Disney cruise, yay or nay?

[Anonymous]

We've never been on a cruise before and have a 7 y/o DD. not sure how to pick one ship over the ore - anyone out there take a Disney cruise and want to share advice? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Definite YAY. We went three summers ago on the Disney Wonder, but I understand there are even more spectacular ships now. Fantastic programs for kids, great access to characters for pix and autographs, fun excursions. They think of everything - I'm a single mom of a then-five-year old daughter, and they sat us with two other single parents with five-year old daughters. First-rate.

[Anonymous]

Everyone we know who has been on one loved it. We're waiting until our youngest is preschool age but it's definitely something we want to do.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! Did your daughter enjoy the kids club or did she stay with you? I've never been on a cruise before, did you feel trapped? Did you enjoy yourself too?

[Anonymous]

Any ship/destination better than others?

[Anonymous]

I enjoy cruises and enjoy Disney. However, personal opinion, there's not enough that is that special about a Disney cruise to justify the usually significantly higher price over another mass market. RCI, especially, is known for having great kids clubs and activities. Personally, unless you really love Disney specifically, I'd go with a different line. THere's a lot more that the big lines (Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, RCI) have in common than differences, so I'd let itinerary, price, and ship amenities be your guide.

[Anonymous]

I've heard great things about Disney. But I've also heard great things about RCI, Carnival, NCL for kids (and adults too.) Go to cruisecritic.com and find the family board. Awesome resource.

Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

We went this past February on the 4 night Disney Dream with our 8 year old DS. We had never cruised before either and I frankly wasn't looking forward to this trip, but my parents wanted to take grandchildren and our families on the cruise. I was very pleasantly surprised. We all really enjoyed the trip overall. There was one day "at sea" were it felt kinda crowded because everyone was on the ship, it was a beautiful day, and it seemed like all the families wanted to be at the pool. The kids/family pools are very small and crowded. There is also a pool in a section of the ship for adults only (this is where my parents were ... and it was NICE). I felt like they should have opened up all pools to families on the one day at sea to allievate some of the crowding. Other than this one issue, it was a great experience overall.

Yay!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went this past February on the 4 night Disney Dream with our 8 year old DS. We had never cruised before either and I frankly wasn't looking forward to this trip, but my parents wanted to take grandchildren and our families on the cruise. I was very pleasantly surprised. We all really enjoyed the trip overall. There was one day "at sea" were it felt kinda crowded because everyone was on the ship, it was a beautiful day, and it seemed like all the families wanted to be at the pool. The kids/family pools are very small and crowded. There is also a pool in a section of the ship for adults only (this is where my parents were ... and it was NICE). I felt like they should have opened up all pools to families on the one day at sea to allievate some of the crowding. Other than this one issue, it was a great experience overall.

Yay!

Just to add ..... when we pulled up in port in the Bahamas, we were next to an older Carnival ship. The Disney Dream sparkled in comparison. Our ship was clean (it is one of their newest) and almost every stateroom has a balcony. We noticed on the Carnival ship there were very few balconies and it just looked kind of dirty in comparison. If we ever go on a cruise again, Disney or other cruise line, we will make sure to select a very new ship with a balcony room.

[Anonymous]

Great advice thanks everyone!

[Anonymous]

Definite YAY! We took DD1 for her 1st birthday (yes, we are "those" people) and had a blast. I am trying my best to hold off DH on going again until our DDs are 5 and 8 so they can do the kid's club stuff. Disney just does everything so well and (obviously) they are wonderful with the kids. FTR, I have also cruised with Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Disney would be my #1 for a cruise with kids.

[Anonymous]

I can imagine nothing worse.

[Anonymous]

Yes and please take us. We went last year with 11 and 8 yo. It was our favorite vacation. Loved the disney island. The kids loved the kids club and were happy to spend time there. We only wish we had taken a longer trip ( it was just 4 days). The ship was brand new (2d voyage) and just amazing.

[Anonymous]

9th circle of hell - NAY

[Anonymous]

Not OP but for all the people who say nay, have you been in a DC and hated it. Can you tell us why you say it's hell. I am thinking of taking my three yr old and am interested in hearing what the downsides to a DC are.