I need some folks to convince me in the next 23 hours

[ntongan]

That I am not making a mistake by buying a four-day cruise on the Wonder with my 9 (will be turning 10 on the cruise) and 11 year old.

Two years ago, we went on a Princess Cruise and really enjoyed it. I remember at the time joining this board and getting a lot of great advice, so I'm hoping those of you that have the time could do so again.

My fear-that my kids will be too "old" for the Disney cruise and I'll have a four-day whine fest instead How are the programs really? My two are quite bright, but polar opposites, both girls, one a girlie girl, the other a tomboy.

I have until 10 p.m. tomorrow to either book or not. Please, any input from any BTDT folks. The plan is to go on the cruise and then afterward spend four more nights in Orlando doing Disney World/maybe Sea World et al. We are slated to be on the Nov 1 cruise.

Thanks very much in advance
Bedraggled mom who hasn't had a real vacation in 2 years and is desperately seeking a pina colada

[ntongan]

anyone?

[tinkerbell_2]

I'd stick with Princess! I wrote a review on the Disney Wonder we just took last month.. our first and our last. I was not impressed, and I think the kids would have a great time on Princess or Royal Caribbean.

[calmpets]

We sailed with my stepkids on a seven-night when they were 9 and 12. They are not Disney kids, but they both absolutely loved it. Before the ship even left port, Goofy had joined their game of foosball on deck, and they were hooked! On the Magic (does the 7 night sailings) the kid's programming is split up a little differently because they have Oceanquest for the tweens. In your case both kids would be in the Oceaneer's Lab, but in different sub-groups. Many kids love the programming, but some do not. Even if they don't like the official children's programming, there is plenty to do for them around the ship. In addition to the kid's scheduled activities, there are family activities taking place all the time that you can all attend. There are three swimming pools: Mickey Pool is just for kids, Goofy Pool is for families, and Quiet Cove is for adults only. My stepdaughter's greatest thrill was to hang by the pool and eat watermelon all day from Goofy's Galley. She just loved being able to wander on her own (checking in with us, of course). My stepson thought playing basketball on the sports deck was the greatest thing ever - apparently he plays better at sea. The nighttime shows are fabulous, and the servers take excellent care of the kids at mealtime. Since you are combining it with a trip to Disney World, I would definitely go with the Disney line for the cruise portion of your trip. Personally I'm just a big fan of the Disney touches, where they do just that little extra something to make you go "wow". They have the sail away deck party when you pull away from port, one night is pirate night where they shoot fireworks off from the ship, and their regular ship's horn plays When you Wish upon a Star - cool stuff!

[ntongan]

Thanks for your responses so far.

9 hours and change left to decide...tick tick

We did take a trip to Disney World once before when they were three and five, and they loved it (of course, what 3 or 5 y.o. wouldn't?)

Part of me feels like this will be the last year that they could allow themselves to still be "little" and throw themselves into Disney before they get too old and it becomes "uncool," for some (no flaming please, I LOVE DW!) They are starting to get to the age where I'm uncool, my hubby's uncool, and don't you know, we know nothing so my thought was to do it now while they are still young enough- actually my 11 year old is more young in her thinking, the 9 year old wants to be/thinks she's 24 But come bedtime, she still needs me to tuck her in so I know her inner kid is still there.

I guess I just want the trip to be magical. They loved the Crown Princess-when people asked them what was their favorite part of the cruise, they said the ship!

Any other insight that anyone could share, please do so. Thank you very much!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

I have only done Carnival and Disney, never on the Princess but we did take out grandkids on both ships and they were close to your kids ages. Both said Disney had way more for them to do.
The older club area was not themed for Mickey mouse. They have all age apropriate activities. Also the kids loved being able to go to the movies in the theater with their friends they made on board. Most ships dont have a theater.
That was their opnions.
Nobody can speak for what your kids will like best accept for them. And kids usually will surprize you with what they enjoy at that age when they are out with others and no parent there.

I say let them try Disney once, just to have a new experience. Even if it's not their favorite, that doesnt mean it is a bad cruise. Cruising is all about trying new things, be adventurious. Then you can judge for yourself.

[Jusacuz]

I've only cruised Disney, so probably not the best person to even say anything here, but I don't think a Disney cruise is ever a mistake. The only child of mine I've taken on cruises is my daughter. She's been twice at ages 13 and 16 and both times had a lot of fun. She is not a huge Disney fan, but loves to be new places and travel. She fell in love with the ship which, aside from characters here and there, is not "baby" Disney, if that makes sense. It's beautiful. From what I've heard/read, the kids club is pretty fun.

I'd say give it try. 4 nights is not that long and I really think you'll end up having fun and like you said it's a chance for them to be little. I know when I step on a Disney ship, it's an excuse to enjoy those things from childhood that would probably get me laughed at by most adults in real life I know. lol.

If you decide to do it, please come back after and let us know how it was, love or hate.

[calmpets]

A couple of things I forgot to mention. First, on a four-night sailing they will really only have one full day on the ship. One day will be Nassau, one will be Castaway Cay, and one day at sea. My point is that even if they decide they are too cool for Disney, there is only one day that could turn into a "whine-fest". Also, since it's a birthday for one of your daughters, you can purchase a stateroom celebration package for $39 that will have them decorate your room with a banner, a centerpiece, a cascade, a magnet and a cake - it's very neat, and is a nice surprise for them on arrival to the room. I did it when we took my dad on DCL for his 60th birthday - the only trouble was saving enough room to eat the cake! If you mention that you are celebrating a birthday at dinner, they will do something to acknowledge it too.

[Ellanora]

Do Disney! My son has done two 3 night cruises on Disney, both at age 11. We are going again this November. We also took my cousin's girls, ages 12 and 10. They all had a fantastic time. My son likes both Carnival and Disney very much - I highly recommend taking your girls. I think you will all have a wonderful time!

The girls will be able to peruse the Navigators for any activities they (and you) want to participate in. You'll also have a great beach day together at Castaway Cay. Have a great Disney cruise, and lots of pina coladas!!

[Ellanora]

First, the major complaints seemed to be with the Oceaneer's Club, which caters to the under 9 crowd, while the Oceaneer's Lab is for the older kids, which you will have.

That said, I have no doubts that there could be dud counselors out there on occasion. I can only tell you that my son (age 11 at the time) had a great time. I would say the Lab does more "free time" type activities like video games and guitar hero, but they do also have scheduled activities like scavenger hunts. I would just let the girls pick and choose which ones they want to try from the Navigators. I will say they will probably like the scavenger hunt, as my son has done it twice and both times came away angry saying it was rigged for the girls to win.

It's definitely possible they won't like the experience, but I think there is a much greater chance that they will.