Help! NCL or DCL

[new_to_cruising]

I am really struggling with which cruise line to choose for next Spring Break 2011. We are all huge Disney fans, but my parents rave about NCL. We have never cruised with either. We will be travelling with our 8 year old daughter, so the choice is difficult. I have been looking at the Epic and also the Disney Dream. With Disney, I know that the soda, juices, snacks, etc are all included with the price. What are the extra charges on NCL? Children, or at least my child, wouldn't understand that everything costs extra - we usually do all-inclusive vacations. Are any of the juices included on NCL? My hubby and I went on RCCL many years back and they had a juice area outside one of the buffets that was free of charge. I just don't want to end up spending huge amounts of money on juices for our trip. Also, the price between Disney and NCL is a huge factor as well - just a couple hundred dollars more for a 7 night cruise on NCL based on the cost of a 4 night with DCL. Please help! Which would be better when travelling with a child. I don't want her to be bored or be told "no" all the time when she asks if she can have something!

[cruzmaven]

I think the easiest answer is that overall, your daughter would probably enjoy Disney more but overall, you would probably enjoy NCL more.

 

Although there are "adult" areas on the Disney ship, the majority of the ship and the entertainment offered is geared towards children. (No casino, the shows are mostly Disney type revues - very well done but not my cup of tea - but kids love them). The Dream is a new ship so maybe they have additional offerings. With Disney, there's no charge for juice and soda, and you probably won't pay extra for dining as you will on NCL. But the initial cost is higher.

 

Bottom line, you can't go wrong with a Disney cruise with young children. They love it.

[indimini]

We've sailed both with the kids and have enjoyed both for different reasons. Our DCL trips were on both Magic and Wonder. DS was 8 on our first DCL cruise, 9 on the second, and then 10 when we sailed on the Pearl in Alaska.

 

Honestly, we were concerned to try another cruise line after our DCL experience because we loved it so much! The Pearl (and her sister ships) offered a lot of activities on board for our son - bowling was his favorite, although the costs added up!

 

One thing we liked about NCL were the suites. For the price of a family balcony cabin on DCL, we got a 2 bedroom family suite with all the perks. DS is also very much one who enjoys the "posh life" so he ate up the suite life.

 

Not much help in my answer, but I don't think you can go wrong with either one, especially since EPIC has great water slides, lots of other activities for the family plus great entertainment.

 

Why not just book two cruises? ;)

[JohnIreland]

Most important question for your daughter.

 

Mickey Mouse or Spongebob ? :D

[whattodo]

We have been on Disney and NCL. Since you're huge Disney fans then go with DCL while your daughter is still young and enjoy the characters, shows, children programs, pirate nights, fireworks on board, pin trading etc. She will make many new Disney friends. We have a teenager, she loved DCL when she was 5 -11 years old, we sailed a few times. She has outgrown DCL and we have been real pleased with the great value on NCL. We booked Epic for Christmas 2010, but plan to cancel it because airfares to Miami and Orlando are crazy that week and ......

 

We couldn't resist Dream, booked Springbreak 2011. Maybe I'll see you there. :)

[TexDisneyMom]

We are HUGE Disney fans, and my kids love both cruise lines. The Disney cruise is absouletly amazing, but so is a cruise on NCL. Personally, if I had the vacation time and the cost was cheaper for the 7 day cruise vs. the 4 day cruise I would take the 7 day. You can buy your daughter a soda card on NCL, I think it is a little under $50 and then you dont have to worry about her always wanting a soda or a juice that is not covered. Just pay for it up front and forget about it. You wont go wrong on whichever one you pick.

[fkwok]

god that is a tough one, but would vote for dcl. i will ever forget my then 9 yo dd jumping for joy as she got THE autograph she was searching (errr stalking) all week for. the sheer joy of her young face was worth every penny we spent on the magic that summer. if your dd is a huge disney fan, then my recommendation is dcl. good luck on your decision.

[Adkmom]

Well I would have to pick NCL . I guess it all depends on your vacation priorities. We have done Disney many times and love the Resorts and Disney World. When we cruise we are going to relax and experience different ports and cultures. I prefer a real experience. Disney cruises are quite a bit more money than NCL and much of the entertainment is geared toward children. I think NCL does a fabulous job of offering Family entertainment, childrens activities, and adult venues. The EPIC has taken this to a new level. With Blue Man Group, and Cirque Dreams, Howl at the Moon, bowling, waterslides, climbing walls.

[pokeypoke]

On NCL, you do get juice during breakfast time, no extra fee. If you compare a 7-day NCL to a 7-day DCL, there is a big difference in price. If you were to book a Epic cruise, pay for a soda card, buy a few juices, eat in a few specialty restaurants, you would still come out ahead with NCL. Also remember, you can bring your own sodas or juice/juice boxes on board and you do not have to eat in the specialty restaurants.

 

The big drawl for DCL is the Disney name and the characters. Kids (and adults too) love that but not all adults want Disney in their face 24-hours a day. The Epic is going to have something that will satisfy everyone from water slides and Nickelodeon programs for kids and H2O, great restaurants and fantastic entertainment for adults. Even Blue Man Group and Cirque Dreams can be enjoyed by the kids and adults alike.

 

One other suggestion might be to enjoy a day or two pre or post cruise at one of WDW's theme parks and enjoy an Epic cruise:D

[Peelboy]

On NCL, you do get juice during breakfast time, no extra fee. If you compare a 7-day NCL to a 7-day DCL, there is a big difference in price. If you were to book a Epic cruise, pay for a soda card, buy a few juices, eat in a few specialty restaurants, you would still come out ahead with NCL. Also remember, you can bring your own sodas or juice/juice boxes on board and you do not have to eat in the specialty restaurants.

 

The big drawl for DCL is the Disney name and the characters. Kids (and adults too) love that but not all adults want Disney in their face 24-hours a day. The Epic is going to have something that will satisfy everyone from water slides and Nickelodeon programs for kids and H2O, great restaurants and fantastic entertainment for adults. Even Blue Man Group and Cirque Dreams can be enjoyed by the kids and adults alike.

 

One other suggestion might be to enjoy a day or two pre or post cruise at one of WDW's theme parks and enjoy an Epic cruise:D

 

 

Interesting comment. I even stay away from Orlando when choosing a destination in Florida for vacation. Can't image someone who is not a big fans of the Disney can stand Disney for seven days.

[ugh07]

Do the Disney cruise now while your daughter can enjoy it as a kid. The EPIC will be there for next time.

[fkwok]

Interesting comment. I even stay away from Orlando when choosing a destination in Florida for vacation. Can't image someone who is not a big fans of the Disney can stand Disney for seven days.

 

i have to admit that i am not a disney fan, more of a snoopy or bugs fan, but i feel dcl cruise was perfect for our then 9 yo dd and i think even at 13 she would enjoy it. yes, it is more expensive but it is worth the value. i also dont think it is disney 24/7 on the cruise. i hung at the gym most mornings, the adult only cove area and the family pool areas. it didnt feel like a disney anything most of the day except whenthe ship made announcements.