Is this high?

[Luvdisney]

We are starting to plan our trip for next year. We went on the Disney cruise in 2000 and loved it , so I was thinking maybe about going again. So I priced up a cruise for 4. My 2 kids are 8 and 13 and was looking at going on a 7 day cruise. I got a quote for the week of 8/16/03 with a veranda room, no air fare./ It was over $6,300.00. Is seems really high? Is this correct?

 

[Michelle]

Yep, that sounds about right. Summer months are peak months at DCL and August is probably pretty booked up. You'll find it much less expensive to go with a Cat. 6 instead, and you'll still have the verandah.

Good luck!

 

[wsurrettema]

Unless you have your heart set on Disney, I would definitely check out other cruise lines.

I had planned to sail in February, 2003 (school vacation week) and checked most of the major lines. I ended up booking the Carnival Pride, Cat 11 mini suite. It was more than $2000 *less* than a regular balcony cabin (cat 6) on the Magic.

Unfortunately, we had to change plans and look for a cruise over the Thanksgiving week. We were unable to book the Pride again (no rooms that held 4 people were available).

I ended up booking another Cat 11 mini suite on the Carnival Triumph *with airfare* from Boston for about the same price as a Category 8A guarantee (oceanview, no balcony, no airfare) on the magic.

I sailed on the Magic back in April... Cat 4 eastern... and while we had a great time, for my money, there are better deals to be had.

Have a great time no matter what line you choose!

Cheers...

Gusman

 

[MFan]

Originally posted by wsurrettema
for my money, there are better deals to be had.

That depends on how you define "deals" and what's more important to you. I've sailed multiple times with both Carnival and DCL. DCL is definitely pricier for a similar itinerary and accommodation. However, I think DCL is a better "deal" for us. Our kids are still young (DS 5, DD 2, DD 1). For them, the comparison between the two cruise lines is a joke. It's not even close. There is nothing on Carnival for them. Since I value my kids' enjoyment as much as, if not more so than, my own, Carnival would have to be darn near free for me to consider them...

Last but not least, Carnival does not offer a stop at Castaway Cay. That in itself is a BIG strike against Carnival.

 

[markey]

While on board 8/17, I priced the same cruise, but for a CAT9. The price for 2 adults, children 8 and 9, $4000. I went with the Eastern a week before 8/9 and the price, CAT9, was $4400. I have been on DCL 3 times, always CAT9, and just would rather be in a CAT9 and cruise every year, 2000,01,02,03, then pay extra for a verandah. I guess you really don't miss what you never had. Figure after our 4th cruise the cost of the 5th will almost be covered with what we saved. As a side note, the CM doing the booking on board said next summers salings were about 70% full, so the cost will be higher.

 

[bennett]

When we went in June 2002-we paid $3600.00 for 2 adults and 2 children-Cat. 6--I am looking at June of 2003 and its $5400--

 

[wsurrettema]

Howdy Mfan...

I'm glad to hear that DCL gives your family all that you expect for a *family* vacation! Don't get me wrong... we had a great time on our Magic cruise (and we explicitly went on Disney because of our children... aged 7 and 9) and they enjoyed themselves immensely and can't wait for their next cruise.

However, we chose to sail another line this time specifically because our *kids* did not get any extra value out of the disney experience. One of the things our kids were most disappointed with were the pools.... they were pretty disgusting and always crowded (of course most cruise lines have crowded pools, but Disney's were ridiculous). The kids' clubs were OK, but our kids were pretty bored with them and spent most of their time with use... which was perfect.... but the (lack of) pool space was unfortunate. The character appearances were also poorly executed.... most appearances were during the first dinner seating (hello... when do most families with children eat dinner???).

Oh, and I must be the only one who thinks this, but I found Castaway Cay to be a very... well... OK experience. An average, somewhat artificial beach that was pretty crowded. Nothing compared to Coki beach on St. Thomas.

Anyhow, I'm not trying to bash Disney... they offer a very nice vacation.... they are just priced way too high for my liking.

I will report back after Thanksgiving to see what my kids thought of our Carnival Triumph cruise to the eastern Carribean.

Cheers!

Walter

 

[DawnL]

That sounds very high - we sailed this July, 2 adults/2 dd (10 & 13) and paid $4,400 for Cat. 6, but we did book 18 months in advance. The one thing I have found with Disney is you really have to book very early in order to make it affordable. I am waiting for the books to open for summer of 2004 in order to get the early booking savings again. We absolutely loved our cruise this year and can't wait to go again, but I would not consider paying $6,600 for 4 people. If you are flexible, try checking other weeks in July and August, you may get lucky and find a week with a lower rate. Also, request a quote from DU, you may save a little there, plus get a rebate. Good luck!!