A Disney Cruise Line vacation is the trip of a lifetime for most families. People save for years to step aboard one of the four Disney Cruise Line ships—the Disney Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, or Dream. Much of the time the people stepping aboard the vessels are families with kids, but there are also adults without kids, family reunions, single travelers, and more, all waiting for a magic-filled adventure on the high seas.

When guests are welcomed into the lobby atrium of any of the Disney Cruise Line ships they are in for a magical journey that only Disney can provide, going to tropical destinations around the Caribbean, including Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay.

This island is home to lush beaches, an old airplane strip that was used for rum-running throughout the Caribbean, and designated kids and family areas. But for adults who want to relax, listen to the waves crashing, and not see a little prince or princess for a whole day have bountiful options on Castaway Cay to do just that.

Disney has set up adults-only areas on Castaway Cay where there are no kids in sight for miles. But even if your party includes kids, you won’t be excluded. Castaway Cay has a kids’ club with counselors—just like on the ship—where children (ages 3-12) can be registered at Scuttle’s Cove or the Teen Hideout (ages 13-17).

Adults Will Want to Head to Serenity Bay

If you’re looking for somewhere to simply sit back and relax on a beach, you’re going to want to take the Castaway Cay tram all the way to the back of the island to Serenity Bay, the island’s adults-only beach. Here grown-ups have an oasis that’s all their own, with dozens of beach chairs and loungers waiting to be occupied right next to the ocean. For the ultimate island experience, take that lounger down to where the waves start to crawl up the sand and dip your feet while you read a book, take a nap, or sip on a tropical cocktail, like Castaway Cay’s exclusive drink: the Konk Kooler.

Sip on Cocktails Without Leaving Your Lounge Chair

Speaking of cocktails, at Serenity Bay there’s an exclusive bar for adults that serves up some delectable drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. And no need to worry about bringing money, since the key card that opens your stateroom will pay for drinks and allow you to tip your bartender just like on the ship.

If you can’t be bothered to get up to go to the bar there will be Cast Members walking the beach to see if you would like a drink, take your order, and bring your drink back to you on the beach.

Don’t Leave Serenity Bay for Lunch

When you start to get hungry—and believe us you will get hungry in the hot Caribbean sun—adults even have their own exclusive dining location, featuring a beach BBQ, just steps away from Serenity Bay. Even though you might be tempted to go to the family beach area to grab lunch at Cookies or Cookies Too, don’t. The menu is the same at each location, and, truth be told, the adults-only lunch area might have a few more options, and there are no kids to bob and weave around as you have a plate (or two) of food in your hands.

Just like on the ship, lunch on the island is free so indulge and eat as much as you care to. Do not miss the pineapple muffins that are served at the Serenity Bay BBQ; they are to die for and worth the trip to the adults-only beach for lunch.

Rent Bikes to Explore the Island

While lounging on the beach all day sounds great, if you’re someone who wants a little adventure you might want to consider renting bikes to explore Castaway Cay. This activity is not adult-exclusive, but you won’t be grouped up with other families, so you can enjoy the island at your own pace.

You can rent bikes at the entrance to Serenity Bay and take them down the airplane strip, and through the winding trails of the island. Be sure to stop at the observation deck, which is three stories tall and gives great views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

Book a Massage Right on the Beach

After that bike ride you should really think about pampering yourself. At Serenity Bay adults can book private cabanas for the day or receive spa treatments right on the beach. All spa treatments are done in an open-air cabana, so you never have to give up the view of the ocean. Massages can be booked as a couple or just for one. Being outside, enjoying the sounds of the ocean while getting a massage, sounds like a great way to wrap up what was sure to be a fun-filled trip.

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From the first go-cart racetrack to a water slide with a 10-story plummet to a skydiving simulator, these unique cruise attractions mean your days spent at sea will be anything but boring.

SkyRide – Carnival Cruise Line

Take a ride on the closest thing to an actual roller coaster at sea on Carnival Cruise Line’s SkyRide, found on the Carnival Vista. Ride an open-air bicycle-like vehicle around an 800-foot-long track built atop the ship at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. Race your friends while taking in panoramic views of the sea 150 feet below on one of the best cruise ship attractions.

FlowRider – Royal Caribbean

Located on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-, Oasis– and Freedom-class ships, the FlowRider features a surf simulator that generates waves on top of a cushioned platform, mimicking what it’s like to actually surf on the ocean. Catch waves by either standing up or by boogie boarding on one of the best cruise attractions.

Race Track – Norwegian Cruise Line

Take a spin on a two-level Ferrari-branded go-cart racetrack in the middle of the ocean on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy. For the first-ever racetrack at sea, 10 passengers at a time will compete in electric go-carts throughout an 833-foot-long course.

Dr. Seuss WaterWorks Water Park – Carnival Cruise Line

Be greeted by larger-than-life images of Dr. Seuss characters at Dr. Seuss WaterWorks on Carnival Horizon. This family-friendly water park features two slides, including the Cat in the Hat slide with over 450 feet of twists and turns and the Fun Things slide, named after the Thing 1 and Thing 2 duo. The water park also includes a 150-gallon tipping bucket patterned after the Cat’s hat and a kiddie splash zone.

RipCord by iFLY – Royal Caribbean

Skydiving at sea? Yes, it’s a thing. Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas both feature RipCord by iFLY, the first-ever cruise ship skydiving simulator. During this gravity-defying adventure, you’ll be suspended midair in a 23-foot-high, glass-enclosed vertical tunnel perched on the top deck of the ship. (Don’t worry, a seasoned pro will be with you the entire time.)

AquaDuck and AquaDunk – Disney Cruise Line

The AquaDuck on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy features a translucent tube so you can see the action as the slide takes fast dips, turns and uphill climbs over the side of the ship. On Disney Magic, the AquaDunk water slide features a three-story vertical drop through a trap door into a translucent tube that shoots out 20 feet over the ship’s side.

Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean

Located aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (the world’s largest cruise ship), the 10-story Ultimate Abyss is the tallest water slide at sea.

Largest Ropes Course at Sea – Norwegian Cruise Line

Found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape, this three-story, elevated ropes course features 99 different elements, including an exhilarating sky rail where you can glide through the air on zip tracks. This ropes course will test your courage, as it spans the entire width of the ship and even features two planks that extend eight feet from the side of the ship.

The Perfect Storm – Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas features the Perfect Storm’s trio of water slides: two dueling, racing slides called Typhoon and Cyclone and one funnel-shaped tube slide called Supercell. Each slide plummets through a series of twists and turns, starting at the top deck and ending at the pool deck.

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From Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy will continue to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream continues on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Beginning January 29, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three- and four-night itineraries.

From Miami

To kick off 2017, the Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with three-, four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus select five-night Western Caribbean cruises, through March 31. Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.

From San Juan, Puerto Rico

From San Juan, the Disney Magic sets sail on four seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing April 9, 16, 23 and 30, this limited-time engagement includes calls on Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts. On January 26, a three-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder takes guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral.

From Galveston, Texas

The Disney Wonder completes a season in Galveston with two seven-night Bahamian voyages to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau on January 6 and 13. From there, the ship embarks on a six-night journey to San Juan on January 20 with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Want more info? Here’s the best music-themed cruises

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Leave it to Disney Cruise Line to come up with the coolest water slide at sea. The AquaDuck aboard Disney Dream sends guests through an acrylic tube beginning on the top level of the ship. The journey, which carries guests over the side of the ship at one point, ends four decks down and 765 feet later with a splash-down in a lazy river. Here’s a first-person point-of-view video of the attraction from Inside The Magic.

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Tropical Storm Erika‘s was downgraded to a tropical depression on Saturday afternoon, so cruise lines are rethinking the changes they previously announced for their itineraries. Cruise guests traveling to Florida on Monday and Tuesday could still see travel delays as the remnants of the storm pass over the state. Flash flooding is possible in several areas of the state.

Here’s what we know as of Saturday afternoon.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Royal Caribbean has a page devoted to updates. As of Friday, it read: “Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the path and progress of Tropical Storm Erika to ensure guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our guests and crew is always our foremost concern. … We encourage guests sailing on Adventures of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas monitor this website for any additional updates.”

CARNIVAL CRUISES
From Carnival: “We’re closely monitoring the storm and will adjust our itineraries to keep our guests, crew and the vessel out of harm’s way.” As of Saturday morning, changes in itineraries were made for:

• Carnival Conquest‘s 8-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Aug. 23-31) with an extra day in San Juan and a stop in Nassau replacing planned stops in St. Maarten and St. Kitts.
• On Carnival Ecstasy‘s 3-day cruise (Aug. 28-31) from Miami, an overnight stay in Nassau will instead depart the port at 5 p.m.
• On Carnival Valor‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 5 cruise from Port Canaveral, the original itinerary has been resored.
• On Carnival Breeze‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 6 cruise from Miami, the original itinerary has been restored.
• On Carnival Fascination‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 3 trip from Jacksonville, Half Moon Cay will be replaced with a day at sea and Freeport will be added to the itinerary (replacing a different day at sea.)

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
NCL has Erika updates on its home page. The latest news: “At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. The company has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Erika and will be adjusting itineraries for Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Sky, to ensure our guests have the best vacation experience possible.”

DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney has a special page for updates, but at this time has made no changes to upcoming trips. “Disney Cruise Line is monitoring the current weather conditions and path of Tropical Storm Erika. At this time, we have made no changes to our itineraries. Should weather conditions change, we can alter the itinerary of our ships to ensure the safety and comfort of our Guests. We will also continue to update this website with any new information as it becomes necessary.”

For the latest on Erika, check for updates on Weather.com.

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1. NEW OVERNIGHTS: Celebrity Cruises

Typically, cruising means no happy hours, sunsets or even dinners on dry land. Starting January 2016, Celebrity Cruises will give guests aboard 43 Caribbean itineraries, each 10 nights or longer, the chance to overnight in ports such as Aruba, Barbados, Cozumel, Curaçao, St. Maarten and Cartagena, Colombia. So go ahead — make a dinner reservation at Yemanja Woodfired Grill on Aruba, and keep the party going on St. Maarten, stopping by Kali’s Beach Bar for a shot of local-fruit-infused rum.

2. NEW SPA: Canyon Ranch SpaClub

The newest ship in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises‘ fleet, the 750-passenger Explorer — setting sail July 20, 2016, from Monte Carlo — will debut a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, hailed by company president Jason Montague as “the most luxurious at sea.” On deck five, it will feature an infrared sauna, aromatic steam room, a cold room designed to re-create the effect of icy swims, eight treatment rooms and an outdoor infinity-edge plunge pool. The new menu takes inspiration from across the globe: Atlantic Ocean sea salts are used in an exfoliating treatment, and a body cleanse features Moroccan mint tea and silt for detoxifying. These treatments will premiere on Explorer before transitioning to other ships in the fleet.

3. NEW PORT: Montserrat

Since the 1995 volcanic eruption, no cruise ship has returned to the Lesser Antilles island of Montserrat … until now. Starting Dec. 5, 2015, Windstar Cruises‘ Star Legend, which debuted in May,will stop at the new capital and port, Little Bay, which can welcome small ships only. Choose the Insights of Montserrat excursion, part of the San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands itinerary, to tour local villages and witness the long reach of the lava.

4. NEW PORT: Martinique

In early 2016, Disney Wonder, leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will tour the Southern Caribbean, introducing a new stop at the French island of Martinique. Hailed as the “Flower of the Caribbean,” Martinique offers rainforest hikes and waterfall pool swims. The all-new itinerary will visit Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and St. Kitts.

5. NEW SHIP: Norwegian Escape

It’s home to the first at-sea Margaritaville bar and the new Waterfront, an open-air promenade leading to the Food Republic; order Asian-fusion cuisine via iPads. (Not to mention, you can choose from 120 bottles of wine.)

6. NEW SHIP: Encore

Seabourn’s newest ship sails Dec. 4, 2016, and it will be the largest in the small-ship fleet. Restaurateur Thomas Keller, of California’s The French Laundry, brings his famed fare on board.

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While you could fly to Oahu and spend a few days in Honolulu, you won’t get the full experience of what the Hawaiian islands have to offer. The best way to experience this isolated U.S. state is to go on cruises in Hawaii. Live in Canada? There are plenty of roundtrip Hawaiian cruises that start in Vancouver. They are among the best Hawaiian cruises, giving you a chance to explore two countries and different cultures.

Read on for our list of Hawaiian island cruises that will leave you with lifetime-lasting memories.

Hawaiian Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver – Disney Cruise Line

Embark on a 10-night journey aboard Disney Wonder, hitting five Hawaiian ports before enjoying a relaxing five days at sea on the way to Vancouver.

In Honolulu, check out the Dole Plantation and its pineapple exhibits. Careful when visiting Hilo, as there are two active volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In Nawiliwili, try to stay dry near Mount Wai’ale’ale, the second-wettest place on the planet. A stop at Kahului isn’t complete without a visit to Kanaha Beach Park, a place for swimming, sunbathing and picnics.

Disney Wonder will keep you entertained while at sea, too, with Broadway musicals, three themed pools, a spa and a boutique, among many other amenities.

Hawaii, Round-trip Honolulu – Norwegian Cruise Line

Aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, you’ll embark on a seven-day itinerary that begins and ends in Honolulu and stops at four other ports: Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Nawiliwili, Kaua’i.

In Honolulu, consider going on a Pearl Harbor tour and visiting a memorial to the sunken USS Arizona. Kahului offers the chance to taste local cuisine or discover how Hawaii’s best-selling vodka is made. How about a 4.5-mile, six-hour hike to see Hilo’s waterfalls? At your next stop, visit Kona’s black-sand beach. Saving the best for last, check out Luau Kalamaku on Nawiliwili for delicious local foods and authentic cultural showcases.

Pride of America was refurbished in 2016 after debuting in 2005. It fits 2,186 passengers and has a crew of 927.

Hawaiian Islands – Princess Cruises

Embarking from Vancouver, Canada, you’ll start your journey with five nights at sea aboard Pacific Princess before hitting three ports and ending your journey in Honolulu.

Before departing Canada in the late afternoon, visit the second-largest Chinatown in North America. On Maui, spot humpback whales, and consider traversing the Haleakala National Park with photo-op vistas. Try snorkeling to get a glimpse at the wondrous marine life off the shores of Kauai. On Hilo, visiting the 442-foot Akaka Falls is worth it for the sight alone. Lastly, when at your final destination, visit Hawaiian royalty at Iolani Palace.

Onboard Pacific Princess, Princess Cruises makes sure its travelers are taken care of in every way. This ship was refurbished in June 2019 and holds 670 passengers and 375 crew. It has 10 dining options, and activities include a writing room, a golf practice cage, shops, a Las Vegas-style casino, fitness classes, a spa and more.

Hawaii from San Diego – Carnival Cruise Line

Take to the salt from San Diego, California, and spend a 15-day vacation aboard Carnival Miracle traveling to Hawaii before returning to the mainland on one of the best cruises to Hawaii.

For your first stop on Maui, you can enjoy whale-watching and conch shell-supported luaus. Next up is Hawaii’s capital and largest city, Honolulu. There, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn the long, majestic history of Hawaii. On Kauai, embrace nature, as you explore Kokee Forest Reserve and Poipu Beach. Explore sea caves while on Kona, and take in the aftermath of a past volcano eruption.

After the Hawaii tour, spend four day at sea before making one final, quick stop in the Mexican city of Ensenada before returning to San Diego. Indulge in local wine and cheese, as you take in the sites of the Guadalupe Valley.

On board Carnival Miracle, partake in a lip-sync battle, visit the Cherry On Top candy store, have a beer at the SkyBox Sports Bar, or play your favorite games, like Connect 4 and Yahtzee, but giant versions of them.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas – Holland America Line

Looking for that ultimate getaway? One that really takes you away from all your worries and responsibilities and puts you on a boat to explore 12 different ports over 32 days? This Holland America Line cruising adventure aboard Zaandam is for you.

Startin San Diego, and relax at sea for Days 2 to 6 before arriving in Hilo. Spend the day there before moving to Honolulu for the next two days. Your next stop is then Lahaina for the day. Two more days at sea will take you away from U.S. waters to Kiritimati (Christmas Island), just northwest of Australia.

Days 15 and 16 will be the start of the French Polynesia tour, beginning in Bora Bora. You’ll continue on to Raiatea, Society Islands, on Day 17. The next two days will be spent in Papeete, French Polynesia, before an early-morning trip to Moorea. Day 20 will be held on Avatoru, Rangiroa, and Day 21 is on Fakarava, Tuamotu. Days 23 and 24 take place in Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas, and Taiohae, Nuka Hiva, before the journey back stateside for the next seven days.

You’ll share in this journey with 1,400 other guests. So, be prepared for the on-ship casino to be filled. Perhaps you’ll have to wait a little extra for a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. There is certainly no limit to how much you can spend, however, as onboard shopping is available.

Hawaii Cruise – Royal Caribbean International

Cruise the Hawaiian islands on a 10-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas that will take you from Oahu to Maui, Kailua Kona, Kauai and Hilo before ultimately ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Before you even leave from Honolulu, the state’s capital city, schedule a snorkeling tour in crystal-clear waters with a variety of marine life. Then, embark on your cruise where you’ll first stop at the former-whaling-village-turned-tourist-site of Lahaina. Day 3 will be spent at Kailua Kona where you can peer into the lives of Hawaiian royalty at the Hulihee Palace, formerly a vacation home for royalty but now a museum.

In Kauai, visit Wailua Falls without having to stress about a hike. You’ll also have a chance to see Alekoko Fishpond, a nearly 1,000-year-old, Hawaiian fishpond that is said to have been built in one night. In Hilo, check out 24-acre Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic, ornamental Japanese garden outside Japan. Days 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are then spent at sea before you ultimately arrive in Canada on Day 11.

From live stage performances and dive-in movies above the main pool area to a variety of cuisines, including Japanese and Italian, and a full-service salon and spa, there will always be something for you to do aboard Radiance of the Seas.

Hawaii Cruise – Celebrity Cruises

Take 10 days out of your busy schedule to unwind and detach from your regular routine, and tour the islands of Hawaii. Start in Honolulu before stopping in Lahaina, Hilo and Kailua Kona before ultimately concluding the adventure in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The journey begins with an overnight stay in Honolulu. There, you can visit the Honolulu Museum of Art and admire cultural landscapes, Asian art and Polynesian artifacts. In Lahaina, take a helicopter tour that hovers above dormant Haleakala volcano. Hilo is for those who stand in awe at waterfalls, as it is home to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls. For your last stop in Hawaii, Kailua Kona will sate coffee lovers and snorkelers alike.

Aboard Celebrity Solstice, you’ll join 2,800 other passengers. Enjoy the martini bar, two lounges, three restaurants, a casino, a fitness center, an artificial lawn, outdoor movies, an art gallery, shopping and an adults-only solarium.

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Star Wars Day at Sea

Disney Cruise Line is strong with The Force. How else do you manage to gather iconic characters from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away on a cruise ship? The cruise line has announced it will begin Star War Days at Sea for select sailings on the Disney Fantasy in 2016.

The celebrations will be one day during eight sailings on the Disney Fantasy. Sailing dates are Jan. 9, Jan. 23; Feb. 6, Feb. 20; March 5, March 19; April 2 and April 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

Among the activities are meet-and-greets with famous characters, a deck party, trivia challenges, themed activities, special merchandise and screenings of the first six Star Wars movies and the Disney animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

In the evening, adults entering the Fantasy‘s night club will find it has been transformed into the Mos Eisley Cantina. (No droids allowed!)

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

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See more ideas in our Best Caribbean Cruises Travel Guide and 10 Cool Features on the New Carnival Vista

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