[LittleMissMagic]

Well, after much debate, we've finally decided that we'd like to cruise, this Christmas (this still isn't final... who knows when we might change our minds!). Caribbean seems to be the most popular destination for winter break (suppose it's too cold for Alaska, at this time... brrr...). We've already done eastern, so we'd want to do western.

Trouble is, we can't decide on a cruise line. Now, I'm pulling for DCL because we've only been once, and this is the caribbean... plus, I'm looking for a winter Disney fix. Also, I'm sure that the ship would be decorated all Christmas-y, which I'm not so positive about on RCI.

Now, Rachel and Dad (kind of) are pulling for RCI. "The Disney ships are boring. There will be a bunch of little kids onboard..." Now, we haven't been in seven years, so... that opinion of hers isn't very valid.

We're members of both lines. Now, should I push for DCL, or just go with RCI. With RCI, we have more ship options... Freedom of the Seas, the new one with the surf-thing on it is sailing on our dates, plus the Mariner, which we've cruised on before, and the Radiance, which we've also cruised on in the past.

So... do you have any recommendations? Is The Magic decorated for the holidays? Are there special holiday shows? Is Castaway Cay decorated? Are the teen programs any fun?

[Dana]

I would focus and push for the DCL....I think they would do the holidays up right and who doesn't want a touch of disney on vacation?

[jk8]

Well considering your Dad is the one spending the $$ his vote for RC is very valid. It is much less expensive. Of course I vote Disney but especially for your age RC would be fun as well.

[Caseys Corner]

I also say DCL.

[Amelia's Man]

I would go with DCL! I, of course, am totally biased! I love DCL! No pun intended here, but there is a sense of............Magic on these ships! The food, the entertainment, and of course the characters! And the ships themselves are truly magnificent1 They are designed on the old time trans-atlantic ships, and have a certain classic feel to them that is unmatched on any other cruise line!

On one of our cruises, i talked with a couple from PA. that take a cruise EVERY year! They were both RCI fanatics until they tried DCL! They were on their 4th Disney Cruise, and said that they would NEVER go back to RCI! Not that they didn't like RCI, it's just that they found the Disney ships that much more special!

Oh, and the DCL ships WILL be decoratred for Christmas!!

[nitaworm]

I just came back from a Disney Cruise with a teenager and he had a blast... The play scavenger hunt games, and on Castaway Cay they do independent activities that you sign them up for and they go with their group. They have video game face offs and more. However, it also depends on your teen. Do they like meeting new people? Do they like being on their own. If so then they will have a good time. If they are not very people friendly than they will be bored. Also, my husband's main complaint was that the adult only areas stayed empty. It was our first cruise and he made do by playing bingo every night, then going to the bar where he said he often was the only one in there talking to the bartenders. Also, we only went on a 3 - day cruise. I believe RCL's teen programs are just as nice and their boats got a lot more to offer to those who are not Disney addicts like myself.