Just off the Magic - a few thoughts on cost.

[Docwheeze]

Have cruised on almost all of the lines. Agree with comments above regarding higher DCL prices.

However, as most here know, sometimes it's the ship or itinerary that determines decision. Have a 4 year old and DCL provides best on ship experience for him compared to RCL which was terrible on previous Anthem cruise.

What was the solution? TA!!!! Much cheaper than other DCL cruises and little chance of him getting bored on the ship!

 

[Chica1581]

Have cruised on almost all of the lines. Agree with comments above regarding higher DCL prices.

However, as most here know, sometimes it's the ship or itinerary that determines decision. Have a 4 year old and DCL provides best on ship experience for him compared to RCL which was terrible on previous Anthem cruise.

What was the solution? TA!!!! Much cheaper than other DCL cruises and little chance of him getting bored on the ship!

We are going back/forth between RCL and Disney for Alaska with our 4 year old. What did you dislike about RCL for that age group?

 

[tinytinkmom]

I think the math varies wildly, depending on the situation... For example, I priced out for our family of 4 to take a 7-night Med cruise in summer 2023 on the Dream (oceanview). For the same price as that ONE cruise, we have booked:

* 7-night Alaska in summer 2022 on Ovation of the Seas (verandah)
* 7-night Southern Caribbean over spring break 2023 on Nieuw Statendam (verandah)
* 7-night Med in summer 2022 on Celebrity Edge (oceanview)

We are Platinum on Disney and Disney will always be my favorite... BUT, prices have just gotten out of control, in my opinion. Going forward, Disney will be our go-to for repositioning cruises or "off season" (AKA - when school is in session) less desirable itineraries... But with prices being what they are, we can't afford not to expand our horizons to other cruise lines, unless we want to limit ourselves to one trip a year. We’ve sailed multiple other cruise lines, and always have a great time.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

You're correct, though it helps that you went on the Magic. The older ships are cheaper.

Overall for similar routes, yes. But there is much steeper premium for a balcony on the older ships. If you want a balcony, the newer ships are more economical.

 

[Kwami]

Overall for similar routes, yes. But there is much steeper premium for a balcony on the older ships. If you want a balcony, the newer ships are more economical.

Especially the deluxe verandahs. The price difference between a regular and deluxe verandah on the new ships is usually a few hundred dollars, but usually well over a thousand on the older ships.

 

[Docwheeze]

Have cruised on almost all of the lines. Agree with comments above regarding higher DCL prices.

However, as most here know, sometimes it's the ship or itinerary that determines decision. Have a 4 year old and DCL provides best on ship experience for him compared to RCL which was terrible on previous Anthem cruise.

What was the solution? TA!!!! Much cheaper than other DCL cruises and little chance of him getting bored on the ship!

We are going back/forth between RCL and Disney for Alaska with our 4 year old. What did you dislike about RCL for that age group?

Our experience will probably be different than yours. Took a 5 day cruise from NY to Bermuda and our little guy was just under 3. Facilities for him were limited. May be better facilities for 4 year old who is fully potty trained. Food was terrible. However, we still cruise RCL depending on itinerary and will be on Odyssey to Israel in October 2022. We are mitigating the food issue by getting the UDP for specialty restaurant access and prices are attractive.

Alaska is a great experience and you should have fun on any cruise line with kids facilities. If going to Anchorage by land at some point, make sure you go to the Moose's Tooth which is one of the best pizza pubs in the US!