Advice Required Disney or Royal or Carnival

[andy-otter]

Hi I'm considering purchasing a 3night cruise for December 2008, for 2 adults, 3 children. Because there is five of the cost is very high. With having 2 rooms, 2 of the children are being charged adult prices. If we book a grade 4 with Disney we can all share a room, but the cost is very expensive. Please help with your advice on the best cruise and best way of booking. I have just asked dreamsunlimited for the disney quote. The Royal Caribbean cruise looks good, ie not much time at sea but we would need 2 rooms. The carnival sensation ok for 5 in a room, but only 1 day onland. It's our first look at cruises and I've very confused. Also everyone is mentioning on board credits and booking with Disney then moving to another US agent but still getting your first credits.-- my head is spinning!! All advice much appreciated. Thanks. (looking around 18th Dec 08) :wave:

[ANGEL]

It is very confusing, and very much a matter of personal choice I think Andy :)

My own choice would be to go with Disney, especially if you have children (although we always cruise as a couple anyway!;)) I've never fancies Carnival Cruises, but that's just my pwn opinion of course. RCL would eb my second choice as they always look as though there is loads to do on board, and the ships look great.

Have you had a look through one of the guidebooks? The passporter cruise guide, or Birnbaum's guide give a good idea of Disney cruises and there is also a Brit's Guide to Cruising I think which has all different types of cruising in it. It's a few years old but will give you a good idea of the choices.

For me, the atmosphere, wonderful service, size of the ship, great food etc etc on board DCL ships are just the best. Have a read through some of the threads on here (try the 'stickies' at the top), look at some photo's in the gallery and then ask any specific questions you ahve! :wave:

We're always happy to talk cruising! :wavey:

[rylisal]

Try & get hold of a copy of this book..The Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Lines 2007
I bought it from Waterstones for my Dads Birthday..Its excellent & will help anyone either new or experienced cruisers, we've all read it over & over now!
My Dad refers to it every time he hears someones cruising!!
Wish I'd seen it lasy year when I was as confused as you..It would have saved a lot of trawling the net!!
You may be able to get or order it from local library!
HTH x

[andy-otter]

Hi Many thanks for your help. I'll go and get the book. Been looking at disney again, and it seems more cost effective to book 2 sep rooms, even though the children will be adult cost. More sq overall. (sally - we live in Wimborne, not far from you!) Thanks for your advice, both of you Sally and Angel.

[rylisal]

Hiya neighbour!!
Must admit when i was deciding last year I was drawn towards Disney for the kids(& me!) DH wasnt keen at all but he too loved it!!
Even for our next cruise, I was tempted by Carnival for the price but DS(& he's 13!) realy wanted Disney again as he loved it so much!

Since booking our entire hol, my parents are coming too, we are in Orlando for 1st week together but then seperate...They are going on The Carnival Glory whilst we do the Disney Magic!!LOL!!
They just didnt fancy Disney Cruise at all...So, we will be comparing notes after next years holiday!!
They are 'Seasoned' cruisers though..Been on lots & are off on the QM2 next May to New York(What it is to be old...oops I mean Retired LOL!!)

Happy Planning! :wavey:

[jdybnsn]

Hi I'm considering purchasing a 3night cruise for December 2008, for 2 adults, 3 children. Because there is five of the cost is very high. With having 2 rooms, 2 of the children are being charged adult prices. :wave:

What cat. room are you looking at if you book 2 rooms ?

Had you considered one outside cabin with the other cabin a cheaper inside across the hallway ?...or are you looking at 2 cat 12s or 11s side by side ?

December is quite an expensive time to book due to the holiday season unfortunately.

[andy-otter]

Hi, Thankyou for your reply. I've now looked at using my DVC points and have enough for one adult and two children in cat 8 and one child one adult in a category 11. (two of the children would be calculated as adult rates - which seems a shame) Otherwise if I booked a category 4 family suite I have enough points for 2 adults 2 children and can purchase an additional child place through disney at $384. Booking anything is so much easier when you only have 2 children to consider! That third one is so expensive.......!!

I noticed your advice at the start of this cruise forum about booking two rooms across the room from each other and this would give us more space ie 100sq ft, but the way the points are working it might be worth the category 4 ? What would you do?

Weve never done a cruise before. My children will be 12,11 and 8 at the time of travel. Thanks for any advice. I'm also aware that using my DVC points in this was is not the most cost effective use :-( The disney cruise looks fab... my head is spinning ... so much to learn. Many thanks, Michele

[jdybnsn]

Hi,
I noticed your advice at the start of this cruise forum about booking two rooms across the room from each other and this would give us more space ie 100sq ft, but the way the points are working it might be worth the category 4 ? What would you do?




Difficult choice.... but I think since it is only a short cruise (in effect, only 2 nights), you really won't be in your rooms that much ..I'd go for the cheapest option in this case.

Save the money to pay toward the tips and/ or some on board treats...or your deposit on your next cruise !!! !

Have you tried another well established US firm ; VacationsToGo ? - they have been coming up with some competative prices recently. Also this board has recently got a new cruise specialist sponsor "Mouse Ear Vacations"- though I have no prior knowledge of them or their prices , they might be another place to try for a quote ?

[Hal]

Hi Andy-Otter. I would have thought that using DVC points was an expensive way to do it - check out my comments in this previous thread (http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=139876).

You seem to have this connecting cabins issue covered but just to elaborate it further here's another cut and paste from a previous comment of mine which might be useful:
That was also a tip on mousesavers.com which says "If you ask a non-specialist (or Disney directly) about cruising with a family of 5, they will generally recommend the approximately 300-square-foot Category 4 "Deluxe Family Stateroom," which is the smallest cabin that will sleep 5. What they may not tell you is that you could also book TWO connecting Category 9 outside staterooms or Category 10 inside staterooms (Categories 11 and 12 do not have connecting staterooms). The combined price of two connecting lower-category staterooms is often about two-thirds to three-quarters the price of a single Category 4 cabin, and you end up with more space (over 400 square feet total), two full bathrooms, and more privacy."

As for the choice of which cruise line, I would say Disney - but then I would. :wavey:

[sue harty]

i know how you feel, there is 5 of us we have 2 rooms where ever we go always paying adults prices for children. this is the main reason we go to orlando alot as we get a villa which suits our needs more. this year we are doing the royal caribbean as my ds is nearly 15 and has done disney, i will let you know what its like

[andy-otter]

Hi and thank you for your replies.

Hal your correct it is an expensive way to use my points. I've entered them on the dis so were see what happens. :grin:

Sue I really hope you enjoy your cruise. Sounds like your all looking forward to it. :wavey:

Michele

[ElizabethM]

We went on the royal caribbean 3 night cruise from Port Canavral in Feb 07 and it was great . Plenty of time ashore in Nassau and a wide range of excursions on offer. Then you cruise onward overnight to their own island for a day of sun, sea and again different activities.

Hi I'm considering purchasing a 3night cruise for December 2008, for 2 adults, 3 children. Because there is five of the cost is very high. With having 2 rooms, 2 of the children are being charged adult prices. If we book a grade 4 with Disney we can all share a room, but the cost is very expensive. Please help with your advice on the best cruise and best way of booking. I have just asked dreamsunlimited for the disney quote. The Royal Caribbean cruise looks good, ie not much time at sea but we would need 2 rooms. The carnival sensation ok for 5 in a room, but only 1 day onland. It's our first look at cruises and I've very confused. Also everyone is mentioning on board credits and booking with Disney then moving to another US agent but still getting your first credits.-- my head is spinning!! All advice much appreciated. Thanks. (looking around 18th Dec 08) :wave:

[liverpool lou]

Hi, have a look at Carnival for those dates, we are going on the Imagination [ its been changed]out of Miami, for four nights and its only costing $219 dollars each!!! when you think of the exchange rate, and all the food you can eat, entertainment, and you get to see Mexico and key west what a bargain!!!!
The ship is going in dry dock in September for a refit, new pool areas pool slides etc, even the staterooms are getting up graded, you should be able to grab a bargain for some dates in December.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Jean

[andy-otter]

Hi thank you for your advice. Hope you all enjoy your trips. Cruises do look like great fun and I definetly want to do one. I think the children really want to do the Disney cruise, so I'm still researching the best price. The quotes coming back for 18 Dec 08 are $3300 + for a cat 4. 3 night cruise. Seems high still, the 7 night is $7755 cat 4. Even with the exchange rate not sure. Will the costs fall nearer the time? (don't mind splitting party up) Cat 10 $2907 3 night cruise for 2 rooms. Thanks Michele

[jdybnsn]

The quotes coming back for 18 Dec 08 are $3300 + for a cat 4. 3 night cruise. Seems high still, the 7 night is $7755 cat 4. Even with the exchange rate not sure. Will the costs fall nearer the time? (don't mind splitting party up) Cat 10 $2907 3 night cruise for 2 rooms. Thanks Michele


I think they are high because of the holiday season - these cruises are very popular at Xmas - which is a shame :(
We paid £1100 cat9 for 4 of us doing a 4 night cruise in February - just to give you some idea for comparison.

Unfortunately costs rarely fall infact they are likely to increase if anything (but you can always apply for the new price to be applied if they do fall). The earlier you book the cheaper,... and more choice of cabin you will have.

Also for the shortest cruise, I would definitely take the lowest cost room option.

Personally, if I was spending the money, and I could fit it into my holiday plans, I would go for the 3 night (4 day cruise) for the extra bit of money.....mainly because I think they are better value.... and I can assure you you will be so glad of that extra day :grin:

Even though the cost seems high if you work it out per person (there are 5 of you right ?) ...its working out at £290 pp (cat 10) and that's all your food, all soft drinks, pretty well all your entertainment for 48 hours (plus a bit) solid...and a trip to the Bahamas to boot....and if you think, there are alot of people feel its worth paying £140pp for an 8 hour dolphin swim experience at Discovery Cove in Orlando ...now it doesn't look to bad does it ???? (they don't call me the queen of justification for nothing !!!!!).

However, the price does not include the tips which are really as good as compulsory.

[rylisal]

Michelle
Have you tried Vacationstogo.com..Iv found them the best value for both our cruises!

[andy-otter]

Hi, I like your way of thinking. I will show your justifications to my husband to see if it works on him :-) Glad you have managed to get a good deal for your Feb cruise, hope you enjoy it, and thankyou so much for all your earlier advice, much appreciated. Michele :thumbs-up

[judith nicholls]

Just been with Carnival - very good value for money. There are 5 of us = we had 2 interconnecting cabins with balconies for about $750 each!! My teens enjoyed it. Have been with Disney - had inside cabin - as it was so pricey - loved the balcony this time. Just looked at a 7 day Disney cruise it will cost us around £7,500 plus flights - I don't think so!!
Judith :erm:

[jdybnsn]

. Just looked at a 7 day Disney cruise it will cost us around £7,500 plus flights - I don't think so!!
Judith :erm:


Wow ! :omg: who is that booking with, and at what time of year, if you don't mind me asking ?....and is that for 2 cabins with verandahs ?

:erm:

Our 7 night cruise in February, with 2 adults /2 children is costing us well under £2500 for a cabin with a verandah...