Hello, Katherine. It's my pleasure to welcome you back to planDisney!
Katherine, as a fellow Mom who has been salivating over the
2024 Disney Cruise Line summer itineraries, I appreciate this question and am excited to chat with you about planning. Before we dive into your question, let me share that I think you have great taste as St. Lucia has been on my travel list for some time! I'm also so excited to experience
Lighthouse Point which is bound to become a must-do for many Disney Cruise Line fans.
Now, let's dive into your question about the length of a 10-night cruise being too long for a family of 6. Katherine, if your family had never been on a cruise before, I likely would say that a 10-night adventure wouldn't be my recommendation. However, since you've already got one sailing under your belt (or Pirate's hat), I think a longer cruise like the
Southern Caribbean itinerary really depends on your family's interests. The cruise you describe includes 2 full days at sea in addition to stops at 6 different ports. If your family loves activity and if the previous 3-night cruise was successful, I think you're left to consider how your family would enjoy that much time onboard.
One of the benefits, I have found, of a longer trip is time truly devoted to rest and relaxation. Often when my family and I take a short excursion, we try to fit in as much fun as possible, then feel like we need a vacation from our vacation. However, a longer trip often affords time to recharge. Last year my family spent 9-nights at the Walt Disney World Resort, and while being onboard a ship is different, it was a slower pace and different vibe than trips where we only stayed 4- or 5-nights.
Now, Katherine, my youngest son just turned 10, so my family is at a different stage of life and each child is different. I would encourage you to think about how each of your Mouseketeers might function during a long vacation. Did they enjoy the kids' clubs during your last cruise? Did they enjoy dining onboard the ship?
If you are still unsure, maybe the answer is to consider a 7-night option next summer with the intent of trying out the 10-night Southern Caribbean itinerary another year.
Katherine, the best news is that you have some great options to enjoy new destinations, and no matter what you choose, I'm confident you'll have a Magical trip. Remember the words of Merida (one of my favorite Princesses), "Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it.”
If you have any other questions, just point your compass in the direction of planDisney.
Lauren