Specialty Cruises worth the $$

[rsschneck]

For those of you who have taken a Specialty Cruise are they worth the cost?

Some people seem to think they have a wonderful view while others do not.

We are interested in either illuminations and/or wishes for a big family trip. I want the experience to be spectacular! I want the experience to be one of the high lights of the trip! Am I expecting too much?

Which of the cruises has a better view for the fireworks illuminations or wishes? Can you hear the music from the boat?

Has anyone done the Grand gatherings wishes cruise? They serve cookies, cocoa and have trivia games, etc. The cost would be double that if I booked our own boat. Is $30 per person worth the cost of booking wishes through the Grand Gatherings number?

Keep in mind a majority of our family has never been to WDW. Most have a tight budget and we will be footing the bill for a few special events.

 

[MAC3]

Sorry I don't have any answers for you but will bump this back up to see the responses you get.

I believe I asked the same question not too long ago, at the time the major concensus was a thumbs up. But i would be willing to see if that has changed any.

 

[NCRedding]

i planned a family trip several years ago. we were only at WDW one night before we cruised on DCL, so I made arrangements for my family to go on an Illuminations Cruise. My family LOVED it. Most of us cried. Even my Dad, who is not easily impressed, talks about this cruise to this day. I surprised my family with this--they had no idea until we got to the dock. Therefore, they had no expectations of what they were going to see, so it was great!! I ahve also never seen Illuminations from a prime locations, so it was great for me.

My brother, who was with us on this trip, passed away this summer. I still can see him with this huge grin on his face as we watched! It is and will be one of my fondest memories.

 

[WDW LOVR]

We've done the Breathless Illuminations cruise twice and loved it both times. Yes it is expensive ($180), but so is everything else Disney.

The first time it was a surprise for our kids and the second time (just a few weeks ago) was a group of adults only. Everyone involved thought it was one of the highlights of the trip.

Never done Wishes, but that's next on the list.

 

[taekwondo mom]

I did the cruise for DD's 12th BD on Oct. 23 .
We loved it .. so I vote YES !!! worth it....