Help us Decide!

[writersblock]

Really undecided and could do with some help from people who have more experience than us! Ideally we want to book this weekend.

History: No kids. We love Disney World and have been 4/5 times. We like deluxe resorts, we are foodies, we love animals. We love planning and we love long road trips but also trying to find ways to relax. Traveling from UK.

We have been on the Treasure last year and loved it. Favourite things: upper deck dining, Enchante, Bingo, sea days, Castaway, speciality coffee, the shows, quiet time on our verandah with books.

We didn’t like: rotational dining (quality of food), how small the bars were.

We are booked on the transatlantic this year with Disney Dream and hope that we like the food better (and if not, we will do more room service/top deck/paid for, so it’s clearly not the deal breaker).

We are looking ahead to 2027 (Jan to July period) and we want to make it one to remember as we may not be able to travel for a couple of years after. These are our narrowed down options:

1) Transatlantic again - DCL Wish. Paired with some WDW to start. Why? I think we will love the ship. Plus, sea days. And value for money. Cons: Will have already done a similar one this year.

2) Alaska & Canada. Plan would be Vancouver round trip cruise (unsure of cruise line - considering Princess for value and Glacier Bay and DCL seems so expensive for this - plus only 7 days, but we also know we will be comfortable with Disney - for those who chose Disney for Alaska, why?) paired with self-drive Canada for a week. Why? Totally different, spectacular scenery, nature. We’d like to see bears. Cons: cold (I run very cold usually), longer travel, expense, really unsure about cruise lines for this one.

3) Hawaii. Considering two options here. Either, a longer round cruise from California that stops off at multiple islands (Princess! We are aware of NCL inter-islands too), and pairing that with DisneyLand CA for a few days (never been). OR flying and doing it ourselves - Aulani for a few days then perhaps a couple of the other islands. Why? It looks stunningly beautiful, plus warmer, and it would be a ‘wow’ type holiday. Cons: the DIY version with Aulani seems really a lot of travel - from UK to USA mainland then Hawaii plus the flights between the islands. But we can’t do Aulani if we pick the cruise version. Gah! Also: expensive. Any advice?

4) WDW/Universal. Old faithful. We would do 2-3 weeks and really slow the pace down. Lots of nostalgia for us here and if we can’t travel for a couple of years it’s like a one last hoorah. Would resort hop and finally do some Epic (not huge universal fans but wanna do the new park just to see). Would involve lots of food. Why? We love it. Cons: expensive, already done it loads.

I think our problem here is we love so many things it’s hard to narrow them down. One of us is strongly leaning towards Alaska and that’s the one I am least leaning towards. We are also wary about cruising with other cruise lines which seems daft when I say it. We are not big party people.

Open to other options.

Thanks in advance!

 

[holula]

I would do Alaska, but with Disney. It’s hands down my favorite cruise. I’ve done it twice on Disney and always said I’d do another line for Glacier Bay but just end up with Disney (I booked a third time for this summer but the World Cup priced me out with hotel and flight prices.)

If you can get a May/early June sailing on Disney the rates are normally reasonable, still more expensive than other lines, but reasonable. My first cruise was May and the second was September, overall I preferred May as the mountains still were white capped and the weather was overall better. The only thing you don’t get in May is the salmon run. Vancouver is also a great city to explore for a few days pre cruise.

 

[happycamper47]

I would do Alaska, but with Disney.

Ditto...On the Wonder in particular.

 

[Skippyboo]

The Wish is basically the same as the Treasure with slightly different theming. Haunted Mansion Lounge is Star Wars Hyperspace lounge. It’s not Oga’s Cantina like. Coco is Frozen themed Arendelle.

I am doing the Wonder this May for Alaska. The Alaska cruises start in May. That’s not really bear season that further in the summer.

Disneyland does a food festival in the spring. You could combine a couple of days in DL and then do a DCL cruise from SD before the ship moves up to Alaska.

 

[cruisehopeful]

We have been on the Treasure last year and loved it. Favourite things: upper deck dining, Enchante, Bingo, sea days, Castaway, speciality coffee, the sh
I think our problem here is we love so many things it’s hard to narrow them down. One of us is strongly leaning towards Alaska and that’s the one I am least leaning towards. We are also wary about cruising with other cruise lines which seems daft when I say it. We are not big party people.

Open to other options.

Thanks in advance!

You sound like me. There are way too many choices that sound amazing, but not enough money to cover all of them.

One idea that might help is to imagine you had unlimited funds and think about which itineraries that you are willing to exclude. That might help narrow it down.

Since you don't like the food on DCL, I would think about how much of a premium that you are paying for DCL when you don't really like the food. Is everything else about the ship worth the premium price?

Does Princess have a closed loop Hawaii cruise? Last I checked (years ago) NCL was the only line allowed to have that. If not, you'll want to heavily research the particular ship to see if you would enjoy all the sea days. Princess is different than DCL in that the service/experience on the ships can vary from great to not so great.

I would do Alaska, but with Disney. It’s hands down my favorite cruise. I’ve done it twice on Disney and always said I’d do another line for Glacier Bay but just end up with Disney (I booked a third time for this summer but the World Cup priced me out with hotel and flight prices.)

If you can get a May/early June sailing on Disney the rates are normally reasonable, still more expensive than other lines, but reasonable. My first cruise was May and the second was September, overall I preferred May as the mountains still were white capped and the weather was overall better. The only thing you don’t get in May is the salmon run. Vancouver is also a great city to explore for a few days pre cruise.

You sound like me. I've done 2 DCL Alaska cruises. We were booked for Princess this year and then ended up switching it to DCL. I still think I'll do Alaska on Princess at some point (I love the food and adult add on areas), but I also won't be surprised if we just keep going on DCL.

 

[tidefan]

A couple of notes:

1) Princess is great in Alaska, it (along with HAL) gets preferential dock treatment since they've been there so long. My only consideration is that we prefer the Royal Class ships to the older Grand Class ships. They are different. Also, Princess Plus, IMHO, is one of the best value packages out there if you are planning to drink a bit.

2) The great thing about Disney in Alaska is that they go out of Vancouver, which allows a complete Inside Passage. In other words, it typically travels between the British Columbian mainland and Vancouver Island. It's like cruising down a river and makes for an amazing "sea" day. The Magic and Wonder are far more similar than different. Magic has Rapunzel's and Wonder has Tiana's. The Tangled show on the Magic is amazing. Also, I think that the Magic has the Shawarma station, and I am not sure if the Wonder has that.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Disneyland does a food festival in the spring. You could combine a couple of days in DL and then do a DCL cruise from SD before the ship moves up to Alaska.

Also, during the California Food and Wine Festival, Soarin' switches to the Soarin' over California version, so you could see something different than what you get in WDW.

 

[GsR80]

We are two adults who are not party people. I looked into going with another line to Alaska (primarily Princess) but ultimately went with Disney because I knew we would be the most comfortable there and wouldn't regret it. I think cruising to Alaska is a really neat experience that you should do once and I'd choose it over a couple weeks at the parks. I think it may just be a matter of if this is the year for you that you want to do it.

I was really interested into doing a Hawaiian cruise, but ultimately we want to spend the money on a resort where we can hang out and relax in Hawaii rather than cruise around, we may do a night or two at Aulani though.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

I would choose Alaska / Vancouver. Have not done an Alaska cruise, but we have done land based travel around Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria, and that whole area is so beautiful. We were there in July several years ago and it was pretty warm most of the time. One day was cooler and kind of drizzling rain, but that was the exception. I know middle of summer will be pricier, but it will also be a better chance for warmer weather.

 

[John VN]

Really undecided and could do with some help from people who have more experience than us! Ideally we want to book this weekend.

History: No kids. We love Disney World and have been 4/5 times. We like deluxe resorts, we are foodies, we love animals. We love planning and we love long road trips but also trying to find ways to relax. Traveling from UK.

We have been on the Treasure last year and loved it. Favourite things: upper deck dining, Enchante, Bingo, sea days, Castaway, speciality coffee, the shows, quiet time on our verandah with books.

We didn’t like: rotational dining (quality of food), how small the bars were.

We are booked on the transatlantic this year with Disney Dream and hope that we like the food better (and if not, we will do more room service/top deck/paid for, so it’s clearly not the deal breaker).

We are looking ahead to 2027 (Jan to July period) and we want to make it one to remember as we may not be able to travel for a couple of years after. These are our narrowed down options:

1) Transatlantic again - DCL Wish. Paired with some WDW to start. Why? I think we will love the ship. Plus, sea days. And value for money. Cons: Will have already done a similar one this year.

2) Alaska & Canada. Plan would be Vancouver round trip cruise (unsure of cruise line - considering Princess for value and Glacier Bay and DCL seems so expensive for this - plus only 7 days, but we also know we will be comfortable with Disney - for those who chose Disney for Alaska, why?) paired with self-drive Canada for a week. Why? Totally different, spectacular scenery, nature. We’d like to see bears. Cons: cold (I run very cold usually), longer travel, expense, really unsure about cruise lines for this one.

3) Hawaii. Considering two options here. Either, a longer round cruise from California that stops off at multiple islands (Princess! We are aware of NCL inter-islands too), and pairing that with DisneyLand CA for a few days (never been). OR flying and doing it ourselves - Aulani for a few days then perhaps a couple of the other islands. Why? It looks stunningly beautiful, plus warmer, and it would be a ‘wow’ type holiday. Cons: the DIY version with Aulani seems really a lot of travel - from UK to USA mainland then Hawaii plus the flights between the islands. But we can’t do Aulani if we pick the cruise version. Gah! Also: expensive. Any advice?

4) WDW/Universal. Old faithful. We would do 2-3 weeks and really slow the pace down. Lots of nostalgia for us here and if we can’t travel for a couple of years it’s like a one last hoorah. Would resort hop and finally do some Epic (not huge universal fans but wanna do the new park just to see). Would involve lots of food. Why? We love it. Cons: expensive, already done it loads.

I think our problem here is we love so many things it’s hard to narrow them down. One of us is strongly leaning towards Alaska and that’s the one I am least leaning towards. We are also wary about cruising with other cruise lines which seems daft when I say it. We are not big party people.

Open to other options.

Thanks in advance!

r.e. bold + -- just a suggestion for an *outside the box* vacation which is exactly what DW and I did would be to plan a WDW stay + cruise + WDW stay with the cruise not being a DCL cruise but instead a MSC Yacht Club cruise for shear relaxation and a Concierge Experience beyond anything that DCL has to offer at a cost far less than DCL. You get the WDW fulfillment plus a pampered + relaxing time on the water. If you look into it you can have a 4 Day Cruise that has an OVERNIGHT STAY at Ocean Cay the Private Island that is awesome. BTW, we only cruise out of Port Canaveral.

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/msc-yacht-club

Enjoy the planning and your vacation.

 

[Marthasor]

Really undecided and could do with some help from people who have more experience than us! Ideally we want to book this weekend.

History: No kids. We love Disney World and have been 4/5 times. We like deluxe resorts, we are foodies, we love animals. We love planning and we love long road trips but also trying to find ways to relax. Traveling from UK.

We have been on the Treasure last year and loved it. Favourite things: upper deck dining, Enchante, Bingo, sea days, Castaway, speciality coffee, the shows, quiet time on our verandah with books.

We didn’t like: rotational dining (quality of food), how small the bars were.

We are booked on the transatlantic this year with Disney Dream and hope that we like the food better (and if not, we will do more room service/top deck/paid for, so it’s clearly not the deal breaker).

We are looking ahead to 2027 (Jan to July period) and we want to make it one to remember as we may not be able to travel for a couple of years after. These are our narrowed down options:

1) Transatlantic again - DCL Wish. Paired with some WDW to start. Why? I think we will love the ship. Plus, sea days. And value for money. Cons: Will have already done a similar one this year.

2) Alaska & Canada. Plan would be Vancouver round trip cruise (unsure of cruise line - considering Princess for value and Glacier Bay and DCL seems so expensive for this - plus only 7 days, but we also know we will be comfortable with Disney - for those who chose Disney for Alaska, why?) paired with self-drive Canada for a week. Why? Totally different, spectacular scenery, nature. We’d like to see bears. Cons: cold (I run very cold usually), longer travel, expense, really unsure about cruise lines for this one.

3) Hawaii. Considering two options here. Either, a longer round cruise from California that stops off at multiple islands (Princess! We are aware of NCL inter-islands too), and pairing that with DisneyLand CA for a few days (never been). OR flying and doing it ourselves - Aulani for a few days then perhaps a couple of the other islands. Why? It looks stunningly beautiful, plus warmer, and it would be a ‘wow’ type holiday. Cons: the DIY version with Aulani seems really a lot of travel - from UK to USA mainland then Hawaii plus the flights between the islands. But we can’t do Aulani if we pick the cruise version. Gah! Also: expensive. Any advice?

4) WDW/Universal. Old faithful. We would do 2-3 weeks and really slow the pace down. Lots of nostalgia for us here and if we can’t travel for a couple of years it’s like a one last hoorah. Would resort hop and finally do some Epic (not huge universal fans but wanna do the new park just to see). Would involve lots of food. Why? We love it. Cons: expensive, already done it loads.

I think our problem here is we love so many things it’s hard to narrow them down. One of us is strongly leaning towards Alaska and that’s the one I am least leaning towards. We are also wary about cruising with other cruise lines which seems daft when I say it. We are not big party people.

Open to other options.

Thanks in advance!

If you want "one for the books", I wouldn't do something you've already done or resembles something you've already done. I would probably pick Alaska/Canada or CA/Hawaii and I would consider stepping out of the Disney universe for all or parts of these trips. I would pick Alaska based on itinerary, not on ship, and even consider going with a smaller or different cruise line. Alaska is about seeing Alaska, IMHO, it's not a resort holiday. If you do the CA/Hawaii trip, consider starting in CA/Disneyland and then doing Hawaii on your own. Hawaii has some beautiful hotels and I really think you are going to miss a lot of the authenticity of the islands if you are on a cruise ship. If you stay on Oahu, I would consider staying in Waikiki or the Four Seasons (next to Aulani) - Aulani is simply a WDW hotel plopped on Oahu, overcrowded, scant food options, fairly remote from the happenings on the island. I would seriously consider picking your destination of choice and not necessarily making Disney a factor in any of it. If you really want to visit Polynesia, and want one for the books, consider cruising on the Paul Gauguin to see Tahiti, Bora Bora and other French Polynesian islands.

If you really want DCL, have you considered doing one of their Europe itineraries in the summer of 2027? Or even doing a Ponant expedition cruise in Northern Europe instead of flying all the way to Canada?

 

[writersblock]

Thanks so much everyone, so much of this is helpful - for future trips too!

I think we are going for Alaska, and probably not with Disney.

 

[happycamper47]

I think we are going for Alaska, and probably not with Disney.

If that's the case, I hope you choose Seattle vs Vancouver. Much easier logistic wise.

 

[dllocals]

If that's the case, I hope you choose Seattle vs Vancouver. Much easier logistic wise.

Seattle is a great US city for sightseeing and food! We’re from LA and love Disneyland. We recommend seeing San Francisco and Sequoia national park (giant redwood forest). Or, spend a few days in Yellow Stone National Park, more buffalo than bears.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

r.e. bold + -- just a suggestion for an *outside the box* vacation which is exactly what DW and I did would be to plan a WDW stay + cruise + WDW stay with the cruise not being a DCL cruise but instead a MSC Yacht Club cruise for shear relaxation and a Concierge Experience beyond anything that DCL has to offer at a cost far less than DCL. You get the WDW fulfillment plus a pampered + relaxing time on the water. If you look into it you can have a 4 Day Cruise that has an OVERNIGHT STAY at Ocean Cay the Private Island that is awesome. BTW, we only cruise out of Port Canaveral.

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/msc-yacht-club

Enjoy the planning and your vacation.

I think you may have been the person that mentioned MSC yacht club on a post I made sometime last year. We have done 5 DCL cruises only. We try to go once a year with friends of ours that have done just over 50 DCL cruises and more than 50 on other lines.
Over dinner last fall we were talking about doing one this year together ( we did not do one with them in 25). Long story short we ended up booking 7 nights on MSC Seashore in the Yacht Club. Currently in an interior room ( but most likely will bid to upgrade ). This is for late August ( which for us meant we had to cancel our DCL Treasure cruise for September wah wah wah ). I was shocked that the Yacht Club interior room was the same price we were going to have on the Treasure for an ocean view stateroom.
We have neighbors that have done Yacht Club , Haven and The Retreat. They have totally raved about the Yacht Club and have said “ you will never cruise the same way again “ !!

Totally looking forward to it. It’s going to be such an awesome experience for sure !!
Thanks for the recommendation as I’m not sure we wouldn’t have started the research on Yacht Club without yours and our neighbors recommendations!!

 

[John VN]

I think you may have been the person that mentioned MSC yacht club on a post I made sometime last year. We have done 5 DCL cruises only. We try to go once a year with friends of ours that have done just over 50 DCL cruises and more than 50 on other lines.................

We have neighbors that have done Yacht Club , Haven and The Retreat. They have totally raved about the Yacht Club and have said “ you will never cruise the same way again “ !!

Totally looking forward to it. It’s going to be such an awesome experience for sure !!
Thanks for the recommendation as I’m not sure we wouldn’t have started the research on Yacht Club without yours and our neighbors recommendations!!

r.e. bold -- so true !!

Good luck with a possible *upgrade* but if you don't get it, the Lounge is only steps away as is the rest of YC, especially the top deck!!! Sadly - - we only have our 53rd Anniversary YC Cruise this June for the rest of the year but DW just checked for 2027 and confirmed my thoughts that we had a January to start the year then our 54th Anniversary cruise in June and then a shocker to me her 77th Birthday Cruise in Sept. that I forgot all about it but will reluctantly go on.

We are also SO READY for the opening (2027) of the new 2nd Private Island *Little Ocean Cay???* that I've heard (not from a WDW Bus Driver ) but an Officer who drove me from the YC Tent to my Water Trike Experience that it will only be for Explora Journeys Cruisers and YC Cruisers.

Enjoy your cruise and by all means report back.

 

[DCLMP]

I would do number three if you haven't been to Hawaii.

 

[DCLMP]

Thanks so much everyone, so much of this is helpful - for future trips too!

I think we are going for Alaska, and probably not with Disney.

You commented on the cold...Alaska isn't that cold in June-August. Sometimes it's shorts and t-shirt weather. August can be rainy. Vancouver is very nice and warm in the Summer. I would plan a few days there.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

r.e. bold -- so true !!

Good luck with a possible *upgrade* but if you don't get it, the Lounge is only steps away as is the rest of YC, especially the top deck!!! Sadly - - we only have our 53rd Anniversary YC Cruise this June for the rest of the year but DW just checked for 2027 and confirmed my thoughts that we had a January to start the year then our 54th Anniversary cruise in June and then a shocker to me her 77th Birthday Cruise in Sept. that I forgot all about it but will reluctantly go on.

We are also SO READY for the opening (2027) of the new 2nd Private Island *Little Ocean Cay???* that I've heard (not from a WDW Bus Driver ) but an Officer who drove me from the YC Tent to my Water Trike Experience that it will only be for Explora Journeys Cruisers and YC Cruisers.

Enjoy your cruise and by all means report back.

I saw that new island concept on YouTube. Can’t wait to try that in the future when it opens. Ocean Cay looks amazing as is and the Yacht Club area and restaurant looks awesome!!
I would love to try one of the 4 nights that stay overnight as well!! The lighthouse show looks really cool !!

I will for sure report back on it