Possible first time cruise - Lots of ?'s

[WDWorld2003]

We're thinking of going on a cruise next spring break. We've never been but thought it would be a nice break from the parks as next year the break falls right at Easter and those crowds are just too much.

We have 2 DD's who will be 14 & 17 then. In checking prices it seems Disney is a lot more expensive than other cruise lines such as Royal Carribean.

1. Is it really worth the extra $$$$$$?

2. Would our teens enjoy another cruise line more?

3. Also, should we do a 4 or 7 day cruise? We would have to do the 7 day Western Carribean.

4. Who do you use for booking your cruise?

5. When should we book for best price and discounts?

Thanks for any info....! I know I'll have lots more ?'s...

 

[rcdisneyfam]

It is worth every penny, been on Eastern, Western and 4 day, doing a 3 day this year after 7 days in WDW.

Our 2 teens loved each Disney Cruise. Know others that have been on other cruise lines and said it didn't compare to Disney, DCL is better overall.

The Western is definitely the better of the 7 days because it is more fun in Cozumel. We did like St., John's Excursion when on the Eastern, though.

You won't go wrong with DCL, that is why we keep going back.

Go for it!!!

 

[crissyp]

just got off the wonder 4/8...great trip...great ship...others won't agree with me, but this is just my experience and my opinion, but we traveled with 9 teens and there really was not much for them to do....the boys all 14 checked out the teen club and said it was boring....they played basketball mostly the whole trip....they majority of the "teens " on board seemed to be 12/13....the girls in our group were 16-18....the 16 year olds were too old for the teen club, again 12/13/14....and the 18 yr old could have gone to the adult clubs but did'nt want to hang out with us ole folk~
I was thinking it being spring break there would be tons of teens on board, but we did'nt see many....They are all very outgoing so that was'nt the issue, but all in all they had a great time with eachother and that's what mattered most to me!

 

[tvguy]

1) Is it worth the $$$? It is a cut above other lines I've been on, but the price does seem to be in line with the quality. We've been on DCL, HAL, RCCL & NCL. Only took the kids on the DCL and HAL cruises, they LOVED both. Disney would have a slight edge I think, but given a choice of cruising or not cruising, my kids would go on any ship.

2) Another line likely would be cheaper, and your kids would have a great time too. Cruises are the ultimate vacation in my book.

3) 7 days is the shortest cruise I have ever done. I've done 10 and 14 days cruises too, 10 in my book is perfect length, 7 is a little short, and 14 a little long. With 3 or 4 days, I think I'd feel like I was just settling in, and it would be time to get off the ship. ALMOST feel that way with the 7 day. We have only done the Eastern, so don't know about the Western. We like days at sea though. Mexico and Florida also aren't a big deal to us as compared to St. Thomas, St Martin and most importantly, Castaway Cay.

4) I always use a local travel agent. You might find some agents that specialize in one line, they may be able to get better deals. My mom just got back from 7 days on the Celebrity Mercury, SF to Cabo San Lucas and back. The TA she went through booked a block of 25 cabins, she got an inside cabin for $389 !!!! For another $30 they threw in round trip chartered bus transfers from their office in Sacramento to the port in San Francisco (a 90 mile trip). She didn't even have to fly. Now she's looking at an 11 day cruise on the same ship, same agency, another block of rooms in October for $600 !!!!

5) From what I read here, the earlier you book, the lower the price on Disney. Other lines seem to cut prices as sailing date approaches. I know someone who just booked a 7 day Carnival cruise that leaves in 2 weeks for $199. Heck, 1 night in a nice hotel and 1 dinner in a nice restaurant would cost more than that.

 

[rcdisneyfam]

We have always booked through AAA and have a great TA and have never had a problem.

 

[belle41379]

1. Is it really worth the extra $$$$$$? Yes. We have cruised many other lines and Disney tops them all in our opinion.

3. Also, should we do a 4 or 7 day cruise? We would have to do the 7 day Western Carribean. - If you can, do a 7-day. I think you will find that the 4-day just isn't long enough! We like the Eastern, more time on the ship!

4. Who do you use for booking your cruise? We book through the CC and through DVC.