What Adults Can Do for Fun on Family Cruises

Many adults struggle figuring out how to have fun on family cruises. We don’t blame them. Cruise lines like Disney or Royal Caribbean can seem, at first glance, like they really only cater to the younger crowd. Adrenaline-pumping activities, loud environments, and entertainment designed for kids aren’t what most adults are looking for on their cruises.

Of course, you should expect to make some sacrifices when you take a vacation with your family. Spending a relaxing weekend without any worries is probably what most parents dream of, but that’s not really possible if you’re going on a trip with your kids. But that doesn’t mean that these ships have nothing to offer to adults. You just need to look in the right places.

One of the most popular spots for an adult on a family cruise is the spa. Nearly every ship out there will offer some version of a spa, and most of them have multiple options so you can really tailor your experience to your needs. The nice thing about a quick spa visit is that it packs a lot of relaxation and “you time” into a short span of time. Even just a one hour session at the ship’s spa will leave you feeling totally refreshed and ready to watch your kids enthusiastically cannonball into the pool for the one-hundredth time.

Most cruise ships also feature specialty restaurants and bars that are more suited to adult taste buds than those of children. The only problem here is that it might be harder to get away and enjoy a meal or a drink without the kids. Still, if you can arrange the time for a visit, these spots can really enhance your cruise experience.

Alternatively, you can look for activities that allow children to participate despite not being geared towards them. Big cruise ships often feature many demonstrations, lessons, and classes meant for adults. A cooking class may not be thrilling for a child, but they can still attend. If you don’t have the extra time to spend on your own, bringing your kids with you for something like this can be a nice compromise.

Another important aspect of this: you’ll need to find a good balance between spending time with your family and spending time on yourself. Still, don’t feel guilty about enjoying some of the ship’s amenities that are designed with you in mind. As long as you are still enjoying your trip as a family, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to sneak away for a little bit!