The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘disney cruise line’

In December 2011, Disney Cruise Line rolled out several unannounced changes in the way that it administers its extremely popular kid’s program. The chatter that ensued was quite overwhelming, so we thought it might be time (now that the dust has settled) to take an objective look at what really has changed – for better or worse.

Disney Cruise Line has always offered one of the most comprehensive and extensive programming schedules for kids of all ages. In doing so, they traditionally allowed some degree of flexibility in the age categories, which was always much appreciated by parents who sailed with children who straddled age groups. Officially, the categories are and have been: Oceaneer Club/Lab (Ages 3-10), Edge (Ages 11-13) and Vibe (Ages 14-17).

The flexibility that existed at one time would allow 18 year-old teens who were still in high school or older developmentally challenged adults to participate in Vibe at the discretion of the counselors. From what we understand, one or more incidents may have led to a change in this policy. So, as it stands today, Disney is strictly enforcing the maximum age for Vibe.

However, there still appears to be some flexibility on the lower end. We are aware of situations where a 14 year-old has been allowed to downgrade to Edge and a 13 year-old has been allowed to upgrade to Vibe with parental waiver. One thing is clear, however, this choice must be made at the beginning of the cruise and it may not be changed.

That leaves an open question with respect to the Oceaneer Club/Lab. Although the guidelines state that the maximum age is ten, the “unwritten policy” has been that children up to the age of twelve were able to participate. We have seen guidance that leads us to believe that is still accurate. We are sailing at the end of February and will return with a full report on the implementation of the new guidelines.

If this were the only change, it would have caused a bit of a stir, but probably would not have received as much attention as it has among families. The change that seems to have elicited more concern among parents is the elimination of parents in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. According to the new guidelines, adults are only allowed into the secure space briefly for drop-off and pickup. Now, what “briefly” means is open to interpretation, but from passenger accounts it appears to translate into five minutes or less. Parents are also required to wear a badge during this time.

This change hits parents with children who are not potty-trained the hardest. Prior to this change, these toddlers were allowed to play in these spaces under parental supervision. Likewise, parents of children who require special assistance could also enjoy time with their children in these spaces. Now, they are restricted from using the space, which is what has caused the most uproar.

In order to offset the inconvenience of this new policy, Disney has added a daily open house where children and adults can participate in activities together. As a matter of fact, participating children MUST be accompanied by an adult. During this time, the opposite space (Club or Lab) runs the normal supervised program.

This setup has resulted in several complaints. First, the one secure space becomes overcrowded during open house. Second, children ages 3 to 10 are now vying to participate in activities within the same space. Third, times are not announced prior to sailing, so parents are unable to plan dinner or spa reservations with certainty. Finally, passengers have complained that the duration (3 hours) is too long. Our response – this is a work in progress and Disney will undoubtedly make adjustments that make sense for their passengers.

In the past, we’ve given Disney high marks for the flexibility in the kid’s program. Honestly, it really is what sets them apart from most other cruise lines. With this move, we’ve seen them move closer to Carnival or Celebrity in their implementation, so only time will tell if this will hurt their rating and popularity among cruising families.

Check back with us in early March for a complete first-hand account! In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences.

Yet another reader recently commented on our much controversial Norwegian Jewel Review that we posted almost 18 months ago. Surprisingly, it continues to be the number one article in terms of views each month and it also continues to elicit heated, and sometimes angry, comments. In this instance, we moderated the comment due to its vitriolic tone and its direct attack on a specific group of individuals, so it isn’t available for the public to read (sorry – this is a family-friendly website). However, some of the observations made by the writer has led us to finally address head-on the notion that “You get what you pay for” and the frequent complaint that “I can’t afford a Disney cruise”.

We’d like to believe that the quality of a cruise and the level of service provided by the crew are directly related to price. While I believe that is a fair generalization, I’ve sailed on the best and the worst cruise lines - the cost of the best isn’t always justified and the hidden costs of the worst is shocking. This leads to one of the most frequently asked questions – which cruise line is the best value? Well, that is quite simple with respect to families – Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Line. Hold on one minute – how can Disney, the most expensive of the mass market lines, be the best value? Simple, they provide an amazing product, along with amazing service, at a price that is less than luxury or upscale lines, such as Cunard or Crystal.

One of the biggest misconceptions with respect to Disney Cruise Line is that their cruises are not affordable. To that, I say, nonsense! You just need to be patient, have a good travel agent, or simply follow us on Twitter. We tweet all of the significant promotions available to the general public before they sell out. For example, we’re booked on the Disney Wonder for a prime week at the end of February. Our Deluxe Outside Cabin for four cost us a whopping $1,965 total, plus we get a $100 onboard credit. You’ll pay more than that on most other mass-market lines.

Okay, so you missed out on that special promotion or simply were not interested in those voyages – now what? Well, try Carnival Cruise Lines. While the quality and service doesn’t compare to Disney, the kid’s program is quite extensive and the facilities (including Waterworks and mini-golf) keep families entertained. A family of four can regularly sail for a week with Carnival for less than $2,000. That is affordable for most families, not to metion a good value for your money.

On the other hand, we consider any money spent with Norwegian Cruise Line to be a bad investment. No, we aren’t snobs, nor do we expect to receive 5-star service for a 3-star price, but we do expect NCL to compare favorably to Carnival Cruise Lines, the other mass-market cruise line within NCL’s price category. From a family persepctive, they fail miserably on that front.

So, if you’re looking for value, my recommendation is to wait for a super sale on Disney Cruise Line, or alternatively, give Carnival Cruise Lines a try. While the situation has improved slightly with the launch of Norwegian Epic, NCL continues to provide a mediocre product, albeit at a low cost, at least initially. If any of our readers who have sailed both Carnival and NCL would like to put together a head-to-head comparison, I’d be happy to post it. Until then, I’ll stick with my assessment and recommendations as it relates to NCL.

Bon Voyage!

Disclosure

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

If you choose to cruise with a child under the age of 3, you’ll want to consider the availability of babysitting or other supervised activities when deciding on a cruise line.  The availability of these services varies widely amongst cruise lines and can even vary by ship or time of year. 

In order to help you in your decision making process, we’ve put together the top 7 cruise lines with babysitting and supervised activities for children under 3.  UPDATED October 2011!

Queen Mary 2 Play Zone

1. Cunard Cruise Line - Surprisingly, Cunard takes the number one spot.  Staffed in the British tradition, nannies and youth counselors care for infants and toddlers from ages 1 to 6 in their Play Zone/Nursery.  They will change diapers, feed and care for your little one during scheduled daytime and evening hours, which vary by itinerary (generally 9AM-Midnight with closure from Noon-2PM and 5-6PM except the first and last days).  Also offered is evening group babysitting, which allows mom and dad to have a night out on the “town”.  The best part…there is no limit on the number of hours your child can spend there and it’s free!  Your tiny tots under 1 year old may play in the Play Zone too when accompanied by a parent or guardian (2012 itineraries will require parental supervision for children under 2 years of age).
2. Disney Cruise Line – Babysitting for infants and toddlers from 12 weeks to 3 years is available in the Flounder’s Reef Nursery (or It’s a Small World Nursery onboard the Disney Dream) from 9AM until 11PM each evening  (5PM-11PM on the first day) at a cost of $6/hour for the first child and $5/hour for each sibling (two hour minimum).  There is an activity area as well as a quiet area for napping infants and toddlers.  Nursery staff does change diapers if you provide them with supplies.  You may reserve up to 10 hours in advance of sailing (18 hours for 7-night sailings, 28 hours for 10-12 night sailings and 35 hours for 14-night sailings). Additional hours must be booked onboard on an as available basis.  This is the only cruise line that offers babysitting for infants under 6 months of age.
3. Carnival Cruise Line – Camp Carnival is unique in that it offers daily activities for toddlers beginning at age 2 and the youth staff will change diapers.  Free activities continue throughout the day (generally open at 9AM on sea days and 15 minutes before arrival on port days) until 10PM.  There are also breaks during the day to allow for supervised free play by younger toddlers and infants (6-24 months).  After hours group babysitting for children aged 6 months to 11 years is available from 10PM to 3AM every evening for $6.75/hour (plus 15% gratuity) as part of the new “Night Owls” program.  Several different parties are also offered during the cruise for fees ranging from $13 to $33 (plus 15% gratuity). There is no limitation on the frequency of visits and participation, making this the most comprehensive program for two year old toddlers.
4. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – RCCL (along with its sister, Celebrity Cruises) is the only major mass market cruise line to offer in-cabin babysitting.  From 8AM-1AM each day, you may reserve a private babysitter (two are required, but you pay a flat fee) who will care for your children in the comfort of your own cabin for $19/hour (for up to three children in a family). They will feed, change and entertain.  This is the perfect situation for late night fun while the kids sleep soundly in their own bed.  All children must be at least one year of age, although, I’ve heard of numerous (successful) accounts of families rounding up when they make their reservation.  Another option for young children is the Royal Babies (6-18 months) and Royal Tots (18-36 months) programs, which are limited in scope and require parental participation. Oasis Class ships, along with Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas,  also have an onboard nursery that offers full services for children aged 6-36 months.  The fee is $8/hour and hours of operation vary according to each day’s itinerary (generally 10AM-Midnight on sea days with a closure from 4-5PM and opening 30-minutes prior to arrival on port days). The nursery is not open for babysitting on embarkation day. Reservations are first-come, first-served and you can only pre-book up to 20 hours. Additional hours are released on a space available basis.
5. Celebrity Cruises – In-cabin babysitting is offered under the same terms as RCCL’s program.  In addition, Celebrity offers Toddler Time, which designates varied hours each day as free play time in The Fun Factory for children under 3 who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Fun filled treasure chests, containing lots of infant and toddler friendly toys, can also be signed out and brought to your room for the entirety of the cruise.
6. Norwegian Cruise Line – NCL is the other cruise line that offers daily supervised activities for toddlers beginning at age 2.  However, diaper changing is not available.  You will be left with a pager that will summon you should their diaper become soiled.  Group babysitting for children aged 2 and up is also available from 10PM to 1AM each evening and while in port for $6/hour for the first child and $4/hour for each additional sibling.  The only activity area for children under the age of 2 is the Under 2 Zoo, which is basically a conference room (on most ships) with a dozen or so well worn toys where parents can play with their kids and meet other families. No real activity programs or babysitting is available for little tikes under the age of 2, making this one of the least appealing programs for infants.
7. Crystal Cruises- In-cabin babysitting is available for infants starting at 6 months, subject to availability.  The fee is $10/hour for one child, $15/hour for 2 children and $20/hour for 3 children.  There is also a children’s playroom available to children under 3 year old when accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Children’s programs and activities may be limited outside of peak summer and holiday seasons.
   

   Royal Tots Playtime

Our top pick for a 2-3 year old is Carnival Cruise Line as a result of their willingness to change diapers and no charge activities on port days, not to mention the ability to obtain group sitting until 3AM!  For infants under one year, Disney Cruise Line wins the competition hands down, providing the most comprehensive babysitting options.  Finally, in the aged 1 to 2 category, we’d have to go with Cunard Cruise Line due to it’s unlimited complimentary nursery and toddler program (this will change in 2012 when one-year-old children require parental supervision).  Although, if it’s in-cabin babysitting that you’re looking for, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line or Celebrity Cruises is the way to go.

No matter which cruise line you choose, be sure to confirm the availability of the program for your sailing.  Sign up immediately upon embarkation (or in advance if allowed) and partake in the various family activities that many of the cruise lines offer.  The Family Treasure Hunt was one of the highlights of our last cruise!  Cruising with little ones is possible if you choose the right cruise.

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Disclosure 

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Having cruised once with our first child when he was 11 months old and then again with both of our boys at age 3 1/2 and 8 months, then yet again (on 3 cruises) when our kids were 4 1/2 and 20 months, the most important consideration for us, cruising with infant and toddler aged children, was the cabin.  Of course, this is the opposite of the advice we’d give to adults.  Although a couple traveling alone or with friends might spend very little time in the cabin, families with young children will likely do the opposite,  at least if they have chosen the right cabin.  

Inside vs. Outside

Keeping in mind that most young kids don’t do well with waking to an alarm, having an outside cabin helps to keep their body clock in check by allowing natural light to filter into the room.  An outside cabin will also provide hours of entertainment throughout the cruise.  There will be an ever changing world outside of the window for them to observe.  If price is a factor (although outside cabins are frequently only $100 or so more than an inside cabin), then there are some alternatives.   

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers Promenade Staterooms and Balcony Staterooms that overlook the interior of the ship, for example, providing much entertainment and a source of light.  The potential for noise, however, may outweigh the benefits.  Finally, if an inside cabin is the only affordable option, bring along a portable natural light that can be set at different intensities.  Use it in the morning and around nap times to help the children wake.    

In addition to offering split baths in their deluxe cabins, Disney Cruise Line will install virtual portholes in inside cabins onboard the new Disney Dream set to debut in January, 2011. This will usher in a new era of the inside cabin – we’ll report back once she sets sail.  

Balcony Cabins

If you have chosen to spring for an outside cabin, now you are faced with choosing one with just windows, or splurging for the increasingly affordable balcony cabin.  As new ships have grown in size and the number of ships afloat have grown too, the inventory of balcony cabins has skyrocketed.  With growth has come the affordability of the once exclusive balcony cabin.  Think of it as a giant window that slides open to reveal additional living space.  It’s a fantastic addition to entertain the kids and the cabins are usually a little larger than standard outside cabins, but at the same time, it doesn’t come without its dangers.  There are many parents who refuse to sail in a balcony cabin with young children because of the fear that somehow they might fall overboard.  Depending on the ship and the setup, that may be a justified fear.  However, many ships have balcony doors that are either too heavy for a child to open or have child proof locks that are placed high or require a bit more dexterity than a child (and sometimes adult) can muster. 

If you do choose a balcony, just be sure that the kids understand that it isn’t a place to play without supervision.  Never leave a child unsupervised on the balcony and be sure to sufficiently block their unsupervised access.  You may find that a portable door alarm provides piece of mind.  First Alert, GE and Intermatic are a few of the companies that offer these products.  They are portable and can be installed anywhere and removed without leaving a trace.  Most balconies have a glass wall that is high enough to keep kids safe, however, our 3 1/2 year old could easily move a chair to the railing, climb up and could have with one curious lean (far) over, fallen overboard.  As an alternative, you can also request that the furniture be removed from your balcony for safety.  

If you simply cannot overcome the safety issue, a good alternative to a balcony cabin is a deluxe or superior outside cabin.  These cabin categories are typically a little larger in size and have larger or multiple picture windows.  If you want to save on cost, but still want an outside cabin, an obstructed view cabin may be another option. 

Family Staterooms

Many years ago, cruise lines saw a huge untapped market in family cruising.  So, as the industry expanded, so did the variety of activities and cabins aimed at families.  On most ships, you can find Family Staterooms, whether inside or outside.  These special cabins typically have two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms (at least one with bathtub) and more living space to accommodate up to 8 people in some instances.  The most significant advantages are size (usually 250 sq ft and up) and privacy (separate bedrooms).  You have to seek these cabins out, because they aren’t always readily apparent.  The number of cabins tends to be limited, so reserving one at a reasonable cost can be challenging, especially during peak season.  A better and potentially cheaper alternative, particularly for older children, may be to sail in connecting staterooms.  

Suites

Suites is a rather broad category as what is available will not only vary by ship, but also widely within the ship itself.  Many cruise lines have what they call a mini-suite or a junior suite.  This class of suites on average range in size from 200 to 300 square feet and typically include a balcony (or floor to ceiling windows) and a bathtub.  On older ships, these cabins may be smaller and not have a balcony or a bathtub, so a suite category is always relative to the ship.  Clearly, having a bathtub is a huge plus, especially with young kids.  Note that all Disney Cruise Line staterooms have bathtubs.  As ships gain in size, the cost of these “faux” suites have become more affordable.  Like the Family Staterooms, these suites will provide the extra space to make hanging out in the cabin more bearable.

The next significant difference amongst suite categories will be in service and amenities.  As the suites increase in size and luxury, balconies will get larger, you’ll have living areas that are separated from sleeping areas and larger baths that may include double sinks, jetted tubs and a separate shower.  This is all magnificent, but it isn’t likely to make a significant difference for families.  What will make a difference is the services and amenities that come with some of the larger and most exclusive suites.  For example, think about how priority boarding or tender service might make life easier.  Now, what if you had a butler to cater to your every need, carry your gear to the gangway when you leave the ship while in port, draw a bath so it is ready upon your return, or arrange priority services such as an in-suite photo session?  Butler service will vary widely by cruise line, but definitely can be a parents dream come true.   

How about the ability to dine-in and have anything you desire, whether on the menu or not.  Need baby food?  How about fresh pureed fruits or vegetables – no jar stuff for these suite babies.  Running late and can’t find a seat at the show?  No problem, many of these exclusive suites come with priority seating.  The perks can be endless and for tired parents, priceless.  It won’t be cheap – suites with true butler service likely will cost you $5,000 and up per week.  Don’t be fooled by suites that offer “concierge” service, it isn’t the same and neither is the price.   In the grandest of suites, like Royal Caribbean’s Presidential Suites, NCL’s Garden Villas or Celebrity’s Penthouse Suites, you can expect the royal treatment with fresh flowers, complimentary spirits, large outdoor spaces that include hot tubs, and perhaps even a sauna.  These make for the ultimate family vacation…you really never have to leave the suite.  

Just remember, cabin choice can make a significant impact on your family vacation.  Traveling with kids, especially toddlers and infants can be a challenge, choose your cabin wisely and you’ll reap the rewards of a more enjoyable vacation.

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Disclosure

It’s deal day again and this weeks deal is a Disney of a deal! Disney Cruise Line is offering its Kids Sail Free promotion for Verandah cabins only on the Disney Magic sailings between January 3 and March 5, 2011. If you’ve never sailed with Disney, this might be a great time to explore what Disney Cruise Line has to offer. Check out our review for more information.

Starting with the 5 night Bahamas sailing on January 3, 2011, you can sail in a Verandah cabin from only $2765 for a family of four - this one still isn’t listed on their website, so take advantage of the secret savings on this sailing while it lasts. The less expensive verandahs on the 7 night Caribbean sailings are drying up quickly (cabins on the February 19th sailing were gone before the sale started), but you can still hop on board the January 22, 2011 sailing from only $3,341 for a family of four. To obtain this special pricing, use booking code KFO.

Let me say again that when Disney launches these promotions, cabins sell fast. If you follow us on Twitter, you noticed that we tweeted this deal yesterday morning, before it even hit the Disney website. So, if you want to stay on top of these deals make sure that you follow us on Twitter!

Now it’s your turn…share your best travel deals, discounts tips or secrets with us by adding your link below. Read the Rules of the Road before posting.

 

Disclosure