Disney-style adulting on the high seas is an adventure for anyone young at heart. We recently sailed on the brand-new Disney Treasure with friends to celebrate a milestone birthday, sans kids. Some may ask, “Why sail on Disney if you don’t have kids?" Finding your inner princess, prince, super-hero or lovable villain, while appreciating the luxury and comfort your adult self has come to appreciate, is part of what you will discover on the Treasure. It ignites your imagination with numerous character sightings and photo ops, Disney and Marvel-themed restaurants and lounges, Broadway-style shows, a swashbuckling pirate night and so much more.
The moment you board the Disney Treasure, the magic begins as the crew greets everyone with smiles, cheers and applause. Once in the Grand Hall, look to the upper balcony, as you are greeted with a wave from Mickey Mouse, Aladdin or another special character.
The first day is the best time to explore the entire ship, so wear comfortable shoes as this vessel is massive. The Disney Treasure carries up to 4,000 passengers, excluding the crew. The Treasure features 15 passenger decks, 10 of which have staterooms. The whimsical décor, efficient use of space and dual bathroom layouts keenly differentiate the Treasure’s staterooms when compared to other luxury cruise ships.
All Disney cruises offer rotational dining at each of their themed restaurants. We enjoyed experiencing each of the Treasure’s themed restaurants: 1923, World of Marvel and Plaza de Coco. You never have to worry about making reservations when dining at these assigned restaurants. Simply select an early or late dining option when you book your cruise. The menus and shows are different every night, even if you visit the same restaurant more than once. The Treasure also offers two adult-only restaurants (Palo Steakhouse or Enchanté). Both require reservations in advance. We thoroughly enjoyed Palo’s exquisite menu on the evening of our friends' birthday celebration. The chocolate soufflé is legendary.
The Disney Treasure offers spectacular shows in the Walt Disney Theater every evening. We especially enjoyed their production of “The Tale of Moana.” After the shows, there are plenty of activities to enjoy around the ship, including trivia, live music, karaoke and more. We enjoyed exploring all the adult lounges, especially our favorite, The Haunted Mansion Parlor. If you’re a fan of the Haunted Mansion attraction in the theme parks, you'll love this lounge with spooky libations. The portraits on the walls come to life and familiar apparitions appear in the bar mirror. Other lounges include Periscope Pub, Sarabi, Scat Cat Lounge, Skipper Society, Triton Lounge, and Cove Café, each with a distinct theme, music, menu, and vibe.
The pool area is impressive for all ages and equipped with a larger-than-life movie screen, where you can relax and enjoy a Disney movie any time of day or night. If you’re in the mood for a thrill, the Disney Treasure’s water slide, the AquaMouse, spans the length of the pool deck. The pool areas are staffed with lifeguards and offer a variety of food and snack options, including adult beverages. While we enjoyed the main pool area and AquaMouse, it was nice to retreat to the more tranquil adult-only pool area, hot tub and spa to truly unwind.
Even though we were adulting on this cruise, the kids' clubs are still worth checking out the day you board the ship. My inner Princess Leia was fascinated by the Star Wars Cargo Bay. If you're a fan of other Disney movies, you won’t be disappointed. There are a total of six different kids' clubs, catering to children of various ages. Creativity abounds in these spaces, as kids can explore, enjoy high-tech gaming and engage in other interactive activities.
Be prepared for excitement at every port, as the Disney Treasure offers a variety of excursions. Waking up each day with a different view is one of the most thrilling aspects of cruising. Our itinerary included stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is exceptional, boasting pristine beaches and a wide range of activities for both kids and adults. You might even see a familiar character cruising around the island on a golf cart. Sailing on the Disney Treasure, with or without kids, might just be the adventure you (and your inner child) need.