Cruiselines

[Sue]

With so many choices, what cruiselines are the best? offer the best value?
How do the non-Disney cruises compare to Disney cruiseline?
Let's chat!

[Tink]

As a former travel agent, I can say that Carnival is the least expensive, so a good value, especially their 3 day cruises.
But in all honesty, if I were to cruise, it would be a Disney cruise hands down. Yes they are more expensive, but offer Disney quality, and incredible children's programs.
Other cruise lines do have children's programs, but they can't compare to those that Disney offers.
Leanne

[Sue]

I haven't done a Disney cruise yet, but I do agree, the increased quality of the children's programming would definitely outweigh the costs for many people. Now, for some die-hard cruisers, the lack of a casino on the Disney cruises is a negative, but given you are usually going with the kids to enjoy time as a family, that may not be as much of a negative as it would be as adult travelers.
However, if I had to do a non-Disney cruise with Trey, I would probably choose Carnival or Royal Carribean. The children's programming we have seen on those cruises were very well done, and the kids reported having a wonderful time, as did the parents.
We have always gone "adults only" during our cruises...so our choices are much more varied. We have been on Carnival, Royal Carribean, and Holland America. We had a great time on all, but definite differences.

[Disney5]

It's a really tough decision. Honestly, even though I love Disney, you guys know that me parting with my Morgan would be a tough one. I'm not sure I'd get the value out of a Disney cruise when there are so many options on the other cruiselines for kids and for families as well. I don't know what to do!!!

[Sue]

I do understand where you are coming from Shawna...hence the reason I am trying to post cost savings for Disney cruises...they are definitely more expensive. We are also concerned that if we do a Disney cruise with Trey first, we will never get him to enjoy any of the other cruiselines and their wonderful programming! haha

[Disney5]

That would be a concern for me too - lol!!!

[Tink]

And I could never go on another cruise line with Alex - I love to gamble too much. lol

[Sue]

LOL...I know what you mean about the gambling Leanne!
All the cruiselines offer different types of casino gaming. The last cruise we went on actually offered Texas Hold Em Poker games...I NEVER saw John! LOL

[Disney5]

Now the gambling wouldn't be an issue for us, neither of us are into that.

[kristisomer]

I have only been on one cruise and that was for our honeymoon almost 8 years ago. It was Sovereign of the Seas by Royal Carribbean. With ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas, Some private island having memory lapse, and Key West, FL. We was able to do some really neat excursions since it was before kids. In the Bahamas we went snorkeling with a whole bunch of sting rays. There was even an albino one. Then on the private island we snorkel again and loved it. Except my incredibly dumb husband when beyond the marked off areas and got yelled at. He explained to me he was chasing a fish to take it's picture because it was "really cool". When we got the pictures back he showed it to me and I about died. I said no wonder they was yelling at you, you was crashing a barracuda. Then I had to explain to him that that wasn't very smart. And in Key West we went kayaking in the Mangroves. Which I don't recommend sharing a kayak with your new hubby.
But we had a pretty terrific time and would love to go on another cruise maybe alone again without the kids. When I come across pictures I will try to get them on but it was before I had a digital camera and must scan them first.

[Sue]

Kristi...
We have always cruised with other couples, but adults only. We always have a blast. Since Trey was little, we have tried to do one vacation a year where we have alone time, and Trey has grandparent time...it works out great for everyone!
I would definitely recommend you taking a cruise again...you would have a blast!!
Sue :)