Ocean View Disney Cruise or Balcony NCL?

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I know you all are probably very biased towards Disney but please give me some honest feedback.

A little about my family: we are a family of 4; myself, DH, DS6 & DS4 (7 & 5 at cruise time). I want to do an Alaskan cruise and due to DH's work schedule we only have 2 different time-frames to choose from. We wanted to depart out of Seattle and go a couple of days early to see their favorite baseball team (The Angels) play the Mariners, which is not possible for Disney since they depart out of Vancouver. It's not a deal breaker though.

I feel like I have to do a balcony on an Alaskan cruise but I might be able to be pursued to do ocean view. Still, the difference in cost for NCL balcony vs. Disney ocean view is about $1,500 (with Disney being more). Also, I have enough JetBlue points to cover half of our flights into Seattle which it wouldn't if we flew into Vancouver. So there's that too with cost being higher for Disney.

My kids have never done a cruise and my DH and I have only ever done an Ensenada 3/4 day cruise with RC-I didn't care for it but it could be because of the destination. My DH loved it. I dream about doing an Alaskan cruise so I know that won't be the problem.

I am getting a little bit more money in a settlement than I had originally thought and was wondering if the extra cost was worth it to 'downgrade' the room. Honest opinions and feedback would be appreciated!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I know you all are probably very biased towards Disney but please give me some honest feedback.

A little about my family: we are a family of 4; myself, DH, DS6 & DS4 (7 & 5 at cruise time). I want to do an Alaskan cruise and due to DH's work schedule we only have 2 different time-frames to choose from. We wanted to depart out of Seattle and go a couple of days early to see their favorite baseball team (The Angels) play the Mariners, which is not possible for Disney since they depart out of Vancouver. It's not a deal breaker though.

I feel like I have to do a balcony on an Alaskan cruise but I might be able to be pursued to do ocean view. Still, the difference in cost for NCL balcony vs. Disney ocean view is about $1,500 (with Disney being more). Also, I have enough JetBlue points to cover half of our flights into Seattle which it wouldn't if we flew into Vancouver. So there's that too with cost being higher for Disney.

My kids have never done a cruise and my DH and I have only ever done an Ensenada 3/4 day cruise with RC-I didn't care for it but it could be because of the destination. My DH loved it. I dream about doing an Alaskan cruise so I know that won't be the problem.

I am getting a little bit more money in a settlement than I had originally thought and was wondering if the extra cost was worth it to 'downgrade' the room. Honest opinions and feedback would be appreciated!

What's the itinerary on NCL?

 

[perditax]

There's some honest interchange over here from people who have, or are going to jump to NCL:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ha...anted-me-to-sell-my-house-lol.3431580/page-19

There's also at least one person trying to talk everyone out of it, but try to overlook the bickering, I believe there's some discussion of Alaskan itineraries in there. Another alternative would be Princess, I hear they are great at Alaska. And I believe either line can get to glaciers Disney can't. No personal experience though.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

What's the itinerary on NCL?

Seattle, Washington 16:00
8 Aug 2016 Relaxing Day at Sea
9 Aug 2016 Juneau, Alaska 14:00 22:00
10 Aug 2016 Skagway, Alaska 07:00 20:15
11 Aug 2016 Cruise Glacier Bay
12 Aug 2016 Ketchikan, Alaska 06:00 13:30
13 Aug 2016 Victoria, British Columbia 18:00 23:59
14 Aug 2016 Seattle, Washington 08:00

 

[PrincessShmoo]

There's some honest interchange over here from people who have, or are going to jump to NCL:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ha...anted-me-to-sell-my-house-lol.3431580/page-19

There's also at least one person trying to talk everyone out of it, but try to overlook the bickering, I believe there's some discussion of Alaskan itineraries in there. Another alternative would be Princess, I hear they are great at Alaska. And I believe either line can get to glaciers Disney can't. No personal experience though.

Well Holland America and Princess have "done" Alaska the longest of the major cruiselines. They have lots of experience, and hold most of the Glacier Bay permits. We've done HAL twice to Alaska.

Haven't checked NCL, that's why I asked what the itinerary was. Going to Alaska (IMO) is mostly about the Alaska experience, so comparing Disney with NCL, itinerary-wise, would be important to me.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Seattle, Washington 16:00
8 Aug 2016 Relaxing Day at Sea
9 Aug 2016 Juneau, Alaska 14:00 22:00
10 Aug 2016 Skagway, Alaska 07:00 20:15
11 Aug 2016 Cruise Glacier Bay
12 Aug 2016 Ketchikan, Alaska 06:00 13:30
13 Aug 2016 Victoria, British Columbia 18:00 23:59
14 Aug 2016 Seattle, Washington 08:00

Well, there you have it. I'd take Glacier Bay over Tracy Arm any day. We were quite lucky that our first Alaska cruise did both Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay.

Also important is to compare the port times on both lines. Which one has longer ones?

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Well, there you have it. I'd take Glacier Bay over Tracy Arm any day. We were quite lucky that our first Alaska cruise did both Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay.

Also important is to compare the port times on both lines. Which one has longer ones?

Disney has more longer port days than NCL. I've never done anything Alaska related so I'm not familiar with the ports or glaciers. To be honest, I don't think I'd be disappointed either way. I'm more concerned with the activities/catering to my will be 7 and 5 year old boys. I'm about 60% mostly concerned about spending a lot of money on a vacation that my children will enjoy as much as us adults and 40% concerned with the actual sites. Does that make sense?

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

That is a toughie. Glacier Bay is superior to Tracey Arm in my opinion, but DCL has more for your kids during the down time than NCL. I cruised Alaska with an NCL oceanview and was fine with that; we just went up on deck where we could see all the scenery on both sides of the ship. So that doesn't make it or break it for me personally, but other people will have different opinions. No matter what you choose, Alaska is a wonderful destination, and I am sure you will enjoy it!

If you do DCL, you could still fly into Seattle and take the train or bus up.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

That is a toughie. Glacier Bay is superior to Tracey Arm in my opinion, but DCL has more for your kids during the down time than NCL. I cruised Alaska with an NCL oceanview and was fine with that; we just went up on deck where we could see all the scenery on both sides of the ship. So that doesn't make it or break it for me personally, but other people will have different opinions. No matter what you choose, Alaska is a wonderful destination, and I am sure you will enjoy it!

If you do DCL, you could still fly into Seattle and take the train or bus up.

The down time is what I'm concerned about- how much is there to do during those full two days for a 7 and 5 year old is my biggest concern? I thought having the balcony would be nice for the non port days but it's not worth $4,000 more IMO(for Disney that is).

I did look up the idea of using the train and I think the boys would love that! It's less than $100 from Seattle. We've never been on a train before (just a short commute train for work for me and my husband) so that might be fun! Only problem is we HAVE to come back home the day we come back from the cruise so we can't utilize that option on the way back; we'd have to fly back from Vancouver which is totally ok as the flights on a Monday afternoon are not that bad- just over $100 per person.

Are upgrades ever available on board either with Pixie Dust or discounted at check-in if there's availability?

 

[NancyIL]

I think itinerary is most important for an Alaskan cruise, but I also don't cruise with children. I prefer Glacier Bay over Tracy Arm, but I also think sailing out of Vancouver is more scenic than sailing out of Seattle. For more info about NCL and activities for children - check out the NCL board at Cruise Critic: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

I have been on 4 Alaska cruises and never had a balcony cabin. They are nice, but not essential - even in Alaska!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have been on 4 Alaska cruises and never had a balcony cabin. They are nice, but not essential - even in Alaska!

Totally agree with this. We were upgraded to a verandah on one of our Alaska cruises, but we would have been fine without it.

 

[ILovePixieDust]

We just did the Alaskan cruise on Disney this summer. We are also a family of 4 with two boys aged 6 & 8 at the time of sailing. We have never sailed to Alaska before as a family (I sailed to Alaska almost 18 years ago but with friends on Royal Caribbean). We booked an inside stateroom and were able to upgrade to a balcony at the port (for about $1100). We would have been happy with the inside but weren't going to say no to the balcony! But we did go into it mentally prepared to be in an inside for the week and enjoying it! If you don't have a balcony then you can just go up to deck 9, 10 or even deck 4 to enjoy the views. Find a cozy seat and relax. Kids can stay with you for a bit and then go to club or labs or swim in the pools.

Last night I just read this trip report:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-alaskan-jewel-welcome-aboard…-you-don’t-exist.3438831/

I think it would be a good read if you are considering sailing NCL. What struck me the most was where she talked about the kids clubs. DCL has the Oceaneer Club and Lab FULL of multiple activities for the kids and NCL has….a room. Does not look engaging at all!!! So, for me, I think, if it were only my husband and myself i would be more picky about the itinerary and less about the boat. But having two little boys too, Disney cruising wins hands down. I can't imagine them being in a little room for activities for so many days. My boys and their friends LOVE the Club and the Lab. Take a look at Alaska Navigators to see how the offerings in the Lab and Club for kids and compare to the NCL activity sheets in the above link.

here is the link for Disney's navigators from an alaska cruise this year:
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...night-alaskan-cruise-itinerary-a-june-1-2015/

Apart from the Club and Labs there is also the wonderful theatre shows that Disney offers too that are kid friendly. We all loved these!

And I know some say Glacier Bay is more amazing than Tracey Arm. I can't say as I have not done Glacier Bay but I have done Tracey Arm and it was SPECTACULAR! Above my expectations. So if you haven't done either why not do one now and one later?

I think if the kids having fun is important, than do seriously consider Disney even without a balcony. There is just so much more for the boys to do. My husband and I have also been on a Princess cruise on our own. We went and investigated the kids spaces there as well and it was so small (and again pretty much just a room) that we confirmed for ourselves that while they are young we will stick to Disney. The only other line we would consider at this point is the newer Royal Caribbean boats (Allure, Oasis, Anthem, etc) as they seem to have lots to offer the kids.

Please let me know if you have any more questions too and i will be happy to try and help!

 

[momof2n2]

I'd rather have the $1500 for excursions. They add up in Alaskan ports.

 

[squirrel]

You could still fly into Seattle to use your points. Then spend a night or two in Seattle and take the train into Vancouver. Just another option.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

We just did the Alaskan cruise on Disney this summer. We are also a family of 4 with two boys aged 6 & 8 at the time of sailing. We have never sailed to Alaska before as a family (I sailed to Alaska almost 18 years ago but with friends on Royal Caribbean). We booked an inside stateroom and were able to upgrade to a balcony at the port (for about $1100). We would have been happy with the inside but weren't going to say no to the balcony! But we did go into it mentally prepared to be in an inside for the week and enjoying it! If you don't have a balcony then you can just go up to deck 9, 10 or even deck 4 to enjoy the views. Find a cozy seat and relax. Kids can stay with you for a bit and then go to club or labs or swim in the pools.

Last night I just read this trip report:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-alaskan-jewel-welcome-aboard…-you-don’t-exist.3438831/

I think it would be a good read if you are considering sailing NCL. What struck me the most was where she talked about the kids clubs. DCL has the Oceaneer Club and Lab FULL of multiple activities for the kids and NCL has….a room. Does not look engaging at all!!! So, for me, I think, if it were only my husband and myself i would be more picky about the itinerary and less about the boat. But having two little boys too, Disney cruising wins hands down. I can't imagine them being in a little room for activities for so many days. My boys and their friends LOVE the Club and the Lab. Take a look at Alaska Navigators to see how the offerings in the Lab and Club for kids and compare to the NCL activity sheets in the above link.

here is the link for Disney's navigators from an alaska cruise this year:
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...night-alaskan-cruise-itinerary-a-june-1-2015/

Apart from the Club and Labs there is also the wonderful theatre shows that Disney offers too that are kid friendly. We all loved these!

And I know some say Glacier Bay is more amazing than Tracey Arm. I can't say as I have not done Glacier Bay but I have done Tracey Arm and it was SPECTACULAR! Above my expectations. So if you haven't done either why not do one now and one later?

I think if the kids having fun is important, than do seriously consider Disney even without a balcony. There is just so much more for the boys to do. My husband and I have also been on a Princess cruise on our own. We went and investigated the kids spaces there as well and it was so small (and again pretty much just a room) that we confirmed for ourselves that while they are young we will stick to Disney. The only other line we would consider at this point is the newer Royal Caribbean boats (Allure, Oasis, Anthem, etc) as they seem to have lots to offer the kids.

Please let me know if you have any more questions too and i will be happy to try and help!

Thank you for all of your input and information! I appreciate it so much- and to the others as well!

I'd rather have the $1500 for excursions. They add up in Alaskan ports.

I've already factored that into both vacations

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

You could still fly into Seattle to use your points. Then spend a night or two in Seattle and take the train into Vancouver. Just another option.

If we do Disney we'll fly into Seattle and take the train (I'm kind of excited to do that, actually! ) but we'd FLY back from Vancouver because we would have to be back by Monday night.

 

[aprincessatlast]

I was going to say NCL as 1500 is a lot in Alaskan ports. However since you said you factored that in it is a tough choice. We are big DCL fans but did a different line for Alaska and our kids were younger. My 2 younger kids loved the 1 room club with all of the organized crafts and free stuffed animals. It was very education/conservation based. Very Cool! However my video gaming 9 year old boy was a bit less enthused and just wanted more free time but still liked it. I struggled the most with the hours. I was so used to drop offs at any time where all the other lines have hours that are much more limited. Overall we did not regret our choice of line for Alaska at all and in fact preferred it for many reasons, but I can see how it is a bit easier with DCL for those with small kids simply due to better kids club hours.

 

[xlxo]

I feel like I have to do a balcony on an Alaskan cruise but I might be able to be pursued to do ocean view. Still, the difference in cost for NCL balcony vs. Disney ocean view is about $1,500 (with Disney being more). Also, I have enough JetBlue points to cover half of our flights into Seattle which it wouldn't if we flew into Vancouver. So there's that too with cost being higher for Disney.

Thoughts...

• it's normally $50 for a shuttle from Seattle to Vancouver, but it's a little cheaper departing from Seattle post-Mariner's game on the shuttle.
• have you consider departing a week earlier and watching the Mariner's game on the return if you choose NCL? That second week of August appears to be start of the wet season in the last 3 years. This year, Skagway was shut down from strong wind/waves.
• I love the Deck 2 ocean views... The larger portholes feels like a climate controlled balcony. Mid-ship deck 2 last the largest portholes.
• You are smart to avoid cruising from Vancouver on August 1st.... That weekend is popular with a fireworks competition and Pride celebrations.
• Can anyone comment on that August 8 weekend in Seattle for congestion... is Seafair an issue?

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Thoughts...

• it's normally $50 for a shuttle from Seattle to Vancouver, but it's a little cheaper departing from Seattle post-Mariner's game on the shuttle.
• have you consider departing a week earlier and watching the Mariner's game on the return if you choose NCL? That second week of August appears to be start of the wet season in the last 3 years. This year, Skagway was shut down from strong wind/waves.
• I love the Deck 2 ocean views... The larger portholes feels like a climate controlled balcony. Mid-ship deck 2 last the largest portholes.
• You are smart to avoid cruising from Vancouver on August 1st.... That weekend is popular with a fireworks competition and Pride celebrations.
• Can anyone comment on that August 8 weekend in Seattle for congestion... is Seafair an issue?

I've already priced out the train ride for the following day. $96 for all four of us That includes a AAA discount. Unfortunately we are not very flexible with our dates as DH's work schedule will not permit us to travel outside of 8/5-8/15.

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

The down time is what I'm concerned about- how much is there to do during those full two days for a 7 and 5 year old is my biggest concern? I thought having the balcony would be nice for the non port days but it's not worth $4,000 more IMO(for Disney that is).

My husband and I spent most of our free time in the spa on NCL, but when we weren't there or watching scenery on deck, I didn't find a whole lot on NCL to do. (Luckily Alaska is port-heavy!) We hit the board game room once and the casino a couple of times, but other than the spa, that was about it. I have only done the Bahamas on DCL, but we have always found plenty to do. I think Alaska has great ports for LOs, but when we do it again, we will probably do DCL since I don't think we would find enough for our son on NCL based on our last experience.