Need help - first timer

[Boo Mc]

Hi all - we are considering taking our first cruise in either mid-Feb. 2004 or Easter 2004. I'm wondering if the ships are always at capacity? Would it be less crowded in Feb. and is the Easter sailing always packed? If the ship is at capacity does it feel really crowded? Do the kids clubs seem chaotic if they're full? Our kids will be 5 and 7 at the time so I think that means they'll be in the same club, correct? I'm sure Disney plans for full ships and has enough CM's on hand but I'm wondering more about the subtle differences (like whether the CM's can give the kids individual attention, if the characters have enough time to interact with each kid, etc.) Lastly, are there ever any deals at these two times of year? Any recommendations and opinions are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[musicgirl]

I have never been on a cruise at Easter or Feb. I would have to assume that any trip taken during a break would be pretty full.
As for the clubs, we went in June on a full ship and it seemed like there were plenty of counselors for the kids. I'm not 100% sure but I do believe I've seen posted that they only allow so many children on board so that overcrowding in the clubs and in general the entire ship does not occur. Maybe someone else can help out with this.
You'll have a great time!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I have not cruised yet.... But, I will just say that we are planning to cruise off-season (when schools are normally in session) because I have the exact same concerns about crowding during the Spring Break, Summer, and Holiday peak seasons... Especially the kids clubs and pool, as our son is 5. I understand that there can indeed be a difference in the numbers of kids on board ( while there are always plenty!!)

Our other big concern was price. Yes, there can be big difference between Peak season sailings and Off season sailings. Get a few different quotes... Or do something as simple as going to Travelocity.com, which will pull up a chart of all available sailings with their prices. This will give you some idea of the difference.

Hope this helps. and Happy Planning!!!

 

[Boo Mc]

Thanks to both of you! Anyone else have opinions/comments?

 

[inkkognito]

We sail every year in Jan., Feb., and Easter on the Wonder. Easter is definitely more crowded, and with a much higher kid population (however, I don't know about the clubs, as we don't have any youngsters ourselves). But even when the ship is at capacity, it is never as bad as being at WDW in the peack season. The ship's maximum capacity is capped, and it is built to handle the crowds. Other than some waiting in line and needing to get to the shows early to get a good seat, it is not at all inconvenient. I prefer it when the ship is crowded rather than when it is sparsely populated. One January it was so empty that many of the diningroom tables were unoccupied, and I felt like it was the Voyage of the Ghost Ship!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Hans Solo]

We will be on the Magic this Easter so we'll can let you know after we get back. As for price, we know we are paying a premium but it was the only time when our children are out of school. Also, we will be celebrating DD's 14th b-day on Easter Sunday.

 

[cadburysmom]

This will be our third Disney cruise in February and the prices are always lower during that time compared to Easter Break. I'm not saying that February is the cheapest time to cruise but it is definitely cheaper than Easter. Good luck and have a wonderful time!

Mom from NC

 

[AnnMorin]

Our first cruise was at Easter break in 2001. In fact we arrived at the poly on easter sunday! Now that was a land/sea and all our other cruises have been seven days but I really did not notice a big difference in the amount of kids on board. There have been quite a few on both of our December cruises too. There is a maximum amount of children they allow on board to keep the counciler ratios acceptable, so I would not be too concerned (except for the price, boy were we in sticker shock with that first cruise )