When I first entertained the idea of going on a Disney cruise, I wondered about the options available for adults traveling without children. I was skeptical. As an adult who regularly goes to Disneyland with other adults, I shouldn’t have been, but in my defense, a ship is a contained location—not a sprawling theme park. But as it turns out, the Disney Dream had plenty of activities and areas for adults and only adults. Disney made it easy to step away from the crowds and into quieter territory. Here are five reasons it was awesome to be a grown-up (well, as far as age is concerned) on a Disney cruise:

1. Champagne and Popsicles

Like sugar and adult beverages? You can mix them at Pink. The champagne lounge is tucked away in The District, an area with a variety of bars. Though I opted for a mix of dessert and drink, you can get everything from a pint of craft beer, to wine, to fine cocktails in The District. The distinctive environments made it surprisingly easy to bar hop and have different experiences.

2. Serenity Bay

If you’re over the age of 18 and sailing through the Bahamas on the Caribbean, you get the privilege of access to Serenity Bay. The adults-only beach on Disney’s Castaway Cay (yes, they have a private island) is an actual slice of heaven. With whipped cream and ice cream on top. It’s that good.

3. Finest Dining

The restaurants that are part of the regular dining rotation on the Disney Dream were delightful, but if you’re not cruising with a family, you might long for a more peaceful dining experience. Actually, you could be craving that even if you are with your kids. Everyone has options! You can always get room service instead of heading to the dining hall—you just have to have some cash on hand for the tip. If you can leave kids behind or don’t have them with you, book a reservation at Palo or Remy. Both fine dining experiences cost extra, but the setting is elegant and the food is delicious (at least, it is at Palo, I didn’t try Remy).

4. Ice Cream All the Time

Sometimes the best and worst part about being an adult is no one judges or dictates our dining decisions. On board a Disney cruise, you can eat ice cream with almost every meal. Soft serve stations by the pool deck have rotating flavors and are accessible for most of the day. You just walk up and fill up a cone. It’s like magic. And for more sophisticated palates, additional ice cream and gelato options are available at Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats for a fee.

5. Quiet Moments

When you’re on vacation, it can be all too easy to get caught up in activities and forget to relax. There are plenty of ways to savor the quiet moments courtesy of the adults-only areas on the ship. Take a seat near or in the Quiet Cove pool with a book, pop into the Cove Cafe for coffee or whiskey (this was my favorite lounging and working location on the ship), or enjoy the views of sunrise and sunset from the decks.

Have you been on a Disney cruise? What are your tips for adult cruise-goers? Share ’em in the comments.

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Editor’s note: Nerdist’s time aboard the Disney Dream was courtesy of Disney.

Images: Amy Ratcliffe