What to know about the big ships?

[mickeyfan0805]

We have only done one DCL cruise, and it was a 3 night on the Magic about 3 years ago. We just booked a 4 night with a similar itinerary (added a day at sea), but this one is on the Dream. I have heard stories about it being much busier at Castaway Cay when the bigger ships are in. What suggestions or details should we note that will be noticeably different on the Dream vs. the Magic? Thanks!

 

[Quellman]

Well there are more people, but there are still plenty of chairs and things at the beach for sitting on, and if you can work around prime lunch time, that is a benefit as well since you won't be waiting in line for food as long if at all. It's not like visiting Magic Kingdom on Christmas.

The Dream itself is bigger so the entertainment venues are larger as well. You'll see that the layout of the ships is different, the adult areas are at the aft end of the ship for example. But notable differenences are the adult pool area satellite falls, the addition of Remy- the adult French Restaurant to the normal Palo, and the glorious aquaduck water slide. You'll also see an upcharge snack location Vanellope's Sweet Treats. If you have kids check out the MidShip Detective Agency game. Can be started and stopped whenever you want, so it is good if you have a few minutes before dinner, or between trivia sessions.

Don't worry. It will be fine!

 

[MickeyEarrings]

I will tell you, though, if you book a room in the very front of the ship (we had #9504, three rooms back from the front of the ship) you will have a very, very long walk to and from Cabanas and the drinks stations.

 

[Shanti]

We loved the Fantasy even more than the Magic, because there was even more available to do. Never had an issue with crowding- it's a bigger ship that is built to hold more people. Castaway Cay was great. We now only want to sail on a classic ship to take advantage of a special itinerary. For a more typical Bahamas or Caribbean cruise, we only want to sail on a Dream class ship.

 

[Pintail]

The technology is more noticeable, and that is a plus. Everything is a bit bigger, but it is still elegant. You will notice more people on Castaway Cay, just because you are used to fewer. It is still awesome, and you will have a great time.

 

[hanscarlet]

Just get off as early as possible on Castaway Cay but other than that you may like the bigger ships more than the smaller ships!