Would you do 2 cruises on other lines or 1 on Disney?

[crhenderson]

We have the option of taking the west coast Disney Cruise this summer with an inside cabin or we can take a 7 day Alaskan cruise inside cabin on NCL in July and a 7 day Carnival balcony Mexican Riviera cruise in November for the same price for our family of 4. We have sailed 3 times on RCCL, 3 times on Carnival, and 2 times on Princess and have never had a bad cruise. What would you do?

 

[depomas]

DISNEY all the way. Keep in mind of course this is the only cruiseline we have done. Last year, when planning our trip, we had a choice similar to yours. My family could not believe I even comtemplated it!!

In the end I was happy I stuck with DCL.

 

[afoss]

I want to say first off that I'm a huge fan of cruises and would always recommend that everyone should experience a Disney cruise.
However, I would do the 2 cruises. My favorite cruise ever was to Alaska. We went on Princess and had a balcony. If you can swing it, get one because you can sit on your balcony and watch for glacier chunks to fall off in the privacy of your own room. There is so much to look at vs just "water" that a balcony is well worth it.
Also, a factor to consider the kid's age. Kids can outgrow the Disney fun stuff so don't miss that window of opportunity to WOW your little ones with a Disney cruise.
Just my 2 cents worth. Whatever you do, you'll be on VACATION and will have a wonderful time!

 

[b&j's_mom]

We have been on Carnival and Disney. We enjoyed ourselves on both! I would 2 cruises over 1 Disney! An Alaskan cruise sounds wonderful!

Julie

 

[cwf1028]

We're only paying to do Disney for the kids. They are at the prime age, 4 and 7 and may not get a chance before they outgrow it. Unless you are missing an opportunity with the kids, I would go for the 2 cruises, especially Alaska! I know Disney sounds great, but we would be going on another line if it wasn't for the kids.

 

[tvguy]

I've been on 7 cruises........1 Disney, 1 HAL, 2 RCCL, 2 NCL, 1 Paquet.
Give the choice of 1 Disney or 2 something else, I'd say two something else.
Disney was a hair better than HAL, 2 hairs better than RCCL and NCL, and a whole different world from Paquet* so really can't compare.
Heck, I'd even do 2 Carnival cruises.....that's how much I love cruising, although my wife might disagree there!!!!

*I cruised Paquet in 1980, a french line, the ship was the 400 passenger Mermoz. It was marketed to passengers from French, so even though it was a Caribbean cruise, the ship was like being in France. 12 folks in our group, and only about 30 non-French on the entire ship, just 1 person under age 18, a 2 year old. The entertainment consisted of a crew talent show, the food was true gourmet, and wine was included with lunch and dinner.

 

[Mjasp]

Although I have only cruised twice and it was on Disney, I'd have to say go for the 2 cruises!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And since you've been on Carnival, did you go with kids and if so, how was it? My kids are 13 and 9 and I'm thinking of maybe switching to Carnival to save $1,000.

 

[crhenderson]

Thanks for the responses! We have only taken one Carnival cruise with our daughter who was 7 at the time. We had a great time but we just hung out as a family the whole time. We enjoyed the dinners, pizza and ice cream. We didn't go to any of the shows but opted to play games after dinner. We use cruises to bond and not deal with the daily chores that take over our days at home.

 

[allears]

No a suggestion so much for original poster, just our opinon, I would take DCL over two others. My kids are 17, 14 and 8, and have already told us they don't want to go on another line. For us, we know we're going to totally enjoy our DCL experience, so we feel like we get value for our dollar. I know other lines do a great job, I just know we'd be missing "our" ship.

 

[logan1_2000]

1. You've done 8 family cruises, DCL would be a new experience for you, and it is family friendly. The production shows especially are family oriented and top notch talent. Its just a happy experience. Or...
2. Alaska speaks for itself. If DCL had more ships, it would sail there. And you already know that your family enjoys what Carnival has to offer. 2 sounds better than 1 in your case since they all sound good (its not 2 bad vs. 1 good).

So either way, you have a winning choice. Now that we've removed the pressure/fear of getting it wrong, listen to your family's collective gut and whichever makes you happy.

 

[jennat]

I would definately say two cruises. I think the different lines all offer something different and sometimes better...sorry I love the VOS on RCL...probably my ship/cruise of choice. Haven't done NCL or Carnival but in my experience...there is something unique and great about every cruise. For example when we were on Monarch of the Seas, a smaller ship of RCL, it was so easy to meet people and see them over and over again, the VOS, which is huge, it was harder to meet people but tons to do and Johhny Rockets/ice show/etc. Princess, we didn't love the "one storyness" of it but loved the movies at the pool. So bring on the adventure.
I say have Twice The Fun

 

[lookingforward]

In my mind, no question, do the 2 cruises. I recently sailed in Alaska on RCCL with my entire family. It was a true trip of a lifetime. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty and wonder of Alaska. Keep in mind that the tours are expensive and decide which you want to do ahead of time.

I have cruised NCL, RCCL, Costa, Celebrity and DCL (we sail on Crystal tomorrow). All have wonderful aspects so it is hard to compare. I agree with the previous poster about the Voyager Class ships on RCCL. They are really fun and geared for active people! Ultimately, I would look at the idea of having two vacations (and the educational/beautiful experience of Alaska) as the deciding factor. Family vacations are important and make memories for life. The more quality time the better! And even though DCL is wonderful..there is definately quality time to be had on other lines.

 

[HeatherH]

TWO CRUISES, emphatically!!!

I love NCL and the chance to do BOTH an Alaska and Mexican Riviera cruise for the same price as just ONE Mexican Riviera cruise on DCL...well, that's a no-brainer for me. That's two amazing destinations, both on good ships, with plenty to do and good children's programming. I love NCL's "freestyle cruising" too, with no assigned dining times or restaurants and lots of good choices for meals.

Enjoy, whatever you decide!

 

[Susie51]

I'm looking forward to my first time on Disney. It is the perfect cruiseline for us this trip. The kids club has a lot more hours and it has Flounders for kids under 3. The other main line cruise companies don't offer these perks.

I have cruised 5 times with RCCL, 3 w/NCL, 1 w/Princess, 1w/Celebrity, 1 w/HAL. I usually book an inside cabin that way I can cruise more often.

Sooooooo...., in answer to your question I would go with the 2 cruises unless you need the additional kid sevices.

Celebrity Infinity's kids' area looks very nice. Infinity goes to Alaska and I love the public areas.

Whatever you decide have a great time.

Sue