgeous Walt Disney Theatre along the rolling seas.
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Immersive Kid’s Clubs
With clubs aboard catering to different age groups (kids, tweens, and teens), kids of all ages have exclusive places to play and party the day away, giving parents more time to relax by the pool, grab a massage, or party on their own. Specially trained Disney counselors are on hand at every Kid’s Club to make sure that everyone’s having a fantastic (and safe) time.
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Dazzling Fireworks
Want your dream vacation to go out with a bang? Fireworks displays are fun for the whole family, and nobody brings the pyrotechnics and jaw-dropping blasts quite like a Disney Cruise.
