Is $16,500 too much?

[logan1_2000]

Long as we're passing judgment on the cost of your family vacations, may we know what your car, home, clothes, etc., cost? None of our business? Couldn't agree more. But then, neither is the cost of your family time, and I commend anyone willing to pay for quality time with family--that's why I have been on 4 DCl cruises and have a 5th booked. All of which just might add up to the amount in question for your post (okay, add in on-board charges and no, it doens't).

My impression of most of the actual dollar questions on this board involve relative to the market analysis--like, I paid $5000 for category X on such and such date for two adults and two kids under 10, is that a competitive price. And it either is or it isn't. Is it too much? That's for you, your accountant, your spouse, etc. $16,500....is that your monthly income, quarterly, weekly, semi-monthly...impossible to tell. As an absolute, no, it is not too much, because there are people willing to pay that much which is why the highest category suites sell out far in advance for almost every cruise.

We do Family Law exclusively at my law firm--Family Law means divorce, custody, alimony, support, and the endless bickering and attempts to modify that come afterwards. People whose lives did not turn out as they hoped at some point in the past. Almost all of my clients make more $ than I do, some by huge multiples, and have private planes, boats, second, third, fourth, and fifth homes, and mortgages that look like the amount of death benefit on all my life insurance policies combined. I am happier than all of these people. I take Disney Cruises. Then I go home to my 8 foot ceilings, my 44 year old wiring, my laminate countertops, and the pink tile in my bathroom, and the car I paid $18,000 for as a used car in 1998 and which I figure I will drive until it dies, hopefully another decade or so, as it is a '95 with 93,000 miles on it--I live close to the office, so I don't have commute aggravation.

You say you can afford it, and that you value quality time with the family. We believe you. So two choices--go as planned and have a great time. Or do indeed switch to a less costly stateroom so that you no longer question your decision--and then donate the difference to a worthwhile charity that benefits children who are less fortunate than yours obviously are. And either way, have a great time--and I hope you never become a client of mine, or an opposing party, either.

[This is written with a large amount of tongue in cheek, but there is a degree of bragging involved in asking that question; And while many might recognize my pop culture reference to the question asked of Sen. Joseph McCarthy, "Have you no shame, sir", some recent research informed me that most people, including me until my research are wrong--McCarthy was asked "At long last, have you no shread of decency left" by the attorney for the Army, Joseph Welch of Boston. I just like good quotes, even wrong ones, and do not imply that the original poster should be compared to Sen. McCarthy.]

 

[TammiMcMan]

I think "family quality time" is a very hard thing to define, especially on a Disney cruise. Other than being on the same boat, there is a very good chance that you'll never see your family after you leave port . DCL offers so many wonderful activities for the kids, that if yours like to get involved, they may be spending a majority of their time in the clubs. I know on our cruise, we had to work schedules around my 8 year olds social calendar . If you are looking for lots of family together time, you might want to go see a travel agent and look at some other choices. Maybe a ranch, or an all inclusive resort where the activities aren't broken up by age group. Of course, seeing your kids happy as they rush off to meet with friends and play games might be exactly what makes it all worthwhile to you.

It just sounds like you're not as concerned with spending the $16,500 on the bigger room and additional concierge service, as you are with just trying to figure out if this vacation is going to give you everything that you want.

Not knowing the ages of your children and what you expect from this vacation, then it is hard to say definitely whether you are or aren't going to be disappointed. Perhaps some pre-planning with them will answer any questions that you may have. There are two excellent sites that have updated Navigators on them for each itinerary and each age group. Maybe if you print them off and sit down as a family to decide how each one would schedule their day. That doesn't mean plans won't change once they get on board, but it might give you an idea of what they'll be expecting (if they're old enough to even know).

Yes it's a lot of money, but that's what makes Disney so great. They have a vacation to fit nearly every family and every budget. I also like to treat myself well when we go on vacation and prefer to take fewer trips, but stay in concierge level when we do go. For what it's worth, any amount of money is too much if you have a bad time.

 

[Tonyspad]

Thank you to everyone who offered their views. My two preteen boys do not like going to the clubs, at ALL. My wife and I send them once per cruise so we may have dinner at Palo. Most of the time we are swimming, playing shuffleboard or basketball, etc. "together". I must say I used to make fun of the people that would ask for advice with their vacation planning , but without everyones insite I might have made a big mistake and canceled my room. And as one of the posters noted the suite catagories sell out quick. Thanks again to everyone, I am leaving things alone.

 

[scrapperjill]

Just because you have the money to blow...doesn't mean you need to. Like other posters have said..if your in a cat 12 or a cat 1..you get the SAME thing on the ship. Just more space in your stateroom..but really what are you hoping for...a week to spend with your family in the stateroom...or week with the family enjoying the ship, ports and time together. Were book for this comming Oct..and are spending 1/4 of what your costs are estimate at....and I'm sure our family of four will have just as much fun as your is. JMO...to each their own.

 

[logan1_2000]

I teased in my last post, but I sincerely hope that when you get back from your cruise, your family agrees as our did two weeks ago, that it was "the best cruise ever."

 

[TammiMcMan]

Like other posters have said..if your in a cat 12 or a cat 1..you get the SAME thing on the ship. Just more space in your stateroom.

Actually, by being in a category 1, 2 or 3, you do get things that other guests do not. These 22 suites come with concierge service and the rooms also include bigger verandahs, 2 full bathrooms (at least), entertainment center in the living room with a VCR and CD player (concierge has a list of movies and music that you can borrow). In addition to the space, you get a higher level of service (if that's at all possible with DCL).

Tonyspad, sometimes we just need to bounce these things off other people. It sounds like your family is really going to enjoy spending time together. I know one of our favorite times of the day was sitting at the dining room table in our stateroom, having breakfast and plotting out our next adventure. Enjoy.

Tammi

 

[RichNKatHolly]

I have been thinking about the cost of our seven day 07/01/06 cruise and have been wondering if it is really worth $16500.
I am booked into a Cat 3 (yes I realize I could book a lower cat to save $) for $11500, airfare $1000, spending $3000 plus mis expenses $1000. We have been on three 3 day Disney Cruises and loved our trips. We then thought it would be great to spend an entire week on a cruise for some true family time but 16,500! I was thinking we could spend five days in Disneyland and CA then take a separste trip to WDW or other FL location for the same $$$.
Any thoughts??

$3,000 - That's a lot of spending money isn't it. With all meals included? Our 4 night ran us a $350 room bill (2 adults, DD1 and DS4). That was because of one night of bingo, my son discovering the arcade the last 2 days and a few souveniers - oh, and my husband's 2 cartons of cigs and some alcohol to bring home. We really could've done it for about $50!

 

[Mommy Poppins]

Tonyspad - there really aren't any discounts to be had on the suites. The TA's usually price the suites a the same price you get when you call DCL direct. The only difference may be if the TA is offerring some kind of rebate.

Enjoy!! We are currently booked in a Cat. 3 for May, 2006. If we have to change our cruise to June, we may have to downgrade our category as the price difference is significant from May to June.

Whatever stateroom you are in-- ENJOY!!!

 

[scrapperjill]

Actually, by being in a category 1, 2 or 3, you do get things that other guests do not. These 22 suites come with concierge service and the rooms also include bigger verandahs, 2 full bathrooms (at least), entertainment center in the living room with a VCR and CD player (concierge has a list of movies and music that you can borrow). In addition to the space, you get a higher level of service (if that's at all possible with DCL).

Tonyspad, sometimes we just need to bounce these things off other people. It sounds like your family is really going to enjoy spending time together. I know one of our favorite times of the day was sitting at the dining room table in our stateroom, having breakfast and plotting out our next adventure. Enjoy.

Tammi

Yes I do realize in a suite you do get some additional things..like the concierge service, bigger verandahs, entertainment centers with a VCR and CD player....but over all how much time are you really planning on spending in the room? There is huge ship out there. I guess if your wanting space, privacy, and not to be around others on the ship very much a suite is the way to go. I just can't see that spending that much more for these few thing is worth the diffrence...but that's JMO. There is just sooo much more offered on the ship that your paying for also....to check out a movie and watch it in your suite?...myself I'd rather go to the ship theater and see what's playing..or go to one of the live shows...Sure being able to order more from Room Service may be nice on occasion..but I also enjoyed going to the dinning rooms for meals most day's.

I don't think these are things that you "just need to bounce these things off other people" in order for everyone to know. I'm sure if possable there are not to many people who would turn down a suite if they had the choice...I was just saying It's not the amount of money you put into you "Family Vacation" that matters...those of us who are deciding on booking other statroom will also have the trip of a lifetime...as I'm sure you would also.

$16,000+ is alot of money for a one week vacation..no matter how you put it....what else could you do with that much...where else could you go...and for how long?

It's not for any of us to say what others should do with their money...it's theirs to spend. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time no matter what you decide...it's just the moment you posted your questions you opened the door to advice wanted or not....and by even posting the question in the first place....makes it look as if your doubting your choice to start with.

 

[nrk]

Exactly....How much time are you going to spend in those rooms???I'm sure the beds are as confortable in any other category...

 

[chasbos]

$3000 is not a lot of spending money! Our stateroom account for our 4 day cruise was $2400! So just imagine what a week would have been!

I know $16,500 sounds like a lot of money to spend, but it all depends on your financial situation. If it is "normal" amount of money for your family then I say go for it! I for one like the finer things in life and that is why DH and I work so hard, to make sure we can afford them.

Enjoy your suite and have a magical cruise!

 

[my3kids]

With pre teen boys are you sure you don't want to look at one of the Voyager class ships from Royal Caribbean? They have lovely suites onboard, plus the kids owuld have miniature golf, ice skating, rock climbing, in line skating.......

 

[markºoº]

I would also agree $3,000 spending money is not an excessive amount. When you factor in multiple excursions for a family of 4 (some of which can get very costly), tipping, using the spa, wine with dinner, other adult drinks, smoothies for kids, gifts, game room, possibly dining at port, it can add up quickly.

We easily spent over $3,000 on our 2004 Western cruise but that included the dolphin discovery for 4 on Cozumel and the Atlantis Deep Explorer in Grand Cayman ($800 for 2). Add in a few spa treatments for DW, wine, Palo, tipping, and other expenses, it really added up!

That said, a family could easily do the trip for a lot less but limited excursions to less expensive one, not using the spa, limit alcohol, etc.

It really is an individual family decision and not something strangers can pass judgement on (unless asked of course!).

 

[Skuba2]

Tonyspad--Glad to see that you are sticking with the cruise. We are also going on that date. We have one of the Cat 1 and my SIL has a Cat 2 so we will see you at the concierge party. Don't forget us over on the cruise meet boards either. It is just Lisa and I now and we thought we had the whole ship to ourselves.

I for one am all for the cost if you can afford it and enjoy it without worrying about the cost. It is no fun going on a vacation having to worry what everything costs and how much everything is adding up to.

This is our 3rd Cat 1 cruise. We tend to spend most of our time in the cabin---particularly out on the verandah sleeping, reading, sleeping, drinking, sleeping. LOL!! I am not a person who can lay out and sun themselves, so I park myself on the verandah and read, watch for flying fish and enjoy the solitude. Being a mother of 3 (4, 8, 11), peace and quiet are priceless.

See you there!

DG

 

[Tonyspad]

There is NO WAY my sons would enjoy another cruise line, we are a Disney or nothing type family. They would rather not cruise if we did not go Disney, this was never even a consideration. It is DISNEY OR BUST!

 

[RichNKatHolly]

I would also agree $3,000 spending money is not an excessive amount. When you factor in multiple excursions for a family of 4 (some of which can get very costly), tipping, using the spa, wine with dinner, other adult drinks, smoothies for kids, gifts, game room, possibly dining at port, it can add up quickly.

We easily spent over $3,000 on our 2004 Western cruise but that included the dolphin discovery for 4 on Cozumel and the Atlantis Deep Explorer in Grand Cayman ($800 for 2). Add in a few spa treatments for DW, wine, Palo, tipping, and other expenses, it really added up!

That said, a family could easily do the trip for a lot less but limited excursions to less expensive one, not using the spa, limit alcohol, etc.

It really is an individual family decision and not something strangers can pass judgement on (unless asked of course!).

True, I wasn't thinking of the excursions. I would definately go with a cruise like that if I had the $$! Our next trip (land/sea) will be close to the $10,000 mark so I know you can end up with a few sleepless nights when you REALLY think about it. We just say, well, who knows when we will get to do this again and you can't take it with 'ya!

Enjoy the cruise - and I certainly wasn't passing any judgment , the $3000 just sounded like a lot to me but I forgot about how expensive those excursions can be, especially for 7nts.

 

[Disney-Kim]

Tonyspad...I say if you can't get a comparable vacation for that much then sure go for it. I am guessing that much money could take you to Europe and other exotic places. So you have to decide personally if a cruise is where you want to spend it.
I am all about going 1st class and enjoying the finer things in life but I would weigh the type of vacation you are getting compared other places you may want to go. I see your dilema over the number though.
Good luck with your choice.

 

[d0peychik]

do you wanna adopt me?

 

[MrsPete]

You know the old saying: if you have to ask, it's too expensive.

Is a one-week cruise worth 16,500? I say no. As several other people said, your family could take FOUR CRUISES in a less expensive room for that price. Is the extra space and slightly bumped-up service worth giving up THREE WEEKS? I say no.

I think that it's a mistake to spend "that kind of money" unless you are really wealthy and have a stable income. If any part of the cruise cost is going to be placed on a credit card, or if the family doesn't have adequate retirement savings and college savings in the works, then I'd say the money should be used elsewhere.

 

[Tonyspad]

The cruise is paid in full, no credit card needed. The large number is scary not the amount, if that makes any sense! Regardless we are going.