Disney Dream for Teens

[sprn]

My children and I love cruising, but have never been on a Disney cruise, Partially because of the cost, and also because the Casino had always been a big draw for my older kids. This year it will just be my 17 year old daughter and me cruising. I am seriously thinking of surprising her with the Disney Dream (she had always wanted to go on one when she was younger), as with only 2 of us (instead of 5) it would fit into our budget, and gambling is not an issue for her, and I can live without it.

Is there enough on-board for a 17 year old to do in or out of the teen program, or will she fell too old for the ship. Are there enough adult activities for me, travelling without my husband, that I won't also feel "too old." Are there activities that are designed for us to do together (if she is willing to actually spend time with her mother)? Any opinions are appreciated

[Gardeneroflove]

The answer really depends on the type of person you are and what you normally do.

 

For me? Yes, but you're going to find me with a drink, mp3 player, and a book. The same was true at 17 (minus the drink, of course). I've never been in a club or dancing or in the pool (that'll change, I'm assuming my 2 year old will want to go in the pool.)

 

For my always on the go can't stay still or stop sil? Not as much, she was bored on sea days. On a 5 port day, she did much better. But she's not the sit and read a book or just enjoy the sun type.

 

IMO, yes, there's plenty to do if you enjoy doing and more than enough to do if you enjoy doing nothing.

[Loonbeam]

The bigger factor for her might be the number of teens in her age/social group. If there are more than a few, they will always find something to do.

[sprn]

Thanks for the quick responses. It would be so much easier if I didn't want to surprise her and could get her input.

 

As for me, sitting and reading and doing "nothing" sounds absolutely wonderful, though I still want to know other options that are available.

 

Any more opinions? I am eager to hear

[Shmoo here]

Thanks for the quick responses. It would be so much easier if I didn't want to surprise her and could get her input.

 

As for me, sitting and reading and doing "nothing" sounds absolutely wonderful, though I still want to know other options that are available.

 

Any more opinions? I am eager to hear

 

IMO, and my opinion only, I think there's plenty to keep everyone occupied. Remember, you're talking about a 3 or 4 night cruise - so not a lot of time onboard to do everything. In fact, that's my #1 tip for cruising - don't try to do everything, you can't. We've done 6 DCL cruises, and we still haven't done everything that available to do.

 

I will point out that, at 17, your daughter will not be able to accompany you to any adult-only areas (Quiet Cove, Serenity Bay, most of the bars/lounges in the evening, Palo or Remy).

[moki'smommy]

Yes, but.....

 

OK, there are A LOT more activities on a 7 night cruise on the Fantasy in all categories--teen, adult, family--than on the Dream. There are relatively few activities on port days, and at best, you'll only have one sea day on the Dream.

 

I don't think you will regret the Dream, but we like longer cruises with more to do a lot better.

[sprn]

Thanks for the opinions. We too prefer longer cruises; this just happens to fit into the limited schedule we have this time around.

[Gardeneroflove]

Thanks for the quick responses. It would be so much easier if I didn't want to surprise her and could get her input.

 

As for me, sitting and reading and doing "nothing" sounds absolutely wonderful, though I still want to know other options that are available.

 

Any more opinions? I am eager to hear

There's lots to do, imo, if you want to do it. Though we've only done longer cruises, so I don't know about shorter ones. Ours last year was 6 nights.

[bzkdz]

I've taken all of my teens on Disney cruises. The first time on the Dream - Dd18, Dd15 and Ds13, and then last year, Fantasy - Dd17, and Ds15). They have a great time! If your Dd goes to the Vibe the first night, she will be able to make friends (you didn't say if she is/still will be in high school) and do Vibe activities. There are LOTS of general activities on board - movies, shows, towel folding, cooking classes, mini golf, jogging, shopping, Spa, etc. My oldest was out of high school when we went on the Dream, so did things with me or her sister, or just sat in the sun and read. Both cruises, Dd17 made a friend ahead of time on the cruise meet-up board, and we hardly saw her other than at dinner. There are also special activities on Castaway Cay for teens.

 

I do want to say, however, that my kids LOVE Disney, so are excited to be doing anything in or on Disney lol! Other kids might have more fun on other cruise lines that have rock climbing, etc.

 

Beth

[sprn]

Thanks so much again for your responses.

My daughter is 17, and a High School senior, so Beth, your input was particularly helpful, Thanks!