3 Night Cruise - What do I need to know

[mommyto2kids]

We are seasoned cruisers both CCL and DCL, but we always take 7 night cruises.

 

We are going to Disney World in June and decided to add on a 3 night cruise before our trip using the kids sail free deal.

 

We are doing a Thurs-Sun cruise on the sensation out of Port Canaveral.

 

I've obviously heard the term "party cruise" for the shorter weekend cruises.

 

We are going in with moderate expectations, we just want a few days to relax before 7 nights of busy Disney World.

 

We have 2 kids ages 6&9 just wondering what I need to know about this type of cruise compared to our typical 7 night cruises.

 

 

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[mommyto2kids]

No advise from anyone?

 

 

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[Crusin6]

No advise from anyone?

 

 

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You already know it is party cruise time but I would also add that depending on your dates and as it is port canaveral that it could certainly be a ver very family heavy cruise as its price will be so much more reasonable than dcl

[nhraformula00]

I would not go with young children on a 3 or 4 day. I have not been on a 3 day, but a good friend of mine went on one 2 years ago with his family. He said never again, lots of noise late at night in the hallways. A lot of locals do these 3 day getaways to get drunk and stupid. Not saying that every week is the same but, Good Luck

[Mrs CruisinCritter]

I just went on a solo 4 night cruise at the beginning of December and the atmosphere was just like what I've experienced on longer cruises. Seemed to be more older folks and families than anything. There were a few younger people having a good time, but no more than usual.

 

I wanted to add that maybe it was just the time of year, but it was a nice, quiet cruise which is something that I really needed after a rough year. The hallways were quiet most of the day and night minus the few people who feel that people only hear them if they speak very loudly when having a conversation, but it definitely wasn't a giant party like most others have stated.

 

 

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Edited April 13, 2014 by Mrs CruisinCritter

[SadieN]

We've gone on the 3 dayers out of LA.

There will be some wildness going on, especially around the pool during the day and later at night along the Promenade. It can be easily avoided.

 

Stay on 11aft around the slides. Lots of loungers and the kids will enjoy the slides.

Edited April 13, 2014 by SadieN

[cynt]

Be ready to book another cruise. 3 nighters make me long for 7 nighters ;)

[Ccindicane2]

I have only done 3 And 4 nights to Mexico with my 7 year old and never had any problems. He loves cruising. He loves camp carnival. He spends the day in the pool or on the slides and the evenings in camp carnival.

 

 

Carnival Inspiration - 2012, 2013, and 2014

[JinxyB]

I did the 3- night cruise on Sensation back in January - I would not have felt comfortable taking my young child. The slides were broken for a full day and there were countless bachlor/bachelorette/birthday parties. A lot of partying and drunk people around the pool. Lots of 'interesting' people and attire. Just my opinion but I didn't want my kid around all that rowdy behavior, plus Nassau sucks.

[LREcruise02]

We did this exact thing last year with a short cruise then Disney! It was great my kids were 4 and 2 then. I didn't think it was any more or less of a party atmosphere. As always I think it's what you make of it. We loved having the relaxation of the cruise before our busy days at Disney! Have a great time!

 

 

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[SkyMaster]

I think you'll find that the only problem is that it's far TOO SHORT! You're going to have a GREAT time aboard, so don't worry about it, and enjoy yourself. :cool: Port Canaveral is easy-peasy as far as embarkation/debarkation, so that too is no problem Enjoy yourselves.

 

"SKY"

[mommyto2kids]

Thanks everyone

 

To comment on some of your thoughts.

 

- our plan is to hang out near the slides as I think they will interest my kids more than the pool (they are not a huge fan of the carnival salt water pools)

- we are going in with moderate expectations, the alternative for us would have been renting a hotel in Orlando and hanging out for a few days, we were looking for a way to extend our vacation and figured there is more to do on a cruise than at a hotel.

 

- if things start to get inappropriate on the pool decks we have the option of the water slide area and the kids club.

 

To the person who said a 3 day cruise make then want to book a longer one - we have a 5night /4 night back to back planned on DCL in February so we have that covered.

 

I think I'd be more worried if I was counting on this 3 night cruise to "be my Vacation", but I figure even if it isn't great - as soon as we get back we head to an amazing resort in Disney world for a week.

 

Thanks

 

 

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[tattoos]

You will really enjoy it and so will your family. The Sensation has a very nice water park area and the children will love it. There is a party atmosphere on every cruise I have been on, regardless of ship size, length of cruise, month of year, etc. If you find yourself in the middle of a situation where you are uncomfortable, move elsewhere....lots of other areas on the ship to enjoy.

 

The Sensation is a fantasy-class ship and very easy to navigate and the purple neon in the atrium adds to the fun. The shows in the main lounge are great but if it's not your thing, don't attend.

 

On the Lido deck between the grille and wok restaurant there is an area where they offer carved meats and rotisserie chicken which is very good.

 

They have Motown night near the casino bar one evening and the band had even the hard core gamblers leaving the slots to dance. If Wee Jimmy is your CD, be prepared to laugh a lot.

 

I have been to Nassau many times but always find something to do in town. They have a nice Pirate Museum within walking distance which is very inexpensive, there is a new casual restaurant near Senor Frogs which had great food (can't remember the name), a quick taxi ride to Atlantis provides an opportunity to walk around the resort and get a glimpse of their aquarium. There are free beaches in Nassau...Junkanoo Beach and, my favorite, Cabbage Beach. Junkanoo beach is within walking distance and Cabbage Beach is a quick, inexpensive cab ride away.

 

As Skymaster mentioned, as far as embarkation and debarkation, it has always been efficient, quick and easy from Port Canaveral.

 

The Sensation provides a great cruise experience, the ship is clean, the food and service in the main dining room is very good and I think you will be truly surprised and have a great time.