which cruise

[heatherbelle]

We're going back to the world in Oct 2008. This time, as a surprise, I'd like to book a cruise.

There will be 2 adults and 1 child (9) I don't know if a Disney cruise is a good idea, as I don't want Disney overload, we'll be going for nearly 4 weeks, as it is, and there will be plenty of time to see the mouse on land.

Ideally I fancy a mini cruise for a few days, to get a taster of what it is like.

Has anyone got any tips, of where to get a fab crusie from, which one's are good for families, and should I leave it until the last minute to get a big discount and if so, which companies offer good deals.

I don't fancy those stuffy one's where everyone has to dress in black tie for dinner etc.

The food also has to be fab.

 

[paulh]

would say disney cruise would be ideal.an 9 y old would love it.No pressure to have a tux as well.But we always dressed smart for meals.Shows are quality,they tested the lion king onboard. and castaway cay paradice.And no it wont be disney overkill
Paulh

 

[kristieuk]

Definitely try the Disney Cruise. We have only done the 3 day as we hadn't cruised before, and weren't sure whether it was for us.

I have to say, all aspects of the cruise were outstanding - the quality of the ship, the food, everything was beyond all expectations, and there is as much or little Disney as you want - if you don't feel like going ott Disney, it's really not that in your face.

In terms of price, I think the earlier the book the better - there are early booking discounts, and most of the 3 and 4 day cruises get fully booked, and so as far as I could find, no last minute discounts.

I really do recommend you book - either directly with DCL, or if you book with Dreams Unlimited, it can be a little cheaper, plus with free stateroom credit. Good Luck - I'm sure you won't be disappointed

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi - we've just booked for our second disney cruise ( a 3 night one) - we have also done a 4 night Disney cruise and 2 cruises with Carnival (one of 7nights and a 10night one) - we chose Carnival originally as they were nicknamed 'the fun ships' and we didn't want to do a stuffy posh cruise!!

Well both of the Carnival cruises were fantastic - but then we tried the Disney one - And I'm sorry but there is just no comparison!!! Even if you ignore the Disney magic, the ship is beautiful and elegant - but because its disney you are made to feel so special and of course the children are treated so well.

You can see characters if you want and obviously the shows are disney themed - but you can equally avoid the disney stuff if you really want to - and believe me Castaway Cay cannot be beaten!!!

If its a cruise you want - please do not rule out Disney as I feel (IMHO!!) that you will be missing out!!!

 

[UKDEB]

We've cruised DCL for 4 nights and NCL for 7 nights - both in the Carribbean.

Maybe surprisingly, I'd say Disney is good for adults because it has so many adult only venues - the pool, a couple of bars and, the piece de resistance - Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay. Once thing that's stuck in my mind is that you can be at the adult only pool in relative peace and quiet, and then walk 10 feet to the mayhem of the family pool. You say the food has to be fab. Obviously that's a subjective thing, but I didn't rate it. It was exactly what I expected it to be though - I'd say on a par with most of the restaurants at the World Showcase in Epcot. Palo was better, but not as good as, say, California Grill, Jiko, Flying Fish, et al. DCL is unmistakably Disney - reliable and undeniable quality, if a tad homogenised.

NCL, whilst in the same category as DCL, is a step up IMHO (at least on the newest liners), although obviously it depends on what you're looking for. Its Freestyle Cruising is a breath of fresh air in the industry. You're not restricted to set dining times - you make reservations in the same way as you would for normal restaurants, there's no dress code, there are about 11 restaurants to choose from, and the food at many of them is surprisingly good. Take a look at their website for full details.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with either for a first experience of cruising - either way, be prepared to be hooked!

ETA: There are very few these days which subscribe to the old-fashioned image of crusing and all of them (other than those which are specifically for adults) cater very well for children.

 

[wayneg]

We have done a 4 night Disney, 2 x 7 night Disney (Eastern and Western) and a 4 night Royal Caribbean.
All the Disney cruises were in October and were fantastic, Shows are the best on the seas in our opinion. DS would never use kids clubs but on DCL we could not get him out, we actually had to drag him out so we could go to bed on a night. I am not one for dressing up on holiday, even on formal night(dont get on 4 night cruise) I only wore shirt and tie, no jacket but around half the diners were dressed the same. Only thing that lets DCL down for me is food, yes the sit down meals are very good but I prefer informal buffets and the buffet on DCL is not great.
Last August we tried RCCL because the price for 3 of us on 4 night cruise was £500 compared to Disney's £1,300. Cabins, shows, kids club and more not as good as Disney but the food in the buffet was sensational, so good we never even considered going for a sit down meal.
Coincidently I have just been looking again for another 4 night for this August, RCCL I can get outside luxury cabin for £600 (£200 each) Disney is £1,300 for cheapest inside cabin, I just dont think Disney is worth that much more,. Wish I could go back to October prices, we only paid £1,100 for 7 nights outside cabin with Disney.
Compare the prices but I think the best deal will be if you book now for next Oct, Disney usually give early booking discounts.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I completed my 30th cruise this past March including 5 on Royal Caribbean, 3 on Carnival and 1 on Disney. These are the three cruise lines offering 3 and 4 night cruises out of Port Canaveral.

They are all very similar. I would say Disney does everything FIRST CLASS all the way but you'll pay double the price (or higher) for the same length of cruise. Of non-suite cabins, Royal Caribbean's ship Sovereign of the Seas has the smallest cabins, Carnival Sensation the largest. Royal Caribbean gives you Nassau and private island Coco Cay while Disney gives you Nassau and private island Castaway Cay. Carnival only gives you Nassau and a day at sea on their 3-night cruise but you get Nassau and Freeport on the 4-night cruise. Disney does not have a casino, if that matters. I think Royal Caribbean has the best buffet but that's definitely a matter of personal preference.

Be sure to check pricing from U.S. travel agency websites too as you may find lower pricing than from the U.K. based agencies. Carnival and Royal Caribbean have standardized pricing whereby all sources should be quoting the exact same price for the same sailing.

Cruising is definitely addictive!

BobK/Orlando

 

[heatherbelle]

Thanks so much for all the replies.

I like the sound of RCCL, with those fabulous buffets. I will check them all out and see what the prices are like.

I know we would enjoy Disney, but as much as I love Disney and can't wait to get back, I always have that washed out Disney feeling in the pit of my stomach. Once I get back there though, I love it. Strange I know.

 

[wayneg]

Just had a quick look at prices for you for Oct
4 Night Disney from $1,561 (£780)
4 Night RCCL from $809 (£405)

Approx an extra £125pp more to do Disney. If your finances allow I would probably pay the extra for Disney for your 1st cruise.

Things for Disney are better ship, bigger cabins, fresh water pools, Kids clubs, free soda. very clean, Plutos dog house (chicken strips hmmmm) strict Adult only pool, Castaway Cay and lots more.
Against Disney buffet, price honestly cant think of anything else against.

Things for RCCL buffet, climbing wall, casino(not our cup of tea), price
Against RCCL, saltwater pools, oldest ship in RCCL fleet, Adult pool they let anyone in, Not a family atmosphere that we felt on Disney(maybe that had to do with Dismeets not the cruise line ).

As someone as said there is a standardized pricing policy but if you have an rpoints account (or create one) they give 7.5% cashback on all cruises at www.cruisedirect.com booked online, if you have to ring you dont get the cashback.
Whatever you decide have fun cruising is great.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

DCL cruises are great, I would suggest seven days as you cannot put it into 3/4 days, kids lover it.

Plus did you know the MAGIC is in the MED now for this summer and prices are cheap, book through DU sponsors of this board.