Hi, Lisa!
A Disney Cruise Line (DCL) vacation is extra special, and I know that it takes some extra consideration, too. Yet, on our family's very first DCL cruise, my only regret is that it wasn't longer! It takes such effort for a family to plan, pay for and travel for a cruise that I personally think that three nights is just not long enough...especially if this is your first experience with DCL.
Of course, you know that a four-day cruise includes one day at sea which may not seem like much. Yet, if you've never been to Nassau or Castaway Cay, you'll want to spend those days ashore. And with the new Disney Dream being even larger than her other sea-faring sisters, there's more ship to explore and discover. You'll need that day at sea to:
- Reserve a night for the adults at Palo or Remy
- Enjoy spa experiences at Senses Spa & Salon
- Take a ride or two or three down the AquaDuck
- Explore with the Midship Detective Agency
- Visit Goofy's Sports Deck to shoot some hoops or play a round of mini-golf
- Make your photo selections at Shutters
- See a first-run movie at the Buena Vista Theater
- Relax and rejuvenate on a deck chair in preparation for your return to reality the next day!
So, there's simply more time to enjoy yourself on the ship for a 4-day cruise. I recommend 3-day cruises for those guests who are tacking on a cruise to a Walt Disney World vacation or if that's all they can squeeze into their schedule. (Of course, a three-day cruise is better than no cruise at all!)
Hopefully, my experience will help you make a decision for your family. Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation. Bon voyage!
Andi