Monarch vs Mariner plan - with elderly parents

[Peggy5]

Hi All,

 

I posted on other board but posting here too to get some more advice. We've got family cruise booked for later this yr, taking my in laws my parents, hubby & I & our 2 yr old on Monarch which is 4 days going to Bahamas from Port Canaveral & we've also combined 5 days at disney afterwards for variety & cuz' disney is family/kid friendly.

 

However, recently price on on Mariner for 7 day Eastern carribean dropped & turns out we can either keep our current plan or change to the 7 day Eastern carribean on Mariner + 3 days disney for same cost.

 

I'd luv to see St thomas/St marteen(on Mariner) but wondering if being on a ship for 7 days would be too long with in laws & parents. MIL isn't able to walk much may be issue going sightseeing St thomas & St marten. But thought of spending money & taking vacation from work & not being able to go on a new ship & better ports is making us think. But we realize we have to make a decision keeping the family structure in mind(meaning we are going elderly parents).

 

As far as cabins, on mariner we'd have inside room vs superior oceanview on monarch(same size for both) also mariner we'd have take 2 connecting flights from Midwest to FL. So pros for mariner are, newer ship nicer ports st marteen/st thomas. Cons are not being sure if 7 days on ship with the parents is a good thing(specially when its 1st cruise for all). Another con is not sure mariner would be good for my 2 year old either, being that long on the ship & the fact that she's 2 years old & not potty trained & so we wouldn't be able to take her in the regular pools(I think) so thats why the disney plan sounded more family friendly. But we're confused which really would be the better way to go considering cost is coming out the same for both plans. Any advice?

 

Peggy

[cb at sea]

Considering the age of your child and parents, I'd stick to the shorter cruise with Disney included.

Or, perhaps, skip the cruise altogether and do the full-fledged Disney experience with plenty of time to rest and relax! (It's almost impossible to see all of Disney in 5 days, unless you go like a bat out of hell!)

Once your child is older and toilet-trained, Mariner is a fabulous way to spend a vacation! But a 2 year old isn't going to get anything out of it that she won't get just by spending time with you!