One cruise with kids (10, 11, 14) which would you choose?

[ma23peas]

Caveat: We are big Disney fans...but I'm concerned about our ability to get rooms last minute on the Disney cruise..we are waiting for a contract to come through on our house (2 years on the market!) and we bought a farm we couldn't pass up..so 2 payments 2 years 2 jobs for dh...we need a cruise!! But, this will probably be our only chance to cruise and I'm trying to surprise all of them...with 5 in our family I'd rather try to get one balcony room and an inside stateroom across the hall...we can travel in September or August...cat 4 would just be more $$ and cramped....

 

So, if I'm able to get Disney with that configuration I'd be happy, just wondering if I need to have a fall back plan on another line??

 

Thanks!!

Tara

[crusinmama06]

A little background please....is this your first cruise? Is this your first Disney cruise?

 

I think RCCL Freedom class has many more ammenities, especially for kids those ages. I can't wait until the new Disney ships come out. But for now, the older Disney ships really need some added ammenities to keep up with the new ship designs of the other cruise lines.

 

My oldest is 9, she has been on 8 cruises....including 2 Disney ships...she prefers the RCCL Freedom class.

[ma23peas]

Thank you, Cruisnmama! :)

 

Yes! Absolutely our first cruise, we were on a ferry in Seattle for 45 minutes, but I wouldn't call that a cruise! :)

 

I just also feel like it will be our last cruise, (atleast with our children)..maybe some day way off in the future when all 3 have finished college expenses...we might, just might manage a 25th wedding anniversary or something like that on our own..which at that time, I really don't care what ship we're on.

 

Disney has been sort of a tradition with our family, in my former career I would have to move across country sometimes for promotions...so we took a Disney trip every move...5x in 7 years!! :) It became a special time where we could come together as a family and enjoy all the thrill rides....they all want to do that again, but 5x, I kind of want something different...my dh (engineer) has a dream of retiring to Orlando to sweep the Main Street so all the grandkids will always come see us! :)

 

I thought a Disney cruise would appease their desire for all things Disney and my desire to just get up and work out/see sunrises/do whatever I want at the moment...I'm just not sure how quickly the Disney rooms book 60 days out...I really wouldn't want to go unless we could get rooms close enough..I know adjoining would be a stretch, but across the hall would be nice...also I like the smaller boat, I'm so claustrophobic (which you'd think would go against a small ship) that sooo many people getting on off for excursions and crowds just make me tense! We always get to Disney on off season and never have waits or crowds, it's been wonderful! The other pro for Disney is the no casinos, much fewer chances for 'drunks' and adult 'sightings' going on! :)

 

Hope that helps give you an idea! :)

 

Tara

[calikak]

I think you may have trouble getting cabins together that close to sailing. The economy is down, which means it's easier to book a bargain last-minute, but that usually requires being flexible about cabin location. You might want to start checking availability with a travel agent now (like a real person one--if it's your first cruise, you will have lots of questions they can answer for you) to see what your odds are for finding cabins together. Summer time could be harder, fall would probably be easier to get the cabins you want (it's hurricane season and everyone is back in school).

 

It sounds like you're really into Disney, so, if that's your first choice, obviously start with them. Disney costs a lot more usually, but everything I've heard says it's a great onboard experience. But, don't assume having a casino or not will dictate the number of drunk adults you'll see around. I rarely see crazy drunk people on most cruise lines, whether there's a casino or not.

 

I was going to ditto Michele about the RCCL ships for that age group--lots to do/see/eat onboard for kids those ages, which translates to more free time for Mom and Dad to enjoy those sunsets.

[ma23peas]

I rarely see crazy drunk people on most cruise lines, whether there's a casino or not.

 

That is great news! I've just read some trip reports here and there that made parents boil a little...that's the last thing I want is to boil a little! :) We're the kind of family that does everything together....ride splash mountain over and over together...some parents want their kids to take off and get a break, but we love to experience it all together..I surely wantthem to have their time doing stuff...and my husband and I will enjoy a night out but for the most part we'd love to see all the shows together...especially with my dh working 2 jobs these past two years, we all need dh/Daddy time! :) My youngest has had some health issues the past 6months and has low points where we need to be near...a bigger ship worried me about getting to her quickly...her sister is just one year older and such the sweet caretaker...so I feel confident letting them go together to the clubs...I just think with my daughter's health concerns and our lack of time together, a cruise would give us all a diversion! :)

 

Thanks!!

Tara

[Paumavista]

I'd second either a newer Royal Caribbean ship (something with rock walls & a great pool area) or a newer Carnival. The Dream is scheduled to come out in December from Port Canaveral.

 

These ships should also save you some money! Lots of great kid activities without the "Disney" name expense.

 

Have a great trip.

Judy