To cruise or not to cruise...

[Melcatfish]

Hi

Well after lots of planning I have finally booked the three week extravaganza for next August. The background is that DH & I have wanted to go to Florida for ages (he went as a kid I've never been) and my auntie, uncle and two cousins also have dreamed of going, well now it is booked and as it is (for my auntie and uncle at least) a 'once in a lifetime' type holiday it is going to be very busy. We are doing WDW, DC\seaworld, Universal\IOA, Orange Blossom balloon flight, KSC & Boggy Creek and they are just the definites!

Anyway (breathe a sigh of relief, she's finally getting to the point!) DH & I were thinking of fitting in the 2 day Miami to the Bahamas trip to get a bit of time to ourselves, looking around the price for that is about £120 p.p. then I made a fatal mistake... I got a quote from Dreams Unlimited for a 3 night cruise on Disney Wonder, it is quite a bit more £320 each (for standard inside cabin) but it IS disney, it IS a longer trip and it IS *Just about achievable* in budget terms (3 week once in a lifetime style trips are expensive it seems!)

Here come the questions...

Anyone done the 3 night cruise? Whats it like?
Pricewise, is this a good deal?
What does this price include - food\drinks??
Will I be too tired to appreciate the cruise as it would be the last 4 full days of our three weeks
Is it worth it? (We are staying offsite in Orlando so will I get my extra fix of disney by staying on their ship?

Basically someone persuade me one way or the other!

Thanks for reading thus epic, rambling post!

Regards
Mel
x

 

[TartanFan]

I haven't done a 3 day but have done a 4 day (and 2 x 7 days!) on DCL - it's wonderful. Having said that, we travelled with DD and if you're going without kidddos might be different, depending on what you're looking for.

I've not done the Miami-Bahama thing but I believe there's a casino - on DCL there's no gambling (except bingo). It's very family oriented. But there are lots of adult only areas (pool, day time activities, nightclub area).

As regards pricing, DCL is notoriously more expensive than other cruiselines but IMHO you get what you pay for - the service and atmosphere is outstanding. My DH won't let me book another cruiseline and he's Scottish!

As for what's included - all food (including room service but there's a $5 service charge for Palo - the adult only, reservation required restaurant) and soft drinks during meals. Extras are tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks outside meals, photos, excursions.

Will you be too tired? I think that there could be no better way to finish your holiday than to spend 3 days chilling out on the Wonder. I woudn't even bother to get off the ship - the loungers on deck 10 (above the pool area) are just too fab to leave!

Is it worth it? Only you can decide but if it were me, I'd jump at the chance! And you'll definitely get your extra shot of Disney - the shows are pure Disney (if you don't have tears in your eyes after Disney Dreams, you don't do Disney!), the characters are there and the CM's are the best Disney can provide!

If you need any more info, just shout!

 

[GO2209]

I am planning my Sept 03 trip, which will include a 4 day cruise.

I recommend the Passporter Cruise book - available via amzon for about £10. It will answer just about every question you have.

DCL would appear to be more expensive than many other cruise lines - I read that this could be in part to it's lack of a casino (I guess gamblers subsidise the cost for other passengers!)

One advantage is that you don't have to go all the way to Miami - it's only an hour or so drive to Canaveral - that must save you a few dollars on petrol/gas

 

[UKANGEL]

Do it! we did the 7 day Magic, without kids as part of our honeymoon in May and loved every minute of it. It is VERY relaxing and there are lots of adult orientated things to do, with the adult only pool, bars, the spa etc