Help me convince my husband to go with DCL!

[maps]

hi all
we're thinking of taking a cruise next mar with my then almost 4 & 5 year olds.
i think the disney cruise would be the most appropriate because of their ages. but my husband wants to go on royal carribean.
he's extremely paranoid when it comes to leaving our kids with anyone and doesn't feel we would utilize the clubs that they have for kids. or if we did, he'd be standing outside the doors the whole time (how fun).
what do you all think?
thanks.

 

[tecdavidt]

Even if your children won't use the clubs the environment of the ship is pro-family. Your won't find a Mickey Pool on the other lines and the pools are fresh water. (Salt water in the pools and no wading pool is what is one the other lines). Kathy

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi maps. I think it is commendable that your husband wants to make certain everyone enjoys a FAMILY vacation. I have been researching Royal Carribean myself and they appear to provide family-friendly activities onboard ship.

I chose Disney for our first cruise as it replaced our annual pilgrimmage to Disneyworld. It proved to be such a MAGICal experience that I rebooked for this coming year prior to our return to Port Canaveral.

For different reasons I held opinions similar to your husband - not really wanting my son to spend all of his time in the Lab. However, as it was his vacation too, I let him decide. He liked the Oceaneers Lab but only for certain periods of activity. The not-so-little guy preferred being with Dad, which more than made my cruise!

I don't think you can go wrong with either cruise line. HOWEVER, as I look at the pictures of DS and DM with Mickey and the gang - including a terrific of shot of Goofy embarrassing DM - I feel Disney Cruise Line was the appropriate choice. In another year or two, perhaps, I'll give Royal Carribean a try...

 

[rae519]

Is that going to be the joint family venture to Alaska with us, Buckaroo's Dad?!

Just keeping tabs on you and our big Alaskan adventure!!!

Rae

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Is that going to be the joint family venture to Alaska with us, Buckaroo's Dad?!

(((((((((((Rae)))))))))). Yes! lol.

 

[rae519]

Guckaroos Dad - Good! I can't wait to hear the stories your Mom tells about you!!
You'd better start buttering her up because I plan on getting "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth"! I have some pictures to send you, so PM me!

Back on topic, I think that once your DH has a Disney cruise - he will be very happy and totally satisfied with both the activities and the entertainment set for all ages. I travel alternately with DH (52) and DS (7), and DM (74) and DS. There is always a lot to do whether it's for singles, children or couples.

I have thought about going to other cruise lines, but I am afraid I would be disappointed. Disney uses another cruise line for it's DVC Alaskan cruise and that's the only way I'll go with another line.

I'm looking forward to the possibility of a third ship and definitely want to be on that Inaugural cruise!

Rae

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Yo, Rae. TYPO!

Guckaroos Dad

Good thing you didn't go one key to the left or YOU'd have to explain that to my Mom! lol.

 

[rae519]

This was the first e-mail I read this morning and there was an old saying about "Start you day with a laugh!"

Glory be! I guess I really could have made a mess of that one!!!!
It's easier to use your first name but I think you need the anonymity (did I spell that okay?!!!!!!!!!!) And never get a MAMA mad, I know that rule!

Thanks!

Rae

 

[Mumsy]

My husband, DS 5 and DD 2 1/2 just got back from a 7 night Disney Magic cruise. We had an incredible time. Our son was not crazy about the Oceaneer Lab, but our nephew (same age) who was also on the cruise couldn't get enough of it. I just read a post on page one about people doing research between Royal Caribean and DCL. People are saying the pricing on RC is better.

Having just experienced the Disney Magic, we feel we would definately do it again. The kids really got alot out of seeing the characters and I feel the staff on board really treated all of us very well. The staff really goes out of their way to see to it that the kids feel special. I met Tecdavidt and agree with her comments about it really being a family atmosphere. If you have anymore ? feel free to post.

Mumsy

 

[ruley3]

Perhaps you could book the cruise as a surprise!!! Trust me you will really enjoy the family environment on the ship!!! I cruised with my son and mother this past Jan. and I am going to book again for Jan 2004 as a Christmas surprise for my hubby!! My son had such a wonderful experience and the counselors really impressed me with how they responded to the children... (Especially when my little guy was cranky and needed his mom) I also really enjoyed the pager because I think it made my son feel like he could see me at any moments notice And he did test me