Cruising in Oct from NYC or January from PC?????

[4newbies]

I need some advice! (Sorry this will probably be long-ish.) When we cruised on the Wonder this past January (1st cruise), we booked onboard & after some later changes, ended up with a reservation for a 7 night Bahamas cruise on the Fantasy Sat. Jan 16-Friday Jan 22, 2016. For the 4 of us in a 9B room, the cost w/discount was $4300. The itinerary is from PC to Tortola to St. Thomas to Castaway to PC. We live right outside Philadelphia, so we were going to drive down over 2 days w/ a stop at our in-laws overnight in NC & do the same on the way back. Kids would miss 5, possibly 6 days of school. $375 OBC. THEN, DCL announced these October cruises out of NYC, and the whole game changed. I emailed my TA about the 8night Bahamas cruise on the Magic Fri. Oct 7-Sat Oct 15, 2016. The 9B room for the 4 of us will be approx. $5700, 10% discount is not available, but we will retain our OBC; total OBC $400(?). Itinerary is NYC to Nassau (not a port I want to even get off for this time), CC to PC (day at WDW!!!!) to NYC. The kids will miss 5, possibly 6 days of school. TA said it is currently SOLD OUT, except for the $13000 suite (I WISH!!!). So....I asked her to grab the 7night Bahamas cruise (Magic) for Sat Oct. 29-Sat Nov. 5, 2016. The 9C room for the 4 of us is $5200, with $400 OBC. Itinerary is NYC to CC to PC (WDW!!) to NYC. Kids will miss 5 days of school. She said she would keep checking over the weekend for the 8 night cruise, but now I am wondering if the 7night might work better after all. With that one, we will actually be sailing on Halloween, so that could be cool. The beauty for us in sailing out of NYC is saving 4 days driving and gas/hotel costs. Anyway, what would you do?? Any words of wisdom? Keep the original cruise for January, or go for one of the October NYC cruises? I will need to place a deposit for NYC on Sunday to hold that Oct. 29th reservation. Wish I could do all 3!!!!

 

[Coach]

MY DW and I had a similar issue. While sailing on the Magic in April we booked an Alaska cruise for August of 2016. We live in Connecticut, about 30 minutes away from NYC. For us it was a no-brainer. The Alaska cruise was going to cost us $6400.00 with our discount. Add airfare and hotels and we were looking at close to $9000.00. Although we are not receiving a discount for the October 29 cruise we will still be saving a lot, no airfare, and we still get our onboard credit. We're in a category 5B room in the middle of the ship. We will be doing the Alaska cruise at some point but at a later date. It's still on our bucket list. We have already done the Eastern and Western sailings so we would go with the NYC to CC and PC cruise but that's just us. Curious, how did you get a $400.00 OBC? We only received a $200.00 credit.

 

[4newbies]

MY DW and I had a similar issue. While sailing on the Magic in April we booked an Alaska cruise for August of 2016. We live in Connecticut, about 30 minutes away from NYC. For us it was a no-brainer. The Alaska cruise was going to cost us $6400.00 with our discount. Add airfare and hotels and we were looking at close to $9000.00. Although we are not receiving a discount for the October 29 cruise we will still be saving a lot, no airfare, and we still get our onboard credit. We're in a category 5B room in the middle of the ship. We will be doing the Alaska cruise at some point but at a later date. It's still on our bucket list. We have already done the Eastern and Western sailings so we would go with the NYC to CC and PC cruise but that's just us. Curious, how did you get a $400.00 OBC? We only received a $200.00 credit.

Hi, thanks for your feedback. The add'l $200 OBC is $150 from the TA and $50 putting the payment on Disney Visa. The feedback I am getting from a fb group I belong to is saying to stay with the original January cruise, because the ports are great, etc. Have you been to Tortola or St. Thomas? I do remember something about my TA saying those are not ports where the Disney ships stop often or something...honestly I think my kids like the ship more than the stops (except CC, which they loved!). One our Wonder cruise, they were not thrilled with Nassau & then when we stopped at Key West they reallllllly didn't want to get off the ship. Lucky for them, we ended up missing our scheduled tour, due to customs taking so long (DCL did refund us, so it was fine), so we just played at the pool all day, etc.
What do you think about the weather in October? I am thinking the first and last 24 hrs (probably from NY to about SC & vice versa) of sailing will probably be too cold to swim, etc. That could be OK because there's lots to do and explore on the ship, but that stuff will probably be crowded b/c everyone else will have the same idea.
Any idea what they do on board for Halloween?

 

[sayheyrenee]

I was originally looking at a June 2016 cruise and it was pricy for me vs just doing a royal cruise this past easter out of NYC.

Out of NYC in April we did loose a day down and back on the outside pools as weather and water was cold. There were plenty of kids in the closed pool and adults swimming in the adult area on Royal. Luckily they had inside circus school, bumper cars etc.

We were in the Quantum balcony on Easter week for $3100 for a family of 3.
We ultimately decided to book Oct 29,16 out of NYC as the pricing was so close and no flights.
Disney balcony for 4 is costing $6500. More than double. It kills me!

I read on the disney cruise site that halloween begins in September in the ship not just Halloween week.

Hubby is a teacher at a Phila Catholic high school and Nov 1st is a holy day that falls on Tuesday. If History shows they'll probably have off Halloween since falling on a Monday. So only 3 school days lost.

I think if you really want the Columbus week sailing a lot of the 3 day holds will release Sat/Sun so you may get the cabin you want.

Last night there were cabins appearing, disappearing and reappearing. I was watching as we originally booked a triple and gained a cruiser needing a quad. I scored one. Sadly prices went up $300/person in one day for the 1st and 2nd cruiser. That kills me. I know prices go up as the ship fills. Hopefully a lot of those holds release and prices change. I'm going to watch constantly.

 

[Coach]

Hi, thanks for your feedback. The add'l $200 OBC is $150 from the TA and $50 putting the payment on Disney Visa. The feedback I am getting from a fb group I belong to is saying to stay with the original January cruise, because the ports are great, etc. Have you been to Tortola or St. Thomas? I do remember something about my TA saying those are not ports where the Disney ships stop often or something...honestly I think my kids like the ship more than the stops (except CC, which they loved!). One our Wonder cruise, they were not thrilled with Nassau & then when we stopped at Key West they reallllllly didn't want to get off the ship. Lucky for them, we ended up missing our scheduled tour, due to customs taking so long (DCL did refund us, so it was fine), so we just played at the pool all day, etc.
What do you think about the weather in October? I am thinking the first and last 24 hrs (probably from NY to about SC & vice versa) of sailing will probably be too cold to swim, etc. That could be OK because there's lots to do and explore on the ship, but that stuff will probably be crowded b/c everyone else will have the same idea.
Any idea what they do on board for Halloween?

We have not been to Tortola but we have been to St. Thomas. The weather in October in Disney and Castaway Cay is great, We have sailed a few times in October and the water temp is perfect. As for the pools on the ship, they are heated so it shouldn't be a problem. That said, it all comes down to your choice and what you want. There will probably be more responses to your post so there will most likely be more opinions. Good luck and no matter what you decide...it's still a Disney cruise...you can't go wrong.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I'd be concerned about driving from PA to Florida and back in January. You'll probably be fine south of your in-laws' house, but there's a lot of snow country between PA and NC.

Are your kids o.k. with missing trick-or-treating with their friends? Different DCL ships have celebrated Halloween differently in the past 3 or so years. It's been evolving. We did a Halloween cruise on the Fantasy 2-1/2 years ago and there wasn't much available, but I understand that's improved quite a bit.

As far as WDW for a day -- one day is better than none, but it barely scratches the surface, and AFAIK you can't make dining reservations or Fast-pass plus ahead of time. DCL needs to make that available, but DCL and the parks are on two completely different computer systems and they don't interface with each other.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Personally, I don't like the NYC itineraries so I would do the January cruise from PC.

 

[Boardwalk Gal]

Personally i am excited to be able to cruise from NYC (since i live in PA--No airfares to worry about) and love the ports of WDW and CC and 4 days of Seas...That all i need--i never really cared for ports on islands in my prior 7 Disney Cruises (other than 14 night Panama Canal) I go on the cruise to relax and enjoy the ship and seas esp. when it a 7 night cruise.

 

[HookedOnDCL1]

I would chose the NYC cruise for a couple of reasons. First, it will be cold in the Bahamas in January. On our January cruise it was too cold to swim at Castaway Cay. I bundled in a sweater in a hammock (and I'm Canadian). I swore I would never do the Bahamas in Jan again. Secondly, you can do the Carribean cruises any time, but the Disney NYC cruises are few and far between.

Also, to consider is if your kids will miss trick or treating at home over Halloween. If so, you may want to go for a different week if possible - my understanding is that all 4 October cruises will have Halloween on the High Seas.

And you said you wouldn't get off at Nassau? Have you been to Blue Lagoon? - we thought it was very nice! Good luck with your decision!

 

[MK4ever]

As far as WDW for a day -- one day is better than none, but it barely scratches the surface, and AFAIK you can't make dining reservations or Fast-pass plus ahead of time. DCL needs to make that available, but DCL and the parks are on two completely different computer systems and they don't interface with each other.

I think anyone can make dining reservations 180 days out (only resort guests can make reservations 180 days +10 days which would not matter if you are only in town one day). You will not be able to make FP reservations ahead of time. On another thread someone said their TA told them they would be able to make FP 30 days out, but I am not sure how this will work without having the park tickets until you get on the ship.

We just switched our cruise to the 7 day Magic NYC. We sailed out of NYC in 2012 with Disney and really enjoyed not having to fly. This 2012 cruise was an 8 day with stop at Nassau. We had no interest in the 8 day itinerary (don't like Nassau), plus the Saturday to Saturday is more convienent (one less work day to take off).

Personally, I would not chance driving in January.

 

[Disneyteachers]

I'd be concerned about driving from PA to Florida and back in January. You'll probably be fine south of your in-laws' house, but there's a lot of snow country between PA and NC.

Are your kids o.k. with missing trick-or-treating with their friends? Different DCL ships have celebrated Halloween differently in the past 3 or so years. It's been evolving. We did a Halloween cruise on the Fantasy 2-1/2 years ago and there wasn't much available, but I understand that's improved quite a bit.

As far as WDW for a day -- one day is better than none, but it barely scratches the surface, and AFAIK you can't make dining reservations or Fast-pass plus ahead of time. DCL needs to make that available, but DCL and the parks are on two completely different computer systems and they don't interface with each other.

Actually, you should be able to make dining reservations at wdw 180 out from the date. You do not need a resort reservation or ticket to do so!

 

[4newbies]

I was originally looking at a June 2016 cruise and it was pricy for me vs just doing a royal cruise this past easter out of NYC.

Out of NYC in April we did loose a day down and back on the outside pools as weather and water was cold. There were plenty of kids in the closed pool and adults swimming in the adult area on Royal. Luckily they had inside circus school, bumper cars etc.

We were in the Quantum balcony on Easter week for $3100 for a family of 3.
We ultimately decided to book Oct 29,16 out of NYC as the pricing was so close and no flights.
Disney balcony for 4 is costing $6500. More than double. It kills me!

I read on the disney cruise site that halloween begins in September in the ship not just Halloween week.

Hubby is a teacher at a Phila Catholic high school and Nov 1st is a holy day that falls on Tuesday. If History shows they'll probably have off Halloween since falling on a Monday. So only 3 school days lost.

I think if you really want the Columbus week sailing a lot of the 3 day holds will release Sat/Sun so you may get the cabin you want.

Last night there were cabins appearing, disappearing and reappearing. I was watching as we originally booked a triple and gained a cruiser needing a quad. I scored one. Sadly prices went up $300/person in one day for the 1st and 2nd cruiser. That kills me. I know prices go up as the ship fills. Hopefully a lot of those holds release and prices change. I'm going to watch constantly.

Ah, yes, the holy day long weekend. Nice! We have never cruised any other line as a family, but my hubby and I did Carnival 100 years ago & I just don't have fond memories of it! How did you like Royal Carribean? I think I could be persuaded at some point to do another line, but it would have to be one of the higher end lines, ie NOT Carnival! (may still be cheaper than DCL, though, as in your experience!).

At first I was really excited for the Columbus day cruise, because it's 8 nights, but thinking about it later the Oct. 29th cruise out of NYC is right between the other 2 price-wise, which might be an easier sell for DH.

 

[4newbies]

Personally i am excited to be able to cruise from NYC (since i live in PA--No airfares to worry about) and love the ports of WDW and CC and 4 days of Seas...That all i need--i never really cared for ports on islands in my prior 7 Disney Cruises (other than 14 night Panama Canal) I go on the cruise to relax and enjoy the ship and seas esp. when it a 7 night cruise.

Yes! On our cruise on the Wonder it was $1500 for airfare to Miami. Having not flown in years (we always have driven to WDW with an overnight stop in NC), I had major sticker shock, but seriously didn't want to tack on the extra time to drive to Miami--more days off from school/work. On the Disney fb group I belong to, everyone is saying stay with the January cruise, and here everyone is saying go with the October cruise! LOL, I'm still confused!! I do think the kids might be more interested in the cruising experience/the ship/CC/WDW than the other ports. I enjoy seeing new places, but could be content with more ship days. Our first cruise was 4 nights, with 3 port stops, and I kept thinking next time I want more days at sea. Hoping the NYC cruise, esp if we don't get off at Nassau, wouldn't be too much. Is that possible?

 

[4newbies]

I would chose the NYC cruise for a couple of reasons. First, it will be cold in the Bahamas in January. On our January cruise it was too cold to swim at Castaway Cay. I bundled in a sweater in a hammock (and I'm Canadian). I swore I would never do the Bahamas in Jan again. Secondly, you can do the Carribean cruises any time, but the Disney NYC cruises are few and far between.

Also, to consider is if your kids will miss trick or treating at home over Halloween. If so, you may want to go for a different week if possible - my understanding is that all 4 October cruises will have Halloween on the High Seas.

And you said you wouldn't get off at Nassau? Have you been to Blue Lagoon? - we thought it was very nice! Good luck with your decision!

Haven't been to Blue Lagoon--will definitely check it out. We did the Junkanoo/Fort Charlotte tour last time. It was a good, educational & cultural experience, but once it was over we were anxious to get back on the ship. Definitely had no desire to explore Nassau.

I'm surprised it was too cold for you in January. I hadn't even considered that as a possibility b/c when we were there in Jan the weather was great, definitely hot enough to swim but not disgustingly hot.

I don't think my kids would care too much about missing Halloween at home. They would just be thrilled to be on a cruise! Has anyone done Halloween on the high seas? Is it good?

 

[msb578]

Actually, you should be able to make dining reservations at wdw 180 out from the date. You do not need a resort reservation or ticket to do so!

Just for added emphasis, you are 100% correct.

Dining is separate from everything else, except when it comes to the Resort +10 perk.

 

[4newbies]

I'd be concerned about driving from PA to Florida and back in January. You'll probably be fine south of your in-laws' house, but there's a lot of snow country between PA and NC.

Are your kids o.k. with missing trick-or-treating with their friends? Different DCL ships have celebrated Halloween differently in the past 3 or so years. It's been evolving. We did a Halloween cruise on the Fantasy 2-1/2 years ago and there wasn't much available, but I understand that's improved quite a bit.

As far as WDW for a day -- one day is better than none, but it barely scratches the surface, and AFAIK you can't make dining reservations or Fast-pass plus ahead of time. DCL needs to make that available, but DCL and the parks are on two completely different computer systems and they don't interface with each other.

Good point about the weather. We have made the drive a zillion times, but it can definitely be slow-going if the roads are bad=extra aggravation for all! I agree WDW in one day is almost insane. But, I had originally wanted to sneak in a few days before our Jan cruise, and just scrapped that idea as it added too many more missed days of school, etc. So, this is something at least. We have been to WDW twice since 2011 so we could probably hone in on our must-do activities pretty easily. Whether we will be able to get on them with no advance fp reservations is another question entirely!

 

[4newbies]

Personally, I don't like the NYC itineraries so I would do the January cruise from PC.

TY!

 

[4newbies]

Just for added emphasis, you are 100% correct.

Dining is separate from everything else, except when it comes to the Resort +10 perk.

We might not even want to spend the time on a table service meal if we are only there 1 day, anyway!

 

[Boardwalk Gal]

We might not even want to spend the time on a table service meal if we are only there 1 day, anyway!

I agree....i'll be happy with the many of the great counter services to eat!

 

[pgroom48]

CC in January is really cold! (I'm from FL but even people from up north don't like the water temp.), In October the water is still nice because we are coming off of summer. The Fantasy is only doing 7 night cruises and the itinerary is pretty similar on the Eastern route with the only new port recently being Tortola. I've never been so I can't comment on that part but since it's going to be around for a while I would go with the NY cruise. From what I understand they re few and far between. Wish I would have taken a "more rare" cruise last year when they had the Southern Caribbean on the Magic. Now they are gone.