Which way would you go… 7 day in concierge in Caribbean or 14 day EBTA transatlantic?

[coloradocutie]

We are considering two cruises next May.. and both seem like such fun options!!! (but wouldn't any Disney cruise ) They are both on the Magic- we could do a 7 day Caribbean itinerary in concierge and go to Castaway Cay… or 14 days non-concierge on the transatlantic. They both really sound fun in their own way. Considerations: we would be traveling with a 3 year old and a 7 year old. Do I want to deal with the time zone changes on a TA- is it really bad for children? Airfare back from London might be pricey but using miles would likely be the way we go on that one. Will the children love it because the ship is so less crowded? Beach (ahhh!) vs Northern Atlantic? Will we miss the extra room in cat 4 compared to a T (yes! but enough to really impact the cruise joy?) We would love the sea days, no doubt. We just haven't done a transatlantic to know enough to compare the two adequately… but I know y'all have some great thoughts to help us be more informed! Thank you all in advance!!!

 

[Justacruiser]

My first thought is strictly for the kids. Do the kids care about Concierge? More of a thought, will they do well for 14 days? I am sure they would be fine...... but that's the question I would be asking myself.

IMHO, time zones really don't come into much play on the cruise. You kind of adjust during the length of the cruise.

I want to tell you Transatlantic because that's what I would want. But, I am not sure that 14-days won't be to much for a 3/7 year old. My suggestion to you is to do the 7-Night and book a transatlantic if you feel the kids can handle it after the 7-night. By the way, reluctantly this is IMHO ONLY!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My first thought is strictly for the kids. Do the kids care about Concierge? More of a thought, will they do well for 14 days? I am sure they would be fine...... but that's the question I would be asking myself.

IMHO, time zones really don't come into much play on the cruise. You kind of adjust during the length of the cruise.

I want to tell you Transatlantic because that's what I would want. But, I am not sure that 14-days won't be to much for a 3/7 year old. My suggestion to you is to do the 7-Night and book a transatlantic if you feel the kids can handle it after the 7-night. By the way, reluctantly this is IMHO ONLY!

I was struggling with this, also. I'm firmly in the "longer is better" camp, so I'd do the 14 nighter. BUT with the kids and wanting "beachy" stuff, I'm going to say the 7 night Concierge one would be better. But, if you downgrade (don't do Concierge) that would leave some money in the coffers for booking the TA also, if you want to.

 

[Flossbolna]

What about doing the Westbound Transatlantic in September instead? Going West the days get longer and it is easier to adjust (well, if your kids are early risers, that might not be so good if they then start waking up at 3am though...). It starts out in Barcelona, so you will have some warm days in the start. It is only 11 nights, so not just as long.

About the time change though: I have seen so many people travel across the Atlantic with kids and they always seem to do well after a short adjustment time. Friends of mine took their kids on a three week trip to China when they were 3 and 5 and said that the kids had less problems with the time change and the long flight than they had.

From my Panama Canal cruise I know that these longer cruises tend to have less kids on board and therefore the kids get some special attention. Even for us adults the characters really got to know us. You could tell that they recognized us and were continuing a conversation from a previous meeting. We had lots of fun with Donald and Daisy!

 

[coloradocutie]

Y'all nailed it. The biggest question is how will the sweet little ones handle it. We are meticulous with naps to help everyone stay rested and happy. I LOVE the longer is better idea, but I am wondering if a 3 year old will be as easy going with an 8-9 hour jet lag happening by the end.

I was struggling with this, also. I'm firmly in the "longer is better" camp, so I'd do the 14 nighter. BUT with the kids and wanting "beachy" stuff, I'm going to say the 7 night Concierge one would be better. But, if you downgrade (don't do Concierge) that would leave some money in the coffers for booking the TA also, if you want to.

We may just plan on the TA in the future!

 

[Eeyorebabies]

We have done 4 day concierge with a 4 yo and two 7 yo's. I don't think concierge would really be the factor. I personally love concierge, but my kids couldn't care less, nor would they know the difference if we didn't do it.
My suggestion if concierge isn't a deal breaker, why not just get the deluxe ocean view non-concierge and use that extra money to go to WDW either just before or right after the cruise (we prefer before but that's a whole new discussion).

 

[Eeyorebabies]

Meant to add that in no way would I want to do 14 days on a cruise with young children. While there are fun things to do, I think it may be too much of a fun thing for my children. I would rather the 7 days with a trip to WDW thrown in. Even several days at WDW my kids get bored, it's overwhelming. They start saying they want to go home after about a week of going anywhere, this includes WDW, DL, or any vacation.

 

[RHSTigerMom]

I may be wrong, but I don't think the Magic got a Concierge lounge during dry dock, so what are you really getting for that money? I just got off the Dream concierge (no kids) and it was totally worth the money. Only you know your kids, but I would think a 14 day TA would be too much. If you want to go concierge, then do 7-day on the Fantasy.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Transatlantic all the way.

 

[coloradocutie]

I may be wrong, but I don't think the Magic got a Concierge lounge during dry dock, so what are you really getting for that money? I just got off the Dream concierge (no kids) and it was totally worth the money. Only you know your kids, but I would think a 14 day TA would be too much. If you want to go concierge, then do 7-day on the Fantasy.

I could imagine that Dream concierge was wonderful!!!! and totally worth it! We were told by concierge on the Fantasy 2 weeks ago that by next May (earlier, actually) there will be a lounge on the Magic. Without it, the only added benefit is the 1. space and 2. ordering dinners in to the room, (both awesome with little ones) which, for us, make it worth the extra price. The lounge would be bonus.

 

[Alexle2007]

We just did concierge on the Fantasy with our DS8 and while DH and I loved, I don't think it made any difference to him (except for the free popcorn for the movies.) I'd love to do a TA! You could always see if there is upgrade to concierge for the TA at the port

 

[Ofinn]

Transatlantic's are usually less than 7 day cruises or close to the same price. I'm assuming airfare would be the big difference in price?

 

[MelSpees]

I would personally do the TA. You could then travel around Europe a bit and visit beaches there. I know it's different for little ones, but they can adjust to time zones and different adventures remarkably well. It does depend on the kid, of course, and you know your kids best.
Do they love the beach? Do you? If that is the kind of vacation you prefer then go for it. I, personally, wouldn't spend the money for concierge, but would use the money elsewhere--for excursions and/or more vacation.

 

[timrousbeastie]

We are considering two cruises next May.. and both seem like such fun options!!! (but wouldn't any Disney cruise ) They are both on the Magic- we could do a 7 day Caribbean itinerary in concierge and go to Castaway Cay… or 14 days non-concierge on the transatlantic. They both really sound fun in their own way. Considerations: we would be traveling with a 3 year old and a 7 year old. Do I want to deal with the time zone changes on a TA- is it really bad for children? Airfare back from London might be pricey but using miles would likely be the way we go on that one. Will the children love it because the ship is so less crowded? Beach (ahhh!) vs Northern Atlantic? Will we miss the extra room in cat 4 compared to a T (yes! but enough to really impact the cruise joy?) We would love the sea days, no doubt. We just haven't done a transatlantic to know enough to compare the two adequately… but I know y'all have some great thoughts to help us be more informed! Thank you all in advance!!!

It's a very subjective question, but the key for me is that you are traveling without extended family and with younger children. Because of that, I would not pay extra for concierge. Realistically, you are not going to spend much time in your room. Given that, I'd either go with the TA or a 7-day Caribbean in a nice 4A stateroom. We have booked concierge for our next 7-day Fantasy cruise, but that's only because our party of 9 includes 3 generations, in particular 3 grandparents who don't walk well. The extra room in a Cat T gives more space for family interaction, and it will be a noticeably nicer experience for those who are not able to walk around the ship all the time. I travel all the time as part of my work, including 2-3 months each year in Europe, and staying concierge is crucial towards making my hotel stays tolerable. I also have no issue paying for two nice suites at a hotel in Times Square the week before our cruise as I consider the money is well spent towards allowing interaction between grandchildren and grandparents. In Orlando, I booked a 2-bedroom at the Grand Floridian for the same reason. Likewise, flying the grandparents in from Europe on business class is not even a question to me. However, as much as I value concierge, I simply couldn't justify Disney's rates if I were just traveling with a healthy young family. The next time I do so, I will go for connected 4As. Then again, that's just my very personal answer, but I think that was what you were looking for.

 

[kiford]

I'd personally do the longer cruise partly because I love longer cruises and have never done a transatlantic and I'm not that interested in beaches and concierge doesn't interest me in the least. However, I have no children so it's not a consideration for me. They could find a longer cruise dull unless they spend time in the clubs and enjoy it; that might give you time on your own which could be very relaxing. But only you know how your family is and what will make them happiest.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

I've done three 14 night DCL cruises with my kids: 2 WBTAs and one EBPC. The first one they were ages 4 and 7; the last one they were 7 and 10.

Our neighbors have 3 kids, the first two about the same as ours, and one in preschool. Their first DCL cruise was the EBTA 3years ago, then the WBPC; and they are on the EBTA again, right now! So the time changes, though not ideal, didn't stop them from having a fantastic cuise.

The WBTAs are my favorite cruises, and my kids. Not many kids so the clubs and family pools aren't crowded. Always things to do as a family, or separate if they want to spend time in the clubs. My younger NEVER wants to leave! You can unplug from the world. It is really cool to look at the ships map when you are halfway between Europe and the U.S. or to stand on the deck at night and realize how far you are from land and just in your own little stress free world for a few days.

There are 2-3 DCL Carribbean cruise every week, you can always book one whenever you like, but DCL only does the TAs twice a year (if that). Go for the TA.

 

[coloradocutie]

We just did concierge on the Fantasy with our DS8 and while DH and I loved, I don't think it made any difference to him (except for the free popcorn for the movies.) I'd love to do a TA! You could always see if there is upgrade to concierge for the TA at the port

This sounds awesome! Is cruise fish the best way to see what categories are/were left?

I've done three 14 night DCL cruises with my kids: 2 WBTAs and one EBPC. The first one they were ages 4 and 7; the last one they were 7 and 10.

Our neighbors have 3 kids, the first two about the same as ours, and one in preschool. Their first DCL cruise was the EBTA 3years ago, then the WBPC; and they are on the EBTA again, right now! So the time changes, though not ideal, didn't stop them from having a fantastic cuise.

The WBTAs are my favorite cruises, and my kids. Not many kids so the clubs and family pools aren't crowded. Always things to do as a family, or separate if they want to spend time in the clubs. My younger NEVER wants to leave! You can unplug from the world. It is really cool to look at the ships map when you are halfway between Europe and the U.S. or to stand on the deck at night and realize how far you are from land and just in your own little stress free world for a few days.

There are 2-3 DCL Carribbean cruise every week, you can always book one whenever you like, but DCL only does the TAs twice a year (if that). Go for the TA.

That is really encouraging to hear. I think the biggest appeal is unplugging from the world, as you said. Leaning that way… THANK YOU!!!

 

[Bella29]

Just my opinion... we've sailed concierge on the Magic before and found it completely underwhelming. I would not make concierge part of my decision unless the room itself is a big deal to you. We have found that we are just as happy in a category 4, 5 or 6. A 14 night TA is a long time for a first cruise for younger kids, not to mention a long flight home! You know your family best but I'd probably do two 7 nights in the Caribbean instead if that is an option, or one 7 night cruise with adding on some time in Florida or San Juan. We are adding on a week in the Keys before our upcoming cruise on the Magic out of Miami and we have done Disney World before a 7 nt cruise in the past as well.

My kids are teens now and they LOVE DCL and would love a 14night TA, they would be happy to entertain themselves during the cruise and they can easily handle long flights. I would still miss the beaches but I would get plenty of poolside reading time in instead. Unfortunately a 14 night TA won't fit in with their schedules now that they are in highschool. That's another factor - when your kids are little you have more control over their schedules!

 

[runswithscissors]

We are a family of three; our son was two when we first cruised (a 7-night). We booked a Cat 4A and had plenty of room.

We stepped up to a Cat T for our third cruise-the EBTA. The extra space for the longer cruise was wonderful. Our son was ten at the time and the time changes did not seem to affect him. We loved the longer cruise and would do another in a heartbeat. This leads me to my next statement...now that we've sailed in a Cat T, a Cat 4 seems small to us. We sailed last August in Alaska in a Cat 4A and, although it was fine, we did feel alittle cramped at times. Plus, the 7-night felt like it wasn't quite long enough after spending 14 glorious nights on the Magic. Not saying this to discourage you...just giving our experience after doing both. Our next cruise is booked and we decided the space and concierge perks are something we prefer to have when we cruise.

Either option-the TA or 7-night concierge-will be wonderful. There are pros to each and, regardless of which you choose, you're bound to have an unforgettable time.