Cruise experts...what say you?

[andreallybadeggs]

OK-- I know next to nothing about cruising so input please. We are considering a short cruise (probably only 3 nights)
from Port Canaveral with our daughter who is a CM.
She can get nice discounts on the Disney cruises when available but even with that they are still quite a bit more expensive than other cruises. Here are my 2 questions
1) We love Disney but we can save quite a bit of $ with another company. Could probably upgrade cabin type if we use Royal Carib or Carnival. Do we stick with DCL?
2) DH is very prone to motion sickness. We will get the patch, whatever, but would he notice the rolling less (or more) on the Wonder than on RC Monarch or CC Sensation?
Thanks for any advice.

[Ed]

I'll qualify my answers by mentioning that DCL is the only cruise line we've been on; cruise #4 coming up soon.

The problem with comparing DCL to the other lines is that it's a lot like comparing oranges and apples. DCL is geared toward families and a relaxing environment while some of the others are more "party boats". DCL has no onboard casinos, and the nightlife is a bit more sedate than some other lines. On all of our cruises so far, we have seen no rowdiness or other disruptive behavior, and that's one of the main things that keeps us coming back for more.

As for seasickness, the Disney ships have very effective stabilizing systems (picture large underwater "wings" that swing out to either side of the ship) that greatly minimize side-to-side rocking, but there's little that any ship can do about front-to-rear movement in unusually rough water. DCL takes this into account by giving the captains a lot of freedom to alter course to try to keep the ships in calmer water. In the 17 nights we've been on one of the DCL ships, there has only been one evening when we were really "rocking and rolling", and that only lasted for a few hours. DH should consult his doc to find the most effective meds to minimize any discomfort he might anticipate.

Yes, DCL is more expensive, but the CM discount can sometimes be VERY lucrative; some great deals are available through the cast members' intranet, The Hub.

[andreallybadeggs]

Very helpful response, thank you for your input!

[DeniseMB]

RCCL Monarch of the seas, is the oldest of the ships you mentioned. Built in 1991 and refurbished in 2003. It is 73,941 tons. I mention this because the larger the ship the less motion you will feel. The entertainment is Broadway style. The food is similar to Carnival. RCCL is one of my favorite cruiselines, but I prefer the newer ships. Shorter 3 and 4 night cruises on both RCCL & CCL tend to be a bit rowdier than the 7 night cruises.

CCL Sensation was built in 1993 and refurbished 2006. tonnage is 70,367. This cruiseline is very laid back, loud announcements, lots of neon, party atmosphere, still awake past midnight. Be aware of chair hogs by the pool. Great fun for an inexpensive price. Entertainment is Las Vegas style. If smoking bothers you this may not be a good choice. There are designated areas but you may find yourself having to walk through a smoke filled casino to get to your dining room.

DCL Wonder is the newest, built in 1999 and refurbished 2001. She is also the largest of the 3 you mentioned at 83,000 tons. Although that is not a hugh difference.
There are mixed opinions on the dining. I found the food very good. The entertainment is only like Disney can do it. Most of the staterooms have a bathroom and a half. The Wonder is a very elegant ship and pays attention to detail. There is no casino onboard.

Of the 3, if money wasn't an issue I would definetly go Disney at least once. We can't forget about Castaway Cay either. I sailed on the Wonder without children and found it very relaxing.

[omearac]

We went on our first cruise last year and are going again on September 27th. I was terrified that our last trip I would be sick the the whole cruise, but I took the seasick pills like I was supposed to and never felt sick at all. Just so you know, I got sick once from standing in the wave pool! My kids still tease me about that! I had no problems at all on DLC.

Have a great cruise!

[Pooh Fan]

It's also worth mentioning that you can't really compare category levels between DCL and the other lines. You would have to get a several category upgrade with RCCL or CCL to get a stateroom comparable in size to the lowest category with Disney. While I really enjoy cruising with RCCL I would highly suggest giving disney a shot. It truly is a different experience and totally in a class of its own.

[LuvDaDuckMost]

Have sailed several times with Disney and wouldn't go any other cruise line. I know that Disney has NEVER lost a passenger overboard and that for my money says a lot. Also, you never hear of anyone getting dysentery or food poisioning on a Disney cruise line. They are by far the cleanest ships around. They are also the ONLY cruise ships allowed to set fireworks off at sea. They are that good. You will not be disappointed.

[Scar]

I know that Disney has NEVER lost a passenger overboard and that for my money says a lot. Also, you never hear of anyone getting dysentery or food poisioning on a Disney cruise line. They are by far the cleanest ships around.

I took the galley tour and was very impressed by how clean the galley was. Our guide said that when any crew member felt ill or showed any symptom of illness, they are basically quarantined.

As far as the overboard thing, I wouldn’t read too much into that. Almost all incidences are alcohol related, something not too common on DCL.

[wildernesslady]

Definetly try Disney. I have done a Disney and RCL cruise. They are both great. With your daughter being a CM I would take advantage of the discount without question. Castaway Cay is still my favorite place to visit. I start taking Dramamine about 2 days before I'm due to sail and have never had a problem. Have a great time.

[andreallybadeggs]

Wow guys, thanks for all the help and I'm convinced to stick with DCL. Don't know if it will happen as quickly as I had hoped but definitely gonna have my DD checking out the discounts. This WILL happen

[Donald_Quackers]

I would also recommend seeing if you can swing a 4 night cruise. I did one in December (my first cruise as well), and felt ok about it, but that the 3 night might have been TOO short.

I'm more than excited, though, to be going on a 7 night cruise next year on DCL.

You would not be disappointed. If you go, I would highly recommend NOT missing the show "Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic". It is the best show at sea (and that's not just me saying it -- it's won the highest award I believe of all cruise lines).

[BluegrassDaisy]

I have cruised DCL twice and on another cruise line to Alaska. The cruises are hard to compare, but as far as the ship itself - I much preferred DCL. I would suggest the 4 night cruise, the 1st time we went, we did the 3night and imho, it was just 2 short. Our 2nd DCL was 4 nights and we lucked up and got 2 stops at Cast A Way Cay which is AWESOME. Whatever you decide, relax and enjoy your time with your family!

[andreallybadeggs]

OK I'm convinced on another score. Worth it to wait for a time we can take a 4 night cruise.
Glad to hear everyone thinks DCL is worth the extra $. We may or may not have kids with us but are not really high rollers anyway so I'm sure we'll enjoy the extra Disney touches more than we would a casino. Thanks so much for the great replies.

[Imalismom]

I have been on three cruises, and have my fourth booked, I have been on Carnival - Aft cabin, with an extended balcony, once on the Wonder for 4 days in a cat 6 balcony, once on the Magic in a cat 1 (Roy Suite), and now have an RCCL booked, an E1 balcony. The E-1 balcony is RCCL’s second lowest level of balcony. I only mention the category because, Disney’s lowest cat – a cat 12, is BIGGER than the E-1 on RCCL that I am now paying for.

So, yes, you can say that Disney is more expensive, but you really need to understand what you are paying for. Saying you can have a balcony for the price of an inside room is true with RCCL and Carnival. However, those rooms are not up the Disney standard.

That being said I LOVED LOVED LOVED my AFT cabin with Carnival. Disney does not do a true aft cabin.
I never have had a greater experience, nor will I ever have as great of an experience again as when I was in the Roy Suite on the Magic.

So, please, do not just look at room and price. When I was in the Roy suite, which has three bedrooms, I learned that I would love an inside cabin. When I closed my bedroom door, it became just like an inside cabin. It was the same size, and I learned I loved the darkness of the room – a balcony cabin does not give you that total darkness. I love having a balcony when I am leaving, coming in and out of port and late night – but if I did not have a balcony, I would still cruise.

As for motion sickness – we had some really rough seas on two of our cruises, one with Carnival and one with Disney. I do not feel the ocean for some reason. My daughter does. I would suggest a cabin mid ship and as high up as you can afford. Also, I would take ginger tablets a few days before you leave, and take one each day. I’m not sure whether they really work or not, but I know a lot of people use them (including me) and have no motion sickness with them.

What you really need to look at when you decide to cruise is (1) itinerary - is it going where you want to go? If you want to go to Alaska, then Disney does not go there. (2) Price and time of travel – what can you afford and when can you travel? Some times of the year are much much cheaper than others. (3) What do you want out of a cruise line? Disney does not have a casino – but I don’t want one, had one on carnival and found out I hated it. What type of shows do you like? I love Disney shows, can sit and watch them all day on a cruise – I hated Carnival shows, in fact, I walked out of two of them. My DD loves to ice skate, and is looking forward to ice skating while in the middle of the ocean. I probably won’t be able to get her off the ice. Do you like a lot of adult entertainment? Disney has it. Do you want a top rate teen’s program? Disney has that also – Carnival did not.

Having the CM discount will make the trip affordable. If I had a CM discount, I’d be on Wonder/Magic as much as I could.

I’d say go for it. You might just find out you end up being hooked on cruising.

[andreallybadeggs]

Thanks so much for the comprehensive and very helpful response, Ali's Mom and all. It's been about 40 years since this "little girl" has been on a cruise and I'm really looking forward to my first cruise experience as an adult. And Disney it shall be!