WDW Vacation or Disney Cruise

[Starwind]

We love DCL cruises and now prefer them to visiting the parks. Our most recent trip we spent a couple nights at WDW resorts before and after the cruise, but mostly just relaxed and enjoyed the resort - we only visited Typhoon Lagoon and a MVMCP.

Depending on what cruise and what hotel, it is possible for a WDW stay to cost more or less than a DCL cruise. THere are many factors to consider. Our recent stay at WDW, some of the hotel nights the hotel cost alone was more than the per night cost of our cruise. But we made the choice: deluxe hotel, rack rate because no discounts were available. Part of why we only stayed a couple nights ;-)

DCL has similar functional "seasons" in terms of price, much like the hotels do (though not as formal as the hotels do: the hotels actually have a published schedule of formal named "seasons" with dates attached; if DCL has something similar I haven't ever seen it published, just price variability corresponding to various times of the year) -- so over holidays and school breaks will be much more expensive as a general rule. Also, some cruises (e.g. Alaska) are just always going to be more expensive than others. Finally, with DCL, almost always the price for a given cruise is cheapest on opening day (when the cruise first becomes available to book) and possibly soon after, and then at some point starts to increase and usually just keeps going up in price.

OP, an option to consider could be a combination trip: some days at WDW and a shorter DCL cruise, such as a 3 or 4 night DCL combined with a few days at DCL to make up your week.

Also, I recomend a good guidebook, such as the Passporters cruise guide, to help get a good overview of DCL cruises. Much of the info can also be found online across various sites, but I find having it in one place can be useful, especiall when planning your first cruise and as a quick reference for future cruises after that. I then use it as a starting point for further research online. Also, the DCL website itself has plenty of info, including the ability to cost out cruises -- so you can get a good idea of how much the cost will be for various options.

SW

 

[kymom99]

Would this be your first Disney trip?

 

[LovesTimone]

The above is not correct.

While DME goes to and from the airport and WDW resorts and is at no additional cost, transportation to Port Canaveral is NOT provided by DME.

Transportation from MCO or the WDW resorts to the port has a cost. DCL provides transfers for $35 per person per direction, but there are other options, such as renting a car and private vehicle transfers ("town car" service). Other people drive their own vehicle and pay to park at the Port.

On DCL ships there are no soft drink packages because soft drinks are already included as part of your cruise fare. The ships have a soft drink (and tea, coffee) refill station(s) on each pool deck that is open 24/7 and is free. Fountain soft drinks are free in the main dining rooms. You will pay for soft drinks in a can, such as from a bar, however. On some other cruise ships, you do have to pay for sodas, but not DCL. On DCL ships, alcohol IS something you have to pay for, and they don't have alcohol drink packages like many other cruise lines do.

DCL does not have an entire floor dedicated to kids. They have a large section of a floor, and part of another for older kids, but not the entire floor. And other than the nursery, the kids clubs on DCL are FREE (well, the cost is included in your fare).

SW

I apologize for any miss information....it was not my intent to mislead the OP...

I should have stated that transportation is available from the airport to both destinations... I did not comment one way or the other on cost factors... I stated it was available..

As far as the drink packages...the last cruise we bought a soft drink and bottled water package for our room, as I really don't like getting dressed to go get a coke at 6:00am from the fountain. In the past we had brought a 12 pack of soft drinks and bottled water on board, but the last trip we were not allowed to do that, and when boarding they would not let you take them on board. Have they done away with drink packages for the room?

When we took our DD's on the cruise we paid for some type of sleepover/pajama party or story time event with Goofy, and some other adventures on board not contained to the kids club area and on Castaway Cay...I also believe that we were charged for popcorn/candy and drinks when they went to the movie with the group. It has been a while since we have used that option... But will be using it soon with the Grandkid's. To me it seems like the whole floor considering how spacious, and roomy it is... Again I should have said most of the floor or a good amount of the floor is used for the kids club...

 

[LuvOrlando]

Cruise especially during busy season. I’ve done tons of trips and one cruise. The biggest things about the cruise are there’s only so many people allowed on the boat so it can’t get so crowded that it’s not enjoyable and second, no matter how much you paid and you have the same exact meals so cheapest room gets the same 5 star meal as the most expensive. We were going to go at Christmas but I changed my mind because I realized the crowds would ruin it for me so I’m considering another cruise 2018 for the above reasons plus it’s more contained.

 

[Starwind]

As far as the drink packages...the last cruise we bought a soft drink and bottled water package for our room, as I really don't like getting dressed to go get a coke at 6:00am from the fountain. In the past we had brought a 12 pack of soft drinks and bottled water on board, but the last trip we were not allowed to do that, and when boarding they would not let you take them on board. Have they done away with drink packages for the room?

When we took our DD's on the cruise we paid for some type of sleepover/pajama party or story time event with Goofy, and some other adventures on board not contained to the kids club area and on Castaway Cay...I also believe that we were charged for popcorn/candy and drinks when they went to the movie with the group. It has been a while since we have used that option... But will be using it soon with the Grandkid's. To me it seems like the whole floor considering how spacious, and roomy it is... Again I should have said most of the floor or a good amount of the floor is used for the kids club...

DCL lets you bring soda and bottled water on board, however it has to be in your carry-on luggage. They also allow specified amounts of beer and wine brought on board -- again it also has to be in carry-on luggage. For the alcohol there are specific rules about what is allowed and not allowed, but I don't know what they are beyond beer and wine allowed and hard alcohol not allowed, as our family does not bring any.

On board, you can order canned soda from room service; I believe but am not certain that they sell multipacks (e.g. 6 cans of soda is cheaper per can than singletons per can).

On board you definitely can buy multipacks of water: we bought a six pack of bottled water (for the ports); they also IIRC sold 12 and 24 packs. Dasani and Evian were the options. We bought ours in the MDR at lunch the first day, they had people going around specifically selling the water packages.

There are some specific kids activities that have an extra fee, but not a lot. And the kids clubs themselves are free.

Popcorn for the movies has a fee, yes, as does soft drinks bought from the popcorn place. The trick is to go upstairs to the pool deck to get your drink, then just popcorn at the popcorn place. Also, they sell a refillable container that has a cheaper price for refills than the normal one off popcorn price. the refillable container makes a nice souvenir, too.

Castaway Cay activities that fall under their "port adventures" have fees, as with port adventures at any other port. they range from relatively inexpensive tube and bike rentals to much more expensive more immersive excursions. But being on the island, using its facilities, and lunch on the island are all included in the cruise fare.

As for the kids floor... on the Dream and Fantasy we have stayed on deck 5, so got quite used to walking around that floor It has a fair number of staterooms, a movie theatre, the atrium, etc, as well as the kids area. if you look on a map, the kids area takes up a good chunk, but there is a surprising amount of other things also on the floor... just mostly tucked away [e.g. it took us a while to figure out how to walk the length of deck 5 to get to our stateroom which was almost all the way forward... there are several jogs in the hallway you have to do, where it looks like the hall is going to end but nope it does a 90 degree turn and continues on...

But yep, Disney does a good job of getting a Tardis-like feel... they seem pretty huge !

SW

 

[LovesTimone]

DCL lets you bring soda and bottled water on board, however it has to be in your carry-on luggage. They also allow specified amounts of beer and wine brought on board -- again it also has to be in carry-on luggage. For the alcohol there are specific rules about what is allowed and not allowed, but I don't know what they are beyond beer and wine allowed and hard alcohol not allowed, as our family does not bring any.

On board, you can order canned soda from room service; I believe but am not certain that they sell multipacks (e.g. 6 cans of soda is cheaper per can than singletons per can).

On board you definitely can buy multipacks of water: we bought a six pack of bottled water (for the ports); they also IIRC sold 12 and 24 packs. Dasani and Evian were the options. We bought ours in the MDR at lunch the first day, they had people going around specifically selling the water packages.

There are some specific kids activities that have an extra fee, but not a lot. And the kids clubs themselves are free.

Popcorn for the movies has a fee, yes, as does soft drinks bought from the popcorn place. The trick is to go upstairs to the pool deck to get your drink, then just popcorn at the popcorn place. Also, they sell a refillable container that has a cheaper price for refills than the normal one off popcorn price. the refillable container makes a nice souvenir, too.

Castaway Cay activities that fall under their "port adventures" have fees, as with port adventures at any other port. they range from relatively inexpensive tube and bike rentals to much more expensive more immersive excursions. But being on the island, using its facilities, and lunch on the island are all included in the cruise fare.

As for the kids floor... on the Dream and Fantasy we have stayed on deck 5, so got quite used to walking around that floor It has a fair number of staterooms, a movie theatre, the atrium, etc, as well as the kids area. if you look on a map, the kids area takes up a good chunk, but there is a surprising amount of other things also on the floor... just mostly tucked away [e.g. it took us a while to figure out how to walk the length of deck 5 to get to our stateroom which was almost all the way forward... there are several jogs in the hallway you have to do, where it looks like the hall is going to end but nope it does a 90 degree turn and continues on...

But yep, Disney does a good job of getting a Tardis-like feel... they seem pretty huge !

SW

DCL lets you bring soda and bottled water on board, however it has to be in your carry-on luggage. They also allow specified amounts of beer and wine brought on board -- again it also has to be in carry-on luggage. For the alcohol there are specific rules about what is allowed and not allowed, but I don't know what they are beyond beer and wine allowed and hard alcohol not allowed, as our family does not bring any. -
On previous trip when our kids school age, would take 2 - 12 packs bottled water / 1 or 2 12 packs of coke, and beer and never had any problem our last cruise we were getting out of the car at the luggage drop of before DH went and self parked the car, and we were told we were not able to bring the drinks on board, I was shocked... when we asked why we were told for safety reason. Once in and waiting to be called, we talked to another family that said they took the drinks from them out of their carry-ons and were told they could get them back at the end of the cruise, they opted for that instead of going all the way back to the car, as they were heading to WDW at the end of the cruise for a few days. Have you cruised recently, our last cruise with DCL was almost 2 years ago. We are thinking of going on a DCL possibly this fall, with our oldest DD and SWEET DGS, so any info you have would be much appreciated.

 

[Frozen2014]

Obviously you'd have to price it out, but if you're talking Disney cruise...especially during high season vs WDW, then I would think WDW would/could be cheaper.

We stayed at value Art of Animation which was a great resort. We did have a suite but you can book non-suite (Little Mermaid) or try one of the other value resorts.
You can also budget by not getting meal plan and selecting your ADRs carefully (and bringing in your own food when you can). Plus you can stay the # days that fits your budget. AT WDW, park hopper is not worth it (Disneyland is a different story).

I know this varies, and others will disagree on a Disney board, but I find WDW so magical...can't even put it in words but just something about it. The variety of rides, attractions (since not all rides), shows and just atmosphere to look at. However, when it comes to the cruise, I didn't quite get that feeling. The cruise does gear to kids so if you are coming with young ones, then they certainly won't be bored. But personally, I'd select Disney park...and then try a cruise another time. I'm Royal Caribbean biased, which is a lot cheaper (but be sure to book a newer ship/one geared to kids vs older smaller cruise ship).

 

[Starwind]

DCL lets you bring soda and bottled water on board, however it has to be in your carry-on luggage. They also allow specified amounts of beer and wine brought on board -- again it also has to be in carry-on luggage. For the alcohol there are specific rules about what is allowed and not allowed, but I don't know what they are beyond beer and wine allowed and hard alcohol not allowed, as our family does not bring any. -
On previous trip when our kids school age, would take 2 - 12 packs bottled water / 1 or 2 12 packs of coke, and beer and never had any problem our last cruise we were getting out of the car at the luggage drop of before DH went and self parked the car, and we were told we were not able to bring the drinks on board, I was shocked... when we asked why we were told for safety reason. Once in and waiting to be called, we talked to another family that said they took the drinks from them out of their carry-ons and were told they could get them back at the end of the cruise, they opted for that instead of going all the way back to the car, as they were heading to WDW at the end of the cruise for a few days. Have you cruised recently, our last cruise with DCL was almost 2 years ago. We are thinking of going on a DCL possibly this fall, with our oldest DD and SWEET DGS, so any info you have would be much appreciated.

Yes, we cruised this December 2017 on the Fantasy, it was our 5th cruise with DCL.

You are allowed to bring soda and bottled water on board in your carryon luggage. The limit is how much you can safely carry as long as the luggage fits the size limits. We have seen people bring an entire 24 count case. This has been the case on all 5 of our cruises.

We brought a six pack of ~500 mL gingerale in plastic bottles + one 3 L spring water. We also had a some ~500 mL bottles of water. All of them were packed into a rolling carry-on size suitcase and the two side pockets of a backpack. They did not even blink an eye. All of them were in their original containers and other than the two waters we were actively drinking, were still sealed.

Here is the page for DCL's alcohol policy: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/prohibited-items/carrying-alcohol-onboard/ The alcohol policy changed within the last few years: there are now limits (#, volume, type) and hard alcohol is not allowed.

Here is their prohibited items list: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/prohibited-items/list/

Here is their page about bringing food and ice chests on board: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/prohibited-items/ice-chest-food-containers/

Perhaps at the luggage drop they thought you wanted to check the cases of the drinks ? That is not allowed.

SW

 

[kymom99]

If you decide on wdw, I agree with the suggestion to stay at CBR. It was my favorite resort. I don't recommend a pirate room. They are so far away from the pool and food court. I recommend paying for a preferred room. We stayed in Martinique. The quiet pool was right by our building. There are little sandy beaches with lounge chairs. (No swimming though) Really loved our stay at CBR.

Ok I haven't really done any research lately because no trips planned. Now I see where CBR is under massive renovation. I wouldn't stay there until it's finished. The laid back peacefulness isn't there right now.

 

[Shanti]

There are no soda packages to buy on DCL: soda is available on the pool deck and dining locations, and is included in the cruise cost. Soda only has a cost when bought by the can from room service or at the theatre, but even for that there is no package to buy.

There is not a whole floor for kids to enjoy, just a few different kids' clubs located in different parts of the ship. The kids' clubs are also included in the cruise cost.

There is no Magical Express bus to & from the port. There is a DCL transfer bus, but you have to pay for it.

There are ample activities available onboard DCL ships to occupy those who choose not to get off at the ports.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Also, just wanted to add that passports are not REQUIRED if sailing from a US port and returning to same US port (aka: closed loop). Adults must show photo ID such as DL and proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. Children under 18 need only the BC.
Also it's such a different type of vacation so it's hard to compare. As a pp mentioned, the ship has limited capacity so you won't have that "packed in, waiting an hour" feel for anything.

I also believe you get much more character interaction on the cruise. When ds17 was 11, we were walking along the upper deck of the Dream when along comes Donald Duck skipping, takes ds by the hand and they skip along the deck together. Long enough that I could quick pull out my camera and get a great shot from behind.
We once rode the little elevator with Stitch, who was quick to observe that his ear was close to my head so he started poking at me with it. It was hilarious and we got a selfie together. Also during the Til We Meet Again party on the last night, all the characters come out in the lobby, like different "stations" and we got Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Snow White photos in about 30 mins.
I've never had such experiences in the parks.

Also you can't really compare staying at a value resort to the nearly unlimited room service and evening turndown with chocolates on your pillow that you get in ANY cabin on the ship. At dinner, our empty table is waiting for us when we walk in, our servers remember our names, ask us how was our day and what did we do. They remember dh and I like ice tea and that I like whole milk vs. creamers for my coffee. They do magic tricks with dessert. They cut my kids meat and crack their lobster, then plead to me to let them know if there's anything else they can do for me to make this an unforgettable vacation.
Once when ds21 was about 14, he asked our server on the first night if there would be crème brulee for dessert some night on the cruise. (It was a 7-nt cruise so we knew there probably would be.)
Our server promised to get him some. When ds pointed out that it wasn't on the menu, our server took his pen and wrote it on the menu and told ds, "It is now!" That particular server, Daniel, was so awesome that we requested him for future cruises and now that he's moved back home to Hungary, got married, has kids, etc. dh stays in touch with him on Facebook.

You just don't get that level of service in any park.
In fact, it feels like people in the parks are just getting more and more rude, the parks are more and more crowded, and every time makes us wish we were back on a cruise.

OP, if you've never been to WDW, go. If you've been there, done that and ready for something else Disney, try a cruise.

 

[kymom99]

Also, just wanted to add that passports are not REQUIRED if sailing from a US port and returning to same US port (aka: closed loop). Adults must show photo ID such as DL and proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. Children under 18 need only the BC.
Also it's such a different type of vacation so it's hard to compare. As a pp mentioned, the ship has limited capacity so you won't have that "packed in, waiting an hour" feel for anything.

I also believe you get much more character interaction on the cruise. When ds17 was 11, we were walking along the upper deck of the Dream when along comes Donald Duck skipping, takes ds by the hand and they skip along the deck together. Long enough that I could quick pull out my camera and get a great shot from behind.
We once rode the little elevator with Stitch, who was quick to observe that his ear was close to my head so he started poking at me with it. It was hilarious and we got a selfie together. Also during the Til We Meet Again party on the last night, all the characters come out in the lobby, like different "stations" and we got Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Snow White photos in about 30 mins.
I've never had such experiences in the parks.

Also you can't really compare staying at a value resort to the nearly unlimited room service and evening turndown with chocolates on your pillow that you get in ANY cabin on the ship. At dinner, our empty table is waiting for us when we walk in, our servers remember our names, ask us how was our day and what did we do. They remember dh and I like ice tea and that I like whole milk vs. creamers for my coffee. They do magic tricks with dessert. They cut my kids meat and crack their lobster, then plead to me to let them know if there's anything else they can do for me to make this an unforgettable vacation.
Once when ds21 was about 14, he asked our server on the first night if there would be crème brulee for dessert some night on the cruise. (It was a 7-nt cruise so we knew there probably would be.)
Our server promised to get him some. When ds pointed out that it wasn't on the menu, our server took his pen and wrote it on the menu and told ds, "It is now!" That particular server, Daniel, was so awesome that we requested him for future cruises and now that he's moved back home to Hungary, got married, has kids, etc. dh stays in touch with him on Facebook.

You just don't get that level of service in any park.
In fact, it feels like people in the parks are just getting more and more rude, the parks are more and more crowded, and every time makes us wish we were back on a cruise.

OP, if you've never been to WDW, go. If you've been there, done that and ready for something else Disney, try a cruise.

The part about the passport is true, but be warned. If you have to evacuate from one of the ports outside the US, you must have a passport.

Also, a woman who has a different last name from her birth certificate needs to show documentation as to why, such as a marriage certificate for someone who changed their name due to marriage. In the case of a divorce and remarriage, you need a copy of the first marriage license, the divorce decree, and the next marriage license. How do I know this? I had to bring all this in 2013 when I cruised and had to stand there forever while some grim faced woman scrutinized my life. In the meantime my husband and son sailed through the line in 10 seconds. I am going on another cruise at the end of this month. I got a passport this time.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

It does make life easier when you have one. Then your documents simply have to match your passport. We have them anyway because we love to travel but I only brought it up in case someone is reading and thinks that $500 for passports for their family is mandatory. It may discourage them from trying a cruise.
Yes you’re right about if you fly home for whatever reason you need a passport to re-enter the US.

 

[Darcy03231]

A lot depends on what you want out of your vacation too. I find that a WDW vacation, especially in the summer when its hot, tends to be exhausting. There's so much to see/do it tends to be hard to take "down" time. It's gotten better over the years because we've been so many times and know that we'll go again, so we don't care if we miss something, but if this is a first trip or you only go every 5 years or so you can get caught in the 'let's try to see/do as much as we can" trap and feel like you need a vacation from your vacation when you get home!

A cruise (at least for me) tends to be a much more relaxing vacation. While there's still stuff to see/do, I don't feel like I'm on the run all day. You'd still get the Disney theming, just not the rushed pace of a land vacation.

One thing to keep in mind, just in case it's important to you, Disney cruise lines don't have a casino. While it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, it would for some people.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We have been in June/July to Disneyworld and now have a cruise booked. Our 4-night Bahamian cruise in June for the cabin with 3 people-2 adults and 1 child (deluxe oceanview with verandah) booked as soon as we could (as soon as prices were released) is $5074 just for the cruise fare (not including tips, shore excursions, souvenirs, upgrades, etc.). Usually, for best cruise fare, you need to book when dates open. Cruises for this summer will already be MUCH more expensive. You would probably have to wait until Summer 2019 and be prepared to book next month.


For the exact same dates, 3 people could stay at a moderate resort with Dining Plan and tickets for $3156...and there is a likelihood that discounts will come out. You can even do WDW cheaper than that (no dining plan, value resort or offsite, etc.)...I was just giving a comparable vacation (with entertainment and food and a moderate resort since the cruise I quoted you wasn't the absolute cheapest cabin)

ETA: As others have stated, not only is the cruise more expensive for the base price, but if you stay at WDW hotel, you will get transportation to the airport or at least free parking if you drive. For the cruise, we will have to pay to park our car. Also for the cruise, most people arrive a day before because of the possibility of missing the cruise if you arrive the day of. This will cost a night at a hotel, another expense (whereas a Disney vacation you can just go right to your resort)

Yikes! I try to only cruise in the summer when we have no other choice (such as Alaska/Med). Our school calendar has enough days off at school that we can sail in off peak times of year (early November) for half that. Anytime the entire country is off from school, prices skyrocket.

I have also found that if we must cruise in summer, the very end of summer is much cheaper than early summer. In 2016 we cruised a 7nt on the Fantasy and it was $1000 cheaper to choose the final week of August, leading into Labor Day weekend, than the week prior.
We just make sure any BTS prep is done long before that. This is also the week we chose for Alaska & Med and saved thousands. It's crazy but prices are all about supply & demand. There's very low demand in mid Sept and also hurricane season. Then again, June 1-Nov 30 is officially hurricane season. For $100 of trip insurance, it's worth it.

 

[Jenniferj477]

Our family has done both and I have priced both the last 5 years. WDW vacation has come out less expensive Particularly for the number of days vacation.

 

[jujubiee4]

As someone who has just gone platinum with DCL i prefer the cruises. With the prices soaring though now we try to
do WDW every other year instead of a cruise. Disney world is most definitely less expensive and your dollars will
stretch more because you can customize it more. The cruise is more rigid in price.

That being said i prefer the cruise because i hate crowds..and being stuck in the park with the same rides even
with park rotation. With cruise i can get off the boat to a new port and adventure. I don't have to worry about
parking and traffic...food..drinks..snacks..shows heck even crowds. Our Hawaii cruise was our best vacation
ever followed by the Europe one. If we had unlimited income i would cruise 2 or 3 times a year but we don't
so we mix in WDW which offers much better value.

You also have a youngster so i would pick WdW. It usually is truly magical at that age. My daughters
are older and at that age where they are starting to whine and complain about lines crowds and heat. However
when you are on school schedules it is hard to plan/vacation around that. Cruising is definitely not for everyone.
A close friend of mine just took one and thought it was boring as heck!

Christmastime at the parks is truly gorgeous.

 

[smiths02]

Yikes! I try to only cruise in the summer when we have no other choice (such as Alaska/Med). Our school calendar has enough days off at school that we can sail in off peak times of year (early November) for half that. Anytime the entire country is off from school, prices skyrocket.

I have also found that if we must cruise in summer, the very end of summer is much cheaper than early summer. In 2016 we cruised a 7nt on the Fantasy and it was $1000 cheaper to choose the final week of August, leading into Labor Day weekend, than the week prior.
We just make sure any BTS prep is done long before that. This is also the week we chose for Alaska & Med and saved thousands. It's crazy but prices are all about supply & demand. There's very low demand in mid Sept and also hurricane season. Then again, June 1-Nov 30 is officially hurricane season. For $100 of trip insurance, it's worth it.

Our school runs early August to Memorial Day. I love my job and the perks, but I can only vacation on school holidays, mid-June to mid-July, or on 3 personal days. I could probably do another time but then I would have to go without pay, so that kind of defeats the purpose of getting a deal. I am thinking I would love to visit either England/Ireland or Italy maybe sometime when I turn 50. I may take unpaid leave to accomplish.

(Plus our cruise this year is for the in-law's 50th which is in June)

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Our school runs early August to Memorial Day. I love my job and the perks, but I can only vacation on school holidays, mid-June to mid-July, or on 3 personal days. I could probably do another time but then I would have to go without pay, so that kind of defeats the purpose of getting a deal. I am thinking I would love to visit either England/Ireland or Italy maybe sometime when I turn 50. I may take unpaid leave to accomplish.

(Plus our cruise this year is for the in-law's 50th which is in June)

Every job has different limitations and sometimes it makes it hard to get a good deal. At my work we can only get one week off between Mem Day and Labor Day, it has to be Mon-Fri (no Wed to Wed option), we go in order of seniority in choosing weeks and we can’t choose a week that someone else already chose. So despite being #3 on the seniority list, I couldn’t get the week off for the Norwegian Fjords sailing in late August. I had it booked 18 months in advance and had to let it go. I had a great price and different itineraries on different weeks were super high by then. We could either bite the bullet and pay up or try again in 2019. We chose the latter.
Next time I will book 2 different cruises super early and as soon as I confirm my vacation week, I will cancel the other.