Disney Cruise. Help us Decide!

[mississippigirl]

I agree with everyone else. I have been on many cruises, 2 of them Disney. My son loved it but he was 7 years old. Children under 4 is a complete waste of money and no vacation for you. Also the cost does not include tips and most drinks( only milk, juice, coffee and tea). Tips will be alot of money for a family of 7?(I think you said) You are expected to tip everyone per person. Excursions are very expensive depending on where you go. Their private island doesn't cost anything. Also does not include parking and travel expenses to the ship (taxis). That's just what I personally think. You have to do what's best for your family.

[biscottilover]

I agree with the above posters, especially the point about the kids being able to appreciate it more in a few years. Waiting two years seems like a long time, but in kid years that can make a big difference. My grandparents paid for a Disneyland vacation for me and my cousins when we were about 1, 2, and 5 years old, and none of us can remember any of it to this day.

I also agree with the point to be very diplomatic about it, if you do decide not to go. Thank them for offering such a generous gift, but let them know that you have too many things on your plate at this time. And be strong when they come back with stories to share about their trip. It may be difficult to listen to, but you can do it.

[greenfrog57]

I said "Other" because I think it would make the most sense to ask for them to delay their generous offer 2 to 3 years so your littlest ones will enjoy it too.... If that isn't feasible then tell them no thank you.

[shetlandponyluvr]

Skip the cruise, get debt-free instead!

[enginerd]

Although cruising with family is great fun (most families anyway), I would also wait because of the financial situation and the young age of your children. Especially if you will be able to go in three years. I just went on a Carnival cruise with family and my DS is 11 - he loved it and was the perfect age. Wait until you children are old enough to remember the trip.

[scrapbookingmanda]

I would see about doing it without the passports or excursion. I've taken 4 disney cruises and used our birth certificates every time. The good thing about Disney for us is that All non alchoholic drinks ARE COVERED!! As long as you get them from the Deck 9 soda machines or a dining room. So if you don't drink, or drink minimally that takes care of a lot of the extra cost. I'm assuming for this price it's a 4 day Nassua/Castaway Cay? There is plenty to do without paying for an excursion. Anything in Nassua can be done cheaper or free on your own. Castaway Cay is a beautiful beach with plenty to do without paying for anything. If you wanted to, you could actually get by on a disney cruise without spending anything except for tips. We've only done one paid excursion in our 4 trips and it was a waste of money. Visit the cruise line forum on the disboards before you rule it out completly. And actually all of your kids except for the baby are old enough to enjoy the kids clubs. They've recently added more activities to their older childrens schedule. I really think you could do it a lot cheaper then what you have figured If you are willing to make the adjustments. Feel free to pm if you have anymore questions.

[oldgreymare2008]

I wouldn't do it. To me thats a waste of money that already is marked for another purpose and I love love cruising with my family. We took our kids to WDW & DL regularly when they were under 10 yrs and they can not remember even going now except for the pictures.
As a parent of adult children, I think the in laws should have offered to pay for your tickets too. I can't imagine offering to pay for my grandchildren's expenses and not their parents too. There are other expenses on Disney cruise besides tips that are not included. I know we had $600+ OOP the last time we went and I only had 4 children along.

[SavininFL]

What did you end up doing? I'd love to know the outcome! ;)