Is a 3 night cruise even worth it????

[buzznwoodysmom]

So we are in the early planning phases for a trip back to WDW next May for my husband to compete in the Florida Ironman race. The race is on Sunday, May 20th. There is a cruise leaving on Thursday, May 24th, but its only a 3 night cruise. We could have 6 nights in WDW, followed by the 3 night cruise. Sounds like a great vacation, but I'm worried we won't feel like we've had enough time on the cruise. On the other hand I'm thinking that maybe a 3 nighter will be plenty to "test" my motion sick prone kid, who has never cruised before. I'd much rather find out he can't tolerate a cruise on a 3 night than a 7, or even 5, night cruise. Can anyone who has done a 3 night Disney cruise tell me if they enjoyed the cruise or were not satisfied with the short amount of time? Thanks!

[jodijo]

Our first cruise was a 3 night cruise after 5 days at WDW. We did it to see if we would even like cruising. It was wonderful! It gave us time to relax and be pampered after running around WDW for 5 days. I highly recommend it.

[meldan98]

I agree with the previous poster. I've done a couple of 3 day cruises and it was a nice way to wind down after a few crazy days in the parks. The only thing about a 3 day cruise is that if you want to go to all three dining rooms and Palo, it does make it a bit challenging in making decisions.

[DizneyRox]

Me, I say no... I've found even a 7 day cruise is too short. 11 is about right, you're ready to come home, but not sick of it yet.

A 3 day cruise, especially a Disney one, would be too short. You're not even sure where the dining room is yet, and for the money, I'd rather have a little more time to enjoy the ship before they kick you off. And in my experience on a ship, they literally kick you off, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[BrerGnat]

I'd say it would be a good "test" cruise. That is a big concern for me as well when it comes to my kids...not sure they'd like being "trapped" on a boat, and I'd hate to find out the hard way on a longer voyage! I think with 6 days at WDW prior, a 3 day cruise will be a nice way to wind down.

As much as I love cruises, I can't fathom ever spending more than 7 nights on a cruise ship, no matter how large it is! I get a bit tired of being at sea after a week...

[buzznwoodysmom]

Me, I say no... I've found even a 7 day cruise is too short. 11 is about right, you're ready to come home, but not sick of it yet.



DH and I have cruised before, just not the kiddos. I can honestly say I would not want to be on any cruise for 11 nights. But your right, you definitely get the "kicked off" feeling at the end of a cruise.

[ElenitaB]

We did a 3-night cruise with the idea of seeing how DS woud react (seasickness, like the kids' club, etc.) We both felt it was too short but we would have never known how much we like cruising without having done those 3 nights.

I'd say give it a try.

[baldburke]

That was our story too. We always thought we wouldn't want to forgo WDW for a cruise so the three day is a nice alternative. But now we're hooked and going back for our second cruise this weekend!

[buzznwoodysmom]

Thanks for all the replys. I feel better about it already. We'd never do a 3 night cruise on its own, but coupled with a trip to WDW makes sense. I guess since our dates revolve around DHs race its basically the 3 night cruise or none at all, at least for now. With one of the old ships going to Galveston, Texas, less than 4 hours from home, we are looking into cruising on that ship for a 7 night cruise either Thanksgiving 2012, or Easter 2013, if the ship stays in Galveston till late spring.

And of course it'll all depend on how DS does with his first cruise. I'd much rather find out he can't tolerate cruising on the 3 night cruise than on the 7 night cruise. He's always had motion sickness, mostly car sickness. When he was younger I couldn't drive more than 30 minutes without him getting sick and having to pull over to change/clean him. As he got older its gotten better, but there are still times we have to roll down the window or pull over for a break. And many rides in WDW get him sick.

[wildernesslady]

My first cruise was a 3 nighter on the Wonder. I had a great time. Since you are already close to the port I would do it. We would require purchasing airfare to do it; so that would not be worth it. Is there anything he can take? I take a less drowsy dramamine and it works great. Enjoy planning.

[buzznwoodysmom]

My first cruise was a 3 nighter on the Wonder. I had a great time. Since you are already close to the port I would do it. We would require purchasing airfare to do it; so that would not be worth it. Is there anything he can take? I take a less drowsy dramamine and it works great. Enjoy planning.

I'm sure if we looked into it there are plenty of things he could take. Its just hard to know if, or how well, it will help him should he need it.

[wildernesslady]

I'm sure if we looked into it there are plenty of things he could take. Its just hard to know if, or how well, it will help him should he need it.

I usually start taking the dramamine two days before I get on the ship. It really has worked well for me. Once you are on the ship and there is an issue, it may be too late. Last cruise we went to Disney after and were going to Epcot our first day. I took the dramamine an extra day just so I could ride Mission Space. It was great and I had no motion issues.

[DisneyFr33k]

We've done three 7 nights and one 3 night. We did two 7 nights before the 3 night. Two observations from our experiences:


Our seven night cruises have more motion issues because the boats have to go farther in a shorter period of time. So more people were :sick: The three night cruise only went to the Bahamas, not so far away, so it moved slower. Thus less motion and more :mickey:
The three night cruises are short. I felt like as soon as I unpacked my bag, I had to pack it back again. You don't have enough time to really take in all the boat has to offer. But it does give you an idea about cruising and if you'd like to pay for a week long one later.


Good luck and have fun! :sail:

[txdisneyfanatic]

We LOVED the 3-night cruise after 4 days @ the parks. It was a great, refreshing way to end our vacation!! :)

[TracyL]

I agree that as a combination parks and cruise experience, doing the 3-day would be a fun, relaxing finale for your vacation.

Have you tried the acupressure wrist bands for DS? They supposedly stimulate a trigger point on the wrist that helps with motion sickness. I've experimented just pressing on that point before when I was feeling queasy, and it did seem to help somewhat. If they work, it's an easy fix with no worries about drug side effects, and if they don't, you're not really any worse off. I think they're called "SeaBands." You could try them in the car before you go and see if they help.

Happy trip planning!