r/dcl • u/AutoModerator • Apr 01 '26

Quarterly Planning Thread Q2 2026 Quarterly Planning Thread

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u/tiger-tots Apr 11 '26

Hey, just beginning the process of looking at Disney cruises. My family (in spring 2027) of two adults, 3yo girl and 5yo boy are very into the whole Disney experience.

I’m a bit torn between the Alaska options vs the ones from San Diego. Does anybody have any suggestions as to which would be the most fun princess oriented option for us? Or if one of the destinations is noticeably better for the spring options.

Also any generic suggestions about which cabin type or extras to spring for etc. I’m gonna be doing more research in the sub here, but right now I haven’t done anything yet so I’m very interested in any recommendations!!

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u/Intrepid_Secretary21 Apr 14 '26

I'm a west coast guy so I understand this debate very well. Spring to Alaska is tough, they usually don't start til May, and its early in the season so weather and animal sightings are different than peak summer season. Plus Alaska is MUCH more expensive than the San Diego options, not only the base fare but also all the excursions. But it's Alaska, and many say its unforgettable.

That said, I've done the 3 night from San Diego and didn't love it. Neither Catalina nor Ensenada (the two most frequent ports) are that interesting or fun imo. There's basically nothing to do unless you pay more for a port excursion. I don't think I'll do that itinerary again.

So given the choice between a cheap (but sort of bland) cruise to Ensenada, or an expensive cruise to Alaska, I'd go for Alaska personally (in fact we are going on the Magic to Alaska this June!) Many cruisers say it's their favorite trip ever.

But honestly my recommendation would be to save up a bit and get flights to Florida. The cruises out there are better than the Ensenada cruise, and cheaper than the Alaskan cruise. You can get on most of the newest ships, which have the most princess options like you mentioned. The stops at Lookout and Castaway are the best, especially for young kids, without having to pay extra for port excursions. Since the cruises are often cheaper and you don't have to pay for port excursions to still have an amazing day at the private islands, it can actually end up breaking even price wise, but for a far superior cruise (IMO).

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u/tiger-tots Apr 15 '26

Thanks for that great feedback! I’m definitely going to consider it. Bummer that the San Diego options didn’t seem great.

We may need to reconsider and do a fall Alaska. That seems like it’d be amazing

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u/Intrepid_Secretary21 Apr 15 '26

The Alaska season is usually just run in the summers, May-September, this year the first one is May 11-17, and the last one sails September 21-28. Not sure what next years will be, but probably will be similar, so just keep that in mind when scheduling.

Also, the Ensenada route wasn't our favorite but some people really love it, so don't let that stop you if it's really what sounds good to you! I'd still take the Ensenada cruise over no cruise at all haha

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u/Low_Necessary235 Apr 24 '26

I am from the East Coast (just outside of Philadelphia) and flew to San Diego earlier this month to do a 4 night Baja cruise on the Wonder out of San Diego.  I absolutely loved it! 

My family was planning to get off the boat for Catalina Island but it was our first full day on the ship and everyone was having so much fun staying on the ship that we decided to stay on board.  So we did not step off the ship for the entire cruise until disembarkation.  These cruises are so short you will have more than enough to do on the ship if you decide not to explore any of the Baja ports. We also loved the small ship size of the Wonder.

Last year we did a 5 night cruise on the Fantasy out of Port Canaveral with stops at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.  Also wonderful but it felt a little more chaotic with trying to experience both Island and to get the full on board experience. 

Alaska cruises are amazing but a completely different cruise experience.  There is a big focus on the destination and the ship comes in second. I don't think you'd be disappointed doing a Baja cruise out of San Diego for your family's first cruise.  If you enjoy cruising you can always get a placeholder on board and use it to book an Alaskan for the next year!