50th birthday and graduation thinking of booking elsewhere.

[darnheather]

In 2024 I'll be turning 50 and graduating from law school along with some other big milestones. I'd really like to take a cruise in a suite but doubt I'll be able to afford DCL. I've never cruised another line and have been diehard DCL from the moment I started cruising because I find the other lines tacky, websites confusing, and rooms small. Also, I don't even like to think about the mega ships. However, I have noticed that the suites tend to be far nicer.

So should I try a suite on another line or do a land vacation?

 

[mlayton14]

In 2024 I'll be turning 50 and graduating from law school along with some other big milestones. I'd really like to take a cruise in a suite but doubt I'll be able to afford DCL. I've never cruised another line and have been diehard DCL from the moment I started cruising because I find the other lines tacky, websites confusing, and rooms small. Also, I don't even like to think about the mega ships. However, I have noticed that the suites tend to be far nicer.

So should I try a suite on another line or do a land vacation?

Only you knows what would make you happy, I agree about other lines seemingly being tacky/gawdy, for me Disney cruising is the only cruising that’s appealing. What are your other interests ? Hard to answer otherwise

 

[tvguy]

Go for it. I've cruised Disney, Paquet, NCL, NCL America, RCCL, HAL and Celebrity. On Disney you of course get Disney, and split bathrooms , higher fares and you don't get a casino. But all the standard staterooms are about the same size on all the lines, right around 200 square feet, all have Broadway style shows, casinos, great food, great service. My last cruise was October 2019 on Celebrity, 7 days, balcony stateroom $600 a person.
Okay, NCL America on the Pride of America was a notch below other ships because it is a different cruise. The ship is more of your mobile hotel than a destination unto itself. They do 7 day cruises around Hawaii, and overnight in two of the ports and no sea days. They do have shows on board, but because you spend so many more hours in each port, the entertainment and dining options may be in the port, not on the ship. And while the mostly American crew do a great job, it isn't up to the standard that you get on the ships with international crews from nations with much stronger work ethics.

 

[Drfate102]

That is cool, in 2024 I am also turning 50, we are looking at a Land and Sea trip. Land is Paris and Sea the the Mediterranean. We are on the Wish in a few weeks and I will book a placeholder for that cruise.

 

[Anna131517]

I think suites are nice when traveling with a grouo so there’s someplace for everyone to congregate, but if it’s just you why bother? In terms of the cruise line it depends on what’s important to you. I find non Disney cruises more relaxing, and dinner is definitely quieter, but I also love the whole Disney theming.

 

[RedHead0186]

In 2024 I'll be turning 50 and graduating from law school along with some other big milestones. I'd really like to take a cruise in a suite but doubt I'll be able to afford DCL. I've never cruised another line and have been diehard DCL from the moment I started cruising because I find the other lines tacky, websites confusing, and rooms small. Also, I don't even like to think about the mega ships. However, I have noticed that the suites tend to be far nicer.

So should I try a suite on another line or do a land vacation?

Congrats in advance! I've sailed Princess and really enjoyed them. They have a mini-suite, my friend and I did one and really enjoyed it. It didn't feel like a 'mega ship,' and although I was used to DCL (and had high expectations), I enjoyed Princess and would sail them again.

 

[NEGeekymama]

I think if you're doing a cruise (or any vacation) the right way, you'll only be in your room to sleep/change, which makes a suite not worth the price.

That said, we are splurging on a suite for my 40th birthday in October...but it's on Royal, and we got it for a ridiculous deal.

Edit: One option is renting someone's DVC points for a splurge trip, be it a Disney Cruise, Aulani, or one of the higher end resorts at Disney World.

 

[auntlynne]

Since you will be 50, nearly an adult, what do you really want?

And congratulations on making it through law school. Kudos!

 

[Cheburashka]

Congratulations on your graduation. Maybe a trip to Europe? Hawaii? Or a trip to Tokyo Disney, along with a tour of some parts of Japan?

 

[soniam]

I would seriously consider a suite on Celebrity. Depending upon the ship and itinerary, I definitely think it’s worth it. We never do suites on DCL due to cost. Our son doesn’t go on Celebrity with us; he only does DCL since he’s still under 18. The Viking ships look very tasteful too. I want to relax when I am celebrating something, and I find cruises are more relaxing than most other vacations.

 

[gscott8075]

We went on a Viking River cruise a few years ago and cannot to do another one....awesome, upscale experience. Just a magical trip - we went on the Danube.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Hi my friend! I am still in touch with someone we sailed with in 2017. They recently sailed on Norwegian in The Haven and will be going again - she RAVED about it! Maybe look into that.

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you enjoy your Christmas cruise!

 

[John VN]

Hi my friend! I am still in touch with someone we sailed with in 2017. They recently sailed on Norwegian in The Haven and will be going again - she RAVED about it! Maybe look into that.

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you enjoy your Christmas cruise!

While cruising YC on MSC we've spoken to other cruisers who have done The Haven and they indeed spoke highly about their experiences yet mentioned that Yacht Club was elevated to a higher level at a more affordable price.

 

[darnheather]

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies. Japan is certainly on my to be returned to list as is Germany. Hawaii is a place I've always wanted to go and can stay in the military hotel in Honolulu. So much to think about. I do plan to take my youngest daughter who will be 18.

 

[darnheather]

While cruising YC on MSC we've spoken to other cruisers who have done The Haven and they indeed spoke highly about their experiences yet mentioned that Yacht Club was elevated to a higher level at a more affordable price.

I was thinking about YC and was chatting with some people in line on my most recent cruise who have been on other lines but said their travel agent steered them away from MSC. Then again they did go to Europe and order only American food so I'm not sure I can trust their judgement. I'm very much a, "go to Greece drink the ouzo and eat the squid sort of person."

 

[John VN]

I was thinking about YC and was chatting with some people in line on my most recent cruise who have been on other lines but said their travel agent steered them away from MSC. Then again they did go to Europe and order only American food so I'm not sure I can trust their judgement. I'm very much a, "go to Greece drink the ouzo and eat the squid sort of person."

Europe MSC cruising is not what MSC wants to have in the USA Market. They have been attempting to distance themselves from that different atmosphere and their new ships are improving the experience. There is a learning curve that requires some time and as far as we are concerned, our "learning time" spent with MSC in their YC has been enjoyable and we hope it continues to be.

 

[beckicnm]

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies. Japan is certainly on my to be returned to list as is Germany. Hawaii is a place I've always wanted to go and can stay in the military hotel in Honolulu. So much to think about. I do plan to take my youngest daughter who will be 18.

Celebrity Millennium sails Japan - she is my favorite Celebrity ship. A transpacific to Japan on her is on my bucket list

 

[auntlynne]

Aloha! 50th birthday >> 50th state. . You can guess what I would recommend. Hawaii and Alaska are my favorite repeatable vacations (and I have spent 180 nights cruising).

I have walked past Hale Koa while staying next door. Looks nice and is conveniently located. I am a big fan of using this side of the island (near Waikiki) as a base for exploring Oahu.

Add on 1-2 nights at Aulani as a dedicated on-site visit. (I have to budget, so don’t do an entire trip there - it’s also on the side of the island with less things to see.) Without leaving the neighborhood, you get a Disney bubble, even if going across the street to the little market, plate lunch restaurant, or Monkeypod restaurant. Fun water features and sheltered ocean pond.

Lots of food variety, too.

 

[DSLRuser]

we cruised Disney in 2008. Decided we were not cruisers. Cruised Royal in 2020 to try it out again, and compared everything to Disney 12+ year earlier. Royal, while cheaper, was just not up to the level of Disney in service and quality.

Cruised again with Disney in 2022, and have 3 more booked in the next 18 month.

Disney is more expensive, but you get what you pay for and it is noticeable. We will only cruise Disney, even as adults only.

 

[sethschroeder]

I find the other lines tacky

Do not look at the older ships and you will be fine.

Disney doesn't hold a candle to something like Norwegian Haven Suites where you have a private area of the ship just for Haven guests, butler, concierge, private bar/pool/hot tubs/sun deck, and then a restaurant that is at Palo's quality every night. Oh and drink packages are included typically as well.

Below is from the Prima but lots of options on NCL or Royal or Celebrity or others.