1st week in October vs 2nd week in November?

[MommyMK]

We booked a 4 day dream cruise for the first week in October of next year back when the dates were released and I was counting on my kids having 2 days off from school that week. Well, the school calendar just came out and it turns out they will only have 1 day off that week instead, and the school has moved the 2 day holiday to the second week in November (11/7 sailing). So here's the question, do I move the cruise so my kids (5th and 1st grade) miss one less day of school? It's also slightly cheaper to move it as well. What's the weather difference going to be between Oct and Nov? I'm worried it will be too cold to really enjoy Castaway Cay. Downside too is no MNSSHP and I don't think the Christmas party will have started up by then, but I could be wrong. What would the ship be decorated like for the 1st week in November? Still fall or Christmas? What about at WDW?

Thanks!!!

 

[Sil452]

We sailed in mid November (11/17 sailing) last year and the weather was good, but varied. Castaway Cay was a little chilly with wind and it rained in the afternoon, but the water was warm to us. On the other hand, Nassau was 80 and sunny.

According to DCL website, the Very Merrytime cruises start on the sailings between 11/06 to 11/14 depending on what ship you will be on.
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/holiday-cruises/christmas-winter-holidays/

 

[afyoung]

We were on the Dream last November- the 3 night before the Thanksgiving 4 night. The weather was warm. We swam, wore shorts and tshirts, etc., but there were several storms and we had rain in the morning in Nassau and rough seas. But it was hurricane season, so we took it with a grain of salt (and a shot of tequila). Ours was a Very Merrytime cruise. In my opinion...one more day of school is neither here nor there, but you are trading a Halloween cruise for a Christmas cruise, so make sure you are aware of what you will be getting and if that is what you want.

 

[Orukal]

Speaking for myself and my family, if it's a matter of missing only one additional day, we'd arrange for the kids to miss one additional day. (Ours our currently 4th, 11th and 12th grade). If the idea of a cheaper cruise works better for you and your schedule, then I might go with that. Expect the weather for both cruises to be cooler than Summer and with a higher possibility of cold weather. We're sailing this year on the 14 night Panama Canal cruise with the kids in October and I've already contacted the school about missing it and will be arranging things with their teachers as the date gets closer. My kids are well aware that, on a 14 night cruise, they will still have to be doing some homework.