How many days??

[amandarosemor]

Hi! Looking at Disney cruises and want to know if anyone has advice on the best balance of days for a cruise? While I would love the 14-night Miami to SD Halloween cruise, it may not be the most feasible work and budget-wise. I am thinking maybe 5 days? Is that enough? I definitely want to see Castaway Cay.

 

[RedHead0186]

I say the more the better, lol. In all seriousness, I do like the 7-night cruises. Keep in mind, DCL counts by nights, not days. So a 5-night cruise would be 5 calendar days on the ship (I guess technically 6 if you count disembarkation morning), though it's really closer to 4.5 days because you won't get on the ship until probably around noonish the first day. Seems minor, but some people really pay attention to that.

If you've never cruised (or never cruised DCL), I think 5 nights would be good. It's long enough to have some good time on the ship, but also not long enough that you feel 'trapped' if for some reason you don't like it. Of course, going though the Panama Canal would be awesome, but that is a big commitment both time and budget-wise.

 

[amandarosemor]

I say the more the better, lol. In all seriousness, I do like the 7-night cruises. Keep in mind, DCL counts by nights, not days. So a 5-night cruise would be 5 calendar days on the ship (I guess technically 6 if you count disembarkation morning), though it's really closer to 4.5 days because you won't get on the ship until probably around noonish the first day. Seems minor, but some people really pay attention to that.

If you've never cruised (or never cruised DCL), I think 5 nights would be good. It's long enough to have some good time on the ship, but also not long enough that you feel 'trapped' if for some reason you don't like it. Of course, going though the Panama Canal would be awesome, but that is a big commitment both time and budget-wise.

That’s a good point! I didn’t think about the nights vs. days. Do you have a preference Miami/lauderdale vs. canaveral?

 

[sponica]

That’s a good point! I didn’t think about the nights vs. days. Do you have a preference Miami/lauderdale vs. canaveral?

I prefer canaveral but that's because it's easier for me to get to MCO than Miami/FLL

 

[RedHead0186]

That’s a good point! I didn’t think about the nights vs. days. Do you have a preference Miami/lauderdale vs. canaveral?

Yeah, it seems like a minor thing (nights vs. days), but it can make a difference. It's especially 'noticeable' on shorter cruises. A 3-night cruise is really only 2 days (or maybe 2.5).

In Florida, so far I've only sailed out of Port Canaveral. It's close to Orlando, easy to get to, and DCL has a dedicated terminal there so things are 'Disneyfied' and flow pretty well. I do have two cruises coming up out of Port Everglades, one non-DCL in January, and then sailing the Magic out of there in September 2024. DCL is only using Miami for a little bit longer, until Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is ready. I've heard Miami can be interesting in setup and because it's not a DCL specific terminal, but that's what I've absorbed from this board. No one can speak to DCL sailing out of Port Everglades yet because they haven't done it yet. But DCL will have a dedicated terminal there like they do in Port Canaveral, so I'm looking forward to that.

If given the choice, I'd probably stick to Port Canaveral for its proximity to Orlando, ease of getting there, and familiarity (probably some nostalgia, too). But, if an itinerary or ship I wanted to do was offered out of a different port, I'd go there (which is exactly what we're doing in Sep 2024-I want to get on the Magic and she's not sailing out of Port Canaveral, so Port Everglades it is!).

 

[71 Truck]

For my wife and I, I have always said seven day is the best. Anything less, by the time you unpack suitcase you have to repack it to go home, very sad and anything more than seven days, you will need to pack two different size sets of clothing, at least I would have to.

 

[auntlynne]

I have done the 15-night Panama Canal. Once was enough. I found it boring. But I also don’t enjoy the ports on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

(I have also done a 14-night Transatlantic to Europe, immediately followed by an 11-night Med cruise). Those combined 25 nights were less “boring” than the shorter cruise, mainly due to the ports visited in the Med.

Five nights: I love this length cruise, especially when it makes two visits to Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island). They usually include a day in Nassau, but I usually just enjoy the ship that day (but I have gone to the Atlantis Resort a few times to experience their water park). I just consider this the opportunity for a beach vacation where the water is beautiful. And I appreciate Castaway Cay with its minimalist environment (with Disney touches).

I do not have a must-do for cruise length, ship, origin point. I pick based on my needs for that trip. It can include price, itinerary, time of year. Ship is less a decision-maker for me with Disney.

Currently, I am packing for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean on the Fantasy (and watching the developing storm systems in the Atlantic.). This cruise goes to the British and US Virgin Islands and Castaway Cay, with several Sea Days; it’s a nice balance of beach and relaxing on the ship.

Next year, we are again on the Fantasy, then out of Ft Lauderdale, for a special itinerary - 2 days at Castaway Cay, one at the new Lighthouse Point property on the island of Eleuthera (Bahamas) and Nassau. More beach and the new Disney area.

I like Ft Lauderdale as a gateway to cruising. I fly Delta and they offer multiple flights daily from FLL. We have used that airport when cruising from Miami; it’s just easier and nicer for us than MIA. (American Airlines is the big carrier there).

But FLL, hotels and the cruise port are all within a 10-15 minute radius. Lots of hotels to handle cruisers and beach vacationers. But all those tourists can mean hotel prices go up with demand - book early.

Orlando Airport (MCO) is a 45-60 minute drive to Port Canaveral. It’s a nice drive, mainly just a straight interstate with flat fields to the sides. I have only stayed at the port once; usually opting for near the airport or in/near WDW. Car, private transfer, shuttle bus - multiple options. MCO can be very busy; for those without TSA Pre-check, security lines can be long and slow. But it has lots of airlines available.

I started with a 3- and then a 4-night cruise, about 5 months apart. For those just starting, the 3-night just goes so quickly. When I get around to the Wish for a first sailing, I will want to “discover” the ship and would do the longer 4-night.

Any idea of what you want out of a cruise? Exotic ports, beach days, Sea Days?

 

[amandarosemor]

Yeah, it seems like a minor thing (nights vs. days), but it can make a difference. It's especially 'noticeable' on shorter cruises. A 3-night cruise is really only 2 days (or maybe 2.5).

In Florida, so far I've only sailed out of Port Canaveral. It's close to Orlando, easy to get to, and DCL has a dedicated terminal there so things are 'Disneyfied' and flow pretty well. I do have two cruises coming up out of Port Everglades, one non-DCL in January, and then sailing the Magic out of there in September 2024. DCL is only using Miami for a little bit longer, until Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is ready. I've heard Miami can be interesting in setup and because it's not a DCL specific terminal, but that's what I've absorbed from this board. No one can speak to DCL sailing out of Port Everglades yet because they haven't done it yet. But DCL will have a dedicated terminal there like they do in Port Canaveral, so I'm looking forward to that.

If given the choice, I'd probably stick to Port Canaveral for its proximity to Orlando, ease of getting there, and familiarity (probably some nostalgia, too). But, if an itinerary or ship I wanted to do was offered out of a different port, I'd go there (which is exactly what we're doing in Sep 2024-I want to get on the Magic and she's not sailing out of Port Canaveral, so Port Everglades it is!).

So exciting!!!! Thank you for all your insight!

 

[amandarosemor]

For my wife and I, I have always said seven day is the best. Anything less, by the time you unpack suitcase you have to repack it to go home, very sad and anything more than seven days, you will need to pack two different size sets of clothing, at least I would have to.

Exactly the feedback I am looking for thank you!!!

 

[amandarosemor]

I have done the 15-night Panama Canal. Once was enough. I found it boring. But I also don’t enjoy the ports on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

(I have also done a 14-night Transatlantic to Europe, immediately followed by an 11-night Med cruise). Those combined 25 nights were less “boring” than the shorter cruise, mainly due to the ports visited in the Med.

Five nights: I love this length cruise, especially when it makes two visits to Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island). They usually include a day in Nassau, but I usually just enjoy the ship that day (but I have gone to the Atlantis Resort a few times to experience their water park). I just consider this the opportunity for a beach vacation where the water is beautiful. And I appreciate Castaway Cay with its minimalist environment (with Disney touches).

I do not have a must-do for cruise length, ship, origin point. I pick based on my needs for that trip. It can include price, itinerary, time of year. Ship is less a decision-maker for me with Disney.

Currently, I am packing for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean on the Fantasy (and watching the developing storm systems in the Atlantic.). This cruise goes to the British and US Virgin Islands and Castaway Cay, with several Sea Days; it’s a nice balance of beach and relaxing on the ship.

Next year, we are again on the Fantasy, then out of Ft Lauderdale, for a special itinerary - 2 days at Castaway Cay, one at the new Lighthouse Point property on the island of Eleuthera (Bahamas) and Nassau. More beach and the new Disney area.

I like Ft Lauderdale as a gateway to cruising. I fly Delta and they offer multiple flights daily from FLL. We have used that airport when cruising from Miami; it’s just easier and nicer for us than MIA. (American Airlines is the big carrier there).

But FLL, hotels and the cruise port are all within a 10-15 minute radius. Lots of hotels to handle cruisers and beach vacationers. But all those tourists can mean hotel prices go up with demand - book early.

Orlando Airport (MCO) is a 45-60 minute drive to Port Canaveral. It’s a nice drive, mainly just a straight interstate with flat fields to the sides. I have only stayed at the port once; usually opting for near the airport or in/near WDW. Car, private transfer, shuttle bus - multiple options. MCO can be very busy; for those without TSA Pre-check, security lines can be long and slow. But it has lots of airlines available.

I started with a 3- and then a 4-night cruise, about 5 months apart. For those just starting, the 3-night just goes so quickly. When I get around to the Wish for a first sailing, I will want to “discover” the ship and would do the longer 4-night.

Any idea of what you want out of a cruise? Exotic ports, beach days, Sea Days?

So much to consider! I looked at a lot of the itineraries, I want to see the Bahamas, but also Jaimaca and also interested in Sydney/Hawaii like the more I look through them the harder it is for me to choose. I definitely want shore excursions, I am not sure how much time I would want to spend solely on the ship but then again I’ve never cruised with Disney (I’ve gone on Royal Caribbean and Holland America) lol

 

[Anna131517]

Prepandemic I liked 7-10 night cruises. Now I like shorter cruises (4-5 days) because I’m immunocompromised and if I catch something on the ship I want it to hit once we get off. I also just feel like more crud is going around the longer you’re on a ship. We took a 4-night Wish cruise in February and I felt it was the perfect length - and no one got sick! But then we did a 7-day NCL Alaska cruise and of course got sick. I will say I like DCL ships - I couldn’t care less about ports when I sail with them. They also don’t tend to have the best itineraries so if I’m looking to do a lot of shore excursions I’ll pay less and go on another line if it has a better itinerary.

 

[auntlynne]

So much to consider! I looked at a lot of the itineraries, I want to see the Bahamas, but also Jaimaca and also interested in Sydney/Hawaii like the more I look through them the harder it is for me to choose. I definitely want shore excursions, I am not sure how much time I would want to spend solely on the ship but then again I’ve never cruised with Disney (I’ve gone on Royal Caribbean and Holland America) lol

I was thinking you were a cruise newbie, not just DCL.

I have sailed RC Allure of the Sea. And have watched lots of videos of HAL. I think that Disney is more like HAL than the larger RC experience. Just not as music-focused as HAL, nor as many parties. And Castaway Cay is essentially just a beach (with restrooms and lunch) - no slides, pool, swim-up bars.

>>Based on what you have mentioned - Jamaica and Bahamas - consider one of the standard itineraries offered by most cruise lines: the 7-night Western Caribbean. You get Jamaica in the Falmouth stop and Disney’s take on the Bahamas at Castaway Cay. It really is a very good presentation of the Disney cruise experience.

(We are doing the Eastern Caribbean to Tortola, St Thomas, and Castaway Cay next month due to our love of the water in the Virgin Islands and The Bahamas. These ports are essentially pick- your- beach days, with little else to offer. Next year, we are doing a 6-night cruise to Castaway Cay, two stops, the new Disney Beach, Lighthouse Point, and Nassau. Again, essentially just a beach trip with a floating hotel.)


Hawaii and Australia (or New Zealand) are far enough away and interesting destinations that those without a wish for more than 5 sequential Sea Days should probably look at a fly-in land vacation. I did a 2-week vacation in New Zealand and can’t imagine giving up any of that time just for the sea travel (I was limited by time, due to work vacation). If time didn’t matter, travel to far away places by ship would be preferable to long flights.

>>Check out the Southern Caribbean. Three different itineraries/ 4 sailings.

This is about as port intensive (without a bunch of Sea Days) as you can get without going to Europe or Alaska.

There are two sets of sailings, April/May or November.

We just did our first Southern Caribbean this May.

These sailings are when the cruise season is ending (May) and restarting (November) in these ports. They seem to have a lower number of children onboard, also, die to the dates.

[Dream is newer and bigger than the Magic (which has a lot of fans who like the smaller size and their own memories, me included. My next two DCL cruises are on the Dreams’s twin, the Fantasy - I am not a ship diehard). Essentially, you gain an extra adult upcharge restaurant (Remy, which is a French, more refined experience). and a water ride.)]

 

[OpieDoodle]

So I just wanted to throw in some extra food for thought. Based on your post I'm assuming you've never cruised before. IMO this is a huge factor on what I'd recommend.

So generally, you have people who go on their first cruise and you end up one of two ways (not always but I do feel most fit into this). Either #1 you are a cruise crazy person that would live on a ship if money wasn't an option or #2 cruises are meh. Not bad but you're not jumping at the bit to cruise every chance you get.

Generally, if there are people in your party that are in the #2 category you wouldn't want to book a long cruise with a bunch of sea days for example.

So, if you've never cruised before I'd pick a shorter cruise with maybe 1 sea day total. That way you can see how your party likes cruising before investing a bunch of money into a longer cruise.

Me for example, I'm in the I could live on the ship group...my husband not so much. So, I try to be very strategic with our cruises. I pick ones that never have more than one sea day in a row and make sure there is things to do for him.

Our very first cruise we did a short 3 night Disney cruise and paired it with a WDW visit! So we got to do both land and sea so it checked off all of our boxes for things people wanted to do. Maybe consider something like that for your first cruise?

 

[rainbowredpanda]

Hi! Looking at Disney cruises and want to know if anyone has advice on the best balance of days for a cruise? While I would love the 14-night Miami to SD Halloween cruise, it may not be the most feasible work and budget-wise. I am thinking maybe 5 days? Is that enough? I definitely want to see Castaway Cay.

If it's your first cruise, 5 nights is good. Cruising isn't for everyone and 5 nights is workable if you're not entirely happy or comfortable. It also gives you a good idea of what it is like.

 

[amandarosemor]

Yeah, it seems like a minor thing (nights vs. days), but it can make a difference. It's especially 'noticeable' on shorter cruises. A 3-night cruise is really only 2 days (or maybe 2.5).

In Florida, so far I've only sailed out of Port Canaveral. It's close to Orlando, easy to get to, and DCL has a dedicated terminal there so things are 'Disneyfied' and flow pretty well. I do have two cruises coming up out of Port Everglades, one non-DCL in January, and then sailing the Magic out of there in September 2024. DCL is only using Miami for a little bit longer, until Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is ready. I've heard Miami can be interesting in setup and because it's not a DCL specific terminal, but that's what I've absorbed from this board. No one can speak to DCL sailing out of Port Everglades yet because they haven't done it yet. But DCL will have a dedicated terminal there like they do in Port Canaveral, so I'm looking forward to that.

If given the choice, I'd probably stick to Port Canaveral for its proximity to Orlando, ease of getting there, and familiarity (probably some nostalgia, too). But, if an itinerary or ship I wanted to do was offered out of a different port, I'd go there (which is exactly what we're doing in Sep 2024-I want to get on the Magic and she's not sailing out of Port Canaveral, so Port Everglades it is!).

Oh I didn’t know about the dedicated terminal either. That’s a good point. I hope you have a fantastic trip next year I’m excited to start checking things off my DCL bucket list hehe

 

[amandarosemor]

Prepandemic I liked 7-10 night cruises. Now I like shorter cruises (4-5 days) because I’m immunocompromised and if I catch something on the ship I want it to hit once we get off. I also just feel like more crud is going around the longer you’re on a ship. We took a 4-night Wish cruise in February and I felt it was the perfect length - and no one got sick! But then we did a 7-day NCL Alaska cruise and of course got sick. I will say I like DCL ships - I couldn’t care less about ports when I sail with them. They also don’t tend to have the best itineraries so if I’m looking to do a lot of shore excursions I’ll pay less and go on another line if it has a better itinerary.

That’s a good point as well. I can’t imagine how much stuff DCL has to do on the ship! I hope you’re able to enjoy more cruises and feel well

 

[amandarosemor]

If it's your first cruise, 5 nights is good. Cruising isn't for everyone and 5 nights is workable if you're not entirely happy or comfortable. It also gives you a good idea of what it is like.

That’s what I was thinking too. I’ve gone on other lines but it’s been over a decade lol

 

[amandarosemor]

So I just wanted to throw in some extra food for thought. Based on your post I'm assuming you've never cruised before. IMO this is a huge factor on what I'd recommend.

So generally, you have people who go on their first cruise and you end up one of two ways (not always but I do feel most fit into this). Either #1 you are a cruise crazy person that would live on a ship if money wasn't an option or #2 cruises are meh. Not bad but you're not jumping at the bit to cruise every chance you get.

Generally, if there are people in your party that are in the #2 category you wouldn't want to book a long cruise with a bunch of sea days for example.

So, if you've never cruised before I'd pick a shorter cruise with maybe 1 sea day total. That way you can see how your party likes cruising before investing a bunch of money into a longer cruise.

Me for example, I'm in the I could live on the ship group...my husband not so much. So, I try to be very strategic with our cruises. I pick ones that never have more than one sea day in a row and make sure there is things to do for him.

Our very first cruise we did a short 3 night Disney cruise and paired it with a WDW visit! So we got to do both land and sea so it checked off all of our boxes for things people wanted to do. Maybe consider something like that for your first cruise?

That’s a good thought. I went on one for my high school graduation and LOVED IT. My fiancé has been on one and he seemed so-so about it so I think we are in the same category thanks for the advice

 

[amandarosemor]

I was thinking you were a cruise newbie, not just DCL.

I have sailed RC Allure of the Sea. And have watched lots of videos of HAL. I think that Disney is more like HAL than the larger RC experience. Just not as music-focused as HAL, nor as many parties. And Castaway Cay is essentially just a beach (with restrooms and lunch) - no slides, pool, swim-up bars.

>>Based on what you have mentioned - Jamaica and Bahamas - consider one of the standard itineraries offered by most cruise lines: the 7-night Western Caribbean. You get Jamaica in the Falmouth stop and Disney’s take on the Bahamas at Castaway Cay. It really is a very good presentation of the Disney cruise experience.

(We are doing the Eastern Caribbean to Tortola, St Thomas, and Castaway Cay next month due to our love of the water in the Virgin Islands and The Bahamas. These ports are essentially pick- your- beach days, with little else to offer. Next year, we are doing a 6-night cruise to Castaway Cay, two stops, the new Disney Beach, Lighthouse Point, and Nassau. Again, essentially just a beach trip with a floating hotel.)


Hawaii and Australia (or New Zealand) are far enough away and interesting destinations that those without a wish for more than 5 sequential Sea Days should probably look at a fly-in land vacation. I did a 2-week vacation in New Zealand and can’t imagine giving up any of that time just for the sea travel (I was limited by time, due to work vacation). If time didn’t matter, travel to far away places by ship would be preferable to long flights.

>>Check out the Southern Caribbean. Three different itineraries/ 4 sailings.

This is about as port intensive (without a bunch of Sea Days) as you can get without going to Europe or Alaska.

There are two sets of sailings, April/May or November.

We just did our first Southern Caribbean this May.

These sailings are when the cruise season is ending (May) and restarting (November) in these ports. They seem to have a lower number of children onboard, also, die to the dates.

[Dream is newer and bigger than the Magic (which has a lot of fans who like the smaller size and their own memories, me included. My next two DCL cruises are on the Dreams’s twin, the Fantasy - I am not a ship diehard). Essentially, you gain an extra adult upcharge restaurant (Remy, which is a French, more refined experience). and a water ride.)]

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Oh my goodness you are amazing!!!! Thank you so much for all your help. How is the San Juan port??

 

[auntlynne]

Oh my goodness you are amazing!!!! Thank you so much for all your help. How is the San Juan port??

Actual boarding port is adequate for the process. We were the only ship sailing from the port that day, but the process could have been better. Mainly due to standing outside (covered) when there was a very large, cool (empty!) area inside seat up to handle the crowd.


I am going to answer this as if you are looking at arriving a day early and wonder what it will be like.

I like San Juan as an Embarkation / disembarkation port. It is located on the north side of the island on a harbor, with beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico. It makes a wonderful backdrop for Sail away and return. This is not just a sleepy Caribbean town.

The airport is modern, being updated even in Spring 2023. It was very busy the day we left, but could handle the crowds.

The original city of Old San Juan (OSJ) is about 30 minutes from the airport, but you may opt for a hotel near the airport, near the cruise port, or halfway between airport and OSJ. It is the second oldest towns in the Western Hemisphere (1519). The buildings are colorful and beautiful. There are old forts, streets built with blue bricks that were used as ballast on ships that sailed from Europe, and cats that wander around (keeps down any rat problem). It can be walked in a day. Lots of food and beverage options.

Less than an hour west from the airport is the El Yunque Rain Forest. Rent a car to visit or take a tour.

The cruise port is across the water from OSJ - a walk would not be done by a typical tourist with luggage. For ships visiting as a day stop, there are piers right at OSJ.