5 Night Magic vs. 4 night Dream

[Hillbeans]

I know this is such a first world problem and a fluffy thread. I am leaning one way now more than the other but I wanted to see what my fellow DCL cruisers would go with given the two options:

5 Night Magic - March 23, 2018 - Bahamas itinerary with stops in Key West, Nassau and CC

• 5 nights instead of 4
• Good sailing weather in March, escape the cold from the Northeast
• I like the Magic, have sailed on it 2x
• Week before Easter, higher crowds and prices, but kids only miss 1x of school.
• Inside Room for 4 people $4500. The room is tiny. If 16 yo. son wanted to invite a friend then two rooms cost $6100. (16 yo son is not super social and spent a lot of our last cruise solo)
• have to only wait another year

4 Night Dream - August 27th 2018 - Bahamas itinerary with stops in Nassau and CC

• 4 nights instead of 5
• Newer Ship, never been on the Dream
• Low crowds but hot temperatures
• No fall sports and kids are still out of school
• Could combine with a few days in Disney using my DVC ("Free of cost"), have unused hopper/water park and more tickets to use so no park pass cost.
• 16 yo son could bring a friend and we could stay 5 in a large Porthole room for $4400 or Verandah Room for $4700 or get 2 inside rooms for $5300.
• Have to wait another 17 months :\

My first instinct is always that 5 days is much better than 4. We could do the 5 day but would most likely not be able to invite a friend for DS which is not a show-stopper.

 

[Trera]

Normally I would be for more days but in your scenerio...............the 4 night with extra time at WDW plus your son brings a friend seems like a good choice.

 

[Shanti]

In your case I would do the 4-night:

• Son will enjoy it more with his friend
• Experience a Dream-class ship for the first time
• More economical
• Enjoy the parks before or afterwards

 

[dragynally]

The 4 day with WDW sounds better. Yes you'll have to wait longer but it works be a fuller trip. I will warn you WDW is HOT in August.

 

[MPS516]

I have to go with the 5 night Magic. Love the ship, like the itinerary better and like the time of year better. While the room at WDW is covered by DVC there are bound to be other daily costs associated to meals, park tickets or such. I would have already booked Magic and told my DD that if her friend is coming she has to let me know this week. Also have never done 5 in a room but with 4 can be busy.

 

[mevelandry]

5 nights on Magic hands down.

Would love to visit Key West.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The Magic has Tangled, and is 5 nights. That would be my choice!

 

[GoofyLovingFamily]

Longer cruise always better.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks everyone! I am going to try and make a decision and put down a deposit next week It's a win-win situation either way.

 

[Flossbolna]

I am usually in the camp of longer cruise is better cruise. BUT I think in your case, the Dream is the better pick. A new ship is always fun, the cruise is cheaper in total and you might be able to add on time at WDW and add another person. Those large porthole oceanview rooms are fantastic on the newer ships. Have you asked your kids what they think? (Not saying let them decide, but might be worth it to discuss it in the family).

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I would select The Dream also I would want the larger cabin or the two cabins. You do have to wait a bit longer but it will get you wanting it more! The Dream is a lovely ship. Great ice cream palour! I don't think you can make a wrong choice I am sure they would both be amazing. But that would be my vote.