Which ship??

[nonstopdisneymom]

I have only ever experienced a Carnival cruise (hated it) but would really like to try a DC next year. Is there a big difference between ships like there is among the Carnival ships? I do plan to go out of Florida or Texas if that helps any on what ships would be an option for me. This would also be a first time cruise for my kiddos ages 17, 15, 9 at the time we would cruise. Thanks for any information.

 

[MarineFam]

We have been on the Magic twice and have loved it. We are heading out in a couple of weeks to cruise on the Fantasy which is newer and larger but if you haven't gone on any of the Disney cruise ships I am sure that any will be great the first time around. I think that the big thing this time around for us is going to be more to do for our boys. We have two ages 15 and 12 and are too big for the regular slide so the Aquaduck will be a great thing and as they have been on the Magic twice before, the kids areas will be different for them too.

 

[MarineFam]

just saw the ages of your kids. I do think that the Fantasy as I have been looking for my own would be a better choice for you.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have only ever experienced a Carnival cruise (hated it) but would really like to try a DC next year. Is there a big difference between ships like there is among the Carnival ships? I do plan to go out of Florida or Texas if that helps any on what ships would be an option for me. This would also be a first time cruise for my kiddos ages 17, 15, 9 at the time we would cruise. Thanks for any information.

The Dream & Fantasy (the 2 newest DCL ships) both sail out of Port Canaveral.

The Magic will be in Miami until May when she goes to the Med for the summer. Then she will be in San Juan, PR until Oct when she returns to Miami.

The Wonder will be in Galveston until May when she goes to Alaska for the summer. She will then go to Port Canaveral for the end of the year.

 

[eggroll]

I have only ever experienced a Carnival cruise (hated it) but would really like to try a DC next year. Is there a big difference between ships like there is among the Carnival ships? I do plan to go out of Florida or Texas if that helps any on what ships would be an option for me. This would also be a first time cruise for my kiddos ages 17, 15, 9 at the time we would cruise. Thanks for any information.

Before I answer - what did you not like?

 

[nonstopdisneymom]

Before I answer - what did you not like?

There wasn't anything to do on the ship unless you liked to gamble or play bingo. We spent most of the day bored stiff. I think if we had a better ship it would have been better but the entertainment was just below par on the carnival elation.

Thanks for all the answers thus far.

 

[N365PA]

There isn't a casino on Disney so thats not an option. They do have Bingo, but not our cup of tea either. The things I like to do (wife and I, no kids) are;

1. Art of Entertainment Series (Cooking demonstration from DCL chef's)
2. Movies (yeah you can see them on shore, but I like seeing them on the ship)
3. Broadway Style Shows (in the evening)
4. Animation Classes
5. Galley Tour (if offered)
6. Aquaduck Rides (on Dream & Fantasy)
7. Reading on Deck 4 of the Wonder/Magic
8. Eating (i am a foodie)
9. Castaway Cay (Pelicans Plunge / Snorkeling)
10. Wine Tastings (I think its $10-15?)
11. Mini Golf (on Dream, not sure about Fantasy)
12. Cove Cafe (more reading...I like to read)
13. Trivia (Disney, Disney Music, 70's Music, etc.)


There has to be more that I'm missing, but thats what I can think of off hand.

 

[MikeAndNick]

I have a 16 year old that has been cruising sense he was 9 years old. We have done 5 different cruise lines and done three of the Disney ships. He prefers the Disney Ships because he finds that he does not have to filter friends as much to get new friends that have similar moral values. When booking our next cruise, I gave my son the choose of the Fantasy or the Wonder. He has been on both and he did not care. As a teen it was more about meeting new friends. When told to pick one he choose the Wonder because it is smaller and he finds it is easier to make close friends when there are less kids on the ship. Myself it was more of a matter of price and itinerary because there are things I like about all of them.

 

[nonstopdisneymom]

So am I correct in that the Magic and the Wonder are possibly smaller than the other ships? And the Fantasy and the Dream are the only 2 of their boats with the auquaduct? That is one thing my son is wanting to do really bad.

Movies, broadway shows and the amazing dining rooms (the one that starts black/white and ends color ) are a few of the reasons I think I would like DCL. Disney has an amazing attention to detail. Of course I don't have to tell any of my disers that. Lol

 

[Meghatron]

So am I correct in that the Magic and the Wonder are possibly smaller than the other ships? And the Fantasy and the Dream are the only 2 of their boats with the auquaduct? That is one thing my son is wanting to do really bad.

Movies, broadway shows and the amazing dining rooms (the one that starts black/white and ends color ) are a few of the reasons I think I would like DCL. Disney has an amazing attention to detail. Of course I don't have to tell any of my disers that. Lol

The AquaDuck is on the Dream and Fantasy. The b&w dining room that changes to colour is on the Magic and Wonder. Yes, the Magic class ships are smaller. IMHO, this makes for less crowds and better service from the onboard staff.

 

[Cruisefan2]

Yes the magic and the wonder are the smaller ships. I have been on the magic and the dream so one of each. My son who is 15 enjoyed the aqua duck but you only do it once or so and it's not that mind blowing he said. We prefer the smaller ships ourselves as they have a more homely feel to them.

 

[eggroll]

There wasn't anything to do on the ship unless you liked to gamble or play bingo. We spent most of the day bored stiff. I think if we had a better ship it would have been better but the entertainment was just below par on the carnival elation.

Thanks for all the answers thus far.

The ships decor and theme

Disney - very detailed and reminiscent of old style cruising yet a modern feel

Carnival - old school 80's Vegas, but the newer ones are more modern.

Conclusion - your preference.


Rooms

Disney - very family friendly, split bathroom concept is awesome. Disney I think has a cooler. Not a fridge. (I may be wrong.)

Carnival - it's a room. Not great, not bad, just efficient. You get a fridge on carnival that I had my steward empty for me.

Suites

Disney - incredible suites with a private concierge lounge and now private tanning areas I think. Fancy. But holy crap - are you going away for a week or are you trying to but a new civic? It's retarded $$$.

Carnival - slightly bigger rooms with a chair, or slightly bigger rooms with a chair, closet, and tubs.... Uh, you don't have to wait too long in line. Um..... thats about it. if you get a suite on carnival you can join the other families that want people to think they are rich too. You might be lucky enough to have them as table mates!

Conclusion - The bathrooms are very useful and I've heard the Disney rooms are slightly bigger. And of course Disney is more detailed. They actually really use the concept of suites and concierge together.

Disney winner

Think westin resort vs holiday inn

Food

Disney - rotational evening dining, Palo, remy,
There are many choices for everyone, and the food is high quality for both speciality and "free" dining. The concept of new scenery nightly is great, and I don't know of any other cruise line that does it. Much respect here. Michelin 3 star restaurant on the water? Not heard of.

Carnival - I've heard many cruisers complain about this line. I admit, it's not fantastic, but these people complain like they are paying for Ruth Chris steaks and getting golden coral.
It's not that bad. Its actually pretty good. This is what you get for a budget line. Surprise. The for fee steakhouse is good too. It's the best steak I've had at sea. Really, it was good. I even asked for seconds. And yes I've done many other lines. Royal, Cunard, etc. Another secret for carnival - the chef table. We ate in the kitchen with a few other buddies with free booze and a 7 course meal prepped by the head chef and others. It was in the galley too. Fun.

Conclusion - Disney. Both have great for fee places, but the included dining on Disney flys by carnival.

Entertainment

Disney - broadway level shows. Indoor and outdoor movies. Great shows. Fun for kids and adults. Great stuff. Plenty of daily activities to do.

Carnival - More blue collar. Adult comedy was ok. But the other shows .... Some were ok..... And I'll say it, the rest of the shows sucked... What wasn't ok, sucked. I thought the dancers came from high schools that didn't make the drill
team. It sucked. It was the suckiess thing that ever sucked. Activities did seem rather redundant. It still sucked....

Winner - what do you think? If you can handle a ship without a casino, it's obvious.

Conclusion - Disney wins, by a long shot. When carnival is done paying for engine repairs they have to put the same amount on the entertainment budget. But wait, you have to really try and pay to fix the engine this time. No cheating.


Outdoor/pool

Disney - adult areas rock and Disney really emphasizes adults only. pools are still very weak. Newer boat coasters are fun, but can be considered one trick pony. Gyms are good with ok jogging tracks.

Carnival - pools are ok. Adult areas are ok, but I see kids go thru there that stay often. Carnival seems more lax here and I can see why people complain. I've even heard of attendants serving food to Tweens in adult areas. Big no no carnival.
Now this is we're carnival slaughters. Walking sky courses, golf, gym, track, water parks. Awesome.

Winner carnival

Overall it's a choice of your own. The cost of Disney is easily 50% more then other lines. But you get an experience you won't forget. I'm not a carnival basher. I like them. I've also been lucky enough to be on functioning carnival boats. Face it, cost is a big factor. There are many people that save years for a dream cruise. Just so happens the dreamers end up on carnival. Carnival aka. Chuckee cheese on the water / Walmart of the seas can have some odd company. When people have this dream with a skinny budget, dont expect everyone to have a dental plan. I've had great voyages on royal, princess, Cunard, and dealt with rich jerks. Disney seems to bring the happiest people on earth. If you can afford you will get more.

It's your call.

 

[nonstopdisneymom]

The ships decor and theme

Disney - very detailed and reminiscent of old style cruising yet a modern feel

Carnival - old school 80's Vegas, but the newer ones are more modern.

Conclusion - your preference.

Rooms

Disney - very family friendly, split bathroom concept is awesome. Disney I think has a cooler. Not a fridge. (I may be wrong.)

Carnival - it's a room. Not great, not bad, just efficient. You get a fridge on carnival that I had my steward empty for me.

Suites

Disney - incredible suites with a private concierge lounge and now private tanning areas I think. Fancy. But holy crap - are you going away for a week or are you trying to but a new civic? It's retarded $$$.

Carnival - slightly bigger rooms with a chair, or slightly bigger rooms with a chair, closet, and tubs.... Uh, you don't have to wait too long in line. Um..... thats about it. if you get a suite on carnival you can join the other families that want people to think they are rich too. You might be lucky enough to have them as table mates!

Conclusion - The bathrooms are very useful and I've heard the Disney rooms are slightly bigger. And of course Disney is more detailed. They actually really use the concept of suites and concierge together.

Disney winner

Think westin resort vs holiday inn

Food

Disney - rotational evening dining, Palo, remy,
There are many choices for everyone, and the food is high quality for both speciality and "free" dining. The concept of new scenery nightly is great, and I don't know of any other cruise line that does it. Much respect here. Michelin 3 star restaurant on the water? Not heard of.

Carnival - I've heard many cruisers complain about this line. I admit, it's not fantastic, but these people complain like they are paying for Ruth Chris steaks and getting golden coral.
It's not that bad. Its actually pretty good. This is what you get for a budget line. Surprise. The for fee steakhouse is good too. It's the best steak I've had at sea. Really, it was good. I even asked for seconds. And yes I've done many other lines. Royal, Cunard, etc. Another secret for carnival - the chef table. We ate in the kitchen with a few other buddies with free booze and a 7 course meal prepped by the head chef and others. It was in the galley too. Fun.

Conclusion - Disney. Both have great for fee places, but the included dining on Disney flys by carnival.

Entertainment

Disney - broadway level shows. Indoor and outdoor movies. Great shows. Fun for kids and adults. Great stuff. Plenty of daily activities to do.

Carnival - More blue collar. Adult comedy was ok. But the other shows .... Some were ok..... And I'll say it, the rest of the shows sucked... What wasn't ok, sucked. I thought the dancers came from high schools that didn't make the drill
team. It sucked. It was the suckiess thing that ever sucked. Activities did seem rather redundant. It still sucked....

Winner - what do you think? If you can handle a ship without a casino, it's obvious.

Conclusion - Disney wins, by a long shot. When carnival is done paying for engine repairs they have to put the same amount on the entertainment budget. But wait, you have to really try and pay to fix the engine this time. No cheating.

Outdoor/pool

Disney - adult areas rock and Disney really emphasizes adults only. pools are still very weak. Newer boat coasters are fun, but can be considered one trick pony. Gyms are good with ok jogging tracks.

Carnival - pools are ok. Adult areas are ok, but I see kids go thru there that stay often. Carnival seems more lax here and I can see why people complain. I've even heard of attendants serving food to Tweens in adult areas. Big no no carnival.
Now this is we're carnival slaughters. Walking sky courses, golf, gym, track, water parks. Awesome.

Winner carnival

Overall it's a choice of your own. The cost of Disney is easily 50% more then other lines. But you get an experience you won't forget. I'm not a carnival basher. I like them. I've also been lucky enough to be on functioning carnival boats. Face it, cost is a big factor. There are many people that save years for a dream cruise. Just so happens the dreamers end up on carnival. Carnival aka. Chuckee cheese on the water / Walmart of the seas can have some odd company. When people have this dream with a skinny budget, dont expect everyone to have a dental plan. I've had great voyages on royal, princess, Cunard, and dealt with rich jerks. Disney seems to bring the happiest people on earth. If you can afford you will get more.

It's your call.

Absolutely love your comparisons!!! I now know Carnival has better ships than the sucky one I was on. But your right the entertainment sucked big time. If it weren't for the 4 other couples that came with us we would have gone crazy. I want my kids to have a really good time and I prefer my ship to make it back to the intended port. Lol I am so excited that my husband gave me the go ahead to book. I have so much to figure out though. That's why I'm starting with the right boat. And if really the main difference is auquaduct or no aquaduct maybe I shouldn't be to worried.

 

[eggroll]

Absolutely love your comparisons!!! I now know Carnival has better ships than the sucky one I was on. But your right the entertainment sucked big time. If it weren't for the 4 other couples that came with us we would have gone crazy. I want my kids to have a really good time and I prefer my ship to make it back to the intended port. Lol I am so excited that my husband gave me the go ahead to book. I have so much to figure out though. That's why I'm starting with the right boat. And if really the main difference is auquaduct or no aquaduct maybe I shouldn't be to worried.

The deal breaker for me were the ports. Castaway cay is supposed to be the end all be all of cruise line owned ports. The only port I really fell in love with so far was key west. Granted, I've not had the luck of grand caymen yet. Hope I helped.

Thx teddy

 

[eggroll]

Absolutely love your comparisons!!! I now know Carnival has better ships than the sucky one I was on. But your right the entertainment sucked big time. If it weren't for the 4 other couples that came with us we would have gone crazy. I want my kids to have a really good time and I prefer my ship to make it back to the intended port. Lol I am so excited that my husband gave me the go ahead to book. I have so much to figure out though. That's why I'm starting with the right boat. And if really the main difference is auquaduct or no aquaduct maybe I shouldn't be to worried.

Another thing that helped me choose my ship. The night life is great. Checkout that skyline bar on the new ships.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Yes, there is a difference in Disney ships. The Magic and Wonder are smaller, more intimate ships. Nighttime entertainment isn't that much different, but the larger, newer, ships (Fantasy and Dream) have the Aquaduck and the Midship Detective Agency and bigger kids clubs. All around, more bells and whistles, BUT, also more crowds. My guess is you will love any of the ships, but your kids would probably like the bigger ones better because of all the cool new stuff. Your kids are older than mine, and unfortunately I can't speak to any difference between the older kids clubs on the new ships vs. the old.

Dream only does 3-4 night cruises, which I haven't been on because I prefer longer cruises. Fantasy is beautiful, but so is the Wonder and the Magic. To me they seemed less crowded, but the Fantasy wasn't OVER crowded.

The Animator's Palate on the Magic and Wonder slowly change from black and white to color, but the AP on the Fantasy is pretty cool also and has some very innovative things going on.

 

[speicher46]

The Dream & Fantasy (the 2 newest DCL ships) both sail out of Port Canaveral.

The Magic will be in Miami until May when she goes to the Med for the summer. Then she will be in San Juan, PR until Oct when she returns to Miami.

The Wonder will be in Galveston until May when she goes to Alaska for the summer. She will then go to Port Canaveral for the end of the year.

In you are speaking of 2013, the Magic is in Galveston until May when she goes to the Med. The Wonder is now in Miami.

 

[tajz90]

Any Disney cruise on any ship is great we have sailed all 4. Our favorite is the Magic. We love the more intimate feel and consider the service more detailed and pointed than on the larger ships.

 

[auntie]

Our choice to date has been sailing concierge on the smaller ships (Magic and Wonder). It is more afordable being that we prefer a suite with a seperate bedroom. On the larger ships that choice is significantly more expensive. Although, it appears they offer the free wine and a separate concierge lounge area. To date, our preference has been the smaller crowds (on castaway cay) and intimacy of the smaller ships. .

 

[MPS516]

Suites

Entertainment

Disney - broadway level shows. Indoor and outdoor movies. Great shows. Fun for kids and adults. Great stuff. Plenty of daily activities to do.

Carnival - More blue collar. Adult comedy was ok. But the other shows .... Some were ok..... And I'll say it, the rest of the shows sucked... What wasn't ok, sucked. I thought the dancers came from high schools that didn't make the drill
team. It sucked. It was the suckiess thing that ever sucked. Activities did seem rather redundant. It still sucked....

Winner - what do you think? If you can handle a ship without a casino, it's obvious.

Agree totally with your food and dining rotation, Disney far superior to Carnival and even Royal Caribbean based on our New Year's Eve cruise. But the Entertainment, Carnival does not have entertainment, what they do should just not happen. RCL, walked out of 3 shows until learned not to go, the only event worth seeing was the ice show.

The only time we will consider another line now is to go where DCL does not, South Pacific and South America.