Sailing With Large Groups

[inkkognito]

I remember reading a while back about DISers having problems sailing with a large group (the one I'm thinking of was on the Magic), so I thought I'd share my experience with the large group that was on our Wonder sailing. It was several hundred people from an investment firm, and at first I was a bit worried because of the previous posts. But I have to say that it really didn't have a negative impact on our trip. The only difference I noticed was that the adult beach was more crowded and more noisy, as they gathered around in several large groups to chat (we noticed the same thing when sailing with another group about a year ago). We had to walk father down the beach to find a spot, but it wasn't a big deal...we got a nice umbrella just past the massage cabanas. The only time the chatting groups annoyed me was during my cabana massage, as there was a large group sitting very close by, and I could hear their whole conversation. I think they had had a wee bit too much to drink...after hearing how they talked about their clients, I was glad that I don't invest with them. I guess they didn't know (or care) that someone was listening in. But that was really the only negative...other than that, the ship didn't seem more crowded than usual and we didn't have any trouble getting chairs by the pool, getting into the whirlpools, finding seats at the shows, etc. I did notice a LOT more alcohol consumption...it was the same last year with the other large group. As I was reading on the beach, I heard many of them discussing their monster hangovers from Nassau night! But overall, I'd say don't be afraid to be on board with a large group. It was still a WONDERful trip.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[ErinC]

Barb, I feel funny reading this. My best friend from high school was on this cruise with her husband who works for the investment firm, and their two sons, one of which was only 12weeks old. He gets complimentary trips often, and this was their first cruise. I was excited about calling her later in the week to hear all about her trip, funny I read about it here first. They are not really "party" people so I doubt seriously that they were the ones with the hangovers! Hope you had a good time anyway. Erin

 

[inkkognito]

Erin, from how you describe them, I doubt they were the ones at the adult beach!! It's funny how people have different perspectives...I heard some of the partiers talking while waiting for the tram, and they said they would never take another Disney cruise because there weren't enough opportunities to party and the bar bill was a killer (they thought alcohol should be included in the price...good luck!). But then we heard of families from the same group who were already planning to rebook and return on their own. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for in a cruise. Even tho' they were all from the same group, it was quite a mix of preferences.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[deannalew]

Barb,
That's what draws us to the Disney Cruise more than any other....the fact that my husband and I like the family atmosphere. Even though we are going just the two of us, we wanted to avoid the "party" scene.

We also wanted to avoid the ships that seem to frequent the "over 60" crowd (not that there is ANYTHING wrong with being over 60.... ).

Disney seems to be the best mixture of more wholesome entertainment with a mixture of different aged people.

Do you find that?

We have never cruised before, but have heard things about different cruise lines that seem to support this theory.

 

[inkkognito]

I DEFINITELY find that to be true, too. Even tho' we are childless adults, we prefer a "family" atmosphere where you can find anyone from honeymooners to famlies to grandparents having a great time, with something for everyone. In my view, Disney does this the best. We have personal experience on RCCL and have heard from friends who like Carnival, but for us, Disney is the absolute best. We had a pair of honeymooners and another couple at our dinner table, and both of them are planning another Disney cruise (I think one of them might have booked onboard, but I don't know for sure, as we ate at Palo the last night). I think the ones in the big group that didn't like it are the type who would be happier on Carnival, where drinking and gambling are a major focus. They were the ones I happened to overhear because they were on the adult beach...the ones who brought their families and loved it were probably over on the family beach. I love Disney and think they're the best...that's why we have 7 more booked in 2002 and 7 in 2003 already!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[deannalew]

YES! I am soooo excited! We booked and paid our deposit today and we will not only get the rebate BUT also a SHIPBOARD CREDIT with DREAMS!



CAN YOU TELL I'M EXCITED?!?!

Barb, your site and your posts have been so helpful to us in this decision.

There is only ONE problem....our cruise is in June of 2003! But, that gives us time to save up and do some planning of excursions on our own, if we want to do that.