Planning 1st cruise~advice much appreciated

[momtotwinglesx4]

Hi All!

We're a Disney-loving family and are thinking about trying a Disney Cruise for our next vacation rather than WDW. I have NO IDEA where to begin! We are a large family, and money is probably our biggest concern, so saving is a must! It will be dh and I, and our 5 children: dd14, dd 6, ds 6 (twins), ds almost 3, and baby ds 5 mos. I was thinking about a 7 night Disney Cruise. What would be the most economical way to accomodate this number of people? (baby sleeps with us--no crib) Also, when would it be least expensive to go? I homeschool the little ones, and we don't have a problem taking oldest dd out of school. We will drive down; can you leave your vehicle at the port while you cruise? Do you think kids enjoy the eastern or western carribean cruises better, or doesn't it matter? Any and all advice greatly appreciated!

Sue

 

[Mjasp]

It would be quite expensive for a family of 7. I would try booking the connecting secret porthole rooms. They are classified as category 10's but have a porthole with an obstructed view.

 

[jel0511]

With that many people you're only options are booking a two bedroom suite, which would be lots of $$$$, or the most economical would be booking two connecting category 10 rooms. The cheapest time to sail DCL is usually in the Fall. There are some special rates available on the Eastern cruises now for Fall 2003, using those rates I get a ballpark figure of $5000 for two connecting category 10 staterooms. The one thing you have to realize is that when you book two staterooms, you have to pay tow adult fares for each stateroom, regardless of whose staying in the room. There is parking available at the dock, I'm not sure how much it is, I'm guessing $50 - 60 for the week.

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Are there other cruiselines that might be fun for the kids as well and be less expensive? I know nothing else is as *magical* as Disney but does anyone know of a worthy substitution?

TIA

Sue

 

[tkd lisa]

Yes, the cruise does seem pricey, but realize that that price includes all your food and your entertainment. A lot of people tend to compare the price of lodging, and it is pricey.

Think about how much total you spend when you go to WDW with your family for lodging, tickets, meals, shows, etc. then compare that way. It's still expensive. But I'd hate to have you totally give up on the idea of the cruise. It is a lot of fun!

 

[lsmac]

It does seem costly, but if you book off-season, Eastern is usually less expensive than a Western cruise, the connecting staterooms would be a good idea, and check with a company like Dreams Unlimited for stateroom credits and cruise discounts. They are very helpful and will be able to tell you best way to book. tkdlisa has a point when you factor in food and lodging for that many folks it can add up quickly and that is all included in a cruise-as well as entertainment.
As far as comparable lines: Carnival has a great kids program and are a lot less expensive, but you will forsake some of that "magic" that only Disney offers (read: great service). Royal Caribbean is also an option with their Voyager class ships. We have done the Voyager of the Seas and ds (who is 12 1/2) thinks it "rates right up there with the Dis".

Either way the great folks at Dreams can help. I beleieve Michelle is the pro with other lines and Cathy and/or Donna are both great with Disney cruises.

HTH

Lisa

 

[jel0511]

I'm sorry that I didn't mention that the price is all-inclusive, if that mislead you at all (thanks tkd lisa for the clarification!!) Cruising most lines is going to be expensive for you, since on any line you're going to need two staterooms or some sort of a suite. It's usually cheaper to get two staterooms than a suite. Usually the cheaper lines, Carnival and RCCL(excluding Voyager class of ships) to name two, their staterooms are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than DCL, and it's difficult to find a stateroom with a tub on either of those lines. All staterooms on DCL have tubs, which with little ones is a must in my opinion. You probably will find a cheaper price with those lines in inside staterooms(none of which will have tubs), but you'd need connecting staterooms, something I don't know which is their lowest category for connecting. You certainly wouldn't want to have the kids all alone next door!!!! I still think you're looking at a minimum of $3500 for a 7 night cruise for 7 people.

 

[allears]

Hi Sue,
You'll get lots of advice from the boards. Look at the different threads, they will give you ideas on how to compare prices between cruise lines and between travel agents. We are a family of five and will be taking our third cruise with Disney in a few weeks.

I have only cruised with Disney thus far, but I understand other lines can be less expensive. Read some of the threads regarding comparisons, it seems like you have to pay attention not only to the cruise line, but the ship you would be on.

The Fromer's guide to Caribbean Ports of Call or their cruise guide are very helpful in comparing the cruise lines. They strongly suggest trying to find a cruise that is "you". Disney is that for us! The ships are beautiful and harken back to the ocean liners of the 30s and 40s, but with that special Disney touch. Disney will run more in general than other lines. Other lines make a lot of their profits up from on board casinos and the "party" atmosphere they generate, which translates into more booze being sold.

Disney is defenintely more family oriented and wholesome. We never have to worry about the kids wandering into a casino or encountering a lot of drunks. They also have the largest childrens facilities on the sea as well has the biggest staterooms.

The showes are great fun and beautiful, lots of opportunity to meet and greet characters.

When comparing the price to a land vacation make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Think of what you would spend for logdging at one on the nicer resorts, like the Yatch and Beach Club. When comparing food prices keep in mind that your meals are 5 star, not typical park fare. Add in all of the entertainment, the interesting ports of call, and I believe you have a great value.

We would recommend the 7 day. Our first was a four day, great introduction, but way way too short. And with such a big group, you'll want the chance to settle in relax and really enjoy the trip.

Keep in mind when working on your budget that there are a number of extras on the ship. You can control these but they do sneak up. Things like soda (which is included in sit down meals) photos, spa treatments, shore excursions and gratuities being the biggest extra. But again you really have control over this.

Good luck in your planning. You'll have a lot of fun!