When you think of a Disney Cruise, images of beloved characters, enchanting entertainment, and family fun probably come to mind.
But did you know that Disney Cruises offer a plethora of activities and experiences specifically designed for adults? From luxurious spas and gourmet dining to exclusive lounges, there's a whole world of magic tailored just for the grown-ups.
In the second of my series recapping our sailing on the Disney Wish from last month, we'll explore the top options for adults on a Disney Cruise. Helping to ensure that your vacation is as enchanting and memorable as you've always dreamed, even if the kids have come along!
Dining
We were able to dine at both adult exclusive locations on board. I booked brunch at Palo and dinner at Enchante. These experiences are not included in your cruise fare and must be booked in advance via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. If you can't find the reservation you want, keep trying back. . You can even check when you get on board. I was able to grab Palo a few days after our reservation window opened.
We purchased the wine package on board and decided to bring one bottle to brunch and the other to dinner. At Palo we were not charged a corkage fee but at Enchante we were. My tip, just bring wine on board with you and take it to dinner. There is a premium for the bottles you purchase on board so even with the corkage fee we would have saved some money.
Both locations are very elegant so you should dress appropriately. Formal, semi-formal or
dress-casual attire is acceptable. According to Disney's site dress-casual is 'dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes. For brunch at Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted.'
Dress casual is fine for Palo but you should pull out your fine attire for Enchante. The top photo is what we wore to dinner. I wore a strapless romper and open toed heeled sandals. My husband wore a button up, trousers, dress shoes and a jacket. Here are their requirements;
Dinner
Men: A jacket , dress shirt, trousers/slacks and shoes are required. Ties are optional. No jeans, shorts, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
Ladies: Cocktail dress, evening dress, pantsuit or skirt/blouse are required. Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
Brunch and Dessert
Men: Dress trousers, a collared shirt or polo shirt, and shoes are required. A jacket is optional. Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
Women: A dress or pantsuit is required. Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
Palo Steakhouse: An elegant dining experience offering classic Italian dishes and premium steaks. The decor is inspired by Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast. We booked brunch which cost us $50 per person but they also serve dinner. Palo can be found on each Disney ship but the Wish is the only ship to feature a Steakhouse. It's a great value and worth every penny so I'll break down why.
Our meal began with a greeting from our server Jen who was absolutely fabulous. I couldn't have asked for a kinder, more informed waitress. You can order whatever you'd like from the menu, and as much as you'd like similar to the rotational dining on board. You will start with antipasti then you choose from either Eggs or Waffles and Pancakes from the breakfast portion or Soups, From Our Pizza Stone Oven or Entrees from the lunch section. Jen gave us recommendations for every course and on a number of occasions said 'I'll just bring you all of them because it's all included!'
She took our bottle of white wine to keep on ice then offered us a complimentary glass of champagne. That's right, $50 for all you care to eat gourmet food and a glass of champagne. I can't recommend Palo enough!
We ordered the seafood antipasti (center), Spinach, Asparagus and Mornay Sauce Poached Egg on a Muffin (on the left), Rollatini Melanzane and Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast (on the right). Portions are not huge so it's easy to share a few items between two but everything was spectacular, that's all I have to say.
I could not decide on dessert. Jen said her favorite was the Buttermilk Panna Cotta Pot (on the right), then I wanted to try the Limoncello Torte which turned out to be my least favorite but I was surprised how much I loved the Italian Zabaglione (on the left). It was almost like melted marshmallows with fresh fruit it was so good!
Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement: A gourmet dining experience inspired by the other beloved sidekick from Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere. It features French cuisine by Chef Lallement who has three Michelin-stars. We were one of the first ones seated and had the perfect table right as you enter the restaurant. It is an elevated experience, intimate and luxurious. If you love beautifully presented fine dining then this is for you. My husband I both majored in Hotel, Restaurant Management so we live for experiences like this which we don't get often now with two boys!
Your server begins by asking if you have any time restrictions. The experience will take at least two hours. I was hoping we would get back to enjoy some of the late dining with the boys and catch the Arendelle show but we were later than we expected. I recommend giving them a cut off time if you have one, otherwise site back and enjoy the amazing service!
Next they ask if you'd like their champagne service where they bring out a cart of bottles to choose from. You can purchase a bottle or just a glass. Luis, the sommelier went thru each bottle. Because we are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year we went with the $50 glass of Dom Perignon. How many times in your life do you have the opportunity for a six course meal by a Michelin starred chef?! I say enjoy it and go all out!
You will not leave hungry. Between each course they bring a pallet cleanser or additional bites. It's more like nine courses so you are always tasting something even though the portions are small. They start with canapes including falafel with lemon drop.
Next they bring out the menu on this lovely stand, again with Lumiere. For dinner you have a few options. The Passion or Potager menu, each $135 per person and six courses. You can also choose The Collection for $205 which combines new and signature dishes or items a la carte. If you'd like you can add on the Champagne Journey for $160 or a Wine Experience at $120.
Then it's time for bread service including butter and course salt followed by an amuse bouche or gift from the kitchen. This was a foam soup where we were instructed to scoop all the way to the bottom of the bowl to get the layers of flavors. Salted caramel, roasted macadamia nuts, topped with foie gras. That makes 3 courses already and they do not just deliver your food, you are given instructions on how to best enjoy it and the details on what it is and how it was made. It's truly a food lovers dream!
Next was our first actually course, Tomato which was an experience including three components plus tomato water with a tomato ice cube. I couldn't believe how refreshing and delicious the tomato water was! King Crab was next which was two layers, the top being a leaf with flavors of lemon and black lime. Following that was Wild Turbot for our second fish course then chicken was our final main course.
Dessert was beautifully presented. I just kept thinking about how much time it took to prepare everything. You receive petit fours first. Ours included cherry jam with chocolate ganache, pina colada and the chocolate boom boom with rum and banana. Then came our final dessert which was again lovely and delicious.
Overall, Palo is an experience I will book and recommend everyone does every time they cruise with Disney. Enchante is a great choice if you are looking to indulge or are celebrating. It's also not for everyone; picky eaters will certainly not appreciate it or eat very much but it was unbelievable and a meal I will never forget.
Lounges
There are a number of adult only lounges on board.
The Rose: A chic lounge inspired by "Beauty and the Beast," offering handcrafted cocktails and stunning ocean views. This lounge is themed and I'm you can guess connected with Enchante and Palo.
Keg & Compass: A rustic pub with a maritime theme, serving craft beers, cocktails, and light bites. This lounge is often home to adult only trivia.
Nightingale's: A sophisticated piano bar inspired by Cinderella, perfect for enjoying classic cocktails and live music.
Relaxation and Recreation
Quiet Cove Pool: An adult-only pool area complete with an infinity pool, poolside bar, and whirlpool spas, providing a serene escape. There is also a cafe here which serves gourmet coffee.
Senses Spa & Salon: A luxurious retreat offering a range of treatments, from massages and facials to hair and nail services.
Rainforest Room: A part of Senses Spa, this tranquil area features a variety of thermal suites, including steam rooms, saunas, and sensory showers. Many guests purchase a cruise length pass so they can enjoy the area as much as they want.
Serenity Bay: On Castaway Cay there is Serenity Bay, a beach for just adults 18 and older. The area is on the far side of the island and can be reached by 2 tram rides, bike or you can make it a pit stop while running the Castaway 5K! It is almost always far less crowded than the family beach and It includes private cabanas, a bar and BBQ so you can completely relax without the kids.
Melissa Lenox specializes in concierge vacation planning. I cater to those who don't have time to research and plan a vacation or those who just want some assistance along the way! Where to go, when to go, daily recommendations for your trip and even assistance while you are away so the entire process is seamless and stress free.
My specialties are theme parks, all inclusive resorts and ocean cruises. I am a Senior Travel Advisor with Coasters & Castles Travel and Blog Editor of Main Street to the World.
Follow me on my pages below or contact me at mlenox@travelcnc.com to plan your next adventure!
Comments