Back to back Bahamian cruises?

[lablady]

I have our first cruise booked in March! I was planning on spending a few days afterward at WDW. We have reservations at WL for 3 nights. We've been to WDW many times in the last few years, so I'm finding myself less enthusiastic than usual at planning the minute details of our land portion. With our room and park tickets, it comes to approximately the same price of a 3 day cruise! I've heard mention that some people will do a 4 day and then 3 day cruise and I have a few questions.

Would we have plenty to do and enjoy? (Remember, we're newbies at cruising.)

We really don't feel a great need to explore Nassau, but would be willing if the right excursion came along? What would you recommend? (It will be me, and my DDs, age 15 and 7)

I'm assuming that you have to completely disembark and check-in between cruises. Is that correct?

Those of you that have done this,or even taken multiple Disney cruises, does it feel like a repeat of everything? Or do the activities change enough to avoid the been-there-done-that feeling?

I'm looking for a more relaxing trip than our usual dash-around-the-parks, and since there are no 7 day Disney cruises during that week (have to go then, it's our spring break) I'm seriously considering this! The fact that one of my girls will be free definitely tips the scales towards the cruise also.

Thanks for any advise you can give me!

[arieltoo]

We enjoyed a b2b on the Wonder 1.5 years ago!
There is plenty to do, but at a more relaxed pace. Did not see the Welcome Aboard show--no worry do it in a couple of days; already saw the show? go relax in a deck lounger or play ping pong while others are rushing around. The staff enjoy having you on a back to back--so more intereaction with them, which we enjoy.

Nassau--here again if you want to visit on one stop and then stay on the quiet ship and enjoy the less crowded pools you are not "missing" a port. Or divide up your port time between the two days. I would say if you can swing the cost--my daughter and I LOVED the Dolphin Encounter in 2006. When we visited on the b2b one day we walked around Nassau--government house, Queens Staircase, Fort (Name escapes me) this just took a couple hours tops. The next time we hopped off and did the last minute shopping for about an hour--husband hit Gray Cliff cigars and we stayed on the main street.

Now for how our disemb embark worked on our b2b... It seems different people have had different experiences. We were the only b2b cruisers so we just met an officer near the excursion desk with all the employees family members who were on the ship (ie. Dr's wife and son, officer's girlfriend...) went down to a table set up near the port elevator, handed them our paperwork and were checked in again. We were back on the ship before 10 AM. Did not make it back in the empty terminal. We could go pretty much anywhere except our room. We were prepared, had camera--fun empty ship photos, books, swimsuits, etc. We were able to get soda, etc. from sta. on deck 9.

Let's not forget you get two days at CC!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy if this works out for you!

[arieltoo]

We enjoyed a b2b on the Wonder 1.5 years ago!
There is plenty to do, but at a more relaxed pace. Did not see the Welcome Aboard show--no worry do it in a couple of days; already saw the show? go relax in a deck lounger or play ping pong while others are rushing around. The staff enjoy having you on a back to back--so more intereaction with them, which we enjoy.

Nassau--here again if you want to visit on one stop and then stay on the quiet ship and enjoy the less crowded pools you are not "missing" a port. Or divide up your port time between the two days. I would say if you can swing the cost--my daughter and I LOVED the Dolphin Encounter in 2006. When we visited on the b2b one day we walked around Nassau--government house, Queens Staircase, Fort (Name escapes me) this just took a couple hours tops. The next time we hopped off and did the last minute shopping for about an hour--husband hit Gray Cliff cigars and we stayed on the main street.

Now for how our disemb embark worked on our b2b... It seems different people have had different experiences. We were the only b2b cruisers so we just met an officer near the excursion desk with all the employees family members who were on the ship (ie. Dr's wife and son, officer's girlfriend...) went down to a table set up near the port elevator, handed them our paperwork and were checked in again. We were back on the ship before 10 AM. Did not make it back in the empty terminal. We could go pretty much anywhere except our room. We were prepared, had camera--fun empty ship photos, books, swimsuits, etc. We were able to get soda, etc. from sta. on deck 9.

Let's not forget you get two days at CC!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy if this works out for you!

[OurOhana]

Originally Posted by lablady

Would we have plenty to do and enjoy? (Remember, we're newbies at cruising.)

We did back-to-backs on the Wonder last month. We had been on a seven-night cruise earlier in the year. We felt we had plenty to do and enjoy. In fact, we felt we were able to explore more in some ways. We did all of the evening shows on the first cruise, and then missed them on the second one so we could see the little game shows, go swimming at night, etc.

We really don't feel a great need to explore Nassau, but would be willing if the right excursion came along? What would you recommend? (It will be me, and my DDs, age 15 and 7)
On the first cruise, my husband got off in Nassau for about an hour. On the second, I got off with my mom for a little over an hour. I'm sure there are plenty of things you could do in Nassau, and if you explore the boards, people will give you great suggestions. Or you can stay on the boat and swim, which is what we did. The spa also had specials on the port days.

I'm assuming that you have to completely disembark and check-in between cruises. Is that correct?
We got off the boat around 9:30 (they were running a little behind that day) and got back on about 45 minutes or so later. A CM walked us off the boat and literally just took us back up the escalator as others were walking out the doors. We then just waited until the ship was cleared and checked back in. We did have to do all of the same check-in things as the first time, show our paperwork, have our pictures taken for the KTTW cards, show our IDs, credit card, etc. It didn't take long either time. They then took us back on the boat. No waiting for a number to be called. We then explored the boat while it was quiet and relaxed in our room (we kept the same room, so we didn't have to pack up.)

Those of you that have done this,or even taken multiple Disney cruises, does it feel like a repeat of everything? Or do the activities change enough to avoid the been-there-done-that feeling?
It is a repeat, but just in a good way for us. We were able to try different things, swim more, try different meals at dinnertime. It was fun. We got a great deal to do B2B cruises, so it was a great experience for us. That being said, we would choose to do 7-night cruises when we can, because there is no interuption. But if there's no 7-night available (as you've said) or you get a good deal, B2Bs are certainly fun. Plus, it never hurts to do Castway Cay twice. And the staff was really nice to us, going out of their way to be helpful.

I'm looking for a more relaxing trip than our usual dash-around-the-parks, and since there are no 7 day Disney cruises during that week (have to go then, it's our spring break) I'm seriously considering this! The fact that one of my girls will be free definitely tips the scales towards the cruise also.

Thanks for any advise you can give me!

If you want more detail, you can read a comparison I did of 3, 4 and 7 nights, as well as more on B2Bs:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2292895

Or in my signature, there's a link to a trip report I started. The info on the B2B is already updated on it.

[kcashner]

We did B2B Wonder sailings in Feb. 2009. There were some great things about it, but given a choice, I'd do a 7 day sailing.

Yes, everything is a repeat on the 3 day...that's good or bad depending on how you look at it.

Since others have told you the goods of the B2B and you are sailing in March (when the Magic will still be "at home," I'll take the other side and tell you why to consider a 7 day sailing.

The 7 day will have a different menu each night. It will have a new show or event in the WD theater each night (not a repeat). There will be new stuff in all the kid programming, not repeats. You won't lose 1/2 day with getting off, back on, repeat safety drill, etc. You will have better ports (sorry, don't like Nassau.) I don't cruise to watch movies that I can see at home, but you'll have a far improved movie selection on a 7 night druise.

SO, I'd say that the question is not between a 4 night cruise and 3 at WDW, but between B2B cruises and a 7 night cruise.....go for the 7! THe only downside is that you only get one "cruise" to count toward gold status if you do the 7 day.

[OurOhana]

I agree. If there's a 7 night cruise available, I'd jump on it. We can't wait to go again.

But I thought the OP said there wasn't one available for when she needed it. If that's the case, b2b cruises are better than one short one or none at all

[NancyIL]

Given the choice of staying on the ship for another Bahamas cruise or going to WDW, I'd go to WDW.

**I just looked at DCL's web site, and there are 7-night cruises every week in March 2010. All have cat. 12 cabins available, with the March 6 western starting at $739/pp. That's a STEAL during spring break! Prices start at $999/pp for the other 3 weeks. Taxes are additional.

[kcashner]

Originally Posted by OurOhana

I agree. If there's a 7 night cruise available, I'd jump on it. We can't wait to go again.

But I thought the OP said there wasn't one available for when she needed it. If that's the case, b2b cruises are better than one short one or none at all

As above, all of the March 2010 sailings have availability with rates starting at under $1000 per person. The prices are actually cheaper than the 2 Wonder sailings would be (unless she got kids free). Total for 3 people with all taxes, etc. are starting at $2660 in March. The highest prices week shows $4700 (ouch).

I'd be on the phone to a great TA ans start looking at the options!

[lablady]

Originally Posted by kcashner

As above, all of the March 2010 sailings have availability with rates starting at under $1000 per person. The prices are actually cheaper than the 2 Wonder sailings would be (unless she got kids free). Total for 3 people with all taxes, etc. are starting at $2660 in March. The highest prices week shows $4700 (ouch).

I'd be on the phone to a great TA ans start looking at the options!

Hmmmm...I was only seeing a 7-day on the 13th and 27th? Too late for us...guess I'll look again!

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by lablady

Hmmmm...I was only seeing a 7-day on the 13th and 27th? Too late for us...guess I'll look again!

The Magic alternates between an eastern and a western Caribbean itinerary. March 6 and 20 it does western Caribbean cruises.

[lablady]

Duhhh. I found it! Maybe it wasn't loading because the itinerary is not the normal Western itinerary? Dunno, but it's WAY more expensive than I can afford at this moment. We need to have a cat 6 and it's running about $5500.

Guess I'll try to figure out what I want to do now........

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by lablady

Duhhh. I found it! Maybe it wasn't loading because the itinerary is not the normal Western itinerary? Dunno, but it's WAY more expensive than I can afford at this moment. We need to have a cat 6 and it's running about $5500.

Guess I'll try to figure out what I want to do now........

That's the usual western itinerary. You need a category 6, but you've never cruised before? I'd book a cat. 12 and be happy to be on the ship!

**If you're looking at the March 6th cruise - you can put 2 people in a cat. 12, but only cat. 11 and up are available when you book for 3 people. The prices quoted on DCL's site include transfers and insurance - both of which you can get for less by not booking with DCL. With a pre-tax base price of $4767 for a cat. 6 vs. $2397 for a cat. 11 - there is NO WAY a balcony is worth paying almost twice as much for the cruise!

[kcashner]

Originally Posted by lablady

Duhhh. I found it! Maybe it wasn't loading because the itinerary is not the normal Western itinerary? Dunno, but it's WAY more expensive than I can afford at this moment. We need to have a cat 6 and it's running about $5500.

Guess I'll try to figure out what I want to do now........

You NEED a category 6? No, a cat 6 is a choice, not a need. You WANT a balcony and there are 3 of you? A cat 7 is an option. You NEED a HA room? A cat 11 is an option. I'm with above poster...book a 12 and be happy that you're on the ship. Actually, you have a decent chance of an upgrade, either free or paid, if you book a 12 gty.

You spend very little time in your cabin, especially on a first cruise. Your kids are not at an age where they will be napping, so you don't need the balcony to hang out on while they nap.

[lablady]

Wow. Thanks for the advise but not the attitudes! If I say that I need a category 6, believe that there is a reason for that. If I'm going to spend MY money on a cruise, I'm going to pay for what I want. Not a inside stateroom where I can't relax outside and look at the ocean. I haven't been on a cruise, but I've done PLENTY of boating and I know that my favorite part is looking at the ocean!

Do you really just take whatever and be happy that you are on the ship? We pay big bucks to fly from Alaska, and we're only getting to stay for one week. The jet lag is no fun, so this trip has to be what we want. I'm not a picky person, but a veranda is a requirement. Or I'll just go another time. Doesn't that make sense, or is it just me?

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by lablady

Wow. Thanks for the advise but not the attitudes! If I say that I need a category 6, believe that there is a reason for that. If I'm going to spend MY money on a cruise, I'm going to pay for what I want. Not a inside stateroom where I can't relax outside and look at the ocean. I haven't been on a cruise, but I've done PLENTY of boating and I know that my favorite part is looking at the ocean!

Do you really just take whatever and be happy that you are on the ship? We pay big bucks to fly from Alaska, and we're only getting to stay for one week. The jet lag is no fun, so this trip has to be what we want. I'm not a picky person, but a veranda is a requirement. Or I'll just go another time. Doesn't that make sense, or is it just me?

When I spend MY money on a cruise, I don't "just take whatever" - I intentionally book the least expensive cabin! That includes 3 Alaska cruises where I initially booked inside cabins and was later able to upgrade to obstructed oceanviews for less money. If it's important for you to have a balcony cabin, then so be it. If you're not willing to pay DCL's price tag for a cat. 6 on the 7-day, then you have other options. Good luck with whatever you decide.