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We are WDW veterans, and know all of the ins and outs, but we've never been on a cruise of any kind, from any cruise line before. We're thinking about saving up to take the family on one before our oldest graduates from high school. Of course, we're looking at a Disney Cruise.
What kind of deals are usually offered? Are they pretty consistent, offered a couple of times a year? How much would we save, as a family of five?
Thanks for any and all input!
Disney doesn't discount their cruises much. You will see last minute booking discounts pop up for cruises that are not full about 3-6 weeks prior to the sail date.
They sometimes offer "kids sail free" (kids being anyone under 18) deals. There is one out right now. These typically come out in Jan-Mar (low popularity times).
Otherwise, the only discounts offered are for Florida Residents and Military, but again, these are all last minute deals.
Honestly, if your kids are older teens, I'd be looking at Royal Caribbean. They have SO many more cruises that they offer discounts routinely, and your kids will enjoy those ships a lot more than a Disney cruise ship, which is really geared more towards younger kids. I can imagine teens being quite bored on the Disney ships, compared to the types of activities offered on Royal Caribbean.
Disney cruises are great, but they are not the only option, and I think you should really take a look at what ALL the lines have to offer and find one that really fits your family's needs.
I am not sure but if you contact Magical Journeys they might be able to find something as they book cruises as well.
Happy planning...:mickey:
As mentioned, a discount on a Disney cruise isn't a common occurrence. And the discounts that might be available are pretty limited and at a very focused audience.
Your best bet is to book a guaranteed room category, if that's what it's called. It's a guaranteed room within a range. Room assignment is done closer to the cruise date. You can save significantly but never know where you'll be on the ship.
Other cruise lines offer much better pricing on cruises. If price is your concern, look at RCCL, I agree.
Well, we will have a 17 year old and a 14 year old (as well as an 8 year old). Maybe we're wrong in thinking this, but we just assume that Disney cruises will be more "family friendly" or "wholesome". We know that the entertainment provided will be appropriate for all. We assume that the "Clubs" will be clean and appropriate. Are we assuming too much, and are RCCL just as family friendly?
Also, will they have rooms that sleep 5? I can't seem to find any on the Royal Caribbean site. According to them, it would take two rooms for my family, which increases the price to almost $7000. Maybe I need an actual travel agent....
Disney Cruise Line is not just for little children. Those ages should be fine. You are correct, it's just more wholesome. No casino, different clubs for different age people. RCCL is trying, but they are still catering to the 'classic' cruise passenger I think.
Yes, RCCL has larger rooms. They had a much larger selection than DCL in my opinion. You might be looking at jr suites, but they have choices.
I can't really knock either cruise line. You won't be disappointed on a Disney ship. I don't think you'll have a problem on RCCL either. The cruise lines know which side their bread is buttered on. They have the whole service thing down pat.
IMO, the 17 year old will be the biggest challenge. There are areas of the ship for adults only (MUST be 18, no exceptions). The teen club caters to younger teens mostly. Your 14 y/o will like it there; the 17 y/o might think its too babyish. It's a tricky age on Disney cruises. Too old for the kids stuff, too young for the adult stuff.
RCCL's Freedom and Oasis class ships are VERY family friendly. Don't worry about that. It's the second best line for families. If you have more than 4 in a room, you must call directly to find our cabin options. They have cabins that sleep 6, but you can't always see them online. They hold them for parties that truly need to sleep more than 4.
For what it's worth, even though there is bedding for 5 on the Disney ships, I would NOT be happy cramming that many people in one cabin. If your kids were all little, it would be fine. However, even the largest Deluxe Family Staterooms are only about 260 sq ft, of which about 150 is usable space. Imagine a Value resort room. Cut it in half. That's your living space. Can you handle that?
When we went on cruises and I was a kid (I had 2 sisters), our family always got two inside cabins. My sisters and I had one room; my parents the other.
I've been on both Disney and Princess Cruises. While I think the entertainment for Disney is best (2 showings, don't miss the entertainment for dinner) but I also think its best for teens.
My DD (now 20) has been on at 16, 18 and 19 and I have a DD (now 11) was on at 7, 9 and 10.
Now there is a LOT of things for the shorter ones to do but the teens.....
*IF* they decide to join in and want to be involved, they can be. If they don't, you're going to have a companion. Our DD is shy and doesn't make friends as easy as the little one. So she either hung out with me or my husband.
The nice thing is the new Wave phones. If she was bored with what I was doing, she'd find her dad.....
On the princess cruise, there was little for our 6 year old daughter to do. The kids section was as big as the Dream's entry way. And there was nothing for pre-teens or teens.
But if you have a Disney kid (and since you're on here, I'm thinking you probably do), a Disney cruise is worth the extra $. I recommend Magical Journeys. They can find things for you if available. Our rep found room discounts for us for pre-ship Disney World where I would have never found it.