If you couldnt afford a disney cruise , what would be your second choice cruise line

Well I'm not liking the prices for the Fantasy next August so I am going with the Allure of the Seas (still expensive but not as bad as the Fantasy.) We'll see how it works out.

I also have a couples cruise on the Dream in May but with a family of 6, a Disney Family Vacation is crazy expensive.
 
The first thing to consider is no two cruiselines, no two cruiseships, no two cruise directors/staffs, no two experiences even on the same particular ship will ever be the same. Activities, food selection, staff, etc. change. Cruiseships age.

Your entire post is genius. I've only cruised 3 times on 3 different cruise lines and I've learned all the same things you speak of. I agree with it all.

I had a less than stellar experience on Carnival, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. In retrospect, it was our first cruise and we didn't fully know what to expect, nor did I know what to research prior to boarding. But, now that I've cruised more and better understand what cruising is to ME and MY family, I am willing to cruise them again in the future. Sometimes the price is right and unless the prices of the Fantasy come down dramatically, we will be booking a higher class room on Carnival Dream for less.

DH and I LOVED NCL's freestyle dining. It was nice to be able to explore the port as late as we want, come back to the stateroom and leisurely get ready for dinner. I also enjoyed the SNL style comedy troupe from Second City. We will be sailing them again. They have some unique itineraries. We sailed Hawaii and it was an experience we'd love to have again and again.

Our most recent cruises were/will be DCL for the time being. Our DD is under 3, so we are somewhat restricted on which lines will provide decent care. I am a huge Disney fan as we live near PC (and 3 hours from Miami) so it is convenient for us to cruise. I am also a fan of the rotating dining rooms. If I am going to be assigned a time to eat, at least there is a change of scenery night to night and entertainment that keeps my interest. I too do not care for most the shows on other lines.

As for other lines, I can't wait to explore them as well. How do you know which cruise line is right for you, if you don't even try them out for yourself? :confused3
 
I love cruises and so does my family! I have been on 22 cruises since I was a kid and usually go on 1 or 2 cruises a year.

snip

The best thing you can do is figure out what you like and what is most important to you in a cruise. If the only thing that will make you happy on a cruise is having a Disney experience, choose Disney. But if you just want a good cruise experience, you can have fun and enjoy any. I know I do.

As others have said, great post and I heartily concur. I just got off Glory's Canada run out of Boston last month; it was a nice ship and I loved the trip.

I've been on 10 cruises, 4 different cruise lines and found something to like or dislike about each. Overall, I just love to cruise!!! For those who say that DCL has the best entertainment, not so. If what you're looking for is the big theatrical production that tells a story, then absolutely DCL can't be beat. However, the two best shows I've seen at sea, hands down, were the 80's show on Carnival (which you can only find on a few of the Fantasy Class ships) and Justin Illusion on the Carnival Glory. WOW to both! In terms of "acting", DCL wins. In terms of dancing and singing, Carnival wins.

Whoever said don't cruise Carnival out of Tampa needs to sail on the Carnival Legend out of Tampa. It is one of four Spirit Class ships that Carnival has and they offer more square foot per passenger than any other ships at sea in the mass market line. It was a great ship and never felt crowded.

In answer to the OP's question, I prefer Celebrity and am hoping to cruise with them again in the near future.
 


I love cruises and so does my family! I have been on 22 cruises since I was a kid and usually go on 1 or 2 cruises a year. Here is the breakdown of cruiselines: 6 Carnival, 5 RCCL (with number 6 booked for next summer), 4 Princess, 4 NCL, 2 Disney, and 1 Celebrity. I have been on new and old ships, small and large ships, ships with freestyle dining vs. set time dining, ships that have lots of activities and ships with few activities scheduled during the day, etc. I have been on several ships more than once. I have visited Canada, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Mediterranean, British Isles, Baltic Sea, Alaska and Hawaii on various cruises. There are a lot of factors to consider when booking a cruiseline. The first thing to consider is no two cruiselines, no two cruiseships, no two cruise directors/staffs, no two experiences even on the same particular ship will ever be the same. Activities, food selection, staff, etc. change. Cruiseships age. I've been on a cruise ship when it was new and loved it and another time when it was old and falling apart and didn't care for it. I have enjoyed the food on some ships more than others even within the same cruiseline. I have been on big ships which rely more on having mini golf courses, ice skating, etc. vs. scheduling activities during the day, so I found those to be more boring as I prefer to do scheduled activities like crafts and trivia.

On the whole, I have had more positive experiences with cruises than negative. My most negative experience was when I had a suitcase delivered to me soaking wet on an NCL ship and had to go through a lot of aggravation to have guest services pay to have my clothes cleaned. But I have other positive experiences with NCL. So I choose not to let the negatives interfere with my planning. Having tried so many different cruiselines and ships, I know what I like. I like smaller ships, with lots of activities, keeping the same waiters, not sitting with other parties at my table, trying different itineraries, NYC/NJ departure ports (when possible to save money and the need to fly), etc. I know what cruiselines I like for particular itineraries. When cruising Alaska or Europe, I prefer Princess. When I want a Disney experience, I book Disney. When I am looking at the cost, I choose Carnival.

I will say that Disney is the only cruiseline on which I even bother going to the shows, as I find the others to all be boring. But on the whole I will cruise with whatever cruiseline fits. For those who don't like Carnival (which as a teen I was one of them), I recommend the Carnival Glory which usually goes to Canada during the summer. I've been on it twice and it seems to attract a nice group of people and it is well maintained.

My favorite RCCL ship is the Jewel of the Seas and not one of their larger ships. I found it to be a beautiful ship and loved how the glass elevators overlooked the ocean. I was on this ship in April and the Disney Magic at the beginning of August, and honestly I think it was nicer than the Magic except it didn't have the Disney vibe.

In terms of the kids programs, I have found my nieces and nephews aren't big on the kids' programs, no matter what cruiseline, including Disney. Although, I admit when I look at the Disney program, listed in the Navigator, I am pretty impressed. So the kids' programs, don't factor in when we pick a cruiseline.

The best thing you can do is figure out what you like and what is most important to you in a cruise. If the only thing that will make you happy on a cruise is having a Disney experience, choose Disney. But if you just want a good cruise experience, you can have fun and enjoy any. I know I do.

:worship: :worship: Excellent post!
 
ddboles said:
We've been comparing Disney with Carnival and were shocked to see we can go on a 7 night cruise for several THOUSAND less than a 4 night on Disney, so it is tempting. But, I see none of you have recommended Carnival on this thread. My question is... is Carnival really THAT bad? (I have never cruised at all, so I have no idea.)

Thanks!
Donna

No. Carnival is not a bad line. Their 7 night cruises are comparable to most other cruise lines in terms of food, service and guest experience. The design and decor of the ships are ver different compared to the classic feel of the Disney ships. There have been a few mixed reviews of the kids clubs, but for a 7 night cruise you are likely to see a similar mix of families with kids as you would on other lines, with the exception of DCL.

I have not been on Carnival in a long time. They have some great new ships. On our recent cruise we talked to passengers from two different Carnival ships and they all were having a great time. That said, my coworker recently sailed Carnival on their 7 night Mexican Riviera and was not impressed. Long lines everywhere and a ship full of teens and 20 something's. This was the week after school was out though, so timing is everything.

Give Carnival a try. Go in with a mindset that you are on vacation to have fun. Roll with the little things that go wrong and you will have a great time.
 
I have only sailed DCL (Gold) and Royal Caribbean (Platinum). The reason that we chose to sail RCL over DCL for many years was due to price. However; for us now that we have a 14 month old my major concern is childcare. We have sailed on RCL & DCL with kids who were old enough to go to the kids clubs and they actually enjoyed both equally. Both experiences were drastically different but on RCL they did more activities and were engaged while on DCL there was more open play time. However; they loved both.

Now, we have been comparing Fantasy and Oasis/Allure strictly due to the childcare issue for our 14 month old as all three of these ships offer nurseries for the U3 age group. The prices end up being about the same and bc of that we go to DCL. Our 14 month old will have cruised DCL 4 times before she turns 2. We are still deciding on plans for 2013, but itineraries will come into play. Especially with non potty trained kids not allowed in pools any longer on any ship.

So, my experience is a bit unique. If it was just DH and I we would probably be sailing on RCL or Celebrity and that decision would be made based on itineraries, but fortunately, we have a little one now that we want to consider and I will NOT consider in room private childcare for her at this age.
 


You have to compare apples to apples. We recently did the 5 night Key West on the Magic the cost was $1000 per person. Royal's Majesty of the Seas 4 nights, same basic itinerary was half that, all based on verandah room.
Some of the best cruises we have had are on small ships. Don't be afraid to choose a smaller ship.

If looking at the Fantasy, Royal's other comparable ship is Freedom of the Seas. I believe the Oasis and Allure are superior to the Fantasy.
 
Honestly, I'm willing to pay the premium for Disney on the smoke alone. I can't breathe indoors because of the smoking allowed by RCL and Carnival which precludes me from diff activities.
 
I am looking into an Alaskan cruise for next summer.
DCL is quite expensive for 7 days.

I found a Princess cruise for August 2013 that starts at 1249 per person.
I am seriously considering trying Princess for this cruise.
By the way its round trip out of San Francisco and its 10 nights.

I think the total for a veranda room was less than $5,000.00.

But I am apprehensive as we have only done Disney cruises and we are always so happy with them.

Anyone been on Princess recently?
 
lorimay said:
I am looking into an Alaskan cruise for next summer.
DCL is quite expensive for 7 days.

I found a Princess cruise for August 2013 that starts at 1249 per person.
I am seriously considering trying Princess for this cruise.
By the way its round trip out of San Francisco and its 10 nights.

I think the total for a veranda room was less than $5,000.00.

But I am apprehensive as we have only done Disney cruises and we are always so happy with them.

Anyone been on Princess recently?

Isn't Princess known for their Alaskan cruises? Try it. Can't say you prefer one over the other if you don't try. :)
 
I am looking into an Alaskan cruise for next summer.
DCL is quite expensive for 7 days.

I found a Princess cruise for August 2013 that starts at 1249 per person.
I am seriously considering trying Princess for this cruise.
By the way its round trip out of San Francisco and its 10 nights.

I think the total for a veranda room was less than $5,000.00.

But I am apprehensive as we have only done Disney cruises and we are always so happy with them.

Anyone been on Princess recently?

I cruised to Alaska with Princess in 2007 (one-way from Vancouver on the Coral Princess) and 2009 (roundtrip from Seattle on the Golden Princess). Princess and Holland America have the most ships in Alaska, and both do a great job. However, not all itineraries are alike. The 10-night roundtrips from San Francisco in August 2013 go to Tracy Arm Fjord - same as DCL. You have a choice in itineraries, and I would choose a Princess ship that goes to Glacier Bay. You can do that roundtrip from Seattle in August 2013 on the Star Princess, or one-way between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska on the Coral, Island, Sapphire, or Diamond Princess. A southbound cruise will go to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, and it's the best 7-night itinerary - in my opinion.
 
NancyIL said:
I cruised to Alaska with Princess in 2007 (one-way from Vancouver on the Coral Princess) and 2009 (roundtrip from Seattle on the Golden Princess). Princess and Holland America have the most ships in Alaska, and both do a great job. However, not all itineraries are alike. The 10-night roundtrips from San Francisco in August 2013 go to Tracy Arm Fjord - same as DCL. You have a choice in itineraries, and I would choose a Princess ship that goes to Glacier Bay. You can do that roundtrip from Seattle in August 2013 on the Star Princess, or one-way between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska on the Coral, Island, Sapphire, or Diamond Princess. A southbound cruise will go to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, and it's the best 7-night itinerary - in my opinion.

Thanks for the info on the itineraries, Nancy. I have a friend who did NCL to Alaska & loved the cruise, but prefers Princess over NCL. I'd love to talk DH into a different line & Princess would be my pick to Alaska. We priced DCL in a Nav Verandah for the 3 of us next summer on opening day & it was between $5-6K, and DD is too young to appreciate Alaska anyways, especially at those prices!!!!!!

The one ways are cool, too!!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards
 
Honestly, I'm willing to pay the premium for Disney on the smoke alone. I can't breathe indoors because of the smoking allowed by RCL and Carnival which precludes me from diff activities.


We have been on two Carnival ships and the smoking areas were limited to a few areas.
 
declansdad said:
We have been on two Carnival ships and the smoking areas were limited to a few areas.

It's like it pours from the clubs and casinos. And even one club with smoke is more than none.

It's my experience. Too much smoke for me.

I have a question about Tracy Arm vs Glacier Bay and why everyone says one is better than the other?
 
I have a question about Tracy Arm vs Glacier Bay and why everyone says one is better than the other?

Tracy Arm is a lovely fjord with twin glaciers at the end. DCL has been fortunate to get to the end to see the glaciers most weeks - from what I have read. Not all ships do - usually because they run out of time due to the amount of ice in the water.

Glacier Bay is a beautiful national park with a number of glaciers: http://www.nps.gov/glba/index.htm; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_Bay_Basin. Of the mass market cruise lines that sail to Alaska - HAL and Princess have the most permits for Glacier Bay, and NCL Pearl also goes there.

The other glacier sometimes visited on an Alaskan cruise is Hubbard Glacier. It is one HUGE tidewater glacier: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubbard_Glacier

As I mentioned above, Princess's southbound cruises from Whittier, Alaska to Vancouver go to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay: http://www.princess.com/find/cruise...&duration=&tourdur=&orderBy=&filterBy=&order=
 
Funny-the same thing happens to me! Especially since Disney shows you the real total (with taxes) when it shows the price on the screen where you select a cruise, whereas RCI shows only the room price. No matter how many times I've done it, I'm always shocked when I get to the final reservation screen and the price has gone up by $1000 (as it did when I priced a trip for 4 recently) with one click.
I'm looking at Oasis or Allure, of course, as they are the comparable ships to the Dream and Fantasy, from what I've seen.

I think I was the only one that happened to..:lmao: I'm constantly pricing the Allure and Oasis because I'd like to go on them with my kids and people swear to me that they are so much cheaper than Disney. Where?:confused3
 
NancyIL said:
Tracy Arm is a lovely fjord with twin glaciers at the end. DCL has been fortunate to get to the end to see the glaciers most weeks - from what I have read. Not all ships do - usually because they run out of time due to the amount of ice in the water.

Glacier Bay is a beautiful national park with a number of glaciers: http://www.nps.gov/glba/index.htm; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_Bay_Basin. Of the mass market cruise lines that sail to Alaska - HAL and Princess have the most permits for Glacier Bay, and NCL Pearl also goes there.

The other glacier sometimes visited on an Alaskan cruise is Hubbard Glacier. It is one HUGE tidewater glacier: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubbard_Glacier

I've sailed both, but I'm wondering why so many people prefer one over the other?

Hahaa... Shock, but we really liked Tracy Arm with Disney. The captain got us very close and we witnessed several calving events. One so big it sounded like a bomb and we were very worried for the little boat that was right up on glacier.

Glacier Bay was also pretty, but I wouldn't say we prefer one over the other so much that it would stop me from sailing with Disney.
 
STLDisney_Freak said:
I think I was the only one that happened to..:lmao: I'm constantly pricing the Allure and Oasis because I'd like to go on them with my kids and people swear to me that they are so much cheaper than Disney. Where?:confused3

I haven't seen any savings on them would love to give the new giant ship a whirl!
 
Thanks for the info on the itineraries, Nancy. I have a friend who did NCL to Alaska & loved the cruise, but prefers Princess over NCL. I'd love to talk DH into a different line & Princess would be my pick to Alaska. We priced DCL in a Nav Verandah for the 3 of us next summer on opening day & it was between $5-6K, and DD is too young to appreciate Alaska anyways, especially at those prices!!!!!!

The one ways are cool, too!!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

one way? sorry - does this mean you fly to/cruise out of one port, cruise into your final port and then fly home from there?

just checking into all Alaska cruises now as we can't go till 2014.
 

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