Is a Disney Cruise to Alaska Worth It If You Don't Have Kids?

I just got back from 7 days on the Disney Magic, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver. I get a lot of questions regarding adult travel on a Disney Cruise Ship, wondering if it is completely kid centric and if Disney offers an experience that adults would also enjoy. 

After experiencing it for myself, here's what surprised me, port by port and detail by detail.

 Alaska sailings pull a different crowd to begin with

Alaska itineraries aren't the same demographic as a Caribbean sailing out of Florida. It's a noticeably adult-heavy crowd compared to what you'd picture. 

 Disney Cruises do have generous adults only spaces.  There is a large deck area with a quiet pool and hot tubs. It has an adults only bar for beverages and snacks.  The deck offers plenty of space to hang out, enjoy your coffee and watch the  scenery. Cove Café offers a quiet place to read, work, or just relax, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

My favorite adults-only splurge, hands down: Senses Spa. I paid extra for unlimited access to the Rainforest Room. The heated loungers, rainfall showers, steam rooms, and saunas were available any time during the cruise with this package. Those heated loungers after a day of glacier viewing were everything.

 The adults-only activity schedule 

I expected the after-dark lounges to be the extent of the adult experience. While the lounge areas did have fun music like Dueling Pianos, soft jazz and even a silent 80s dance party, there were still plenty of other activities to enjoy. I did not expect trivia, bingo, crafts, and spa consultations scheduled for the over-18 crowd all day long. If you are not into nightclubs, there are still plenty of fun activities onboard for just adults. 

 The excursions have adult-only time slots

This one's easy to miss when you're booking. Several shore excursions offer adult-only departure times, so you can pick a slot that's just grown-ups, glacier trekking, wildlife tours, scenic railways, all of it. I did the adults-only Glacier Explorer to the Dawe’s Glacier and the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway. Both guides were fantastic and made the excursions even better. 

The Ports of Call 

The Disney Magic’s itinerary stops at Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan. They all have plenty to offer adult travelers. Icy Strait Point had the wildlife and nature, the White Pass Railway in Skagway is simply breathtaking with the mountain views, and great food options. My favorite port of call  was Ketchikan. There were so many interesting little areas to explore and learn about.The Totem Heritage museums are rich with history.  Creek Street really made this port special with lots of shops and eateries owned by locals.  They were always willing to share their knowledge and experiences about life in Alaska. It is a definite must-do for adult travelers. The quaint little shops and rich history made it feel very charming and nostalgic without being overly tourist focused. 

The Disney Cruise Line difference

Disney pays very close attention to details.  From the deck crew to the servers in the restaurants, the cast members go out of their way to make you feel special.  They greet you with a genuine “good morning” or “good afternoon” while mopping the deck. The servers know your name and your favorite foods. They know how you like your steak. They know if you like lemon with your water.  They remember every detail. 

The Disney Magic is the OG Disney Cruise ship, so I thought at first that it might seem dated. It was not at all. The ship is beautiful, and there was nothing that looked worn or dated.  The cast members were constantly busy cleaning, painting, and polishing every inch of the ship, making sure everything stayed spotless and beautiful. If you're nervous about cruising for the first time, or wondering whether Disney is worth it compared to going on another line, it absolutely is. The personal touches, the warm and inviting atmosphere combined with the magic only Disney can do, makes this a perfect option for the adult crowd who may prefer a more refined atmosphere. 

 Pack for changing weather, not necessarily cold weather.

I watched every video I could find on this itinerary before we sailed, so I felt genuinely prepared, layers, rain gear, the works. And then it didn't rain a single day. Alaska weather is famously unpredictable, so I'd still tell you to pack like it might, but don't let the forecast talk you out of going. There were days when it was cold, but also warmer days.  Layers really are the key.  It can start out cold and warm up quickly, so the ability to just remove a jacket or sweatshirt can make it more comfortable. 

 So who is this actually for?

Honestly, almost anyone. Kids will definitely have a blast in the kids clubs and character meet and greets, but adults who want top-tier service and a  real adult space to unwind, it's there all wrapped up in the magic that only Disney can provide.