Is a Disney cruise worth $5-$6 grand?

[Jenny-momof3]

I REALLY want to take my family on a cruise. After looking around a bit, I think that Disney is about the only offering for the huge age difference in my kids. My teenage girls love all things Disney so I know they would be thrilled to go on a Disney cruise. And my boys are completely into the characters, shows,etc. so I know they would have a great time as well.

The hard part is the HUGE price tag for us to take a cruise! Because we're a family of 6, we need to get 2 rooms. And I can't pull my girls out of school, so we have to go during more expensive times.

I REALLY want to do this...but I'm having a hard time justifying the fact that this will cost us over $1,000 a day! And that's before tips, excursions, souveniers,etc.

In your opinion...do you feel it's worth $1,000 a day? Or would you vacation elsewhere? We're AP holders and go to WDW 3-4 times a year. So I'm looking for something different.

TIA for any insight you can give me!

 

[crafty91]

For me there is no other cruise line thats even an option while my kids like Disney! In fact I cancelled at NCL cruise for last week (lost money) just to book on the Fantasy! Crazy I know but our family are Disney nuts. The bottom line that made me switch (in full honestly we have not sailed other lines with kids) is that I feel more comfortable giving DS 11 and DD 10 more freedom on Disney cruises. They know the ships better than I do and the "Disney Difference" puts me at ease when they are off on their own.

Likely this post will become "hot" very quickly as the question you pose is a hotly debated one. You'll get a few different responses but mostly on this forum since its is all things Disney you'll get a similar answer to mine. Whether the "cost" is worth it is up to you, but if you can afford it you will NOT be sorry when the cruise is over. You will have memories that will most definitely last a lifetime. Thats what I base my decision on, not whether you pay for sodas or not. (you don't on Disney btw If you strictly weigh out dollar to dollar match up between Disney and other lines Disney won't win, but if you are after the things that can't be measure in dollars Disney wins by a landslide!! Good luck with you decision!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

What length are you considering? $5 to $6 grand for a 7-night cruise is worth every penny in my opinion. The same price for a 3-night cruise would not be worth it.

There are less expensive cruise alternatives out there, but we cannot seem to stray from Disney as we have had such great experiences on each of our previous 5 Disney cruises.

We've priced the Oasis and Allure and they are more expensive each time we price it, but others have reported lower costs for those ships. Perhaps it's because we have to get two rooms too.

When we asked our boys (16, 14 and 10) if they would rather cruise this Christmas on Disney or visit WDW, they all chose the cruise without hesitation.

I'm sure you've already seen this advice, but book as far in advance as possible. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Trekker]

Gotta Tell you that I think that is about right - Look at it this way $5,000 - 7 nights - 6 people - -this works out to less than $120 per night per person for you room, all you food, entertainment, etc - - - sounds like a deal!

We cruised in January and considered that for our party of 4 - anything under $1,000 per person was a good price........

Event at $6,000 it would be under $143 per person per night! How much is a WDW resort, park tickets and dining going for now-a-days?

 

[Bear3412]

....... If you strictly weigh out dollar to dollar match up between Disney and other lines Disney won't win, but if you are after the things that can't be measure in dollars Disney wins by a landslide!! ........

This.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

This is for a 3 or 4 day cruise for next summer. The 3 day would run us a little over $5,000 once I figure in tips, gas to drive there, parking but no excursions. The 4 day would run us over $6,000.

 

[Ikaikalani]

YES! It's worth every penny

 

[Melissa S]

As the PPs have said really break it down to cost pp per day and you will see what a value it is. I find that on cruises the "you get what you paid for" really applies. If you want that Disney Magic, larger rooms, great activities, awesome shows, great food, and being pamered book with DCL. If you really don't need all of that, you can do a cheaper vacation. I have only cruised with DCL and won't do it anyother way because I have a young child. I have relatives that took their young children on other cruise lines and hated it to the point they are hesistant to cruise again. But then again I have relatives that are older and cruise without their grown children and grandkids that choose other cruiselines because it meets their need and they don't need to pay extra for activities (they lounge around the pool all day and go dancing or hit the casino at night). Good Luck!

 

[kcashner]

Keep your eyes open (or call a TA who will do it for you.) You may be able to catch an IGT/OGT/VGT rate (typically available 75-90 days before a trip). We didn't have one on DD's spring break this year, but not all schools have the same break. The great discounts were available the week before and the week after her break. We got a super deal a couple years ago right after school got out! There are things that MIGHT work with your school schedule.

You are correct that you will need 2 cabins. If you can catch a Kids Sail Free, that would give you one free person in each room. The other benefit to 3 person rooms is that you will fit in any room on the ship. That allows you to book some rooms (at lower prices) than a family of 4 would fit.

Seriously, you do not NEED a balcony. We've had them and not had them. We enjoy it when we have one, but it is not an essential of the cruise! You also can spend essentially nothing off the ship if you so choose--there are some low cost things you can do on your own on the islands or you can just enjoy the ship. And yes, it is worth the money.

OK, it was a "miracle rate," but I managed to pull off a cruise for 6 including air fare for $6000--a 7 night cruise after school was out. I can be done SOMETIMES if you watch the specials. DCL has 4 ships to fill now. If they aren't filling, there WILL be discounts as recent cruises have demonstrated.

 

[woody73]

. . . I REALLY want to do this...but I'm having a hard time justifying the fact that this will cost us over $1,000 a day!

This is for a 3 or 4 day cruise for next summer. The 3 day would run us a little over $5,000 once I figure in tips, gas to drive there, parking but no excursions. The 4 day would run us over $6,000.

For a 3 or 4 day cruise, it looks like the cost is more like $1,500 to $1,700 a day. If that's within your budget, I'd say go for it.

Woody

 

[ilovetexas]

I REALLY want to take my family on a cruise. After looking around a bit, I think that Disney is about the only offering for the huge age difference in my kids. My teenage girls love all things Disney so I know they would be thrilled to go on a Disney cruise. And my boys are completely into the characters, shows,etc. so I know they would have a great time as well.

The hard part is the HUGE price tag for us to take a cruise! Because we're a family of 6, we need to get 2 rooms. And I can't pull my girls out of school, so we have to go during more expensive times.

I REALLY want to do this...but I'm having a hard time justifying the fact that this will cost us over $1,000 a day! And that's before tips, excursions, souveniers,etc.

In your opinion...do you feel it's worth $1,000 a day? Or would you vacation elsewhere? We're AP holders and go to WDW 3-4 times a year. So I'm looking for something different.

TIA for any insight you can give me!

What is the age difference? That's an important factor.

If you've never cruised before, go to WDW 3-4 times a year and are "looking for something different", go on a cruise but not with DCL. You're already having a problem with the price and you don't even know if you like cruising (but we're all sure you will). There is no way I would shell out that kind of cash on a 3 day cruise. You just don't have enough time to enjoy the ship, which is what you're paying for on DCL.

My kids loved DCL. My kids loved Carnival. My DD enjoyed RCI and both the boys want to try RCI. DH and I loved Celebrity. This is a Disney board so you're going to get a majority of responses that say DCL is the only way to go. Admittedly, they have a fantastic product. So do the other cruise lines; they just don't have the Pixie Dust of Disney.

 

[Mason3]

I will start by saying that I am not a cruise expert. We have only been on three cruises, and all three have been on DCL: 2 on the Magic and 1 on the Dream with a Fantasty cruise booked for next year. We have loved each cruise. The ships are spotless (much like WDW), and we found the food and entertainment to be wonderful. My daughter has been in the Lab, Club,and Edge, and she is very excited about being able to get into Vibe on our next cruise. Plus, Castaway Cay (Disney's Island) is incredible!!! I have seen many posts on here that say it is the best cruise line island in the industry.

A friend cruised Disney and then cruised Carnival in January. Her reply to me was, "You get what you pay for." She enjoyed Carnival, but she was not impressed with the service or the cleanliness of the ship. She did like the food choices. My in-laws have cruised Norwegian several times, and they enjoyed their cruises. However, they were not sure what NCL offered for kids as they are in their late 60's.

Some advice: Book early!!!!! If possible, book the day the new dates are announced. It is true, the fares continue to rise as the cruise date nears - especially if you are going during a busy time. Also, if it will help reduce your cost, consider inside rooms. A porthole or balcony are nice, but you will still have as much fun in an inside room. We did an inside room on our first cruise, and it was fine.

I cannot imagne that you will be disappointed with a Disney cruise, but I do understand your concern about the cost. Trust me, if the rates were lower, we would cruise twice a year! Good luck on your decision.

 

[linkandclover]

We are about to take our 8th Disney Cruise. We tried the Oasis which was cheaper for spring break but in the end you get what you pay for. Consider this: there is nothing much to buy on Disney because most everything is included. On the Oasis you had to buy your soft drinks and all of the restaurants beside a few had an added surcharge. Even at the main dining room you were charged $15 for a better cut of steak. Add to this the great service on Disney and it is definitely a better deal. We even tried an all inclusive resort and my kids still prefer Disney (This is from 12 and 15 year old boys who have no interest in anything Disney. They just like it on the boat.)

 

[Jenny-momof3]

Seriously, you do not NEED a balcony. We've had them and not had them. We enjoy it when we have one, but it is not an essential of the cruise! You also can spend essentially nothing off the ship if you so choose--there are some low cost things you can do on your own on the islands or you can just enjoy the ship. And yes, it is worth the money.

That's for the cheapest room possible...definitely no balcony...or even a porthole for that matter.

What is the age difference? That's an important factor.

If you've never cruised before, go to WDW 3-4 times a year and are "looking for something different", go on a cruise but not with DCL. You're already having a problem with the price and you don't even know if you like cruising (but we're all sure you will). There is no way I would shell out that kind of cash on a 3 day cruise. You just don't have enough time to enjoy the ship, which is what you're paying for on DCL.

We're looking at going next summer....my kids would be 18,14,8 and 3.

I've cruised before so I know we'll love it...the kids haven't though. And I agree with the 3 day that it just doesn't feel like it would be enough time...that's why I was looking at the 4 day as well.

A friend cruised Disney and then cruised Carnival in January. Her reply to me was, "You get what you pay for." She enjoyed Carnival, but she was not impressed with the service or the cleanliness of the ship. She did like the food choices. My in-laws have cruised Norwegian several times, and they enjoyed their cruises. However, they were not sure what NCL offered for kids as they are in their late 60's.

Some advice: Book early!!!!! If possible, book the day the new dates are announced. It is true, the fares continue to rise as the cruise date nears - especially if you are going during a busy time. Also, if it will help reduce your cost, consider inside rooms. A porthole or balcony are nice, but you will still have as much fun in an inside room. We did an inside room on our first cruise, and it was fine.

Honestly...Carnival isn't THAT much cheaper when I priced it all out. If I'm going to spend this kind of money...then it will be with Disney. And I'm looking at end of June for next summer..14 months away. I can't book any further than that. Oldest DD will be in college and her schedule will be different from ours by then.

 

[dawnedwards]

Personally I don't think the 3/4 day cruises are worth the money especially when you factor in costs to get to the port. We live in Canada so if we are going to fly to Florida it is for 7 days minimum.

We have done 3 Carnival cruises (2 with kids) and loved them. We are going on our First DCL cruise in September.

For us going the 2nd week in Sept for $2000 (and that was for one room) cheaper than going in August.

You mentioned not wanting to take the kids out of school, but if it is only for a 3/4 night cruise can you look at one that also includes a weekend?

 

[ilovetexas]

We're looking at going next summer....my kids would be 18,14,8 and 3.

I've cruised before so I know we'll love it...the kids haven't though. And I agree with the 3 day that it just doesn't feel like it would be enough time...that's why I was looking at the 4 day as well.

:

Next June 23, 6 day Carnival Freedom out of Fort Lauderdale with stops in Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Two interior rooms for six people...total of $ 4,359.94 (if you book Early Saver).

Next June 22, 7 day Carnival Liberty (which they've just remodeled) out of MIA with stops in St Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay (which is absolutely gorgeous!). Two interior rooms for six people....total of $ 5374.88 (again Early Saver rate).

There's also an 8 day on the Freedom next June that goes to Antigua and Tortola for less than the 4 day DCL you've priced. ($5166.32 for two porthole rooms.)

I just don't see paying that kind of premium for a 3 or 4 day cruise. DH and I are paying for DCL next month for our 10th anniversary, but it's a 7 day cruise where we can relax and enjoy the ship. Our 3 day DCL two years ago was FAR too rushed and we missed a lot of stuff.

If you've budgeted $5,000 to $6,000 for your cruise and want to get the most bang for your buck, don't cruise DCL. If, however, you've only got three or four days and you want the best experience on a short cruise, then absolutely do cruise DCL. You aren't going to get the "best" Carnival or RCI experience on a 3 or 4 day, for that you have to cruise Disney. The lower end ships used for shorter cruises on other lines in no way compare to the Dream.

 

[ppiew]

I am just back from the MV of the FANTASY and unequivocally WOW say your money and definitely go DCL at least once. That ship is BEYOND spectacular.

 

[lmhall2000]

No, for a 3-4 day, not worth the dough...however, if you can hold out for the Magic/Wonder/possibly even Fantasy...I bet you will find deals on summer breaks, but you need to be ready to pounce.

Disney offers IGT (Inside cabin guaranty) OGT (Oceanview Cabin guaranty) and VGT (Verandah cabin guaranty)...they have offered it for summer sailings and even on the Fantasy, a few weeks ago they had cabins for the last week in July. These 'generally' come out around 3-6 months before the cruise...you have to pay in full and no refunds (just make sure you buy independent insurance)...but the savings are substantial. I think you could get two inside cabins for less than 4k for a 7 night.

We have traveled with 7/8 in our party on the last two cruises, both were kids sail free (March and May dates)....the cruise portion was under $4000 for both of those. It is just not worth it for our family to do any less than a 7 night cruise....otherwise, it's not relaxing it's maddening with that many kids.

Have faith, having a bad economy is good for travel deals!

 

[linkandclover]

We did a 3 night on the wonder and it was way too short such that I would not do a 3 night again and would rather stay at a resort somewhere. The 5 night on the dream was fairly good especially with 2 stops on Castaway Cay (relaxing but could have been longer). Overall if I am going to cruise I want 7 nights as I find the first day is more about travel and getting settled and feels less like an actual day of holiday.

In terms of the room we often book a deluxe inside stateroom because we spend so little time in the room that it is not worth it. We have had ocean view and a verandah and although they are nice bonuses to me they are the first place I go to to cut costs.

 

[Renysmom]

I REALLY want to take my family on a cruise. After looking around a bit, I think that Disney is about the only offering for the huge age difference in my kids. My teenage girls love all things Disney so I know they would be thrilled to go on a Disney cruise. And my boys are completely into the characters, shows,etc. so I know they would have a great time as well.

The hard part is the HUGE price tag for us to take a cruise! Because we're a family of 6, we need to get 2 rooms. And I can't pull my girls out of school, so we have to go during more expensive times.

I REALLY want to do this...but I'm having a hard time justifying the fact that this will cost us over $1,000 a day! And that's before tips, excursions, souveniers,etc.

In your opinion...do you feel it's worth $1,000 a day? Or would you vacation elsewhere? We're AP holders and go to WDW 3-4 times a year. So I'm looking for something different.

TIA for any insight you can give me!

A $1000 a day does sound like a lot of money but when you break it down it is only $166.66 per person per day which isn’t much less than what non-AP holders pay to go to a park for a day plus meals .
For the $166 you get your cabin, unlimited food and beverages, 24 hour entertainment, childcare via Kids Clubs which allows for parent time. This to me is very, very reasonable and on top of it all you will be making family memories that are priceless and will last a lifetime.