If not Disney..then who? So confused.

[PoppyMac]

A few years ago a drunk driver hit my family. I finally am getting a settlement, and the one thing, I dreamt of while in pain and recovering, was taking a Disney cruise to the western caribbean. I am not someone who will likely be able to afford to go on many vacations in my life, and this vacation I am planning to cruise for me and my kids (they will be 4 and 17) may be the only one I get to take.

We love Disney.

My brother loves Disney.

My bother loves cruising with his family.

My brother only goes on Holland America and says Disney is too expensive, that even though he is a Disney maniac, he wouldnt pay almost double to go on thier boats. He likes Holland America..because funnily enough he doesnt like kids very much and says they have hardly any on. He is taking his 4 and 9 year old on their 4th Holland america cruise next spring, to the caribbean. He tells me ..I wont like Holland America..it is too subdude for me. But that is what he likes..quiet.

I am confused now. I have read everything, there are so many cruiselines, too many boats etc.

Maybe for me it would be worth it to spend the xtra on a once in a lifetime trip? I find I am less excited on about a non disney boat. I will be alone with my kids. I dont drink much and plan to spend time with them. I am sure about the western caribbean, and was excited about Disneys itenerary..Key west, grand cayman, cozumel and disneys island. Other lines go to to belize..but not sure that is a stop I want to make, and I hear Roatan, Honduras is beautiful..but get a bit worried about being a traveler. I dont want to gamble and drink..but want things to do as a family, with a cool teen scene for my daughter, who wants to do Disney, as she is a Minnie Mouse nut. Dont want to worry about her getting caught in crazy drunk cruise.

What I am looking for in a cruise is family time, cool kids clubs, nice spa, pool time, shopping and eating. I am thinking Feb or March. My son will just be 4 and is an active go getting little guy. He needs to m ove so i need a club that will have tons to do.

So please..any advice..if not Disney..who? I cant figure out who has the best kids clubs/pools.

I tried to find another thread but didnt see one, so hopefully this isnt the millionth thread on this lol. I have been a member here for awhile, first time posting. :)

 

Thanks to any who answer!:)

[dustyroad]

from your post it sounds like disney is the cruiseline for you. choose it and have a happy son that will have a ton of fun.

[Keith1010]

I would go on the Disney Cruise. I am sure your son will appreciate that very much.

 

Keith

[sherilyn70]

From everything I read... Oasis or Allure of the Seas on Royal Caribbean is also amazing. My 5 year old step son has seen me looking at pictures of the Oasis and is sad that he doesn't get to go with us. I've read that the kids love the day programs and they have the Dreamworks characters (Fiona, Shrek, Puss N Boots, Madagasar Penguins, etc) on the ship and at character breakfasts. They have a carousel, parades and many other kid oriented things going on. So if you're not sure about Disney then check out those ships as well.

[Friend100]

The way I read it you WANT to do Disney. Go and have fun if can swing it! FYI - last fall DCL had kids sail free promotion for certain Caribbean sailings on the Magic for this past January and February. So you may want to check them out later this fall if anything similar will be coming out.

[cruiserking]

Hi PoppyMac,

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic. Why even think about it another minute? You and your family are huge Disney buffs, you should be your Disney cruise and have a wonderful adventure together.

 

Once you've booked your Disney cruise be sure and join the roll call.

 

Have a great voyage.

 

Jonathan

[PoppyMac]

Thanks everyone, I will check out RC the boats mentioned..check it out more. You guys are right, I DO want to go Disney, but when my brother who also loves Disney (more than me) says too overpriced and I should check out others, I figured I should. The cruising world is soo confusing with so many ships and cruiselines. I will let you know when I get to officially choose and book.

:)

[firefly333]

Why not do two cruises, rather than one big cruise that expensive?? Thats what most of us do.

 

Carnival and RCL both cater to families. Id pick a 7 day cruise on either.

 

RCL does have a few characters on Oasis and Allure .. those those two ships are also more expensive than average.

[Bill S]

PoppyMac,

If Disney is your dream cruise, and you have the funds to do it, then follow your dream! If you choose another line, you may always wonder what a Disney cruise was like. It is your money and your dream! Do it!

[oncerfan]

It really sounds like you enjoy Disney, so why not choose Disney? It is true they have some sales now and then. Sales are awesome :D

 

Good luck choosing and enjoy your family vacay! :D

[Friend100]

Thanks everyone, I will check out RC the boats mentioned..check it out more. You guys are right, I DO want to go Disney, but when my brother who also loves Disney (more than me) says too overpriced and I should check out others, I figured I should. The cruising world is soo confusing with so many ships and cruiselines. I will let you know when I get to officially choose and book.

:)

 

What your brother said is right with DCL. Generally they are more expensive comparing to another curiseline with similar itinerary. Based on my limited cruising experience, what I think differentiate DCL from RCL is the "magical experience", especially with kids. Everything is so much magical. But I have not been to WDW, and I do have read someone who prefer to get their Disney fix at the park and resort and they prefer a more relaxing cruising experience elsewhere that cost less.

 

Whatever you decide, it is a vacation for you and your family. Choose something the you won't regret of not trying.

 

Edit: I notice you are in the Seattle area. Disney Wonder will be departing from right there next year for the Alaska cruise. I know you said you want to do Western Caribbean, but you may want to consider the saving you can get from not flying and being able to experience a Disney cruise.

[weircamping]

I have heard that Disney is a once in a lifetime experience that you should do at least once. And if this is possibly your only opportunity and you have the funds, then you should definitely go for it!

 

My DH & I have only sailed Carnival once, about 5 years ago. We are traveling next week on Carnival again with our DD's, 10 & 13. When we were deciding on which cruise line to take, we talked with our kids about what each line has to offer, comparing Disney, RCL Oasis of Seas & Carnival. We didn't let them decide fully, but we did talk about the differences in not only the ships, but also the cost. We explained, not only that money is needed for the cruise, but also for souviners, and excursions, etc & what our options would be for that. They decided that they would rather go on a less expensive cruise line and go on really cool excursions like zip-lining.

[Friend100]

My DH & I have only sailed Carnival once, about 5 years ago. We are traveling next week on Carnival again with our DD's, 10 & 13. When we were deciding on which cruise line to take, we talked with our kids about what each line has to offer, comparing Disney, RCL Oasis of Seas & Carnival. We didn't let them decide fully, but we did talk about the differences in not only the ships, but also the cost. We explained, not only that money is needed for the cruise, but also for souviners, and excursions, etc & what our options would be for that. They decided that they would rather go on a less expensive cruise line and go on really cool excursions like zip-lining.

 

This is actually a very good idea in terms of getting the kids (and the parents too :D)to go through that thinking process, understanding their priority, debate about the difference, and learning the value of money. I did something similar with my kids and experienced some obvious difference between my DS, DD and DW in terms of their preference and priority. Like my DS prefers a 3 days cruise with a balcony cabin instead of a 7 days cruise inside cabin, but my DD doesn't care about the cabin as long as she hits more ports and beaches.

 

Sorry OP to hijack your thread for this.

[SingingMom1]

We cruised on the Disney Magic in 2000.... it was wonderful. Our daughter was 7 at the the time... we had a lovely verandah and went to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay. If you are a Disney fan, and you have children the age yours are - I say go for it. The Oceaneer's Club was terrific for the kids - broken down in age groups - lots to do!

We leave Sunday for our second cruise ever - this time on Celebrity Summit. We are very interested in seeing which we like better! Of course, we are heading to my favorite place in the whole wide world - Bermuda - and we are splurging on a Royal Suite (with butler!) to celebrate our 25 th anniversary. So - it really won't be comparing "apples to apples", but it still will be interesting to see if Disney trumps Celebrity or Celebrity trumps Disney!

[Keith1010]

Thanks everyone, I will check out RC the boats mentioned..check it out more. You guys are right, I DO want to go Disney, but when my brother who also loves Disney (more than me) says too overpriced and I should check out others, I figured I should. The cruising world is soo confusing with so many ships and cruiselines. I will let you know when I get to officially choose and book.

:)

 

You are always wise to check out all options. With that said, there are times that paying more for something does make a big difference. A cruise on Disney is very special and if this was me I would follow my dreams if I have adequate funds for this.

 

Keith

[isujim]

I have never sailed Disney.......I wanted to clarify that......but based on your post, it certainly sounds like Disney is for you. I wish you the best. I would pay more attention to those that have actually sailed Disney. If that has been a dream I would go for it.

[SingingMom1]

You are always wise to check out all options. With that said, there are times that paying more for something does make a big difference. A cruise on Disney is very special and if this was me I would follow my dreams if I have adequate funds for this.

 

Keith

 

I have never sailed Disney.......I wanted to clarify that......but based on your post, it certainly sounds like Disney is for you. I wish you the best. I would pay more attention to those that have actually sailed Disney. If that has been a dream I would go for it.

 

 

It was our first cruise, so we didn't have anything to compare it to, but we thought Disney was amazing. We found that it was WONDERFUL for families, but you really could be without children and it seemed you could still have a fabulous experience. A few evenings, after dinner and the main show, we would let our 7 year old daughter go to the Oceaneer's Club for an activity and movie like a "slumber party", and my husband and I would stroll on the decks and stop at the piano bar for a quiet drink, and then pick her back up. It was SO nice to have a little down time, but know that she was having a ball - and it was never like we were "dumping her in day care" so that we could be on vacation without her.

Yes, it's Disney themed - and the characters are around to take pictures and say hello, and the family shows are Disney, but it wasn't ad nauseum, in my opinion. Disney just seems to know how to do "hospitality" and we thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. (except the kiddie pool - that was just a little too many swim diapers for my liking. lol we have a pool in the backyard, so my daughter didn't really mind - she took a few trips down the slide and that was enough. Of course, we couldn't get her out of the crystal blue ocean in St. Maarten!!! ;) )

Now off to pack for BERMUDA!!!!!!!

[Keith1010]

SingingMom1, have a wonderful time in Bermuda.

 

Keith

[SingingMom1]

SingingMom1, have a wonderful time in Bermuda.

 

Keith

 

Thank you! Very excited ! :D

Will be interesting to "compare" it to our Disney cruise 11 years ago!!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

carnival less money

[muti]

Disney is more expensive than other cruise lines. However, if that's your dream then go for it. If the choice was mine, I'd go with the Oasis or Allure. We've been on the Oasis and it was incredible. The parades were Disney quality -- lots and lots of things for kids to do. Have a great trip.

 

Jackie

[Cruisin' Chick]

Maybe you should talk to a cruise specialist. That's a travel agent who specializes in cruises. You can find one of them in your yellow pages. Go in and tell them what your needs and desires are for a vacation. You probably won't get a discounted price on a Disney cruise from what I've read, but maybe you can save on airfare. If you're not set on the itinerary, the Alaskan cruise can be wonderful for your family -- the usual activities, but in a very scenic area. And in the summer, you can luck out with some nice weather. Just not beach weather. But you would save on airfare (usually Alaskan cruises start in Seattle, Vancouver or Anchorage).

 

But as others have said, Disney tends to be so much more than the other mainstream cruiselines. You are paying for the brand.

[SingingMom1]

But as others have said' date=' Disney tends to be so much more than the other mainstream cruiselines. You are paying for the brand.[/quote']

 

But, with that "brand", you are getting those extra touches... ;) I think it is fantastic for cruising with kids - especially if it is their first experience. Although that can set their expectations high in the future! Today, as we leave for our first Celebrity cruise, our daughter is worrying that there won't be enough for a teenager to do, like the activities on Disney! oh well.. guess "we shall see"! lol

[drmomto3kids]

It sounds like you'd be happiest with Disney, so just do it. The only competition IMO is Oasis or Allure, but honestly they're not much cheaper if at all. Sometimes Disney has kids free (one of yours would qualify with 3 in cabin.) Also your 4 yr old is reduced price anyway I think.

[Cuizer2]

A few years ago a drunk driver hit my family. I finally am getting a settlement, and the one thing, I dreamt of while in pain and recovering, was taking a Disney cruise to the western caribbean. I am not someone who will likely be able to afford to go on many vacations in my life, and this vacation I am planning to cruise for me and my kids (they will be 4 and 17) may be the only one I get to take.

We love Disney.

My brother loves Disney.

My bother loves cruising with his family.

My brother only goes on Holland America and says Disney is too expensive, that even though he is a Disney maniac, he wouldnt pay almost double to go on thier boats. He likes Holland America..because funnily enough he doesnt like kids very much and says they have hardly any on. He is taking his 4 and 9 year old on their 4th Holland america cruise next spring, to the caribbean. He tells me ..I wont like Holland America..it is too subdude for me. But that is what he likes..quiet.

I am confused now. I have read everything, there are so many cruiselines, too many boats etc.

Maybe for me it would be worth it to spend the xtra on a once in a lifetime trip? I find I am less excited on about a non disney boat. I will be alone with my kids. I dont drink much and plan to spend time with them. I am sure about the western caribbean, and was excited about Disneys itenerary..Key west, grand cayman, cozumel and disneys island. Other lines go to to belize..but not sure that is a stop I want to make, and I hear Roatan, Honduras is beautiful..but get a bit worried about being a traveler. I dont want to gamble and drink..but want things to do as a family, with a cool teen scene for my daughter, who wants to do Disney, as she is a Minnie Mouse nut. Dont want to worry about her getting caught in crazy drunk cruise.

What I am looking for in a cruise is family time, cool kids clubs, nice spa, pool time, shopping and eating. I am thinking Feb or March. My son will just be 4 and is an active go getting little guy. He needs to m ove so i need a club that will have tons to do.

So please..any advice..if not Disney..who? I cant figure out who has the best kids clubs/pools.

I tried to find another thread but didnt see one, so hopefully this isnt the millionth thread on this lol. I have been a member here for awhile, first time posting. :)

 

Thanks to any who answer!:)

 

Given how much you like Disney, perhaps that would be a good fit for you. The other family friendly lines are Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL. You might also want to check out Royal Caribbean's Oasis or Allure of the Seas western itinerary. The ships stop at Labadee (Royal Caribbean's private beach), Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel Mexico.