Gay Couple by themselves, Without Kids, On Disney Cruise Lines ?

PHILCT

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jul 24, 2004
Hi Everyone

I have excessive points left on my DVC timeshare that I will probably bank, and I am considering using them for an unusual splurge after next years DVC usage year.

I have discussed with my partner about the possibility of going on a 7 day Disney Caribbean Cruise, in a unit with an outside verandah. Everything looks great about it, but the absence of other gay couples WITHOUT children.

We are kind of thinking of early November 2010 as a possibility, and I am assuming there are not a lot of older Children on School Vacations at that time.

I feel a little uneasy about trying this without like being part of the PODCAST Cruise for example, or other friends/family members (gay or straight) that we know. I can see quite a few gay couples who have gone or are going on the PODCAST cruises, and actually that sounds nice, but that event has to be on a cash basis and not the DVC points to participate with that fun group.

Has any other gay couples gone totally alone on a Disney Cruise Trip before?

I was reading advice on a cruise critics site that rated many of the mainstream cruise lines for gay couples, and Disney was the least favorite idea among gay couples without Children? It wasn't that they were against Disney, they just wanted to feel totally part of the voyage and not a side show of a Family Oriented Vacation theme. I don't want to be the only one or two male gay couples on a cruise ship.

I would like to hear about any gay couples (without CHILDREN) experiences on the Disney Cruise Lines. If I had children, this wouldn't even be a question, and I would be calling DVC to make the reservations as soon as I could.

I could treat other family or friends to come along, but that isn't going to happen in this economy.

Thanks, Phil
 
We have done multiple Disney cruises, and never on a planned program like a podcast cruise. Never EVER felt akward or out of place! The staff is....well just awsome! It's almost like they look forward to seeing you! Disney does the absolute best job of keeping the kids away from the adult only areas! The only downfall I found was the nightlife can be a little slow. But honestly, after a day full of Disney adventures, I am usually ready for bed around midnight anyway!

I would recommend it without hesitation! pirate:
 
I'll echo Mike's sentiments.

We had a great time on the Disney Cruise without kids (they won't let Tolliver come on the cruise, so we had to leave our "child" behind :mad:).

And feeling like a side show? Certainly not! We were the headliners, baby! It was all about us, and it was awesome! Okay, so we were on our honeymoon, and wore the buttons, so people made a big deal about us, but no one ever had an issue with the fact that we're a gay couple.

And the great thing about DCL is that they actually enforce the "Adults Only" rules at several locations, so being without kids isn't an issue at all. In fact, because we stayed primarily in the "adults only" areas, we didn't see many kids at all. Which was just fine by me!

My advice would be to just do it!
 
Phil--

A bit off topic.

My husband and I have no children, and are a VERY liberal heterosexual couple, heck I was raised in a socialist country. I am from Sweden, and was also raised without all of the various pretenses of ism's (sexism, racism, classism, etc), that are pretty pervasive in the American culture.

That said, we did a Disney cruise a couple of years ago, and had a good time. The staff were wonderful; however many of the other cruisers were not. Also we found that without a child, we sometimes felt out of place--and were asked by more than one family why we were on board--hello, because we paid our way and we LOVE Disney.

We decided at that time, we would not do another Disney cruise without a child of our own, or a "borrowed" (family) child. I can't explain it other than saying many of the other cruisers felt they owned the ship, and that their voice was most important because they had their kids along. (I kept wanting to scream 'children are human beings, not accessories that allow for preferential treatment' but I am not that assertive). Now like I said the staff did not care, but it still seemed kid-free travelers were not as welcome, at least by the other travelers. Also on many other cruises we have taken, we have made fast friends with people with whom we still communicate--other than the woman who wanted me to accept "her religion", no one on this ship seemed interested in becoming friends (which was fine with us). Overall I felt not having a child left me out of the mix (I could have just gotten a bad lot of travelers?)

Final thoughts, a November cruise will probably draw people from colder climates, like perhaps the midwest. I live in the midwest, and as a group they are not the most inclusive forward thinking people. Most of this depends on what you want out of your cruise. Joe and I enjoy meeting new people along with our new experiences, we just did not expect to meet such close minded young families. If you don't care to interact with others, but merely enjoy the ship, shows, and stops you should be fine.
 


We went in Nov.
Just us two.
Had a great time!

I fact we're going again in Feb
with anouther gay couple!
Maybe two other couples!

We say go for it!
Wally & Paul
 
I'll echo the remarks of those who are in support of being a gay with no kids family/couple on a DCL cruise. My hubby and I will ONLY cruise on DCL cruises....and we do one almost annually. We just did a 4 night on the Wonder in May which, ironically, was the podcast cruise---although we hadn't planned it that way on purpose. That was our 5th cruise with DCL in the past 4 years. Our next one is a back to back trip next year in September we're doing the last 10-night Mediterranean and then the westbound TransAtlantic----24 nights of the Magic, baby!!! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 We love DCL cruises. We NEVER feel out of place----and oddly, we're not even all that active in the "adult" stuff on board. Neither of us drinks and the adult night clubs are really not our thing. We do enjoy some of the adult things like the adult programming like games, lectures/tours, we love the adult pool, the spa, etc......but mostly we just adore the cruise, the shows, the total DCL experience. The staff are always fantastic to us. We have never ended up being the only gay couple on the cruise (although we don't necessarily befriend other gay couples onboard cuz we're shy....and just as happy to be with each other)...so we've never felt isolated or alienated.

I say go for it....you'll certainly be glad you did!!
 


I have done this and I heartily recommend it. This is a superior cruise to other large ship lines in many many ways. And couples without kids were not uncommon.
 
Phil,
If it would make you feel any better I would be more than happy to go with you! :lmao: I think you will have a great time! Just relax and enjoy the cruise!
 
I'll echo the remarks of those who are in support of being a gay with no kids family/couple on a DCL cruise.

I say go for it....you'll certainly be glad you did!!

Well, I was going to post that I know at least two couples who regularly cruise without kids and love it--but Erik already chimed in and he and Jason are one of those couples:rotfl2: Tons of adults without children (gay and straight) cruise DCL. As others have said, Disney does a fantastic job of providing great things for adults, kids, and mixed groups--better than jsut about anyone and the staff can not be beat.

AKcire--I am so sorry you ran into a group of such horrible families:sad2: We have run into one or two less than stellar passengers over the years, but mostly everyone is too busy enjoying their own magic to really notice who else is around them (unless they happen to be making firends with that person;)

OP--I think you should go for it. Odds are 10 to 1 if you get involved in the meet thread for your cruise you will find you are not the only childless gay couple on board--and soe of us straight people are okay too:goodvibes Just be warned the cruises are highly addicting:rolleyes1
 
Having met Mike's partner, I can assure you that he is definitely one of a kind! ;)

And thank goodness for that! :rotfl2:

I've gotta say, I love Shrek. He'd make a great character on a sitcom! :thumbsup2
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I do like kids, but it would be odd to be hanging out in the Cruise Family Areas for example without having any kids of my own. Although I have about 30 nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and even great great nephews and nieces who would all be glad for UNCLE PHIL to take them along on holiday with him and UNCLE JAY ! No Way, UNCLE PHIL's 401k got hit somewhat in the last year. But if I did hit the lottery, maybe ?

MORE CRUISE QUESTIONS:

The adult pool isn't like Storm Along Bay size, so I am assuming people get to know each other quite quickly? I am friendly, believe it or not.

Did you have to sit with other assigned couples during dining plans, and how did that go for you traveling alone couples? I am afraid I will be sitting next to someone not so approving of me and Jay? I am not sure we would get our own table, and I am hoping it isn't like this so tiny a table for two minature adults in a room full of tables for 4 to 8 people. I wish I was more minature in size, but that is another story about dieting before grand vacations.

Don't laugh at this one, is it more fun to be on the LEFT or RIGHT Side of the boat, would you rather look at only the open ocean, land in the distance, or the DOCK SIDE? I have no idea? I do plan on kissing and cuddling on our room's verandah, and hope there will be no nasty stares? Disney says some of the verandah's have white walls, what is a white wall versus a non white wall (is that just a railing), which is better ?

When you went to travel from Disney/MCO to the Disney Cruise Lines did you use the Disney Cruise Lines Buses or use a Sedan service (for two people) who won't have a car? The sedan service is cheaper, but would you recommend it? I may want the sedan service to get a grocery store stop possibility.

For the gay male couples, Did you dance together at the adult dancing clubs, or go in just for a drink there? Did you hold hands together? Did you kiss at midnite?

Jay likes his occasional favorite English Cider (alcoholic), and I would like it to be available for him in the room. Is it allowed to be brought on board, as I am not sure it will be available anywhere on the Cruise Ship other than the bar?

Jay and I are really big Cargo and Surfboard Shorts people, other than at the Palo did you really wear pants or jeans to the night time restaurants.

For the guys, Did you rent tuxedos on board for the formal night, wear suits, or bring just a Dinner Jacket for those nights. I think the 7 night cruises have a formal night.

Thanks Everyone,

Phil
 
The adult pool isn't like Storm Along Bay size, so I am assuming people get to know each other quite quickly? I am friendly, believe it or not.

Yes, people get to know each other and socialize. I've *watched* it happen. :) I tend to sun during the day and use the pool at night and there aren't many people there then. But I've had lots of conversations in the hot tub...kind of hard to ignore people in a big, bubbling bath tub!

Did you have to sit with other assigned couples during dining plans, and how did that go for you traveling alone couples? I am afraid I will be sitting next to someone not so approving of me and Jay? I am not sure we would get our own table, and I am hoping it isn't like this so tiny a table for two minature adults in a room full of tables for 4 to 8 people. I wish I was more minature in size, but that is another story about dieting before grand vacations.

They tend to seat based on party type but it isn't 100%. We are usually with other adult travelers, but our last 7-night cruise we were seated with a family of 4, with two elementary-age boys. They were quite nice. There are fewer kids at the second seating (generally) so I was surprised to be with kids. No big deal. The only time we absolutely hated our tablemates was on a 3-day cruise--me, partner, my sister. The other people at the table clearly hadn't dined much past Denny's in their life and I can only be so tolerable. And then we had the worst dining team (the server and asst server clearly hated each other, it was bad). But don't let that scare you...we've been on umteen Disney cruises...I lost count.

Don't laugh at this one, is it more fun to be on the LEFT or RIGHT Side of the boat, would you rather look at only the open ocean, land in the distance, or the DOCK SIDE? I have no idea? I do plan on kissing and cuddling on our room's verandah, and hope there will be no nasty stares? Disney says some of the verandah's have white walls, what is a white wall versus a non white wall (is that just a railing), which is better ?

I prefer the non-solid walls which is to say, plexiglass and railing. Otherwise you can't watch the ocean bob up and down. Oh wait, that's the ship bobbing up and down. As far as left or right, I prefer port (left), just because that's where I started and it's easier to find your room after enjoying adult beverages if you stick to the same side of the ship on every cruise. ;)

When you went to travel from Disney/MCO to the Disney Cruise Lines did you use the Disney Cruise Lines Buses or use a Sedan service (for two people) who won't have a car? The sedan service is cheaper, but would you recommend it? I may want the sedan service to get a grocery store stop possibility.

I have done everything BUT the bus. I would do a sedan service that includes a stop--that's pretty common. I never need food, just liquor. Liquid lunch please!

For the gay male couples, Did you dance together at the adult dancing clubs, or go in just for a drink there? Did you hold hands together? Did you kiss at midnite?

We don't really dance but we do whatever we want. We have our favorite bartenders so that's where to find us! I wouldn't give a second thought to hand holding or kissing.

Jay likes his occasional favorite English Cider (alcoholic), and I would like it to be available for him in the room. Is it allowed to be brought on board, as I am not sure it will be available anywhere on the Cruise Ship other than the bar?

You can bring liquor, etc. on board in your carry on (the bag you keep with you when boarding the ship). On the Panama cruise I had a few bottles of wine and a couple bottles of liquor. They never question it.

Jay and I are really big Cargo and Surfboard Shorts people, other than at the Palo did you really wear pants or jeans to the night time restaurants.

Never ask me this question. I have my portable closet with me while cruising. I always dress for dinner (we always dress for dinner at Southfork, Miss Ellie said so). For me, never shorts or jeans. Capris yes, shorts no. Denim yes as long as it's not jeans (say ecru colored Burberry jeans) ;).

For the guys, Did you rent tuxedos on board for the formal night, wear suits, or bring just a Dinner Jacket for those nights. I think the 7 night cruises have a formal night.

We always do the tuxedo thing. I own mine, he rents his. I do rent the shoes...I don't have tux shoes at home. I bring a jacket or two just to keep things flexible for Palo, etc. I try to do Palo on formal or semi-formal night just to kill two birds with one stone, but that depends on dining rotation.

We are going on the transatlantic next September. Hoping to do a 7-night in January and probably doing a 3-night in December.

You can't go wrong with a Disney cruise...we've made lots of great friends from our cruises. We even met Santa Claus--did you know Santa is gay? At least one at a local mall of ours. Totally random...you never know who you'll meet.
 
I've been on 3 DCL cruises, but only one with my bf and we were celebrating 6 months together at the time(4 years this september!) My bf was just getting used to the idea that we could be ourselves and not have to worry about getting mugged or dirty looks or whatever. I told him Disney was the perfect place to discover this and after that vacation, he completely changed his attitude on that.

As I have said a million times before, don't ever let "other people" bother you when you are anywhere with Disney behind it. Granted, I'm a CM and because of it, I feel like I have the company behind me 110%. I DARE someone to say something rude to me...just try it! You have a great LGBT company and fantastic cast behind you, so don't think twice about holding hands or anything of that nature.

A little story for ya - for our 6 month, they brought us a cake. We couldn't eat it all and on the way out, the head server was at the door and said "don't get too messy with that in your room" :lmao: That's just another example of how open the cast is.
 
MORE CRUISE QUESTIONS:

The adult pool isn't like Storm Along Bay size, so I am assuming people get to know each other quite quickly? I am friendly, believe it or not.

Usually its a very friendly atmosphere, and there is a bar right there, and believe it or not, the characters come by occasionally, so yes it is very friendly, and the "No kids" rule is strictly enforced! There are two hot tubs near the pool also.

Did you have to sit with other assigned couples during dining plans, and how did that go for you traveling alone couples? I am afraid I will be sitting next to someone not so approving of me and Jay? I am not sure we would get our own table, and I am hoping it isn't like this so tiny a table for two minature adults in a room full of tables for 4 to 8 people. I wish I was more minature in size, but that is another story about dieting before grand vacations.

Yes, you will be seated with other people. Try it the first night, if things dont go well, just ask to see the head server at the end of dinner, and they will move you to another table for the remainder of the cruise. This is common cruise line pratice. But I have never, ever had a problem with this situation! It's nice to see familiar faces at the end of the day so you can have that "So what did you do today" conversation. For breakfast and lunch, you will be on your own.


Don't laugh at this one, is it more fun to be on the LEFT or RIGHT Side of the boat, would you rather look at only the open ocean, land in the distance, or the DOCK SIDE? I have no idea? I do plan on kissing and cuddling on our room's verandah, and hope there will be no nasty stares? Disney says some of the verandah's have white walls, what is a white wall versus a non white wall (is that just a railing), which is better ?

It's not so much a matter of left or right (Starbord or Port, just remember Port and left are both four letter words) but front, middle or rear! (Forward, Mid, or Aft) The middle of the ship, and the lower part of the ship are "smoother" in rough seas, but the upper levels of the ship have better views! The only difference I know about the verandaha's is some are more open than others, hard to descrine, but all of them are very private! Last cruise I took I had a "navagators verandah" which I liked, google it, the view is not as open, but the furniture is much better...

When you went to travel from Disney/MCO to the Disney Cruise Lines did you use the Disney Cruise Lines Buses or use a Sedan service (for two people) who won't have a car? The sedan service is cheaper, but would you recommend it? I may want the sedan service to get a grocery store stop possibility.

I've never taken the bus, If you want grocery service I would go with a sedan, and have them stop at an Orlando grocery stop, not much once you get out of the metro area!

For the gay male couples, Did you dance together at the adult dancing clubs, or go in just for a drink there? Did you hold hands together? Did you kiss at midnite?

I'm pretty sure a few people on this board have actually won the "newleywed" contest on board! ;) Once the sun goes down, it is a very accepting croud that hangs out in the nighclubs!

Jay likes his occasional favorite English Cider (alcoholic), and I would like it to be available for him in the room. Is it allowed to be brought on board, as I am not sure it will be available anywhere on the Cruise Ship other than the bar?

Not sure about this, but there are so many international people working on the ship, I'm sure if it is possible, they will find the ingredients to make whatever you want!

Jay and I are really big Cargo and Surfboard Shorts people, other than at the Palo did you really wear pants or jeans to the night time restaurants.

Cargo shorts kind of guy here also! You will be fine with a pair of nice dress slacks and a golf shirt for dinner, no tie needed, and a tux on vacation? Are you kidding? :eek: I am famous for running to the room after dinner to get back into the shorts and hawaiian shirt! They do request no shorts at dinner. :thumbsup2



Thanks Everyone,

Phil


Now for my number one tip on cruising! Every Disney room has two bathrooms, which is great cuz one person can be brushing their teeth and shaving while the other is in the shower. But when it comes to that personal thing you do in the bathroom, dont do that in the cabin! Take a little walk to the restrooms near the Walt Disney Theater, or near the Adult entertainment district. You will have the place to yourself during the day, and the ventelation is terrific if you know what I mean!

No need in having that....well.....odor......in your cabin! :thumbsup2
 
Hubby and I are straight but no kids, and have taken three Disney cruises. We had an absolutely wonderful time even without kids and no one bothered us about not having them.
On our last cruise, one of the other couples we were with ended up on a trivia team in the pub with a gay couple, and our three couple group swiftly became a four couple group! Yes, you're likely to find people who will leave you out of things and be nasty, closeminded thingsIwon'ttype. But there's also a good likelihood of finding other a variety of great new friends! My experience with castmembers are that they are welcoming and tolerant across the board.

In general answer to a few of the other questions:
The adult pool is pretty small, and my experience with it was not that it was very social, but then again, I'm not very social at pools. I think if you want to be social you will meet and talk to many people. There are also all sorts of meet and greet/get involved things (like the aforementioned trivia contest) all over the ship.

I have heard of people in the cruise line boards talking about packing liquor onto the ship. You're not supposed to, but apparently the policing is spotty. The pub has Cider (though it might not be his favorite brand). Check the cruise board on that for more info (and to chat with other people going at the same time you are!).

Seating at the dining rooms is generally by group tables. Two out of three cruises, the other people who were scheduled to be at our table never, ever showed up to dinner. The other time it was a nice (if not particularly social) family with whom we had minimal but pleasant conversation. My suggestion is to get late seating (less big families with kids). Disney does try to make sure that compatible people are seated together, and getting moved is really very easy and no-fuss if there's an issue.

Dining rooms for dinner are generally slacks at a minimum (slacks and a collarless shirt or slacks and a polo are perfectly fine) and you do on occasion see people in jeans. I don't remember ever seeing an adult in shorts, but I may have blacked it out of my memory. Getting a little dressed up sort of adds to the specialness of the occasion though, I've found. If you find you really don't want to be in pants for dinner, just eat up at Topsiders, where you can wear shorts at will. Or get room service.

You will have an absolutely great time. No fear!
 
And thank goodness for that! :rotfl2:

I've gotta say, I love Shrek. He'd make a great character on a sitcom! :thumbsup2

So would Mike!

OMG! What a great idea for teevee show! :rotfl2:

The Plain Ole Head and Shrek Show! Can you imagine the theme song? :lmao:

And they could set the show up on a Cruise Boat!
 

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