How many days??

[auntlynne]

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

It would be interesting to know what aspects of cruising were positive and what were negative. That could help decide which itinerary and even whether Disney would work for him.

 

[OpieDoodle]

It would be interesting to know what aspects of cruising were positive and what were negative. That could help decide which itinerary and even whether Disney would work for him.

Agreed for sure. My husband is a busy body that doesn't like crowds and he likes Disney but not as much as I LOVE Disney LOL. So I try to limit our days at sea and when we do have them I make sure to get creative with booking things to keep him busy. Like I'll try to do an alcohol tasting or put a couples massage in the middle of the day to break up the day lol.

Me? I'm the person that could have multiple sea days in a row and still not be bored LOL

 

[amandarosemor]

It would be interesting to know what aspects of cruising were positive and what were negative. That could help decide which itinerary and even whether Disney would work for him.

He does love the Disney atmosphere so that could help make the experience more enjoyable

 

[amandarosemor]

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.

I love that idea and spending some time in OSJ. I wasn’t considering that when picking a cruise but taking advantage of a new city (I’ve only been to Austin and Corpus Christi in Texas) would totally add to the experience

 

[amandarosemor]

Agreed for sure. My husband is a busy body that doesn't like crowds and he likes Disney but not as much as I LOVE Disney LOL. So I try to limit our days at sea and when we do have them I make sure to get creative with booking things to keep him busy. Like I'll try to do an alcohol tasting or put a couples massage in the middle of the day to break up the day lol.

Me? I'm the person that could have multiple sea days in a row and still not be bored LOL

A tastings or a couples massage sounds phenomenal!!! I feel like that’s a fair compromise

 

[SeanSD]

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.

I would vote 7 nights also and Port Canaveral. Just a nice port area and building, 7 nights gives you time to get a lot in with sea days and ports but also time to relax.

 

[rainbowredpanda]

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

5 days is good. Our first one was 4 days and we loved it. It's a good medium to give you a good idea of being on the ship but not too long so if you're really unhappy, it's only a few days really and you can manage that. I can't imagine going on a 10 day or longer cruise and hating it.

 

[amandarosemor]

I would vote 7 nights also and Port Canaveral. Just a nice port area and building, 7 nights gives you time to get a lot in with sea days and ports but also time to relax.

love that !! I think I am leaning towards 7

 

[amandarosemor]

5 days is good. Our first one was 4 days and we loved it. It's a good medium to give you a good idea of being on the ship but not too long so if you're really unhappy, it's only a few days really and you can manage that. I can't imagine going on a 10 day or longer cruise and hating it.

right!! And just being completely away from normal life so long lol