Disney vs Carnival

[luv2vaca]

I am planning a trip for my kids to give them for Christmas. (ages 17-4, 5 kids) Would like to cruise. We are avid Disney fans however, I am having a hard time justifying the price of a Disney cruise vs. other cruise companies. (mainly carnival) My kids have never cruised before. I was thinking take them on a more in-expensive cruise, if they like it....then take them on a Disney cruise.

I was also wanting to go out of the LA port since we could drive there and save airfare for 7 of us. BUT, disney does not offer a cruise out of that port for when I want to go (jan '13) And the one offered by carnival is to the mexican riviera, my only concern there is it will be chilly.

Any input? TIA!

[Paul Motter]

It will NOT be chilly. I live in Phoenix and it has been in the 70s lately. Cabo is 850 miles south of here - definitely warmer.

If you have 7 people and you want to book Disney look into 2013, you have to book Disney very far ahead to get a good deal.

Carnival will definitely be cheaper. I only worry that you try a small & older ship.

I really recommend taking the Carnival Splendor. It is the biggest and most fun (for the kids) ship going down there. 7 is a lot of people and you will save a TON by driving.

You can also get rooms for three or four people and save more money. Here is where you need to look:

http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngin...=012013&dest=M

[CruisePrincess]

OK I'm and avid Disney fan, that being said if I were you I'd check out cruise ship reviews. I'm sorry I don't remember the web address but there is a web site that gives all sorts of ship facts for each ship, including what a ship was written up for the last time they were inspected. I've sailed on Carnavel and I would not do it again, but then everyone has a different idea of what is fun on a cruise.

No ship comes even close to the Disney kids program. Instead of a casino they devoted the space to a kids programs with different programs for different ages. They have a higher counslor to kid ratio than any other ship. There are adult only areas so parents are rested when they do get together with the kids and everyone is happier. There is also a track of kid/parent games and entertainment as well as a lounge just for families in the evenings. (The area of lounges etc. are adult only after a certain time in the evenings.)

As for price you are smart to start hunting early. You might try Vacatonstogo.com, or Allseas.com for a good price. Whatever you sail on I wish you a great trip.