What is the big difference between a 3 and 4 night cruise

[Marshay]

Keep your $1500 and just do the 3 day both cruises are way to short especially on the new mega ships. You will have a good time on the 3 or 4 day, but the extra sea day is really not worth the $1500.00. Take that $1500 and put it towards your WDW trip before the cruise!

I seriously considered the 4 day for the sole purpose of having a "second chance" at Castaway Cay should we not be able to dock there due to weather on the first try on our cruise next December. Our first cruise was a 5 day, and that felt too short, but our next one is mostly about seeing Castaway Cay and we really wanted to focus on Walt Disney World since we won't get to go there very often.

What changed our mind from the 4 day to the 3 day was the fact that the 3 day is on the weekend, so the rates at the resort went up so not only would we be saving $1000 on the cruise, but also another $1000 (est value) of the points for _not_ staying at WDW during the weekend but rather during the week since DVC points are cheaper on the weekdays (not sure non DVC resorts charge a premium for weekend too). Something to keep in mind. Sad about a lack of brunch at Palo as an option though.

Thanks to both of you for your insights!

I think I'll stick to the 3 day cruise...may try the member cruise, and if not available, then the regular 3 day cruise.

I think if we really end up liking to cruise, then our next option would be a 7 day cruise b/c as others have said, I, too, think the 3-4 day cruises are too short...but good since we want to add a few days to see the new Fantasyland, too.

 

[tastefullyjenn]

Thanks to both of you for your insights!

I think I'll stick to the 3 day cruise...may try the member cruise, and if not available, then the regular 3 day cruise.

I think if we really end up liking to cruise, then our next option would be a 7 day cruise b/c as others have said, I, too, think the 3-4 day cruises are too short...but good since we want to add a few days to see the new Fantasyland, too.

Yes the price difference is large and you have to keep your whole travel budget in mind but my friend did 4/3 day cruises on the Dream back to back. We were on the 4 with her and she said the biggest difference was the feel of the cruise on the 3 day--everyone was rush rush rush. Personally, having done a 3 day on carnival (blech) I wouldn't do a three day. Yes, you are saving from the 4 day but I would consider the rushing rushing as such a detriment it wouldn't feel relaxing.

LOL you've got great support for the three day here --just consider my response as rationalizing if you need it to extend!

 

[Marshay]

Yes the price difference is large and you have to keep your whole travel budget in mind but my friend did 4/3 day cruises on the Dream back to back. We were on the 4 with her and she said the biggest difference was the feel of the cruise on the 3 day--everyone was rush rush rush. Personally, having done a 3 day on carnival (blech) I wouldn't do a three day. Yes, you are saving from the 4 day but I would consider the rushing rushing as such a detriment it wouldn't feel relaxing.

LOL you've got great support for the three day here --just consider my response as rationalizing if you need it to extend!

So is a 4/3 day cruise generally cheaper than a 7 day cruise? Just curious why your friend did a back to back instead of just going for a longer cruise.

I'm a cruising novice (went 2x about 10 and 23 years ago -- both were 3 day cruises) but definitely intrigued by a Disney cruise ... esp the kids club areas since I heard they were free (?) and we have 2 kids. This would actually be a vacation for DH and I, too, then!

 

[awatt]

Thanks to both of you for your insights!

I think I'll stick to the 3 day cruise...may try the member cruise, and if not available, then the regular 3 day cruise.

I think if we really end up liking to cruise, then our next option would be a 7 day cruise b/c as others have said, I, too, think the 3-4 day cruises are too short...but good since we want to add a few days to see the new Fantasyland, too.

Just back from 3 night Dream followed by a few days at WDW. It worked out great.

Did not feel rushed on the cruise. Nassau day stayed onboard and enjoyed teh ship. Then a gorgeous day at Castaway Cay. We didn't expect to see and do everything . But I do feel we experienced enough of the Dream, didn't miss out on anything we wanted to do. Felt very relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Then we spent a few days at BCV and the parks. Had a ball! And I wouldn't have wanted to give up a day of that for a day longer cruise.

So I think if you are combining a 3 day with a park stay you get to enjoy both and are not missing out. If you are only cruising I would go for a longer cruise.