First Timer: 4-Night or 7-Night Cruise?

[mshinrockford]

My family and I plan to take our first-ever cruise aboard the WONDER in the Spring. Since we've never cruised before, we decided to take the 4-Night cruise to the Bahamas. We thought that this would give us a good introduction to cruising while still offering a chance to visit an interesting Port-Of-Call. The more I read about Nassau, however, the more I’m inclined to keep the family (DS 12, DD 9) onboard the WONDER during our stay in Nassau (other than a quick trip to the Straw Market for some shopping). From what I’ve read, Nassau is relatively dirty and the beaches (other than possibly the Paradise Cove area of Atlantis) can be relatively unpleasant due to high winds, rough surf, agressive locals, etc. Now I’m beginning to think that maybe we should take the 7-Night cruise so that we can visit more beautiful Ports-Of-Call (St. Thomas, etc.). I’m not sure it's such a good idea to take a 7-night cruise the first time, but now I'm starting to question our decision to do the 4-Night cruise to Nassau. Any advice for a first-time cruiser regarding which would be the best option? What are the relative pros and cons (other than the obvious cost difference)?

 

[feenie]

We have our first cruise scheduled for Sept. We are not at all interested in Nassau either. We may get off for a quick carridge ride or something, but are more inclined to stay on the ship. It looks like there will be plenty to do, and since its our first ever cruise, we want to get the most out of the ship.
We are planning to look into booking a 7 night cruise the following year in November if all goes well...
I think that getting off at Castaway Cay will be enough shore excersion for me this trip though.
My Hubby thinks that he is going to be able to relax on this trip....
Yeah right, I plan to explore every nook and cranny.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We did the 4 night Wonder for our first cruise, and really enjoyed it. Nassau wasn't too bad, but, it wasn't the nicest place, either. We took the Discover Atlantis excursion, and then walked around Nassau for a couple hours afterward. Next time we go on the Wonder, we'll probably either stay on the ship or get a room over at Atlantis for the day to use the beaches and pools.

 

[shelly3girls]

We just went on our first 4-day cruise. We are now planning our first 7-day. I think the 4-day was a wonderful cruise and a fabulous learning experience. We got a room at the Comfort Suites in Nassau so that we could use the pools at the Atlantis and had a wonderful time. We feel that we will now be prepared for our 7-day which will make the cruise even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend the shorter cruise first simply so that you can learn all the in's and out's of cruising.

 

[mshinrockford]

Thank you all for your comments. I’ll think that I’ll stick with our original plan to do the 4-Night cruise. In Nassau, we’ll probably just do some quick shopping (the carriage ride also sounds fun), then return to the WONDER to enjoy the ship. On the other hand, if the weather is very calm, a quick taxi ride to Cable Beach or Cabbage Beach might be worthwhile. If we’re really itching to get into the water/ocean, a day-room at Comfort Suites (with access to Atlantis’ pools and Paradise Cove) will be very tempting. Thanks again for your insights!

 

[LynneT]

We recently returned from a 4 day cruise on the Wonder with a stop in Nausau. I too, was hesitant to get off the ship in Nausau because I had heard that Nausau was dirty and the vendors were pushy. I didn't think that Nausau was overly dirty, I did notice paint on building peeling, but the streets seemed clean enough. The hair braiders were out but a simple "no thank you" was enough and they left you alone. I went into the straw market and had alot of fun! Don't pay the price that is quoted you, bargain with them! I got 2 straw bags that were priced at $40.00 each for $16 each!
We also did the Blue Lagoon dolphin encounter with DD 4 1/2. It was great! And we will definately do it again on our next cruise! If you book with Disney the boat ride, beach and lunch are included along with the encounter. The boatride was fun, there was a live band and a bar onboard. The island was beautiful! The beach on the island was in my opinion very clean, and there are chairs, and hammocks along with float rentals. the lunch was very good with several choices available (chicken, hambugar, ribs, hot dog), you also got 2 drinks with your lunch. The only draw back to both Nausau and Freeport was the in-accessability in areas with a wheel chair, but other than that I would definately go back again!
Lynne

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

If you can afford to do the 7 day, go for it. Our first ever cruise was the 7 day magic. I thought the 7 day was to short, i can;t imagine then what i would think about the 4 day. If you are afraid you might not like cruising go for the 4 day. I just think the 7 day would be my first choice. Hey there both disney cruises,so you will enjoy it either way.
Have Fun
Matt

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I originally thought that after having our first cruise on the 7-day that our last 4-day would be too short. We had no complaints about it, though. In fact, if we can talk our family of never-before cruisers to book, we decided to do a 3 or 4-day with them for their first time. It's a great way to ease into it all and get a wonderful experience!

We talked friends of ours into a 3-day this coming December. They've never cruised before and if it goes well, they'll go on the 7-day with us next year.

We like them both in a differnet way because they are both a different experience! But I would suggest a 3- or 4-day first. Then the extended 7-day.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[Towncrier]

Our first ever cruise was the inaugural 7-day cruise of the Disney Magic. Having done a 3-day cruise this past November, I would suggest that you might truly enjoy yourself more on the 7-day eastern itinerary than either a 3-day or 4-day. The shorter cruise seems too rushed in my opinion. I would never turn down the opportunity for either a 3-day or 4-day, but I prefer the longer cruise.