5 nights Magic out of Galveston OR 4 nights Fantasy (Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay)?

[tm2003]

We found a special deal (inside stateroom restricted) for a 5 night cruise out of Galveston. Once we book it, we can't cancel and we won't know the room we are assigned. I don't think we are the type that want to stay in our room very much so it would be for sleeping only.
We have a Marriott deal in Orlando that we can use during Spring break for 4 nights so I looked for possible cruises for the rest of the week and found a cruise for 4 nights to visit both private islands but it's double the price of the 5 night Magic deal!
The only Disney cruise we have been on was 7 days Wonder (Cabo, Puerta Vallerta) and our family loved it! 4 nights seems very short to me compared to the 7 nights we went on so I'm hesitant about it.

Do we go on the 5 night Magic & fly to Houston in February OR do we go on the Fantasy for only 4 nights during Spring Break and pay more for 1 day less. We have never been to the private islands so it sounded more exciting than Cozumel and Progresso. Also, I teach so I would need to get a sub for the February cruise but it would be for my 50th so I have a good excuse either way
Wish we could go on both!!
If you have any advice, it would be much appreciated!

 

[OKW Lover]

Always a fan of longer cruises so I'd say Magic. However, I'd also factor in the cost to get to the ports when deciding.

 

[tidefan]

I'd normally say Magic hands down, but the ports aren't great on that itinerary.

 

[dcassetta]

I would factor in the cost of the flights for both cruises, but assuming they are similar I think five days on the Magic for half the cost of four days on the Fantasy is a good deal. The private islands are nice and have nice beaches, but it’s also possible to visit Cozumel and Progresso and enjoy beach days. Plus as you have been on the Wonder and are familiar with that classic ship, the Magic may feel similar to you as she is the sister of the Wonder.

 

[holula]

Magic and I’d probably stay on the ship the whole time.

 

[CamColt]

That's a tough one. I prefer the Fantasy and the islands, but the extra night and lower price on the Magic are definite perks too. I guess either way you cant go wrong. Good luck deciding!

 

[CarolynFH]

Let me just point out that you need to compare not just cost of flights but cost and convenience of ground transportation between airports and ports. Galveston is served by both Houston Hobby airport (HOU) and Bush Intercontinental airport (IAH). HOU is closer to Galveston than IAH is, but not all airlines fly there. Cruise lines including DCL do operate buses, but it’s not nearly as convenient or easy as transport between Orlando and Port Canaveral.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

Magic. It's hard to argue with an extra night for half the cost. Plus there's always the rumors about Magic retiring, so if you have any inclination to try them all, the oldest is the one to go with. Also in Feb. it may be less crowded than at spring break.

I've been to both Cozumel and Progreso. I would recommend a beach day at Nachi Cocom (you just make a reservation and then grab a taxi to get you there) for Cozumel. For Progreso, I would either just stay on the ship, choose a nearby beach excursion from the disney list, or if you're feeling adventurous, go with a 3rd party for cenote swimming. It seems like a lot of the disney excursions from that port are a couple of hours drive away, and we didn't enjoy spending so much time in a tour bus or being that far from the ship.

But you also need to factor in the travel to & from each place. If the PC cruise doesn't involve flying, that might make a difference for me.

 

[tm2003]

Thanks for all your advice! We decided to do the Magic 5 nights! The price difference and extra night seem worth it! And hopefully next time we will go to one of the private islands!

 

[Skippyboo]

Thanks for all your advice! We decided to do the Magic 5 nights! The price difference and extra night seem worth it! And hopefully next time we will go to one of the private islands!

Get a placeholder while onboard for $250. It’s good for 2 years and 10% a future cruise.