Just for the lowest prices. There will be plenty available!
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Ok. I’m not big on using agents for cruising, but for a large group like this I would. And I’d start the conversation ASAP. July is just 10 mos away and the cost is going to be $$$$$$.
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Ha I booked our Alaska cruise 26 months in advance. The hardest part with “little” notice will be getting rooms close to each other or connecting. But you can do it! I third the suggestion for a travel agent. I don’t use one for Disney but I do for cruises. It took me two people to find a guy who completely understands me.
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One more question for you all…we are narrowing in on the cruises that go to the private Disney islands. Looking at March 2026 or July 2026. Any feedback about weather during those times? Is it noticeably different?
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I would go in March. Better chance for a smoother ocean.
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Although some folks may say the ocean water is too cold in March.
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We did a DCL cruise on the Magic that sailed to both private islands this July. It was pretty hot (for example when waking off the boat to the beach), but not unbearably so. We also had a few showers, including one that forced our Sail Away party indoors.
if I had the choice, I would go for March - but if July works better for everyone, you’ll still have a great trip!
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When we were there in March 2024 (Perfect Day at Coco Cay in our case, but same vicinity), the water was cool, but not “too cold”. I did a kayak excursion over to the neighboring island and back, and never felt cold. BUT, having said that, I’m not sure I would have wanted to SWIM in it, necessarily.
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Hmmmmm.
March in the Caribbean is absolutely fine.
I swam in Nassau in March 2023 and it was ok. A bit brisk. But totally ok.
It was too windy in Freeport to get into the water for too long at all.
I’d go either time though. There’s no time I wouldn’t cruise.
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You can get meds from the doctor. I always bring Dramamine non drowsy. I don’t need it but sometimes one or two in my party do. Mid ship on the lower decks is where you want your room. Those rooms feel the least amount of effect from the motion of the ocean.
Yes! Disney tends to just get more and more expensive. I haven’t looked at mousesavers for discounts! I visit the site every now and then. What’s kept me off a Disney cruise is the price. I’ll check them out!
March will be a little more pleasant. End of July will be much warmer. But either is fine. There is usually always a nice breeze.
If you do go with March, especially the beginning, Key West and the Bahamas water may be chilly for some more sensitive people. I would pole the audience. It would be on the cooler side of comfortable for me. But I’m a wimp, lol.
I agree. Much better chance of a smoother ocean in March, particularly later March.
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I agree. I was in the water at Coco Cay in February. But there were MANY who claimed it was too cold. So I do agree that there should be a conversation about what people are looking for. Bathwater is May and beyond.
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Thank you all for your help! The in-laws have narrowed it down to a March 2026 trip…who knows how pricey that will be, but they are determined! I have so much research to do!
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We’ve gone more in February than March but our first cruise was at end of March. The water has been cool but easy to get used to AND the air temperature is still quite warm especially if the sun is out. We were even in the water once in February when it was overcast and windy out and showers were set to roll in (we tried to snorkel at Castaway Cay but gave up on it quickly when the waves were making it a lot more work to swim and the visibility was absolutely horrible so not at all worth it). It was only when the wind picked up quite a bit closer to 3pm (and the crew at Castaway Cay were securing all loose things on the beach/closing up umbrellas), that we got out of the water & headed back to the ship.
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That’s great. I love cruising. And many of my kids prefer it to most any other vacation. It’s DH’s absolute favorite.
Ask anything you like here, but also keep Cruise Critic in mind. There are a lot of active posters there. And gobs of reviews.
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I love. Cruise Critic as a resource. I also look at cruisedeckplans to see the layouts of the ship and rooms. They do a great job with pictures and videos.
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I agree that Cruise Critic is great. (Used to be better before it was bought by one of the big travel sites.)
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I’ve taken a few March Caribbean cruises on other lines and the weather and water temps have been fine except one day in the Bahamas, as it’s farther north than other ports. Personally a 7 day cruise (or longer) is preferred to achieve full relax mode.
I’d recommend checking out the ships and seeing if something appeals to you as they have different theming, restaurants and shows. We chose Treasure for our first Disney cruise because we typically like the bigger ships and the Haunted Mansion bar seems like a must-do.
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I second using the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. This gets updated every year. The information is very comprehensive. I would also take a 7-night minimum cruise, to be able to get to know the ship enough to relax take time for your veranda, or a deck chair, or shuffleboard - the things that are delightful but not headliners.
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You can also consider the wrist bands (Sea Bands) that put pressure on a pressure point in your wrist and helps alleviate seasickness. I have found this to be very effective. They can also be combined with any medication you decide on.
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