Disney or Carnival

[robhawk]

Going to WDW next February. Thought I would add a 3 day cruise to the end. I can't believe that Disney is twice as much as Carnival leaving the exact same port with similar ports of call. Is Disney that much better? I have never been on Carnival so can't compare.

 

Rob

 

NCL Dream 2/07

Disney Magic 2/04

Disney Maguc 2/03

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Disney ships do not have casinos. That is why they cost so much more for a cruise that is comparable to other cruise lines. In other words, those who gamble heavily on cruise ships subsidize the cost of everybody's cruise.

[tnsail]

Carnival Ships have been know to have a more party type cruise on the short cruise (3 and 4 days). Though it has tuned way down the past couple of years it still is the "Fun Ship" for this type of cruise....... Not that that is a bad thing but if your interested in a quite little jaunt, you might want to think this one thru......

[momofmeg]

Disney ships do not have casinos. That is why they cost so much more for a cruise that is comparable to other cruise lines. In other words, those who gamble heavily on cruise ships subsidize the cost of everybody's cruise.

 

Disney Wonder was also a very beautiful ship made with expensive materials -there was lots and lots of marble floors and teak paneling and brass scrollwork (look for Mickey in the scroll work- he is not obvious-sort've like "where's Waldo?") everywhere and this big huge gorgeous blown glass chandilier similiar to what you see at the Atlantis casino resort near Nassau was in the lobby/centrum area. The ship had the feel of what the ships of yesteryear looked like-think "titanic".

 

I liked Carnival okay and will probally cruise Carnival again, although that is far from my favorite line-but Disney is really a wonderful experience-no-I would not cruise them over and over as many do-but I do feel everyone should do a Disney cruise once-but then I like doing differant things.

[JerseyGem]

Hi Rob: I'm jealous- you're combining two of my favorite vacations- WDW and cruising. Since you've already been on the Magic twice, I suggest trying Carnival (or another line that fits your time frame). I'm assuming you have kids (although DH and I go to WDW frequently and our DD is 22!) So my comments assume youngish kids:

 

How old are your kids? I see that you were on the Magic in 03 and 04 (and isn't that a great ship?), so I'm assuming your kids may be beyond the "only Disney" stage. Plus, they may have their fill of Disney with your land visit- and may be more willing to try "fun activities" that don't include characters and Disney shows.

 

Here are some things that I see as potential differences: the cost! (Always an important consideration>). DIsney ships' shows are all geared to "family" entertainment (and are such high quality). Carnival's shows will not be too "raunchy" for kids, but may be boring for kids. You will have one set dining room (you don't rotate among 3 like on Disney). In February (unless some school holiday?), you may find fewer kids. This can be a plus- your kids will get more individual attention in the kids' camp, but then you'll be less likely to meet other families with kids in the dining area, shore excursions, etc- so your kids may feel like they're stuck with too many adults. Disney has a dedicated adults' pool (and of course, the kids's pool); Carnival ships do not segregate. DIsney's private island is wonderful- and you dock rather than tender, as at most other private islands. More smoking areas on Carnival, plus more space is used for the casino. I actually preferred the food on Carnival (we had food issues on the Magic, which may have just been our server's fault).

 

If you don't have kids- definitely try Carnival! It's only for 3 days- one shore day in the Bahamas? And remember that some of the Carnival ships are older and a lot smaller than the Magic- and may not have features that you like (for instance, we really like a promenade deck to walk outside but not in the sun and wind- not all Carnival ships have one).

 

Have a great vacation! (And have you found the great site on Disney- INTERCOT?)

[robhawk]

Thanks for the replies:

 

JerseyGem, my kids will be 17 & 14 next February. DW is school nurse. That week is our spring break. We always take our vacations that week. DD wants Disney one more time before college. We went two years ago and I figured that might be it until grandkids.

Just returned from NCL Dream and we absolutely loved it. I want cruising to be our vacation but I admit I love Mickey too! I figured if we throw a small cruise after 4 or 5 days at Disney everyone wins. I guess I was just nervous that Carnival would be one big crazy party. After doing Disney for 5 days I will want to relax.

 

Rob