Is DCL that much better than the others?

[BevS97]

We had a similiar problem trying to find somewhere we could sit and have a drink with the kids, and ended up on the top deck near the funnel, I'm not sure of the name of the bar but we were able to sit with the kids and enjoy a drink. It is a bit of a funny one. We did also sit in the atrium one evening but that's not really a relaxing spot.

[Tor32]

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I'll let you know what we decide!

[Tor32]

Last question. What are the pros and cons to booking direct with a cruise line v. a UK or US travel agent.

[gismo1554]

If you book with a US TA you get Onboard credit but its in US dollars.
If you book with a British TA you tend to get no benefits
If you book direct you can book in £'s

All three should be the same price unless you get an odd TA so really the gamble is on whether or not you want to book in $'s and risk an exchange rate change but get extra onboard spend or in £'s. I booked in $'s for my cruise this year when I booked in May 2016. Since then we've had Brexit and the rate has plummetted so I probably lost out in the long run - well actually I worked out I think I broke even if you take into account the Onboard credit. Its a risk but not a huge one just something to think about. This is the way I worked it

Cruise cost was $1470

At the rate when I booked (1.3817) this was £1063
At the rate when I paid in full (1.2500) this was £1176

My onboard credit is $200 so the difference is £113 or $141.25 and I still have a little bit extra but not that much.

This however only really works if you have an exchange fee free credit card such as Post Office or Halifax.

[Bats]

Originally Posted by Tor32

Thank you for your advice that's really helpful. I think our then 8 year old will love the clubs but I'm not 100% sure with our 11 year old (funny age aren't they!) I need to have a look at the kids' clubs on all lines as to where he sits. He'd hate to be in with 7 year olds I think. This is why I hate booking things so far in advance! We are off to the Med (AI) this summer and it'll be interesting to see what he gets up to there. Last time we went on a beach type holiday he enjoyed sitting watching the 'adult' style shows with us rather than the kiddie parties. Places seem to have realised they need to offer something for teenagers but I do think 10-13 year olds seem to get lost.

See more...

Your 11 yr old could go to Edge which is for 12 and up probably. You'd need to sign a waiver and it would be dependent on available space in Edge (DCL do not allow you to book on the cruise if the youth clubs are full - does that make sense?)

Originally Posted by Tor32

Last question. What are the pros and cons to booking direct with a cruise line v. a UK or US travel agent.

See more...

Please don't book via a UK agent. Book direct or with a US one who is a DCL specialist.
Booking via a UK agent means that you get no flexibility on changing rooms, cruises, people or anything else without hefty admin fees. And if you need to cancel, you'll possibly forfeit the whole amount, whereas the other 2 ways you wouldn't (need to cancel before a certain date of course though).

Whatever cruise line you choose, I'm sure you'll have great fun .. there's one for every budget and one for every person.

[Tor32]

That's great advice thank you you just saved me! I feel bad as a cruise company has been quoting me and doing some research but not that much that I'll book direct! I think on this occasion we'll go direct. RC have offered us $100 of OB credit so it all helps! A US agent offered us $400 but it does work out more expensive and not sure it's worth the risk. Planning a WDW holiday is so much easier!

[danisleigh]

We have NCL, RCL and DCL and Disney was far superior in our opinion. On the other have we have booked NCL and RCL again for next year as we can do two cruises for the price of one and also the itineraries are more varied and less restricted on dates.
We have enjoyed cruising with all 3 lines and will definitely cruise with them all again!

[Tor32]

Thanks all. We've decided as it's our first cruise, to go for RCCL around the Med. Its dates and itinerary works well for us and we can use the extra money on excursions etc. Thanks for everyone's advice and opinions.

[Bats]

Originally Posted by Tor32

Thanks all. We've decided as it's our first cruise, to go for RCCL around the Med. Its dates and itinerary works well for us and we can use the extra money on excursions etc. Thanks for everyone's advice and opinions.

See more...

You'll have a great time for sure. It's always really helpful if newbie cruisers write up what they wished they'd known, things they found out accidentally, tips they would pass on. It helps the next newbie so if you have time, we'd love to see it.

[Tor32]

Thanks. Do you mean post cruise? I'm already questioning things like not looking at all cruise lines (I just had a quick look at Princess today and they were really reasonable...) To be fair, once I've decided/booked something I always question whether I've made the right choice. It's not a process I enjoyed as it was all so alien to me and didn't really have a clue what I wanted from a cruise.