comparing to other cruises, first timers

If you take away the cost, I think DCL is one of (if not the) top cruise line. It's very family oriented however. There are adult areas inxluding adult clubs, etc, but the public areas are full of families...

Food I rank at the top. The different dining areas and variety is really great.

Their private island is probably the best if the bunch. RCCL has a nice one, but I think DCL has 'em beat.

I'm happy there's no casino, I found its often a chore to bypass it on other lines.

When you factor in cost though, it's often a tough pills to swallow. They are often double other cruise lines for similar accommodations and length. Also, since they only have 4 ships, different destinations are harder to find.

You have to decide if the cost is worth it. I have a big problem with the value of Disney, however we've been on a Disney ship for the last 4 years. No parks, just ships...

I have cruised on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney. Disney beats the other 2 hands down, but I wouldn't necessarily start with a Disney cruise. Our first cruise as a couple (over 20 years ago) was on Royal Caribbean. I liked it. We didn't cruise again until 2010 (we were busy having a family and going to WDW). That time we took all 4 kids and my parents and cruised out of Charleston on the Carnival Fantasy. It's an older, smaller ship, but the port was convenient to us. I was not very impressed. The atmosphere was not super kid friendly. There was one show we took our kids to (the only one billed family friendly) and I didn't feel it was appropriate for kids. The adults on the ship seemed to be having a great time, though. Very much a party atmosphere. I would rank Carnival under Royal Caribbean. Our first Disney cruise was in 2012 aboard the Dream. We did a 5-day Caribbean cruise with 2 stops at Castaway Cay (which I don't think they do anymore). We were able to snag a private cabana on that trip. We were goners. I don't know that any other cruise line will ever compare for us. We did the Fantasy in 2013 and loved it, too. I don't know that I would choose it as an adult-only trip, though. I don't even know that it would be my top pick for another family vacation, because our kids are 10, 12, 14 and 17 and don't really love the character interactions anymore. It is very much geared towards kids and family. I do like that aspect of it, that it is very family friendly (I LOVE the lack of casinos and cigarette smoke!) If I was cruising with just my hubby, we'd probably choose Royal Caribbean. In fact, we're looking at a Christmas cruise aboard an RC ship, because it's almost a THIRD the cost of a Disney Christmas cruise. The newer RC ships have so much to do aboard the ship, too, and like DisneyRox said, there are more destinations with other cruise lines.

IMO DCL are better than some other lines, but equal to others. There are certainly other lines that are just as nice but cheaper.

Princess Cruises IMO are at the top of their game. Disney's are a close 2nd.

My parents have cruised all over the world many times using several different lines (Europe, Alaska, Caribbean) and when they went with us on a Disney cruise two years ago they were impressed with the food, ship and island. What they didn't care for was the entertainment (All Disney based) because they simply aren't Disney fans or the fact that there was not a casino on board.

We have enjoyed each Disney cruise that we have gone on, but if you aren't looking for Disney theming throughout the cruise, there are other lines which are just as nice without the high price tag.

Our very first cruise was a Disney cruise. I figured with Disney they would make me like the experience or not. We liked it. Been on 2 Disney cruise ships now and loved both experiences. Since then we have been on a Holland America Cruise and a Royal Caribbean cruise. Enjoyed them too!!

The food on the Disney cruise was superior, IMO, than the other ships. There are lots of kids around, but VERY well behaved on both cruises. All the children around was NEVER an issue. You pay more $$$$$ but, for us anyway, it was worth it. Ports of call are limited on the Disney cruises, so not sure we'll do another one soon. Did the east & west Caribbean sailings and liked them both.

Our next cruise is the fall of 2016 and we are doing New England and Canada. Can't wait:cloud9:

Don't think you'll be disappointed in the Disney cruise at all. Have a great time on whatever course you take:mickey:

thanks. was thinking of disney just because Im familiar w WDW after so many trips and thought maybe even sneak in a visit there after the cruise.
but the price is a factor. and i think i may go w another cruise line. either out of FL or closer to PA, Baltimore or Bayonne. Caribbean, Bahamas or such for 4 or 5 nights. looks like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Princess

I have cruised with Carnival & the only way I will cruise again is with Disney. The differences bw our Caribbean Cruise & my cousins on DCL was night & day. If the casino is a big deal for you then I guess Disney is out but the food, decor, customer service, activities are much much better on DCL. The excursions were similar and no where else is there Castaway Cay.

I have sailed most lines and usually if I am not on Disney, I can be found on Celebrity. I find the food, entertainment and over all ambiance on Celebrity to be on par with DCL at a fraction of the cost.

I do not however sail the behemoth ships on any line.

For each cruise line there are ships I will and will not sail. Carnival Legend has a great crew and I always found the food to be as good as Disney's. I will not sail certain Carnival ships though. Sailed RCCL's Serenade and loved it, sailed their Enchantment and was not enchanted at all.

This September I will be sailing the NCL Gem from NYC. Great price, beverage and dining package and a port I can drive to was the deciding factor. I sailed the Dawn when she was in NYC, but that was prior to the current freestyle 2.0 they do now. I will be interested to see the difference.

There are many ships out there, you just need to find which are your "style" and which fit your wallet.

Nanci

thanks. IDK about to to NY, maybe Baltimore, Bayonne or FL. trying to do it for not too much for 4 or 5 nights,