When you think of a Disney Cruise, you might picture families with kids, character meet-and-greets, and endless fun for children.
But did you know Disney Cruises are also perfect for couples looking to add a touch of romance to their vacation?
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or just want some quality time together, Disney Cruises offer a variety of magical experiences.
From adult only beaches and excursions to fine dining, there’s no shortage of romantic activities waiting for you onboard and beyond.
Here are the top 10 ways to make your Disney Cruise a romantic getaway to remember.
Top 10 Romantic Things to Do on a Disney Cruise
Dine at Palo
Disney Cruise Line’s Palo Italian inspired restaurant offers an elevated dining experience that combines elegant ambiance with world-class cuisine.
Available exclusively to guests aged 18 and older, Palo serves both brunch and dinner, making it a must-visit for those seeking a sophisticated culinary escape at sea.
Take some time to look at the decor in Palo. As always, the attention to detail is stunning.
The design is different on each ship, but all offer tables with wonderful views of the ocean. Some are better than others so if you are having a romantic meal always ask for a table by the window.
The Palo brunch features a delicious mix of sweet and savory options, including freshly baked pastries, waffles and pancakes, seafood, and made-to-order dishes like eggs benedict and flatbreads.
Unfortunately, Palo Brunch no longer features a buffet, but it is still a worthwhile experience. It is a lot of food though so definitely plan a leisurely afternoon!
Related: Things Disney Cruise Lines Really Should Bring Back
Dinner at Palo is equally memorable, with a menu inspired by Northern Italian cuisine, offering dishes such as osso buco, lobster pappardelle, and the restaurant’s signature chocolate soufflé.
You can choose from a fixed price or a la carte menu.
Palo is perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a luxurious meal. While there is an additional fee to dine at Palo, the impeccable service and unforgettable flavors make it a worthwhile splurge on any Disney cruise.
If you are looking for an even more upscale experience then you can dine in Remy on Disney Dream and Disney Treasure, or Enchante on Disney Treasure and Disney Wish.
Related: Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish – An Honest Review
Relax on Serenity Bay
Disney now has two private island destinations, Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Each of these has a private beach just for the adults – Serenity Bay.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing spot on Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is a great choice.
This adults-only beach is tucked away from the busier family areas, offering soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some downtime with your partner without the distractions of the main island.
You can spend the day lounging under a palm tree, taking a swim in the calm water, or even booking a couples’ massage in one of the open-air cabanas. The area feels quiet and uncrowded, which makes it easy to unwind and enjoy quality time together.
The one disadvantage of Castaway Cay Serenity Bay is the tide – the water is quite shallow, and by the afternoon, you may wonder where all the water has gone! But if you stay into the afternoon you will find that many people have already left the beach, so if you are still happy on your sun lounger, it will be even quiter.
For the ultimate in relaxation book one of the Castaway Cay Cabanas.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point also has a beach exclusively for adults. Unlike Castaway Cay, the adult beach is directly next to the family beach – so if you want a quieter spot walk a distance away from the rope that divides the two areas.
Enjoy a Show in The Walt Disney Theatre
The Broadway-style shows on Disney Cruise Line are a great way for adults to enjoy some high-quality entertainment during their cruise.
Performed in beautifully designed theaters, these productions feature talented performers, impressive sets, and familiar Disney stories brought to life in a new way.
There are different shows depending upon which ship you are sailing on but expect to see such shows as
Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, The Golden Mickey’s and Frozen: A Musical Spectacular.
If you saw these shows on land you would be paying hundreds of dollars.
Or get yourself some popcorn and catch your favorite Disney Movie for a romantic date night in the Buena Vista Theatre. If you are sailing when a Disney movie is premiering you can be one of the first people to see it!
Watch The Sunset (or Sunrise)
Watching a sunset or sunrise on a Disney Cruise is a quiet and relaxing way to spend time together. Sometimes it is just the quiet moments that are the most special.
It is particularly special to enjoy the sunset from your own balcony. But even if you don’t have a balcony stateroom there are still plenty of places to enjoy the view. You can usually find a great spot on the Promenade Deck 4 on your Disney ship to experience the sunset.
Even if you are not usually a morning person, consider waking up a little early to enjoy the sunrise. There won’t be many other people up and about on the ship, and there is something very relaxing about feeling like you have the ship almost to yourself.
Take in the Nightlife
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of bars and adult-only entertainment spaces, providing a lot of options for guests 18 and older.
Each ship in the Disney fleet features uniquely themed lounges, bars, and nighttime entertainment designed exclusively for adults. You can find out what activities are scheduled by looking at your Navigator App. Match your Mate is always a highlight – and definitely just for the adults!
The bars and lounges differ by ship, but you’ll find a mix of elegant cocktail lounges, lively pubs, and themed spaces.
Each venue offers its own menu of craft cocktails, fine wines, and beers, along with an inviting atmosphere.
For example, the Disney Wish features The Bayou, a New Orleans-inspired lounge with live music and specialty drinks, and Nightingale’s, a piano bar perfect for a quiet drink in a luxurious setting.
The new Disney Treasure has the much anticipated Haunted Mansion Parlor. Themed after the famous Disney parks attraction, this is one of the most popular bars on the ship.
In addition to the bars, Disney Cruise Line’s adult-only entertainment includes live shows, comedy acts, trivia nights, and themed dance parties.
Get a Rainforest Pass
Found within the spa area, the Rainforest Room is designed to help you unwind and recharge, offering features like steam rooms, specialty showers, heated loungers, and sometimes even jacuzzis or outdoor spaces.
Each class of Disney ship offers a slightly different version of the Rainforest Room.
For example, on the Disney Wish, the Rainforest Room includes an outdoor area with hot tubs and ocean views, while the older ships, like the Disney Magic and Wonder, have a more traditional indoor layout. These differences make each Rainforest Room unique, but all provide a peaceful escape for adults to relax during their cruise.
I have experienced the Rainforest Room on all the Disney ships and here is my review of which ones are worth it and which may not be for you.
Relax at the Quiet Cove Pool
The Quiet Cove pool on Disney Cruise Line ships is an adults-only retreat that offers a peaceful escape from the livelier family areas on board.
Tucked away from the family areas of the ship, it’s designed exclusively for guests 18 and older, creating a calm atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Whether you’re lounging on a deck chair, sipping a cocktail from the nearby pool bar, or taking a refreshing dip in the pool, it’s a serene spot to unwind with your partner.
The absence of loud music and splashing kids makes it easy to enjoy quiet conversation or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings together.
One of the best times to be there is from around 5.30 pm when half of the ship is getting ready for dinner. Usually the Quiet Cove area is much quieter at this point and it is great time to enjoy this space.
Related: Disney Wish Pool – Did DCL Get it Wrong?
Get Married or Renew Your Vows
Well you can’t get much more romantic than this. Getting married or renewing your vows on a Disney Cruise is a special way to celebrate your relationship in a unique setting.
There are many locations you can choose from including The Grand Hall, Disney’s Castaway Cay and many different lounge and bar locations. it’s a simple yet memorable experience that can be customized to fit your style, whether you want a small, intimate ceremony or something with a few close family and friends.
For more details visit Disney Cruise Weddings Official Page
Indulge at the Senses Spa
Spending time at the Senses Spa on a Disney Cruise is a relaxing and romantic way for couples to connect and unwind.
The wide range of treatments, from massages to facials, allows you and your partner to enjoy a quiet escape together while being pampered.
Whether you opt for a couples’ massage, such as the Aroma Stone Therapy or Swedish Massage, or indulge in a spa suite experience like the Zero Gravity Suite, the spa’s serene atmosphere creates the perfect setting for quality time.
With treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, it’s a chance to step away from the excitement of the ship and focus on each other.
Related: Disney Wish Spa Menu – How Much Does it Cost?
What is your favorite romantic thing to do on a Disney Cruise?
Book a Cruise Excursion For Adults Only
There are many different port adventures available on your Disney Cruise.
Did you know that some of them are for adults only? If you would prefer to go out and about without children on the tour then Disney Cruise Port Adventures offers a range of choices for over 18’s only.
You can see the activities on offer by going to the Disney Cruise Official Site
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.