4 night $3300 vs 5 night double dip $5400

[justme0729]

We are looking to cruise with a 6-8 month old and a 2.5 year old next year. We live in FL so plan to drive 4 hours to Fort Lauderdale for the cheaper sailing options on the Dream. A 4 night costs $3300 and a 5 night double dip at castaway costs $5400. We love castaway cay but I’m having a hard time justifying $2000 more for an extra night and extra day. These are my options/ thoughts…

A. Do the 4 night cheaper cruise and book a placeholder to do a double dip on a later cruise

B. Do the 5 night double dip while the kids are super young and would benefit from kid friendly port/ convenience etc. We also haven’t cruised or celebrated any anniversaries/ bdays etc in a bigger way since before kids and Covid so splurging sounds nice. Castaway Cay is our favorite place

What would you do in my position?

 

[Girl of the South]

I wouldn’t spend $2000 for one more night . . Your idea of the placeholder is a good one!

 

[anricat]

$2000 is a huge extra amount of money. I'd rather put that money towards another cruise. Take it with a grain of salt as I don't adore CC. I like it fine, but I just can't imagine ANY place I love enough to spend $2000 for one day there.

 

[Geomom]

I'd do the 4nt. Definitely not paying 2K more for 1 extra night! Sounds like a good idea to do the 4nt and buy a placeholder to possibly use on a future double dip.

 

[Girl of the South]

I’d pay $2000 to spend the day with Kevin Costner on Castaway Cay as long as DCL would throw in a cabana . .

 

[MichelleCanada]

Another vote for the 4-night and get the placeholder!

 

[holula]

Definitely another vote for the 4 night! You could do like half of another cruise for that money.

 

[AquaDame]

I'd also do the four night. There is also the (unlikely) chance of missing CC one of those days due to weather or some other issue. Unless money is no object and/or you are unable to cruise often/again, there just isn't a sufficient reason to spend an extra $2100 on one more stop now versus later.

 

[John VN]

IMO, a DD for a 6-8 month old and 2.5yo is not worth the additional $2,100.00, especially if weather is lousy. Go fewer days and Placeholder.

 

[randumb0]

4 night for me. Castaway is nice but a double dip CC doesn't appeal to me

 

[JM_97]

I'd do the 4 night and then wait for the 5 night DD for the price points you listed.

Also if it's your first cruise, 4 night is a good intro. Not too long, not too short, and it gives you an idea if you are into cruising or not.

 

[dreamer17555]

Agree with everyone else I would definitely do the four night if you’re set ongoing while the kids are so young.

In all honesty, I would suggest waiting until your oldest is three and potty trained so they have the option of the kids club if they want to but more importantly they can be in the pools. They cannot be in the pools until they are three.

I would just stay on the ship on the 4 night while it is in Nassau. I would book a placeholder for a future cruise.