Just a 3 day cruise??

[mommymanda]

I am trying to change things up. My family loves Disney, but we've had many visits to the world.

I would love a full week cruise, but its just too costly. Budget allows for a 3 day cruise and maybe one extra day to explore something new at port.

A family of 5...(7,9 and 15 year kids). Is 3 days pointless when I can't add Disney tickets to it? I'm worried we would just get settled and be done. The 4 days during our time are a good $2000 more.

Thanks

 

[jeepnjudy]

A 3 day cruise will feel short but any opportunity to go on a cruise will be FUN so who cares. Rather than taking a Disney cruise, you should explore other cruise lines and you may be able to afford a full week. We are trying NCL next Christmas with our family because it was MUCH cheaper and a different itinerary to switch things up! You'll have fun no matter which you choose!

 

[xQuizx]

You could also consider getting two connected inside staterooms instead of 1 oceanview/veranda room. On our last cruise and next cruise it was less expensive to get 2 connecting inside staterooms.

But agree with JeepnJudy, cruising is better than not cruising.

 

[lorimay]

A 3 day cruise is a good way to "feel out" if you and your family will enjoy cruising.
I would take and be happy with a 3 day Disney cruise instead of the parks, we have done the parks over and over.
Just be prepared, you will become addicted....

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We have done a few 3 day cruises. They are short, but fun. It is more like a long weekend. I don;t think it is pointless at all. That's how we started off and now- well... addicted. LOL

 

[Pooh2]

We loved our 3 day cruise. It went by too fast but better than no cruise!

 

[Sanchez]

You are going to hear much along the lines of "a short cruise is better than no cruise at all." I do not agree with that premise, but it also ignores the fact you are substituting a three day cruise for a potentially longer (and better) family vacation. Three days is simply too short and especially difficult if you are coming from a significant distance.

There are a number of diehards that will tell you that DCL cruises are the best vacation (and they may be for those people) but others find DCL to provide an overpriced product and are not willing to compromise room category and length of stay just to travel on DCL. There are better quality cruises (as far as length of stay, itineraries, food and other categories subject to personal tastes) out there for far less if you really want to cruise. In my opinion, the only reason to cruise DCL these days is if you are willing to pay a significant premium for the Disney characters and shows.

In your situation - on a tight budget - I would not compromise a longer family vacation for a three night (2.5 day) rushed cruise. One of the major reasons for cruising is to avoid a strict schedule, lines and general aggravation. You lose that on a three night cattle call.

 

[mommymanda]

You are going to hear much along the lines of "a short cruise is better than no cruise at all." I do not agree with that premise, but it also ignores the fact you are substituting a three day cruise for a potentially longer (and better) family vacation. Three days is simply too short and especially difficult if you are coming from a significant distance.

There are a number of diehards that will tell you that DCL cruises are the best vacation (and they may be for those people) but others find DCL to provide an overpriced product and are not willing to compromise room category and length of stay just to travel on DCL. There are better quality cruises (as far as length of stay, itineraries, food and other categories subject to personal tastes) out there for far less if you really want to cruise. In my opinion, the only reason to cruise DCL these days is if you are willing to pay a significant premium for the Disney characters and shows.

In your situation - on a tight budget - I would not compromise a longer family vacation for a three night (2.5 day) rushed cruise. One of the major reasons for cruising is to avoid a strict schedule, lines and general aggravation. You lose that on a three night cattle call.

Thank you. My parents are planning to join us on this trip, but both have been very hesitant about any cruise. I was hoping to combine the Disney votes with the Caribbean votes. Knowing my parents biggest concern is the "herding" aspect of an excursion/cruise a short one would work with them. I have looked into different cruise lines, but nothing came in budget.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We did not travel with children, and we got off a 4 night cruise this morning, but I said to Tom on Wednesday that I had so much fun on Nassau and CC days that if it were a 3 night cruise, I would have been happy. I was just thrilled to cruise.

Beauty and the Beast is awesome!

I agree with getting connecting inside cabins for the extra bathroom.