This is part two in a six-part series reviewing my experience aboard the Disney Wonder. In January, 2009 I was invited to attend a Mommy Blogger Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. The event was sponsored by BSM Media and Disney. They paid for everything and wined and dined me within an inch of my life. However, the deal was that if I chose to write about the experience (hello? blogger?) I would be honest and completely transparent in my review. This series reflects my own opinions about my experience aboard the Disney Wonder.Special Thanks to Katja of Skimbaco Lifestyle who granted me permission to use her beautiful photos from our cruise.

If you're an adult wanting an adult vacation please don't overlook a Disney cruise. The beauty of the Disney Wonder (and all DCL ships) is that you can go on the cruise by yourself, with another adult, or even with your family and still find spaces where you are away from it all. Trust me when I tell you that your kids will want to be doing their own thing while you're doing yours. Of course, there are many family activities (I'll share those next week), but if you want some adult time without kids, Disney has you covered. Disney Cruise Line offers many opportunities for quiet adult activities including a spa, a club section for adults after 9pm (offering karaoke, dancing, and even quiet places to talk), an adults-only restaurant, pool, and cafe, and an adults-only beach at Castaway Cay.

Disney Wonder Vista Spa & Salon

Any time I plan a trip the first things I research are spa amenities at my destination. When I was asked to go on this trip, though, it didn't even occur to me to consider the spa. I've been on cruises before and I know how expensive things can be. We were given a tour a few hours after we arrived on the ship, though, and I was completely amazed.Yes, it's expensive (as all cruise spas tend to be; after all you're at sea and a captive audience), but the Vista Spa had me at Hello.You can partake of the basic offerings including a mani/pedi, facials, massages, wraps, and even teeth whitening. The spa also offers wet and dry saunas, an aroma-therapy sauna, and heated chairs for lounging. There is also a complete exercise area with machines and classes.The Vista Spa on the Disney Wonder rivals any I've been to (including The Four Seasons in Dallas, and The Bellagio Hotel in Vegas). In fact, I'd say this one was better because it offers something you just can't get on land: Rooms that open out onto a private deck with a sea view.

These rooms offer a hot tub, sink, and a bed. To reserve one for a couple is pricey--$449--but I would have done it immediately if my husband had been with me. (You can reserve the villa for just one for $199.) You can include couple massage or other spa treatments or you can just reserve the spa room and enjoy a bottle of champagne and some chocolate-covered strawberries with someone. This set up was so romantic I almost couldn't stand it. When my family does a DCL cruise, I'll be saving up to include this amenity.

Disney Wonder Rt. 66 & Adults-Only Fun

The Disney Wonder had an entire section of clubs (like most cruise lines), but this section was open to everyone during the day and became adults-only at night. This strip of clubs is called Route 66 and sports walls of Route 66-themed advertisements.A Karaoke Bar where the other moms and I made complete fools of ourselves as Ikettes:We also sang Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, but, since it was the most humiliating four minutes of my life, I choose not to show that video.In addition to the adults-only clubs, there were adults-only parts of the ship:Quiet Cove Pool: Relax in the pool or in one of the hot tubs.Cove Cafe: Check your e-mail while you sip gourmet coffee or specialty drinks.Disney's Art of Entertaining: Meet with experts to learn how to create everything from fancy desserts to floral masterpieces.Disney's Navigator Series: Listen to stories about exotic islands, treasure, and classic ocean liners while bridge officers demonstrate navigational techniques and customs.From Stem to Stern: Learn the basics of wine tasting from one of the ship's sommeliers.

Palo Restaurant

When you book your cruise, you'll be assigned to eat at each of the three main restaurants on a different night. However, if you'd like another adults-only experience, make a reservation at Palo. Palo offers elegant dining with sophisticated tastes and ocean views. Our evening at Palo was unforgettable. It was such a treat to dress up and have a night out!All of your dining is included in your cruise price, except Palo. There is a $15 charge for each adult if you'd like to make a reservation, but, as you'll see, that's an extremely low price to pay for a restaurant of this caliber.

Castaway Cay

Just like on the ship, Castaway Cay (Disney's private island) offers an adults-only beach, Serenity Bay. You can sit and while away the hours with nary a sandcastle in view (unless you're the one building it) and with no water wings in sight. If you're a mom, you probably have the same problem I do: even if my kids aren't with me, I'm continually on mom alert. I can't help but be aware of other children and possible dangers to them--especially around water (did I mention I was a life guard for three years?). I have to tell you, as a mom it's mighty nice to sit on a beach and not worry about kids. I'll be filling you in on the other activities at Castaway Cay in part four of this series.I was continually surprised at how often I found myself thinking, "Man, it's really quiet on this ship" because I just wasn't surrounded by kids at all. If you're an adult thinking about a cruise, I cannot stress enough how a Disney cruise will fit the bill. Before I experienced it, I thought a Disney cruise would be all kids, all the time--a place for families. While it definitely is (and I'll discuss that next week), it's also an adults-only get away where you can relax in peace and quiet.

The Complete Disney Cruise Line Series:

1. Disney Cruise Line: The Disney Wonder2. Adult Experiences on Disney Cruise Lines (you don’t need the kids to enjoy DCL!)3. Family-Friendly Experiences on Disney Cruise Lines (it’s more than you think!)4. Castaway Cay (Disney’s very own island!)5. Food (Wow! So many restaurants, so much food!)6. Entertainment (Yes. It needs its own post!)You can see all 40 (yes! forty!) of my videos at NewBaby.com (it's not just for moms and babies, you know).

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