Talk Me Into A Disney Cruise

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

It's not double better. And you can get the Disney fix with the park day.

Out of curiosity, do you cruise with kids? I see a ton of cruises in your signature but only one Disney back in 2011, if I'm reading it right. I'm just wondering, with DCL seemingly being a one-and-done for you, what your travel party was like.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I know it's a personal decision for everyone, but having only ever done the "normal" cruise (Carnival pre-kids, Norwegian with 4 year olds), I am trying to wrap my head around Disney being that much better of an experience.

When you were on Carnival, what parts did you like, what parts were you not really interested in or didnt do. If you chose Disney would you miss things you did before on Carnival?

 

[Demke Family]

We have been cruising with our kids since they were 6 and 10. Now 14 and 18. Our family really loves all things Disney and go to Disneyland twice a year but I have to say that for us the DCL got a little tired and the new RC ships were a very fun change. We had a Disney cruise cancelled twice for COVID that sails in 10 days and we are excited to return- and a Wish trip booked for December so we can try out the new ship.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

To be honest, it really depends on how much your family loved Disney. We have done. It’s RC and Disney many times. The new RC ships have sooooo much to do and very nice restaurants that are additional costs. Sending a little more for a nicer room with a balcony is always worth it. Everything is extra so you need to build that into the cost.
I am much more comfortable letting my kids roam the ship on a Disney Cruise. We love the shows and the great service but do sometimes get a little bored of trivia and bingo.
The Disney island is much nicer and more chill than the RC private island where anything you do costs extra and it’s pretty chaotic.
With the cost of Disney being so much higher each time we go, half the time we do RC. The extra special things your girls will want to do on Disney will also be extra- like the boutique and the princess tea.

This is great feedback!

How old are your kids? (Or, perhaps more to the point, how did your kids feel about the two cruise lines at elementary age?)

 

[Demke Family]

We have been cruising with our kids since they were 6 and 10. Now 14 and 18. Our family really loves all things Disney and go to Disneyland twice a year but I have to say that for us the DCL got a little tired and the new RC ships were a very fun change. We had a Disney cruise cancelled twice for COVID that sails in 10 days and we are excited to return- and a Wish trip booked for December so we can try out the new ship.

One more note- if your kids are young, there is A LOT of peace of mind on the DCL that I’m not sure I have elsewhere.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

When you were on Carnival, what parts did you like, what parts were you not really interested in or didnt do. If you chose Disney would you miss things you did before on Carnival?

Carnival was the honeymoon and we booked it for the itinerary. We did a ton of really great excursions and could take or leave the sea days. We had fun, but it was more a means to an end of getting to the ports we wanted to see. We aren't big drinkers, don't gamble, and enjoyed the evening shows but weren't blown away by them.

With this trip, we'd be much more focused on kids and family entertainment, something that played zero role in our DINK cruise. The kids aren't just going to chill on a deck for their days at sea, they'll want to be doing something fun.

 

[brentm77]

In addition to the above-mentioned joys of DCL, we find we like the style of the ship. It's very classical and feels like a ship more than many of the other lines, which feel more like a Vegas hotel on the sea. When I am on DCL, I feel pure bliss. It just clicks for me - even though I don't really care about character interactions or most of the shows. It's more about the vibe of the ship itself, the service, and the cleanliness.

One thing that might help you decide is how you do WDW. Do you stay on property at one of the nicer hotels and find the cost worth it? Or do you do the off-site hotels because the extra cost is a waste in your mind? To me, sailing DCL is somewhat similar. If you want to be surrounded by super-clean, well-styled, Disney day and night, you pay for it. But, if you are less concerned with that as the actual activities and ports, then it isn't worth the extra cost. Maybe its not a perfect analogy, but it might help. We tend to splurge on trips to stay at the more expensive hotels (actually usually only do moderate at WDW because we have one we love that feels close to a deluxe to us), because we really like being in the nicer setting the entire trip. But we are also lower energy people, not really looking for thrills and more concerned with relaxing and comfort.

That said, we have limited experience with other lines, from long long ago, and might be surprised how much we like them now days - we are branching out in the next couple of years to experiment.

From what you describe and in your responses, I have the sense that the extra money might not be worth it to you, particularly if you are the type that will be looking for whether you got your money's worth the entire cruise. It's easy to pick apart Disney's premium cost if that is the mindset you have going in. But only you know yourself well. I would watch lots of YouTube vlogs of both lines and I think it will become pretty obvious if it is worth the extra cost to you.

 

[Cheburashka]

Why not do MK after the cruise? I think it's more important to consider the quality of the vacation as a whole, rather than be stuck on which day a certain event falls on.

Given Genie+ and all of the issues at the parks people are complaining about now, MK might not even be such a magical place to spend her birthday.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

One more note- if your kids are young, there is A LOT of peace of mind on the DCL that I’m not sure I have elsewhere.

My girls will be nearly nine when we cruise. I'm not sure how much free reign I'd be comfortable giving them. They move in a pack, and there's certainly safety in numbers, but it's still young to be navigating a ship alone.

When you say DCL got tired, do you think that was a result of the kids getting older or the repeat cruising? Having never done a DCL or RC cruise, either one would have the "brand new" shine still for my girls.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Do you stay on property at one of the nicer hotels and find the cost worth it? Or do you do the off-site hotels because the extra cost is a waste in your mind?

Ahh, see this is a trick question for us. We split the difference and rent points to stay at the deluxes on the cheap . We need the 5 person hotel room, so many of the cheap off-sites weren't cheap for us, especially when we were looking at renting a car that fit three car seats. That said, when we thought this was going to be a park trip, we were considering taking on the cost and staying at the Poly as a splurge (I have Poly and CBR booked because darn is that Poly rate expensive!). So, I guess I'm being equally indecisive about Poly/CBR as I am DCL/RC. Price differences are pretty similar, too, although I feel like the Poly has more concrete benefits (monorail, deluxe evening hours) that I can hang my hat on.

I once sailed with my son when the cruise disembarked on his birthday. Disembarkation is a very special day imo, the first day of a cruise, especially when you've never sailed on Disney before. Why not do MK after the cruise? I think it's more important to consider the quality of the vacation as a whole, rather than be stuck on which day a certain event falls on.

Embarkation is the start of the cruise, disembarkation is the end. I agree, starting a cruise on your birthday would be magical. I just think the sad march off the ship would be less so. And, yes, the plan is to MK after the cruise. Cruise disembarks, transfer to WDW, MK on birthday.

 

[Dreams&wishes]

In addition to the above-mentioned joys of DCL, we find we like the style of the ship. It's very classical and feels like a ship more than many of the other lines, which feel more like a Vegas hotel on the sea. When I am on DCL, I feel pure bliss. It just clicks for me - even though I don't really care about character interactions or most of the shows. It's more about the vibe of the ship itself, the service, and the cleanliness.

One thing that might help you decide is how you do WDW. Do you stay on property at one of the nicer hotels and find the cost worth it? Or do you do the off-site hotels because the extra cost is a waste in your mind? To me, sailing DCL is somewhat similar. If you want to be surrounded by super-clean, well-styled, Disney day and night, you pay for it. But, if you are less concerned with that as the actual activities and ports, then it isn't worth the extra cost. Maybe its not a perfect analogy, but it might help. We tend to splurge on trips to stay at the more expensive hotels (actually usually only do moderate at WDW because we have one we love that feels close to a deluxe to us), because we really like being in the nicer setting the entire trip. But we are also lower energy people, not really looking for thrills and more concerned with relaxing and comfort.

That said, we have limited experience with other lines, from long long ago, and might be surprised how much we like them now days - we are branching out in the next couple of years to experiment.

From what you describe and in your responses, I have the sense that the extra money might not be worth it to you, particularly if you are the type that will be looking for whether you got your money's worth the entire cruise. It's easy to pick apart Disney's premium cost if that is the mindset you have going in. But only you know yourself well. I would watch lots of YouTube vlogs of both lines and I think it will become pretty obvious if it is worth the extra cost to you.

Not to side track, but our of curiosity which one is your fav moderate? Thank you

 

[lilsonicfan]

As you’ve said, a super personal decision. I do love Disney cruising and we have spent 34 nights onboard DCL, however, that was a 7 night, a 13 night, and a 14 night. The long cruises are much cheaper per person per night than the short ones, esp the short Wish cruises given it’s a new ship. We too are a family of 5. Did the family verandah on the Fantasy, then two ocean views on the Magic, then two regular verandahs on the Wonder. On our last cruise my two younger boys were 9 and 10.

In my view if you can afford it, do the Wish cruise. You won’t regret it. Look into two inside or two oceanview rooms if you want to save a bit although I will say on the larger ships, a family verandah for 5 is often very comparable in price. Your girls are right in that age where they will love DCL.

My boys are 9, almost 11 and 13, and our next cruise won’t be DCL. The cost for 5 is just so much more already plus when comparing to other lines - I don’t love Disney enough to pay double. I did love it enough to pay a premium at a point but for us I think that point is coming to an end.

 

[CamillaF]

I have twin daughters that are turning 9 on a Disney wish 3 night cruise, we have never cruised but choose the wish because we wanted to feel comfortable giving the twins the run of the boat. The idea of a casino on board was a no go for us. One of them loves Star Wars and the kids clubs were a big selling point, but our decision was based on magic…… it a nine year olds birthday and I want to see the awe and magic in their eyes. We are spending 5 days in Disney world staying at AKL (rented points) and 3 night wish sailing and the 4 nights at universal. This is our first trip to Florida and the kids first trip to Disney. I justify it by using the money I saved by renting points at AKL and putting that savings onto the cruise.

 

[Intr3pid]

How do you justify going to WDW versus a Six Flags property?

 

[mamaburrito]

Whichever you pick you know the kids will have fun either way. Do you want to be in the Disney bubble the whole trip? Would the VIP part of WDW be more magical than a Disney Cruise?

These experiences are just as much as for the adults as the kids. And I know we all want to give our kids the best magical experience possible. It sounds like the money of the trip isn’t the concern but where you are going to get the most magic.

 

[hrhdhd]

Out of curiosity, do you cruise with kids? I see a ton of cruises in your signature but only one Disney back in 2011, if I'm reading it right. I'm just wondering, with DCL seemingly being a one-and-done for you, what your travel party was like.

No, I don't cruise with kids. But if I did, I would hope they'd appreciate a multi-thousand-dollar trip. My parents took us to the beach for 2.5 days in a hotel across the street from the ocean and bought one raft that my two brothers and I had to share. That's my perspective.

 

[RedHead0186]

WIth nine year old girls, I would choose Disney, but I would sail the Dream rather than the Wish. The Wish is the newest ship and therefore the highest priced per night. Imo the upcharge won't be worth it for new cruisers, as all of the ships are kept in tip top condition, and the Dream class ships (Dream & Fantasy) have great features themselves (Aqua Duck, Midship Detective Agency, etc.). As a veteran DCL cruiser I personally prefer the Dream class to the previews I've seen of the Wish so far, anyway. And in November, Disney ships will be beautifully decorated for Christmas. Even Castaway Cay will have a nice Christmas theme. If you like Disney's holiday decor, then you'll really like being on the ships at that time of year.

Oooh I can just smell those gingerbread houses now!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

As you’ve said, a super personal decision. I do love Disney cruising and we have spent 34 nights onboard DCL, however, that was a 7 night, a 13 night, and a 14 night. The long cruises are much cheaper per person per night than the short ones, esp the short Wish cruises given it’s a new ship. We too are a family of 5. Did the family verandah on the Fantasy, then two ocean views on the Magic, then two regular verandahs on the Wonder. On our last cruise my two younger boys were 9 and 10.

In my view if you can afford it, do the Wish cruise. You won’t regret it. Look into two inside or two oceanview rooms if you want to save a bit although I will say on the larger ships, a family verandah for 5 is often very comparable in price. Your girls are right in that age where they will love DCL.

My boys are 9, almost 11 and 13, and our next cruise won’t be DCL. The cost for 5 is just so much more already plus when comparing to other lines - I don’t love Disney enough to pay double. I did love it enough to pay a premium at a point but for us I think that point is coming to an end.

I really appreciate your perspective! I'll look into the cost savings on two insides.

When I've price things at other times, the 5 person veranda was still the better deal than two rooms, but I haven't done it for this sailing.

How do you justify going to WDW versus a Six Flags property?

I do both and know what I'm getting myself into in both cases. I agree that Disney is just a different thing than your local amusement park. I can point to the dark rides, shows, theming, restaurants and see all the ways Disney is unquestionably better.

RCL, on the other hand, is certainly working hard to give the impression of being an excellent family vacation as well. That was the point of the thread, to get a sense if the experience difference was as stark as the price difference.

No, I don't cruise with kids. But if I did, I would hope they'd appreciate a multi-thousand-dollar trip. My parents took us to the beach for 2.5 days in a hotel across the street from the ocean and bought one raft that my two brothers and I had to share. That's my perspective.

I never suggested my kids wouldn't enjoy either trip. Heck, they're thrilled with a trip to the grocery store that has the carts they can push. They'll be grateful for either experience.

The fact is, I can afford either version of the trip but I'm trying to see if the added benefit is worth the added cost.

 

[JM_97]

Our party would be adults only and I go back and forth on it all the time. I unfortunately don't have any tips for you, but just jumping on the train.

 

[MasonTravelingCircus]

It is a very personal question, but I will give you my perspective. Full disclosure: our travel party is myself, my husband and our 2 girls (ages 8 and 9).

In the last year we have done Disneyland, Disney World and 2 cruises and had a blast on all of the trips. However, in our opinion, there is more magic in the cruises than their is at the theme parks. We often have such big plans at the parks that we can sometimes miss the magic and the more relaxed pace of cruises certainly helps us enjoy it more. On our last cruise, because of the multi-day interactions, the characters knew my girls' names and carried on extensive and personalized conversations with them. The majority of the staff is next-level incredible.

We will be on the Wish this summer and the premium specifically for that is worth it to me because the kids are growing out of that stage so quickly. The kid's clubs (which we love) look amazing and my kiddos only have a few more years of that, so I want to give them those opportunities while I can. They are so excited about the new restaurants and the slide to kids club. To me, that is worth the extra money. When they are older and this is not such a concern, that will be the time we explore other cruise lines.