If not Disney..then who? So confused.

[djsfamily]

this is our first vacation and we have a 4 year old girl who loved disney but after a lot of thinking and research we chose Carnival, I feel as thought disney nickel and dimes you to death. so I think that with carnival you get more bang for your buck. good luck and have fun. we are doing our vacation on a budget as well

[Jusacuz]

I think that if you really want to cruise on Disney and have the funds to do so, then do. I've only cruised Disney and absolutely love it. I haven't taken young kids with me (because my kids are older) but I still love the magic of the Disney experience as does my teen daughter who is my usual travel partner. A lot of people will tell you it's not worth the price, but to us it's worth every penny.

 

Of course, it never hurts to look into other cruise lines and you may find others that will fill your hopes for a cruise. The Allure & Oasis look amazing! Just remember that it's your cruise and it's not about what others think you'd like or what's worth the price to them. :)

[Friend100]

this is our first vacation and we have a 4 year old girl who loved disney but after a lot of thinking and research we chose Carnival, I feel as thought disney nickel and dimes you to death. so I think that with carnival you get more bang for your buck. good luck and have fun. we are doing our vacation on a budget as well

 

Disney's nickel and dime happened before the start of the cruise and was reflected in their price. To me, there was less feeling of nickel and dime on the ship compare to the other non-DCL we did. I haven't cruised Carnival so I can't compare there.

 

Also I can't speak for other DCL cruisers but we also did our vacation on a budget. We paid the price of a 4-days Disney cruise that we could get elsewhere for a 7-nights. That's the kind of sacrifice we made - the number of cruise days VS. the perceived touch we felt we received.

[PoppyMac]

Thanks everyone..I am still researching. I didnt realize how much research I would really need to do to get what I want out of a cruise. I still have Disney on my mind, but started to to look more at cost (come on..in this day and age I would be silly not to and as someone said.there are souviners, excursions etc)

I have a few ports that I really want to see. I liked the Disney itinerary of Key west, Grand cayman, cozumel and thier own island. So I started to look at other recommended family lines and found that I liked Carnivals western Caribbean ports. Either the one out of Miami or Galvestion, TX which would save me about a 1000 just in airfare, and save me probably another 1000 or 2 below disney.

Thanks to those that mentioned Disney out of Seattle to Alaska. I am sure that will be a big thing..someday..I am just about the caribbean now. I need sun and warmth and swimming kind of vacation.

 

I think a cruise specialist is a great idea, and probably what I will do.

 

So things I am thinking:

DIsney or Carnival. Still confused about RCL..not sure like thier ports.

Galveston departure will save me time and money.

I forsure want to go to grand cayman and cozumel. Belize, Jamica, Honduras good. Dont want to go to more than one place in Mexico. Dont want more sea days and less ports.

Dont care about gambling.

Care more about family stuff and kids zones.

Gotta have a balcony.

 

Back to more research. Seeing what excursions are best or available at ports associated with ships I think I might like.

Reason to do as someone else said..feels like 2 cruises would be better than one..cause it all sounds fun. I cant afford 2 Disney cruises though!;)

[dustyroad]

carnival has a fantastic kids program and the price can be much better for you. there will be plenty of things for you too do on the ship. the waterslides are always fun along with the mini golf. and you are right, money is a major factor now for any type of vacation. you will find the right ship for your needs and have a great cruise im sure. have fun. :)

[Friend100]

... Gotta have a balcony....

 

Just on this topic. Based on my research, the relative price difference between verandah and inside/OV cabins on the older DCL ships (Wonder/Magic) is much bigger than that on the Dream/Fantasy, regardless of itinerary. I think it is just that on the newer/bigger Dream/Fantasy there are more verandah cabins relative to inside/OV as compared to Magic/Wonder.

 

So, getting back to your point of Western Caribbean cruise. If you are looking at later this fall to next spring when it will still be the Magic 7-nights out of Port Canaveral, expect high price for verandah cabins, unless they have kids sail free deal.

 

If you are looking at the Fantasy starting in April 2012 doing Western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, without checking what's still available I would suspect the inside/OV cabins are the ones going to be sold out first. The price will still be high since it is a new ship but you may find a verandah cabin doesn't really cost that much more than an Inside/OV when you do the math at per diem.

 

If you are looking at the Magic sailing out of Galveston doing Western Caribbean (7-nights but with only 3 stops at Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel, and no Castaway Cay) starting late September 2012, the verandah's price will not be low again relative to the inside/OV on the same ship, but sounds like you'll get a better air fare flying to TX.

[pacrat]

Hello Poppy Mac

 

If you enjoy Disney and want to do Disney, you should just do it. I took my daughter on 2 different trips with DCL. The first was a 3 night and the next one we did 3 night land at DisneyWorld and then a four night cruise. Yes they are more expensive than other cruise lines but the service was impeccable. You know the old adage, you get what you pay for. If you relative is too cheap to splurge every now and again for the sake of the kids. Must be a real tight wad. Have a good trip and enjoy DCL if you choose. :D

[*needavacation*]

Our first cruise was on the Disney Magic and it was a great vacation. Our kids had a great time and if you are into Disney that is definately the way to go!

[MrsPete]

I've sailed Disney, and I've sailed other lines.

 

Disney is WONDERFUL, but I probably will never sail with them again. Why? Because they are almost twice as expensive, and the experience wasn't twice as good. I can't justify the expense. I'd rather go a full week on Princess than 4 days on Disney, or I'd rather cruise twice on Royal Caribbean than on Disney.

 

Positives for Disney: Your four-year old will love the kids' club. The private island is the best. First-run Disney movies (seeing the premier of Pirates of the Caribbean on board was cool).

 

Positives for Royal or Princess: Your 17-year old will find more to do -- more teen activities, more sports. The pools are better. The food options are better.

 

Also, since money is an object, consider these things:

 

- Choose a destination port to which you can drive. Elminating airfare will slash the cost of your cruise.

- Be flexible with your dates. Fall is MUCH cheaper than summer, and if you could line it up with your 17-year old's school breaks, it could be very worthwhile. (And fall in the Caribbean is wonderful -- the water's perfect, but it's not so stinking hot). Forget holidays; they are incredibly expensive.

- Don't insist upon the balcony. Yes, it's wonderful, but it sounds like this is a financial stretch for you. It's not wonderful enough that you should over-spend.

- When you consider different ships, be sure you're comparing apples to apples. Notice when the ships were built and what amenities they offer. For example, so many people say that Carnival is cheaper -- but when you compare their newer, nicest ships with the other lines newest, nicest ships, they're usually more expensive. It's frustrating for a first-timer to choose, but it's worth the effort.

 

To illustrate just how much prices can vary, consider these figures:

 

If you three cruise on the Disney Dream the last week of September in a balcony, you'll pay about $5000 (depending upon just which balcony you choose -- they have several categories) for one week.

If you cruise Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas that same week, you'll pay about $2500. Ironically, I notice that for the week I chose at random, the least expensive balcony room is only $10 more TOTAL than an ocean-view.

 

So you could literally go this year AND next year on Royal for the same price you could go on Disney once.

 

And, in closing, though I seem to argue against myself, I do agree with those who are saying that if only Disney will do, you should just go ahead and do it -- even if it's outrageously expensive. You don't want to choose another line because of cost and spend the whole time mentally comparing it to your concept of Disney. But before you make that choice, educate yourself about other lines. See if you can catch some of the cruise shows on the Travel Channel. I suspect you'll find yourself excited about cruising in general instead of JUST Disney.

[pmama]

I too am a Disney maniac! In the space of three years we went on 3 trips to WDW, one to Disneyland and on one Disney Cruise. Our Disney cruise was on the Wonder and was our first cruise ever. It helped us find a new joy in cruising. A year later we went on RCI Liberty and I couldn't believe it, I actually liked it more than Disney! Hubby and I went on a Carnival Spirit and even though it was super cheep, I will NEVER take my kids on carnival. It was a cheap broken down 2 star hotel with a bunch of drunks.

 

I faced the same delimma for next years cruise. My kids really want to sail on one of the two new Disney boats. The price for 7 days is rediculous. We've decided on the Oasis. Still pricier than some, but an amazing experience and we know we love RCI.

 

Now, some prices on Disney Dream 4 day are not as bad. If you book far ahead and during off season you can get a fair price. I don't recommend 3 days, too short.

[KayAnnie]

We are HUGE Disney fans, like you and your brother and have cruised both Disney and Carnival. Our Carnival cruise was after our Disney one, and honestly, we didn't feel like we were missing much, if anything. There were even some things that were better with Carnival. That being said, if it was a once in a lifetime- special event for my family, I would cruise Disney. Especially considering some of the specific things you mentioned.

I've compared the 2 cruise lines extensively on my website in my signature, as well as recorded a podcast review of the Carnival ship we were on (also on the website or iTunes under "Cruize Cast". I hope you have a blast, whatever you choose!

[patseacruiser]

Poppymac - Just wanted to wish you well with your continued recovery from such a terrible event. There are so many variables with what you want to do that I suggest you contact a travel agent. I am sure there is someone in your area that will give you books, dvds and a lot of sage advice in this first event which may be the addiction for you that it has for many of us!

[sbflcruiser]

I would opt for a weekend at Disney World then look for a cruise out of Port Canaveral, like Royal Caribbean. They have a great kids program and my kids liked them the best when they were younger of all the lines. Of if you go out of somewhere else in Florida, there is a company called cruise connection that will get you from City to City at a reasonable price.

 

I am always looking for ways to make the most of my money. I would rather book a cheaper cruise and or cabin and take 2 cruises than just one, but that is me and not everyone.

 

Also I see that you list Grand Cayman, as one of your must see's, just a point of caution, the first 5 cruises we took in the Western Caribbean that port of call was cancelled. High winds/seas often have the Harbor Master closing the port. That is a tender port, one where you take smaller boats from the Ship to the dock, and the Ship does not pull up to the dock. I know people who have let the lack of a port spoil their cruise, so keep in mind that can happen and does.

 

Once you have decided on your cruise, check out the ports of call boards, for ideas on excursions outside the ship. These are usually had for a fraction of the cost of ship sponsored ones.

 

Being your first cruise I am sure that all will have a great time, no matter which you choose to go with.

[Jasalth]

I would like to agree with if Disney is what you really want, and you know you won't be taking many more if any, then go for it!

 

Disney was my husbands first cruise. We have been on RCL and soon to be Carnival this December also. Now we are a family with 2 boys who at the time of their last Disney Cruise (I had been on them before they were their own cruise line) they were 8 and 4. No one in my family is a Disney nut. I as the only girl am not even a big Disney fan. But if we could afford it, after other experience I would be on Disney again!

 

Alas like many said, cost is what is stopping us on Disney. At this time I just can't justify spending almost twice as much on the boat as I am with a mini-suite on Carnival.

 

If driving is an option to get to a cruise, I would consider that in your costs. Our Dec cruise because we are going w/o extended family we will be driving to. Yes its over a 1000 mile drive. But even with gas prices and having to deal with 2 kids in the car, even stopping over night, it will be saving us close to $1000 AFTER parking/hotel/gas/snacks to drive down there. For 3.. that $1000 saved can pay for all your excursions just by taking an extra day or two and driving while being able to spend more family time together.

 

I don't know what time frame of Cruise you are looking into, and also if your 17 yr old is a Senior in HS which might be a factor. The same cruise I have booked for December is almost $1800 LESS (and the total is only $2300 I am paying) than the same cruise in July. Though I do expect there to be a lot less kids on the boat for my kids to hang out with, my youngest (9) doesn't think of age when he finds kids to hang out with so he would be happy with anyone 6-15 to play with! My oldest (13) is like me.. I expect he will spend more time taking pictures to try and get them posted on travel web sites of the boat, people, anything that doesn't run away from him! My oldest is also in Cyber School so the time frame isn't a problem with him, but my youngest will we have to work around.

[mchelle77]

I would opt for a weekend at Disney World then look for a cruise out of Port Canaveral, like Royal Caribbean.

 

I think this is a great idea.

 

If you really want to only cruise, I think it sounds obvious that you really want that Disney cruise. My husband and I (biased about Disney - we go every few years, and even went for 2 weeks on our honeymoon! :) ) just booked our first cruise and really wanted the Dis cruise. But like others have mentioned, it was about double the price of other cruises so we downgraded from our first choice.

 

However, we take a while to save money and then use it to take a vacation every 2 years or so. You said you don't take many vacations, and that you're coming into money from your pain and suffering from your accident, you won't have to save and save for this for years. I'd take full advantage of your situation. Book that Disney cruise and have a great time.

[wcook]

the one thing, I dreamt of while in pain and recovering, was taking a Disney cruise to the western caribbean.

 

That really says it all, doesn't it? Go and have an amazing vacation!

[tanelicus]

You will love it.

 

Here is another thought:

 

RCCL's Freedom of the Seas is about 1 hour from Orlando and Walt Disney World. You and your son can spend a few days before the sailing visiting Disney World, then take the short drive or shuttle over to Cape Canaveral.

 

Freedom of the Seas is generally cheaper than Disney Cruises and RCCL's Oasis and Allure. Now FOS also has the Dreamworks stuff as well.

 

Disney can't be beat in the shows, and presentation and all things Disney thats for sure.

 

Keep in mind that they moved the Wonder out to your parts if you ever want to get a last minute thing in the Northwest.

 

Choose Disney - why not? It always comes down to beiung a few hundred dollars difference in any scenario, so why not do what you want to do.

 

Have fun!

[sweet angel]

I have not read all the responses. My thought is: You look at this as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. You love Disney. Your kids love Disney. You want to have a special time together as a family. You want to sail with Disney.

 

DO IT! I've been on two Disney cruises, and while I agree that other lines are cheaper, if you truly want that Disney magic and special experience, you can only get it by sailing on Disney. Don't "settle" for less than what you want. If you and your kids want the Disney experience, do it.

 

A Disney cruise is really a magical experience for those who love Disney.

 

One other thing that just occurred to me: If you always dreamt of spending a week in Paris, and people started telling you how silly that was, that you could go somewhere else for less...but it had ALWAYS BEEN YOUR DREAM...would you go to Paris, or somewhere else?

[SingingMom1]

I have not read all the responses. My thought is: You look at this as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. You love Disney. Your kids love Disney. You want to have a special time together as a family. You want to sail with Disney.

 

DO IT! I've been on two Disney cruises, and while I agree that other lines are cheaper, if you truly want that Disney magic and special experience, you can only get it by sailing on Disney. Don't "settle" for less than what you want. If you and your kids want the Disney experience, do it.

 

A Disney cruise is really a magical experience for those who love Disney.

One other thing that just occurred to me: If you always dreamt of spending a week in Paris, and people started telling you how silly that was, that you could go somewhere else for less...but it had ALWAYS BEEN YOUR DREAM...would you go to Paris, or somewhere else?

 

I have to agree. We've been on two cruises - Disney Magic and Celebrity Summit. While the Summit had a few more "adult" features, I thought the overall feel of the Disney Magic was just that - "magical". If it is your dream and you are going with children, I think the Disney cruise is the way to go. My almost 18 year old did not enjoy the Summit as much. (Hubby, however, enjoyed the casino. lol)

[cruiserking]

Here's a great photo blog from Peter Knego's voyage on the Disney Wonder:

 

http://maritimematters.com/2011/04/yonder-on-the-wonder-cruising-to-mexico-disney-style-part-one/

 

Jonathan

[EGG]

While everyone wants you to go on your dream cruise, I would suggest the first thing to do is to find out what the Disney Cruise lines offers or does not offer so that you can decide if it is worth it. Often when you pay twice as much you have greater expectations and you end up being disappointed. I have never been on a Disney Cruise, so I cannot answer if it is worth twice as much.

 

I can tell you I have had wonderful experiences on most of the mainstream cruiselines and that I have been to Disney World many times. I would think if you could combine 2 or 3 days in Orlando with a cruise, and do it for the same price or less than a Disney cruise you will be way ahead. Or, if you pay half as much for a non Disney cruise and save half the money towards something else, you will also be ahead. So take your time, it takes a lot of planning.

 

From your description of what you want to get out of a cruise -family time, cool kids clubs, nice spa, pool time, shopping and eating, there are several other cruise lines that will give you a great cruise experience, just not a Disney cruise experience. Many of the Royal Caribean ships have great activities for the children and I see many people have commented favorably about Carnival. Interestingly, the one cruise line I would not recommend is Hollad America because the average age is so high. But your brother loves it. There are a lot of cruiselines in between Disney and HAL.

 

There is another board on family cruising. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49 I would go to that board and ask there what cruise lines people recommend and why. Tell them you are on a budget. If you tell them you were in a serious accident and that a Disney Cruise is your dream, then people will tell you to take the Disney cruise.

 

If you have your heart set on a Disney cruise and you don't think you will be happy with any other cruise line, then go for it. Then go to the boards on cruising on a budget and figure out how you can do the cruise you want as inexpensively as possible. As an example, I know you want a balcony, but if you are going on Disney to get the whole Disney experience, then maybe you don't want to spend too much time in your cabin. You also sound like you will be off the ship on the sea days. So maybe the compromise is to downgrade the cabin on the Disney ship.

 

Have a great cruise. We are all pulling for you.

[sweet angel]

 

 

There is another board on family cruising. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49 I would go to that board and ask there what cruise lines people recommend and why. Tell them you are on a budget. If you tell them you were in a serious accident and that a Disney Cruise is your dream, then people will tell you to take the Disney cruise.

 

This again goes back to my analogy of dreaming of a Paris vacation and having people tell you that you could go other places "just as good" for less. You may ultimately choose to go to a different locale than Paris, and be happy doing so, but it still isn't Paris.

 

If you like Disney, a Disney cruise is magical. Personally, at this point, I prefer Royal Caribbean, but it's because I'm choosing quantity over quality. There is no denying that a Disney cruise is top of the line. Disney ALWAYS goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service and guest satisfaction. It's just what they do.

 

For example, on my recent Wonder 3-nighter, I stood in line (by myself as a 44yo woman) for pictures with Pluto by the pool. The character spent just as much time with ME, as he/she would have with any child. It was fun for me and made me smile. A while later I was in another part of the ship and felt a tap on my shoulder. Turned around and there was Pluto. They could've passed by on the way to wherever they were going without acknowledging me, but they didn't. It was just really cute for a Disney dork like me!

 

Further, combining a cheaper cruise line with a few days spent in the parks may ultmately be more expensive, depending on transportation, meals, soda, etc. There's so many way to vacation...

 

I still say if they have their hearts set on a Disney cruise, that's what they should do. Don't settle on a dream!

[zoncom]

Do not know if you are aware of discount cruise pricing. (do a search online). Looked up one of the larger ones. Pricing depends upon demand; holidays and siummer most expensive. Winter Feb and March probably next highest. So, 7 nights Caribbean this Dec.3rd from $909. Dec 10 $899. Nov 26 $969. Jan. 14,2012 only $719! These are inside prices, Balcony probably double. You spend very little time in cabin on Caribbean cruise Most time spent in port off ship, very little time on balcony......Insides a great $$ saver.

[MrsPete]

I would opt for a weekend at Disney World then look for a cruise out of Port Canaveral, like Royal Caribbean.

This sounds like an excellent compromise!

If driving is an option to get to a cruise, I would consider that in your costs. Our Dec cruise because we are going w/o extended family we will be driving to. Yes its over a 1000 mile drive. But even with gas prices and having to deal with 2 kids in the car, even stopping over night, it will be saving us close to $1000 AFTER parking/hotel/gas/snacks to drive down there. For 3.. that $1000 saved can pay for all your excursions just by taking an extra day or two and driving while being able to spend more family time together.

Yeah, last summer I tried my best to justify flying. No matter how many times I did the math, no matter how many "what ifs" I tried, flying was always well under half the cost of flying . . . so we drove 14 hours to Miami. While I can't say I loved it, it wasn't bad. We left EARLY in the morning, and it was okay.

Choose Disney - why not? It always comes down to beiung a few hundred dollars difference in any scenario, so why not do what you want to do.

If it were a few hundred dollars, I'd say go with the one that appeals to you most; however, in reality, Disney is more like TWICE THE PRICE of other cruises. Hard to justify.

[sweet angel]

Okay, I just did a quick comparison:

Disney Fantasy (newest ship) - 7/28/12 - Western Caribbean itinerary - sails from Port Canaveral

cheapest inside room for 3 people (1 adult, 2 children 4/17)

$5239.48 (plus airfare)

 

Royal Caribbean - Freedom of the Seas (older) - 7/22/12 - Western Caribbean itinerary - sails from Port Canaveral

cheapest inside room for 3 people (1 adult, 2 children 4/17)

$3407.56 (plus airfare)

 

So, it's NOT double. It's more expensive yes, but not double. Fantasy is BRAND NEW -- Freedom is older.

 

Fantasy's staterooms are larger and offer a tub and shower.

Fantasy has the new AquaDuck water slide.

 

Just a week at a value resort in WDW with park tix and dining is $2950.60 for a week starting 7/28/12. Still need to add airfare.

 

Splitting a week in WDW and on DCL (or another cruiseline) is not going to get the OP to the Western Caribbean, although it may save money and deliver "the best of both worlds.