Opinions on 3 day cruise?

[toad611]

We go to Disney world every year in Dec. or Jan. 2 adults with no children. Thought that next Jan. we would try something different and spend a few days on a cruise and then four or five at the World. If we do a three day what are your thoughts on the Nassau, Castaway Cay versus just the Castaway Cay cruise? Also do the World before or after the cruise?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We go to Disney world every year in Dec. or Jan. 2 adults with no children. Thought that next Jan. we would try something different and spend a few days on a cruise and then four or five at the World. If we do a three day what are your thoughts on the Nassau, Castaway Cay versus just the Castaway Cay cruise? Also do the World before or after the cruise?

IMO, a 3 night cruise is too short. I'd do at least a 4 night (but prefer 7 as a minimum) with WDW before.

I've not been to Nassau, but CC is perfect for us.

 

[iloverags2]

First, I would say doing the cruise after WDW, as it would give you a chance to unwind after the hectic days at the parks.

Are you looking at sailing on the Dream, and just not getting off the ship in Nassau? I would still do so, even for a couple of hours. There are a few places within walking distance of the pier in Nassau where you can do some minor sightseeing, and then get back on the ship for a day of relaxing.

 

[Mike2023]

I'm interested in responses as well.

We are doing a 17 night trip to disney in May with a 3 night cruise right in the middle. Anyones tips for 3 nights would be interesting.

 

[MikeAndNick]

Disney used to offer a package "Land and Sea" that was the cruise and park at a reduced rate. We took that back in 2005 and did the Disney Park for 4 days and then the 3 day cruise. Back then we got to do Nassau and Disney Island on the 3 day cruise. I really liked the snorkeling and shopping on Nassau. Last year we did the 7 day Disney Fantasy cruise with 3 days at Orlando Studios. The big thing I learned was do the cruise AFTER the park. I was able to relax on the cruise ship then got tired and stressed running around the park for 3 days.
I would recommend the 4 day cruise and if you can get the time and the money is not a problem the 7 day cruise after some days at the park would be the ultimate vacation.

 

[toad611]

Was looking at the 3 day cruises in Jan.2014 on the magic. They offer 2 with stops in Nassau and Castaway and 2 with just Castaway Cay.

 

[toad611]

We are also DVC members so planned on using points for both the cruise and the trip to the World.

 

[anniemck]

Love Nassau, be aware that there are times that the ship can not dock at Castaway Cay, and if it is cold, would you really want to be at the beach?

 

[kcashner]

If at all possible, do a 4 night cruise instead of 3.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We only do a 3 nt when our kids school schedule fits it such as a Thurs & Fri off. If we didn't have kids, it would always be a 7 nt minimum. Also the Bahamas can be chilly in winter months. If you go further south, like St. Thomas, St. Maarten it's much warmer.

After having been to WDW so many times, we really don't need a full week of parks. Just 1-2 park days pre cruise is plenty. It's always good to arrive in FL the day prior to a cruise anyway so might as well do parks first.
After a week of being pampered & not having to fight for a table, I couldn't do parks after a cruise.

 

[wdwmom2]

Disney used to offer a package "Land and Sea" that was the cruise and park at a reduced rate. We took that back in 2005 and did the Disney Park for 4 days and then the 3 day cruise. Back then we got to do Nassau and Disney Island on the 3 day cruise.

We did this too, back in 2004. That was our first cruise, and now we are hooked!

BUT, I personally would never choose to do another 3 day cruise. Just too short. Feels like you are disembarking before you even know it! Nothing wrong with the actual cruise, it was WONDERful!

Of course, if you have no other option, 3 days are better than no days

 

[pyramid2000]

A 3 day is just fine. Don't let everyone scare you! (Wouldn't the majarity of us love to just live on the ship!) I would suggest doing the Nassau/CC one if you have never been there. If you just want the beach, go for the double CC. Depending on how you spend you time at the World, rushed vs relaxed, I would do the cruise after to unwind.

 

[disney314]

The 3 night is still very nice. It is where you get the 'best of the best'. The three best shows, dinner in each restaurant, and a stop at CC. It is always nice to be on the ship longer, but honestly, the 3 night is still very nice.

 

[wink13]

We will be going on our 4th 3 day Disney Cruise in Feb. Mostly we do the 3 day due to school schedules but we also try and do 1 park day. I would rather have a park day than a 4 day cruise. However, if I could do a little longer cruise it would be nice and more days at the parks.

 

[SuFiMomma]

I agree that the three day cruise is wonderful, but if you can swing a longer cruise, all the better! It felt like we no sooner got on board and got into the routine of things, that it was time to leave.

Castaway Cay was fabulous. I can do without Nassau. On our next trip, we'll stay aboard and take advantage of the smaller crowds on the ship while we are docked in Nassau.

 

[mmmears]

A 3 day is just fine. Don't let everyone scare you! (Wouldn't the majarity of us love to just live on the ship!) I would suggest doing the Nassau/CC one if you have never been there. If you just want the beach, go for the double CC. Depending on how you spend you time at the World, rushed vs relaxed, I would do the cruise after to unwind.

I agree. We did the 3-night for our first cruise and really enjoyed it. (Did WDW both before and after it). Nassau was just ok, but CC was wonderful!

 

[disney1990]

Longer is always better. But I would rather a 3 day than no cruise at all. We are doing a 3 day in the fall so we also have a fews days available to do Food and Wine at Epcot! Best of both worlds.

 

[super mike b]

Longer is always better. But I would rather a 3 day than no cruise at all.

Exactly! We often do a three day cruise as a quick get-away. No complaints here!