Disney Cruise Line offers something for all age groups, from the littlest to the “most seasoned”. My son Jeremy (with a little help from his cruise friends) shares his five reasons that teenagers love Disney Cruise Line.

Teenagers on Disney Cruise Line

1 – The Vibe

The Vibe is the teens-exclusive space for ages 14-17, to hang out, listen to music, watch TV, meet others, make plans. Jeremy says that it makes it easier to meet and make friends. The crew members that work with this age group don’t treat you like kids and become friends as well.

The Vibe – Photo by Diana Zalucky

2 – No curfew

There is no official curfew onboard the ship. Jeremy says that there are so many things to do that you could stay up for 24 hours! As his Mom, let me just say that he DOES have a curfew. But it is much later than it would ever be at home.  And there are rules too.  Karen S. wrote a great article with some great rules for keeping your teens and tweens safe while on a Disney Cruise.

3 – Castaway Cay

For itineraries that include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, Jeremy says that he loves beach time here. Disney offers activities on the island just for 14-17 year olds and the same Vibe crew members are on the island with them. So in addition to the new friends that you’ve met at the Vibe, you have the Vibe crew friends to have fun with on the island.

Snorkeling on Castaway Cay

4 – Sailing with cruise friends

If you are like us, we tend to sail at the same time of year (spring break for us). We have found that other families do the same. So we have made some great friends this way and Jeremy already has friends and made plans with them before setting sail. For two cruises, we have linked reservations with two families so we are all seated together at dinner. Jeremy says he likes this since the teenagers “get our own table” at dinner.  Jeremy’s friend, Caitlin, says she “likes the freedom she gets to explore the ship without having to be with her parents”.  Jeremy’s friend, Doug, also said “freedom away from parents, food 24/7, opportunity to meet and make new friends, exploring new places”.

Teenagers enjoying dinner together on Disney Cruise Line

5 – Lasting friendships

Jeremy said that this was the important reason. He asked that I quote him exactly on this. “It sounds dumb that you can make friends on a ship in just a week, but that’s the thing that Disney does best. Disney creates a lifetime of friendships with a wide range of people.”

I think Jeremy (and his friends) hit the nail on the head with this article. I really shouldn’t take credit for any of it. As a Mom, it’s wonderful to see him enjoy himself so much. And while he is hanging out with his friends, Mom and Dad can hang out with their cruise friends and take advantage of some of the adult activities onboard. It’s a win for everyone.

Disney cruise friends on formal night

What’s your teenager’s favorite part of a cruise?