need opinions on 3, 4, or 5 day cruise

[princesskenziesmom]

We are planning a trip in 2012 to WDW and a cruise. I really want to do a cruise, dh is not too interested so I don't want to do the 7 day but cannot make up my mind about the 3, 4, or 5 day cruises. I think 3 days would be too short and hurried but I like how it is Thu-Sunday which is more time at WDW/Universal, 4 would be good because it's longer but not thrilled that I would have shorter time at the parks, so am wondering if 5 days would be better since I am already rearranging around the Sunday departure. Does anyone have any opinions on which is better or is there any special features you get on a 5 day than the others?

 

[emilyann415]

I am not too much help, but have recently went on a 3 night cruise. We had a great time but you are correct, it is much too short. We rebooked for a 5 night and leave in August. Whatever you decide, you will have a wonderful time...if you decide on a 3 night I would strongly encourage skipping doing anything in Nassau and just enjoy the ship as there really isn't a lot to do in Nassau.
Good luck...you'll LOVE it!!!!
Emily

 

[FIREFLY01]

i agree with the above skip Nassau and Keywest nothing to do but buy tshirts. key west is good IF you have a boat or jet skis otherwise there is nothing to do.......(sorry there is one very small and cramped beach) thats it.

whats the reason your DH doesn't want to do the 7 day?
you also gotta figure time of year ur going, .... extra time in park is ok but if its between june and sept be prepared to be miserably hot and humid and packed...... its awful! sorry to ruin it for others we live in FLorida and summer is terrible here.

My husband was sceptical about DCL 1st time since we usually go on royal caribbean or holland, but after one cruise we already booked again!! it is awesome!! so much to do even for adults!! and yes you can do things with out kids they have plenty of adult only area!!

we had dinner by our selves everynitte, we put our daughter in nursery ! it was nice to have that time to ourselves!!

 

[tea for girls]

I would also chose either the 4 or 5 day. The 3 day is too short and I think adding a sea day gives you a better idea about what cruising is all about. We loved our 3 day cruise so much we are now booked for a 14 day cruise.

 

[NancyIL]

DCL has been offering 5-night cruises on the Wonder during the summer when the Magic is elsewhere. The Dream will also be doing some 5-night cruises in the summer of 2011 for the same reason. No one knows what DCL's plans are for the summer of 2012, but presumably both the Dream and the Fantasy will be cruising from Port Canaveral.

My preference would be the 4-night cruise - simply because I don't care for Castaway Cay enough to want to go there twice on a cruise.

 

[princesskenziesmom]

whats the reason your DH doesn't want to do the 7 day?
you also gotta figure time of year ur going, .... extra time in park is ok but if its between june and sept be prepared to be miserably hot and humid and packed...... its awful! sorry to ruin it for others we live in FLorida and summer is terrible here

My dh is very sceptical about going and doesn't think we're going to have that much fun and the kids will get bored. He gets bored very easily and likes a change of pace so I think 7 days would be too long, I thought if we can switch it up with land/sea it would help. . I know, he's the worst child I have We are planning on going in March so the weather shouldn't be a factor,,no way would I go to Florida in the summer, Texas is too humid for me I know Florida definitely would be.

Does DCL do the Pirate party on the 4/5 day cruises?

thanks for everyone's opinions, I like to hear what other people think.

 

[Happy100]

i completely understand...my husband was very skeptical of a cruise, due to boredom and on top of that kids all over.

So we did the 4 day. we all loved it immensly....best family vacation ever!!! my husband booked a 7 day while we were on board!!!

 

[Panther]

I guess I'm in the minority. I've done two 3 night cruises and enjoyed them both. We are not used to taking real long vacations. The last cruise was this past Easter we added two days after the cruise at WDW and felt that it was a perfect lenghth.

Would I prefer a longer cruise than 3 days? yes. But if you want to "test the waters" pardon the pun 3 days might be enough to see if your next cruise should be.

Plus we would hate to be in Orlando and not spend at least some time in the parks.

 

[kcashner]

Not a 3 night. Beyond that, make it work for your schedule. 3 night is just too short and too crazy.

 

[FIREFLY01]

I HAVE THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A GNAT!!! and i love cruising! all of mine have been 7 days except 1 it was 5 days, and way to quick and short.
the only problem is there is sooo much to do! i couldn't believe it my 1st cruise i was so dreadin going the 1st time, i had this vision of tons of old people on scooters and people just laying in the sun and boring shows.... I WAS SOOOOO WRONG!
I completely understand ur husbands hesitation, and actually whats nice about disney is everynite you eat in a different restauarant w/ different menu and themes, breakfast lunch u even have options between sit down or buffett!!
they contantly have deck parties, sports activitiies on sports court, family activites, kids activitites adult only ativites (wine, liqour tasting, cookin demo and lesson, and quiter stuff)
http://*****************/
this website had alot of dcl stuff including navigators ( daily activity goings on) check them out and show them to ur husband,
my biggest suggestion if u can get a balcony room, its cool in the morning to wake up in port and enjoy breakfast on ur balcony!

 

[Silverfox97]

I would vote for the 4 or 5 day. Our first cruise was a 3 day, which we booked for exactly the same reason - liking the Thurs-Sun. schedule. We got married at WDW, spent a few days at the theme parks with the family, the went on the 3 night cruise, then came back to WDW Sun-Fri. Although it was a fun 2 weeks, we both said we should've re-worked the trip to accommodate a 4 day. We totally wished we had a day at sea to explore the ship. Also, we felt we got shortchanged with time on Castaway Cay. Now, we are going on a 5 night in August with 2 CC days, and aren't even getting off the ship in Nassau. For us, we decided on the 5 night because we'll be taking our 3 year old on her first cruise -- and we wanted time, but felt a 7 day might be too long, but will probably do a 2012 Fantasy trip depending on what they offer. Anyways, even if you want to "try" a cruise, I think a 4 night would be the best -- that day at sea would've been awesome!!

Hope this helps~

Emily

 

[Lezlee]

Totally recommend 5 day.. look for the ones that stop at Castaway Cay twice.... We are going June 2011 on the Dream.. Love the Wonder but 3 days just wasn't enough.... And will agree with the other post skip Nassau..... Have fun no matter what you decide!!!

 

[mrskay9]

My dh is not excited about our cruise either. Honestly, he enjoys his job and he also does not travel well so I think he'd rather just not go. But he also says that he does not think we will have any alone time.

He also thinks he will get burnt up from the sun as he's a bit fair.

Anyway, I had picked the 5 day prior him telling me how un-enthused he is exactly.

My plan is to ignore him on the flights down. Actually, until we get on the ship. After that, I think he'll be fine. And by ignore, I mean it in the most loving married couple way, not the high-school, he's not my friend way.

So my point in telling you all of this is, that I will try and update you when I return after my 6/27 cruise if you weren't going to book by then. Or I believe the first of the 5 night cruises start May 30? (am I right?) so maybe after that people's reviews will be coming in.

I'll be sure to let you know how my no so excited dh did on the cruise. But I say go for the 5 day.

And I did read of here that if you go on the 4 night, you get 2 chances at CC if the weather is bad. If its a 3 night, you do not.

 

[Redeemed&Loved]

My dh is very sceptical about going and doesn't think we're going to have that much fun and the kids will get bored. He gets bored very easily and likes a change of pace so I think 7 days would be too long, I thought if we can switch it up with land/sea it would help. . I know, he's the worst child I have We are planning on going in March so the weather shouldn't be a factor,,no way would I go to Florida in the summer, Texas is too humid for me I know Florida definitely would be.

Does DCL do the Pirate party on the 4/5 day cruises?

thanks for everyone's opinions, I like to hear what other people think.

The Pirate party is on Sea Day, so yes, 4/5 day cruises will have it.

 

[goofysgirl]

My vote is for a 5 day. This will give you some extra time to explore the ship and not feel rushed. We have done 4 days and 7...given that choice I will always choose 7.
We know the Magic like our home, we took her on the original 4 day trips, and we still marvel at the beauty of the ship and all it offers. Next year on the Dream will be our 15th cruise and we have never been bored!
If you stop at Key West you can take a walk to the southern most tip, its kind of neat to see. My daughters parasailed and LOVED it. It was 1/2 the price of Disney per person and they purchased the DVD for $20 with tons of awesome pictures. DH and I just roamed around Key West and had a piece of key lime pie, we really had fun.

 

[pluto1979]

In my opinion, the 3 day is nice but very short! It might seem like things are packed in. I like the 4 day because I can work around that schedule and planning it with my trips to the parks. The 5 day is even nicer because I can do everything I want and I can relaxe. I would not worry about those in your party as they will soon love to be on the ship! Plus if your going to be doing the parks and have done them before, its better to do a longer cruise since it is most likely something you won't be doing very often.

Either one you chose is going to be great for you and you will enjoy every minute of it!
Happy Sailings!

 

[lmhall2000]

My dh is not excited about our cruise either. Honestly, he enjoys his job and he also does not travel well so I think he'd rather just not go. But he also says that he does not think we will have any alone time.

Anyway, I had picked the 5 day prior him telling me how un-enthused he is exactly.

My plan is to ignore him on the flights down.

I'm so happy other wives ignore their husbands! My trip report of our Med cruise last week is filled with ignorings..my husband is awesome, works hard, is a great Dad but he can be a killjoy...I can't make him get excited about a cruise...he was convinced he'd be sick in the room all 10 nights, he did not get sick ONCE...okay one time he took a dramamine but he even admitted it was just in 'case' he started to get sick....ugh!

The encouraging thing for first time husband cruisers is my dh sent me an email with great rates Priceline is showing on Disney cruises through 1011! He said he couldn't believe it but he was ready for another cruise! HUH?? You wouldn't have guessed it by all the "they charge HOW much for this?" "Guess we'll be here all day waiting for them to figure out how to open the door." (impatient for getting off ship with door that had never been used???)

But they do like it...just not great at showing it like we do!

Oh, and I really wasn't as over the top sold on cruising after our first cruise b/c we're ride people, give me Splash Mountain 10x an hour! But now that we've done a port intensive one I could see how a slower paced one would be fun!

Tara