Can I cruise outside of Disney???

[ma23peas]

I have paid deposits on two cruises the past 18 months, cancelled both. My problem? Only cruised Disney. Why?

* probably scored the best deals out there (4K + $1600 OBC for 10 night Mediterranean) and all others were Kids said free deals.

* can’t tolerate smoke-something about that and essential oils scratches my lungs and sends me downhill. On Disney, never smelled it or even saw a smoker!

* don’t drink and don’t gamble...avoided other lines because so much of the ship seems to focus on both.

* Loved being able to walk the whole deck seeing the ocean on Disney ships, most ships seem to lack this feature.

 

Can I cruise a line and not be disappointed? Want to travel December 15, would do Disney again but Kids are all college aged and there’s just not much to ‘do’ for them...

 

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

[soozles]

It’s all your frame of mind I think. A lot of ships have gone to smoke free in a lot of places, so if you avoid the smoking areas, which is pretty easy in my opinion, you should be OK.

 

If you don’t want to gamble, don’t go to the casino. No one is forcing you to go in there. And no one is forcing you to drink. I’ll be honest, what other people do on their vacation doesn’t bother me. I’m not into hairy chest competitions, so I just don’t go. There’s always something else to do. But some people like it, so who am I to complain about it?

 

As for walking the whole deck, I’m not sure about all ships but I know some carnival ships have a deck that goes all the way around the ship.

[sloopsailor]

I have paid deposits on two cruises the past 18 months, cancelled both. My problem? Only cruised Disney. Why?

* probably scored the best deals out there (4K + $1600 OBC for 10 night Mediterranean) and all others were Kids said free deals.

* can’t tolerate smoke-something about that and essential oils scratches my lungs and sends me downhill. On Disney, never smelled it or even saw a smoker!

* don’t drink and don’t gamble...avoided other lines because so much of the ship seems to focus on both.

* Loved being able to walk the whole deck seeing the ocean on Disney ships, most ships seem to lack this feature.

 

Can I cruise a line and not be disappointed? Want to travel December 15, would do Disney again but Kids are all college aged and there’s just not much to ‘do’ for them...

 

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

 

I have cruised Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity. None allow smoking inside the ship or on balconies. All have a couple of outside smoking areas that are easy to avoid. As for "essential oils", no ship that I know of have these injected into the A/C system, so I don't know what the problem is. Sometimes people may have used them in their staterooms and they may have residual odors on them, but it isn't something the cruise line forces on people.

 

All have bars and lounges and drinking is available to those who want to. If you don't want to, then don't order a drink! No one has to order drinks if they don't want to. Not sure why you find this such a problem. It's not as if there isn't anything else to do! And, you can always sit in a lounge and order a soda or coffee. Drinks are not mandatory.

 

Only Disney does not have gambling. On others, don't if you don't want to. We don't gamble and never felt like we had to. No one forces you to.

 

Disney does not have a true wrap around promenade deck. Most ships today, including Disney ships, have only partial promenade decks. You can always walk the upped decks of all ships to enjoy the ocean.

Edited July 7, 2018 by sloopsailor

[myfuzzy]

I have paid deposits on two cruises the past 18 months, cancelled both. My problem? Only cruised Disney. Why?

* probably scored the best deals out there (4K + $1600 OBC for 10 night Mediterranean) and all others were Kids said free deals.

* can’t tolerate smoke-something about that and essential oils scratches my lungs and sends me downhill. On Disney, never smelled it or even saw a smoker!

* don’t drink and don’t gamble...avoided other lines because so much of the ship seems to focus on both.

* Loved being able to walk the whole deck seeing the ocean on Disney ships, most ships seem to lack this feature.

 

Can I cruise a line and not be disappointed? Want to travel December 15, would do Disney again but Kids are all college aged and there’s just not much to ‘do’ for them...

 

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

 

So, you have cruised before, but only on Disney, you want to sail again but kids are "college age" and there's not much to "do" for them...on Disney? You previously paid 4K for a 10 night DIsney, I hope that was for a suite.

 

You don't drink, smoke or gamble..and you want to sail Dec 15...this year? Sailings that time of year are probably pretty much sold out, as holiday cruises are booked way far in advance....

 

At this point you are pretty much limiting yourself.....

[jucaha]

Viking does not have a casino.

Has a deck you can walk around

Does not allow anyone under 16

Great excursions are offered.

 

Worth checking out!

[leaveitallbehind]

I have cruised Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity. None allow smoking inside the ship or on balconies.

 

True about no balcony smoking on all mentioned and Celebrity and Disney have no indoor smoking areas. Not sure about Princess but RCI allows smoking in the casino.

[sloopsailor]

True about no balcony smoking on all mentioned and Celebrity and Disney have no indoor smoking areas. Not sure about Princess but RCI allows smoking in the casino.

 

You are quite correct. Thanks for pointing that out. However, there will always be a non-smoking area of the casino for non-smokers (except for some cruises departing China which have the entire casino designated a smoking area.)

[Essiesmom]

All HAL ships have wrap around promenade decks, although the newest ships (Koningsdam/Nieuw Statendam) have lifeboats obstructing the view much of the time. All Princess ships except Pacific Princess have wrap around decks. Unfortunately Princess allows smoking in their casinos most nights and it wan be overwhelming, even from the outside. Many HAL ships have non-smoking casinos. If you have been paying Disney prices, you can probably sail on a more upscale line such as Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Viking....or even a luxury line. EM

[Texas Tillie]

All HAL ships have wrap around promenade decks, although the newest ships (Koningsdam/Nieuw Statendam) have lifeboats obstructing the view much of the time. All Princess ships except Pacific Princess have wrap around decks. Unfortunately Princess allows smoking in their casinos most nights and it wan be overwhelming, even from the outside. Many HAL ships have non-smoking casinos. If you have been paying Disney prices, you can probably sail on a more upscale line such as Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Viking....or even a luxury line. EM

 

Regent is a luxury line, probably the most expensive out there as it includes air fare, excursions and other things that are extra on Crystal, Silversea and Seabourn.

[sloopsailor]

Unfortunately Princess allows smoking in their casinos most nights and it wan be overwhelming, even from the outside.

 

According to Princess' website FAQ:

 

"The Casino and Casino Bar are non-smoking areas on board, with the exception of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking. The Casino will also have one or more non-smoking nights (6 pm to closing), depending on length of voyage."

On Grand Princess last year we did not notice any smoking at all in the casino for all ten days of our cruise.

[leaveitallbehind]

You are quite correct. Thanks for pointing that out. However, there will always be a non-smoking area of the casino for non-smokers..

 

According to Princess' website FAQ:

 

"The Casino and Casino Bar are non-smoking areas on board, with the exception of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking. The Casino will also have one or more non-smoking nights (6 pm to closing), depending on length of voyage."

 

 

Except unfortunately the smoke knows no boundaries, end even the best attempts at ventilation do not stop the smoke from wandering throughout the casino.

[CruiseGal999]

I have paid deposits on two cruises the past 18 months, cancelled both. My problem? Only cruised Disney. Why?

* probably scored the best deals out there (4K + $1600 OBC for 10 night Mediterranean) and all others were Kids said free deals.

* can’t tolerate smoke-something about that and essential oils scratches my lungs and sends me downhill. On Disney, never smelled it or even saw a smoker!

* don’t drink and don’t gamble...avoided other lines because so much of the ship seems to focus on both.

* Loved being able to walk the whole deck seeing the ocean on Disney ships, most ships seem to lack this feature.

 

Can I cruise a line and not be disappointed? Want to travel December 15, would do Disney again but Kids are all college aged and there’s just not much to ‘do’ for them...

 

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

 

What 2 cruises did you book then cancel? Both on the same Cruise Line or were each on a different cruise line? That will give us an idea of what you were considering, but rejected.

 

If you go on a 3 - 4 day Carnival cruise expecting a Disney experience, you WILL be disappointed as those short trips are usually booze cruises. YOUNG passengers intent on over imbibing.

[Heidi13]

* can’t tolerate smoke-something about that and essential oils scratches my lungs and sends me downhill. On Disney, never smelled it or even saw a smoker!

* don’t drink and don’t gamble...avoided other lines because so much of the ship seems to focus on both.

* Loved being able to walk the whole deck seeing the ocean on Disney ships, most ships seem to lack this feature.

 

Can I cruise a line and not be disappointed? Want to travel December 15, would do Disney again but Kids are all college aged and there’s just not much to ‘do’ for them...

 

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

 

Based on your criteria, I suggest checking out Viking Ocean.

 

Smoking - the entire ship's interior spaces, cabins & balconies are smoke free. Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area of Deck 8 Stbd side. Therefore, you can walk around Deck 2 without passing through a smoking area.

 

Casino - No Viking ship has a casino, so no wasted space for those of us not interested in gambling

 

Walk around deck - Deck # 2 is a walk around deck and you can also do the same on decks 8 & 9 (includes stairs)

 

Kids - general rule is no kids under 16, although they have some limited exceptions

 

Drinks - except for World Cruises, the drinks package is not included in the fare, but they do include house wine & beer at lunch/dinner. All teas & coffees are included.

 

Specialty Restaurants - 2 options, which do not incur an extra fee. Main dining room is anytime dining.

 

Can't comment on whether you would be pleased or disappointed, but their website lists them as the # 1 small ship cruise line. Max pax count is 930.

[Journeymaker]

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

I have two recommendations either my old time standby for December Viking River Cruises (if still available) Christmas Markets River Cruise in Germany (the problem is the departure from many USA airports (as my cousin said her sailing is selling out on Dec 14th however free air is included)

the itinerary is the Danube Waltz it is an 8 day Rivercruise from Passau to Budapest. 4 Unesco World Heritage sites

As an alternative and port of departure closer to home the brand new mid sized Holland America ms Nieuw Statendam.

The MS Nieuw Statendam is the sixth ship in Holland America’s history to bear the name Statendam. Like her sister-ship the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Statendam is one of the largest in the fleet and combines classic hallmarks of the cruise line with innovative venues. Smoke free except one small area guests will enjoy some of the finest dining at sea by indulging in Pacific Northwestern dishes at Pinnacle Grill, brasserie-style seafood at Sel de Mer, authentic Italian at Canaletto, or exotic Asian cuisine at Tamarind. For more relaxed meals, try al fresco dining by the pool at Dive-In or grab a slice at New York Pizza. Wine connoisseurs and novices alike can experience the art of winemaking at BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle. America’s Test Kitchen features live onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops where guests can learn techniques and recipes from experienced chefs. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon is the perfect spot for pampering with facials, massages, thermal pools, heated ceramic lounges, and more. Visit the Digital Workshop and learn how to edit, display, and share videos and photographs. Fitness buffs like myself enjoy the sport court, jogging track, fitness center, and two swimming pools. Nightlife options abound on the Nieuw Statendam, with entertainment venues such as B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Centerstage, World Stage, and the casino. I like the array of stateroom options to choose from, including family oceanview staterooms and signature suites. All staterooms come equipped with luxurious bedding, flat-panel TV, bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure, and premium massaging shower heads.

[cb at sea]

No cruise line is focused on gambling. Frequent cruisers know there are no "odds" on a ship. It's an entertainment activity only. You aren't forced to gamble ANYWHERE.

 

Most ships have all around walkways....on some, you might have to go up and down a flight of stairs. Plenty of walkable space.

 

But, if Disney does it for you...why even consider a change? Do what makes YOU happy! That's the whole point of a vacation!

[SPacificbound]

The title of your thread is a question only you can answer.

 

Of course you "Can cruise outside of Disney", but you have to decide if you want to.

 

I'm quite allergic to smoke, and have had no problem on ships, and I have never cruised on Disney.

 

No one is going to force alcoholic drinks on you, or make you go to the casino.

 

Take a look at Oceania or Azamara.

[ma23peas]

So, you have cruised before, but only on Disney, you want to sail again but kids are "college age" and there's not much to "do" for them...on Disney? You previously paid 4K for a 10 night DIsney, I hope that was for a suite.

 

You don't drink, smoke or gamble..and you want to sail Dec 15...this year? Sailings that time of year are probably pretty much sold out, as holiday cruises are booked way far in advance....

 

At this point you are pretty much limiting yourself.....

 

Sorry, I should have clarified: the 4K with $1600 OBC was for SEVEN people sailing a 10 night Mediterranean.

 

December 15 is not sold out and has many great deals, because most schools don’t let out until after that date for break. I found pricing for 5 adults (balcony and inside-2 cabins) that I priced for June and it’s half off that price for this sailing.

 

Many people who sail Disney do so to avoid casinos and the hard sell for alcohol packages, it’s not knocking those who want to do those things-it’s just a preference. Hence, my question. I was hoping those that might have sailed Disney and tried other lines were pleased with specific lines. I’ve read enough to eliminate 2-3 lines, just like some eliminate Disney to avoid noisy kids and bc they want a casino.

 

Right now, I am booked on RCL and on the 12th deck ( far enough away from the casino) with 2 rooms for under $3600...it’s not just me, two of our kids were rushed to ERs after simply walking through a smoking area or being in a hotel room that was deemed non smoking but obviously had been smoked in. We were just there ten minutes and his lungs closed up...I only mentioned essential oils to further explain the high sensitivity ...we have never had an issue with Disney, but at a Disney resort they used a cleaner that my husband had a serious reaction to..so, when you are on vacation-these events can wreck it.

I hope I won’t have to cancel this one, we can easily avoid the casinos...but my experience is even though balconies are to be smoke free-they often aren’t...this is coming from reviews/complaints from people on other ships. Hopefully, it’s better enforced.

 

I greatly appreciate the helpful responses.

[ma23peas]

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

I have two recommendations either my old time standby for December Viking River Cruises (if still available) Christmas Markets River Cruise in Germany (the problem is the departure from many USA airports (as my cousin said her sailing is selling out on Dec 14th however free air is included)

the itinerary is the Danube Waltz it is an 8 day Rivercruise from Passau to Budapest. 4 Unesco World Heritage sites

As an alternative and port of departure closer to home the brand new mid sized Holland America ms Nieuw Statendam.

 

The MS Nieuw Statendam is the sixth ship in Holland America’s history to bear the name Statendam. Like her sister-ship the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Statendam is one of the largest in the fleet and combines classic hallmarks of the cruise line with innovative venues. Smoke free except one small area guests will enjoy some of the finest dining at sea by indulging in Pacific Northwestern dishes at Pinnacle Grill, brasserie-style seafood at Sel de Mer, authentic Italian at Canaletto, or exotic Asian cuisine at Tamarind. For more relaxed meals, try al fresco dining by the pool at Dive-In or grab a slice at New York pizza

 

You had me at NY pizza :D my kids have final exams on the 14th, so a lot of sailings preclude us logistically. The Danube and Baltic are on our must do list, just can’t work with our limited timeline.

 

I think I’ve found a good option to try outside of Disney..Royal Caribbean Liberty...have not hit those ports on eastern side of Mexico, and it alllows us to drive to port saving our ff miles for a European trip next year.

 

I’m going to go check out HA now, might have some possibilities!!

[Z'Loth]

If you cruise expecting perfection, you are going to be disappointed. It is the imperfections in life that lead to great stories worth retelling

 

Have you checked out Celebrity? That cruise line seems to be catering to a more mature crowd. On my Alaska cruise last August, I didn't see any smokers or have problems with smoke outside of the designated smoking areas. I'm not a drinker, but it's amazing how a frozen smoothie, root beer, or ginger ale can pass for the real thing late at night.

 

As for gambling... yes, I do walk into a land-based casino on a regular basis for a good dinner and expect to lose $20 at the machines. Unless your muster station is the casino, it's easy to bypass the casino. Ship-board casinos tend to be more in favor of the house than land-based casinos anyways.

[SRF]

No cruise line is focused on gambling. Frequent cruisers know there are no "odds" on a ship. It's an entertainment activity only.

 

HUH???

 

All games have odds.

 

And cruise lines are focused on anything that can make the money, and casinos make money.

[ma23peas]

Not at all expecting perfection, moreso want to limit annoyances. I eliminated the 3-4 lines because of cruiser reviews confirming issues we would rather not deal with. My niece just returned from her first cruise and vowed never to go on that ship again because of the smoke issue...and I’ve never known her to mention being adversed to smoking. For her experience, it was a prevalent issue. That’s what I’m looking for, several have pointed out on certain ships they’ve seen none, that is a great tip-helps me narrow down choices.

I had this cruise narrowed down to RCCL Harmony/Symphony/Liberty... the two larger ones because many say college aged kids can find a lot to do. That’s why I don’t stick with Disney, we’ve been on all their ships and until their next three come out...we’ve maxed out our fun factor and want to try another line. Our last cruise on Disney, my then 20 year old only found a group of 3-4 his age to meet up with...that’s just not appealing at that age. Now with three 19-23, they don’t want to make up half their peer group on a ship. They don’t drink or gamble, either, and get easily bothered by the stories of friends who complained about certain lines because of the behavior of some...they love the waterslides, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, etc. We are only able to Getaway one week a year and just want to make sure we chose a line that ticks some of those boxes.

Thanks a great deal for the recommendations!!

[Grandma Dazzles]

 

Right now, I am booked on RCL and on the 12th deck ( far enough away from the casino) with 2 rooms for under $3600...it’s not just me, two of our kids were rushed to ERs after simply walking through a smoking area or being in a hotel room that was deemed non smoking but obviously had been smoked in. We were just there ten minutes and his lungs closed up...I only mentioned essential oils to further explain the high sensitivity ...we have never had an issue with Disney, but at a Disney resort they used a cleaner that my husband had a serious reaction to..so, when you are on vacation-these events can wreck it.

I hope I won’t have to cancel this one, we can easily avoid the casinos...but my experience is even though balconies are to be smoke free-they often aren’t...this is coming from reviews/complaints from people on other ships. Hopefully, it’s better enforced.

 

I greatly appreciate the helpful responses.

 

With such a severe reaction to smoke I would be wary of any cruise.

 

I have personally never had a problem with people smoking on their balcony; but I know there are lots of people out there who don't think rules apply to them.

 

Incidentally, I would be careful about your choice of cabin location. There are smoking areas outside on the upper decks on Royal Caribbean. It varies from ship to ship as to whether it's port or starboard. You need to make sure your cabin isn't close to one of these areas - they are usually on decks 11 or 12.

[George C]

Celebrity is totally smoke free except for some outside areas

[myfuzzy]

I have sailed over 30 cruises and have never been overwhelmed by smoke issues. Yes, there are smoking areas, just stay clear of them. I don't think cruising is for you. Find a land vacation, search thoroughly for hotels and venues that do not allow any smoking at all and have a great time.

[leaveitallbehind]

There are smoking areas outside on the upper decks on Royal Caribbean. It varies from ship to ship as to whether it's port or starboard. You need to make sure your cabin isn't close to one of these areas - they are usually on decks 11 or 12.

 

They usually are on the port side (but not always - can vary by ship) on the pool deck and the promenade deck, the deck number of which also can vary by ship class.