planning the first cruise, how many nights should I do?

[lilclerk]

We just did a 3 night for our first cruise a couple of months ago. It was DEFINITELY too short, but I'm glad we did it that way. That way, we weren't "stuck" on the ship forever if we didn't like it. But we had an amazing time, our next cruise will definitely be longer!

I'd say do a 3 or 4 night for your first try, though.

 

[willijen]

I have to agree with Sasquatch. My DH and I love cruising, but we did a 4 night Disney cruise for our first kid to see how he tolerated the motion of the ship, and now we're taking him and his little brother for the little one's first cruise, also a 4 night, just to see how he does. Four nights is a long time to suffer through a "vacation" if you end up prone to motion sickness. Also, 4 night cruises on Disney is about what we'd pay for a 7 night cruise on Royal Caribbean, so it's what we can budget! If the price is no problem and you're reasonably sure that no one will mind the motion, then a longer cruise might be the way to go for your family.

 

[phinz]

Our first was a 7-day. Our second was a 4-day We'll never do less than 7 again, other than the 5-day Double Dip we've scheduled for next year, and even that one is up for debate.

 

[egesicki]

We did a 4 night for our first time and came away looking forward to a longer one.

Something not mentioned yet, it might be a consideration if you are flying or driving. For our family of four, flights are $$ and to spread that cost out per night a 7 night is better. But, if we were driving there is less "penalty" to trying a shorter one.

 

[bakerworld]

We've only been on 2 cruises - both 3D. We thought both times that 3 days was enough until we were on the cruise and then wished for another day so we trying a 4D. My daughter did a 5D cruise and felt it was 1 day too long. Both my sisters have only experience one 7D cruise each and both were bored after the 4th day. Frankly, I think if my sisters and daughter would give it another chance they would fine more to do. The first cruise is such a learning experience it takes away from the vacation and you walk away going, "Wait, what happened?"

 

[Snowwhyt]

Can't get it all done in 7. Bring money to rebook while on ship.

 

[LoverDisney]

We are going on our first 3 day cruise and then the World afterwards for 6 days because it is what my budget will allow. I know it's short and that we won't have time to experience everything, but I plan to do a placeholder for 2018 for a longer cruise. Whatever you decide I know that you will enjoy yourself and it's better than being at work!