3 night vs 4 night

[mjl1969]

Wondering peoples thought on having that extra day at sea on a 4 night vs 3. Either way we are going to have 6 or 7 days at disney world so the vacation won't be too short either way

The sea day I assume means packed everything esp whole pool deck and related activities. No extra broadway style show , a repeat of an MDR unless u pay extra for palo so nothing new there. If the answer is just relaxing where are you relaxing?

What do u personally get out of that extra day on the ship on a 4 night cruise ?

Thanks !

 

[bats]

I'd book a 4 night over a 3 night in a heartbeat, especially if it were my first cruise on that ship.

You have time to explore the ship, do Mid Ship Detectives, have a spa treatment, go to the cinema, ride the Aquaduck, just sit and chill (yes the pool areas will be busy but there are plenty of other places to sit and chill).

4 night over 3 every time for me.

 

[jodifla]

We just got off a 3 night, and it felt pretty rushed. I would definitely pick the 4 night instead.

The 3 night is really just 2.5 days by the time you get on the ship.

 

[NCConch]

We did a 3 nighter in Dec as our first family cruise. Since I was the only one who had sailed before, my wife wanted to keep it short in case they hated it. We did not plan to do a lot and had a great time. We are doing another 3 nighter in Jan.

 

[vicki2011]

I've done a 3 night and a 4 night both on Dream. I would recommend a 4 night over a 3 night. The 3 night just felt so rushed. We didn't ever have time to relax, and enjoy the ship or other activities going on. The 4 night was awesome. We weren't rused to do anything, and the sea day was just so relaxing.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have

 

[2boysmommy]

We did a 3nt/4nt B2B (back-to-back) in March. After experiencing the atmosphere of both cruises, I would definitely say the 4 night.

On the 3 night, Pirate Night is not as big of a "deal". Fewer people dressed up and you don't get the Pirate Night menu in the main dining room (on your extra night you do not get a repeat of the previous menu from that dining room but a special menu instead so no risk of getting bored there).

Also, I felt as though by the time you get settled they were already talking about getting disembarkation. Even though we were re-boarding and it wasn't as big of a deal, it still made things feel rushed.

The day at sea is wonderful. We love pools, water slides, etc. but due to the crowds we hit them at off times. We spent the sea day participating in various activities offered around the ship. Our boys planned the day and we went full steam ahead all day and still missed many of the things. We had an awesome time!

Also, having the night without a "show" is nice. We had a magician instead that night which some of our group went to see but others just had extra ship time. Either way it was a nice change.

Obviously, both are great experiences! But in my opinion the 3 night is just too short.

 

[Justacruiser]

I will break down the time on board for you. If you do Castaway Cay and Nassau, the following would apply. I am using the hours 8am-12pm for my example.

3 day
Day 1 - All aboard - 4pm (8 hours on board)
Day 2 - Nassau, in port from 0800-1600 (8 hours on board)
Day 3 - Castaway Cay from 0800-1600 (8 hours on board)

so, if you go to ports..... you are paying the price for 24 hours on board time. I don't count the sleeping.

Now the 4 day
Day 1 - All aboard - 4pm (8 hours on board)
Day 2 - Nassau, in port from 0800-1600 (8 hours on board)
Day 3 - Castaway Cay from 0800-1600 (8 hours on board)
Day 4 - Sea Day 8am - 12pm (16 hours on board)

so, this jumps your total to 40 hours on board time. that is 66.6% more time on board with just adding 1 sea day.

The sea day is just a day to relax, eat a buffet lunch at Cabanas and enjoy the cruise atmosphere. Are the pools busy, yes. But the only way I do 3 day cruises now is with a B2B like I am doing in two weeks.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wondering peoples thought on having that extra day at sea on a 4 night vs 3. Either way we are going to have 6 or 7 days at disney world so the vacation won't be too short either way

The sea day I assume means packed everything esp whole pool deck and related activities. No extra broadway style show , a repeat of an MDR unless u pay extra for palo so nothing new there. If the answer is just relaxing where are you relaxing?

What do u personally get out of that extra day on the ship on a 4 night cruise ?

Thanks !

There are typically more onboard activities on a sea day than a port day, so the crowds generally are spread out. But, yes, the pool area is more crowded. While there is no production show, there is a show of some sort in the WDT (movie, typically as it's Pirate Night). And, while you "repeat" a MDR, the menu is different.

We usually find a place on the promenade deck to sit and chill for a while. Usually, in one of the lounges, it's quiet. Or even just rest up in our room, sometimes.

 

[Justacruiser]

I will also throw in that there is alot of time during the on baord time on a 3 day that you are NOT able to enjoy the ocean as much as you should be able too. Meaning that if you dress up for dinner or are eating or enjoying the on board activies that you actually take in that you are on the ocean. To me, that sea day gives you that time slow down and enjoy being on the ocean and seeing the vastness. I have NEVER met anyone that said after a 4-day, gee I wish I had only done 3-days.

 

[mjl1969]

I will also throw in that there is alot of time during the on baord time on a 3 day that you are NOT able to enjoy the ocean as much as you should be able too. Meaning that if you dress up for dinner or are eating or enjoying the on board activies that you actually take in that you are on the ocean. To me, that sea day gives you that time slow down and enjoy being on the ocean and seeing the vastness. I have NEVER met anyone that said after a 4-day, gee I wish I had only done 3-days.

GREAT point, thanks for that , now that u mention it that was one thing in retrospect that we didn't get to appreciate on our 3 night , thanks to all other as well for your responses as well

 

[kstaack]

4 nights is way better over 3....but in my opinion 7 nights is in the only way to go. 3 days is way to short. However, even though I just said 7 nights is the only way to go I am going to do a 4 day trip in January after the WDW marathon weekend. I don't plan on getting off the ship much or at all. Nassau is not worth my time or money. There are lots of places to relax in the adults only areas. Palo is amazing...plan on going to once for brunch and once for dinner this time.