All things’ being (mostly) equal - Wish or Wonder?

[EPCOT-O.G.]

Booking upcoming trip. Flight costs generally equal to/from SD and MCO from where we live. We have an opportunity to take a cruise.

Currently booked Wonder. But now see an itinerary on the same days for just a little more price wise.

WONDER
-Pros: Already booked, read fun things about trip/ship, loved the Dream and this feels more of the same
-Cons: Catalina and Ensenada aren’t terribly exciting to us

WISH
-Pros: New ship, Castaway Cay and Nassau
-Cons: Heard a lot of complaints re: layout and design choices

Thoughts?

 

[Mommb]

What did you love about the Dream? That might help you determine whether the Wonder or the Wish (both of which have similarities and differences to the Dream) is a better fit.

If you liked walking all the way around the ship, the Wonder has that and the Wish doesn't.
If you liked the Midship Detective Agency, the Wish has an interactive game and the Wonder doesn't.
If you liked Remy, the Wish has a similar restaurant and the Wonder doesn't.
If you liked having several adult clubs in the same area, the Wonder has that and the Wish doesn't.
If you like heavily themed lounges, the Wish has more than the Wonder.
If you liked having a coffee shop accessible to all, not just adults, the Wish has two and the Wonder has 1 lounge that has coffee but not as a focus.
If you liked having snack in the adult coffee shop with no additional fee, the Wonder has that and the Wish (last I heard) doesn't.
If you liked Animator's Palate, the Wonder has it and the Wish doesn't.

Both ships have 3 main theater shows and 3 themed dining rooms (2 with dinner shows).

You can't go wrong with either, but there are differences in the itineraries and the onboard features that may make a different to you.

 

[sponica]

I'd be inclined to do the Wonder if only because the Wish and its itineraries aren't going anywhere...

 

[auntlynne]

If I wanted to go in the water, I would 100% of the time pick Bahamas over the Pacific Ocean.

The Wonder is cozy and easy to use. Even more so than the Dream. But 24 years old. If you don’t cruise often, you may want to pick this before she is mothballed (no plans announced; just 30 years is often as long as original owner will keep a ship before selling it).

I think it would come down to whether you want to get off the ship or not (when in port). Catalina was a nice visit when I took the ferry from mainland CA. Videos of Ensenada port visits don’t do a good job selling it.

But a lot of cruisers also aren’t Nassau fans, either, choosing to stay on the ship.

Having sailed DCL a bunch, but not Wish, I would pick her for the new layout, restaurants, newness, lots of smaller pools in the family area (more about steps instead of ladders into the water). The adult pool area and the smaller venues for games are detractors for this choice. As are the two tiny movie theaters. I do enjoy the regular full-size theaters on the first four ships. Maybe the WD Theater shows would help decide.

 

[pearljammer]

What did you love about the Dream? That might help you determine whether the Wonder or the Wish (both of which have similarities and differences to the Dream) is a better fit.

If you liked walking all the way around the ship, the Wonder has that and the Wish doesn't.
If you liked the Midship Detective Agency, the Wish has an interactive game and the Wonder doesn't.
If you liked Remy, the Wish has a similar restaurant and the Wonder doesn't.
If you liked having several adult clubs in the same area, the Wonder has that and the Wish doesn't.
If you like heavily themed lounges, the Wish has more than the Wonder.
If you liked having a coffee shop accessible to all, not just adults, the Wish has two and the Wonder has 1 lounge that has coffee but not as a focus.
If you liked having snack in the adult coffee shop with no additional fee, the Wonder has that and the Wish (last I heard) doesn't.
If you liked Animator's Palate, the Wonder has it and the Wish doesn't.

Both ships have 3 main theater shows and 3 themed dining rooms (2 with dinner shows).

You can't go wrong with either, but there are differences in the itineraries and the onboard features that may make a different to you.

No brainer here. The Wonder is my LEAST fav ship except for Tiana’s which I wish were on EVERY boat! Wish and CC, you can’t beat that. Besides, Ensenada is crap and again….a no brainer.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Wonder, and I say that as someone with an upcoming Wish cruise booked. Tiana's is great, Palo if you book it has fantastic views and food. It's a smaller ship so fewer kids and they get more personalized attention in the clubs and with the characters. For the same reason crowds in general are not as bad: Cabanas, muster, shows, embarkation/debarkation, etc. I also just love the classic nautical style of the Wonder. Nassau is so meh and Castaway is fine I guess but not really exciting. We're only going on the Wish to try a new ship and because it's a reunion and that's were everyone wanted to go. But I suspect it will be one and done unless they start sailing the Wish to actually interesting ports, which I doubt will happen anytime soon.

 

[princesscinderella]

I would also choose the wonder as I’m not sure how much longer she will be around once the next two triton ships come online. My husband just said he wants so sail again on both the wonder and magic before they sail away forever. We have been on all the ships and we willl be sad when they leave the DCL fleet. We live in Fla and usually just drive to the port so unfortunately they

 

[TheRichFam]

I'll echo a couple PPs here and say a couple things-

If you've never been on the Wonder and you don't plan to sail DCL again in the next few years, get on the Wonder (and Magic) ASAP. Though it hasn't been confirmed anywhere that I've seen, I have heard several people much more "in the know" than me say that two of the four new ships announced at D23 are to replace the original two ships.

If that's not a consideration for you, I would say that the "vaycay math" in this situation looks like this for me:

San Diego > Port Canaveral (Bonus points for staying at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside in a water view room and waking up with a view of the Wonder) Here's a photo taken from our room:



Embarkation in San Diego > Embarkation in PC (there are a few hotels where you can literally walk to the terminal including the Wyndham, and even during the Covid restart our embarkation was an absolute breeze)

Terminal in PC > Terminal in SD This really is a small consideration for most, but some people REALLY love the "giant Mickey Ear entry way" photos, the concierge lounge if applicable, the ship model, etc. The SD terminal is nothing special but all things considered we were only in it for about 20 minutes total, so who really cares?

Bahamas > Mexico. This isn't even close.

Catalina = Nassau. I wouldn't get off either place on a short cruise, but neither is better or worse than the other to me.

Wish counter service > Wonder counter service. By a wide, wide margin. The BBQ and Taco spots on the Wish are, to me, better than two out of the three MDRs on that ship. Which brings me to ....

Wonder MDR > Wish MDR. I really loved 1923. If I never eat in Arendelle or Marvel again, I'd be ok with that. Food was not great and they are both overwhelmingly loud. Tiana's is great on the Wonder, and I love a good night in Animator's Palate.

Wish > Wonder for beauty and design. I know a ton of people hate the lack of walking track, small adult area and no midship elevators on the Wish. Honestly, in four days, I was annoyed by any of those three things exactly one time. It is DEFINITELY not something I'd base my booking decision on. The Wonder is my favorite ship in the fleet, but the Wish is far more beautiful in my opinion.

Wonder > Wish for cast members. Both are good, but the Wonder cast members are next level great imo.

Wish > Wonder for coffee. This is huge for us but might not be for others. The Wish has 6 or 7 places to get a great latte or cup of coffee. The Wonder has Cove Cafe and French Quarter Lounge.

Wish > Wonder for lounges. I know this is going to be divisive, but I found Hyperspace, Bayou, Nightingales, Rose, etc to be much more our style than anything on the Wonder. Plus Hook's Barbery has one of the best Whiskey selections, and thereby best Old Fashioned selections I've ever seen.

All that being said, I've been on both ships in the last 12 months and we're going on the Wish again in November. If I was in your shoes, I would make the decision based on whether or not I had kids with me. If it was me and DW, we'd choose the Wonder. If it was Me, DW, DD16, DS10 and DD6, we'd book the Wish. Overall, the Wish just offers a better kids' experience than the Wonder by wide enough margin to tip the scales in that direction.

Wow. That got out of hand! I hope that helps! No matter what you choose, you're gonna love it!

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

This is all incredibly helpful. We keep struggling with this decision (we’ve booked both for now).

One factor my wife just brought up is weather. I feel like the weather in mid March is more reliably “cruise” weather in Florida/Caribbean than Pacific coast at that time. I mean SD is beautiful, but high 60s/low 70s doesn’t seem pleasant for a cruise.

 

[DCLMP]

Wonder

 

[pearljammer]

This is all incredibly helpful. We keep struggling with this decision (we’ve booked both for now).

One factor my wife just brought up is weather. I feel like the weather in mid March is more reliably “cruise” weather in Florida/Caribbean than Pacific coast at that time. I mean SD is beautiful, but high 60s/low 70s doesn’t seem pleasant for a cruise.

Hey again. So I’ve been thinking about this and my view hasn’t changed. There are people really nostalgic over the Wonder. Tiana’s place makes that ship in my opinion, otherwise….meh. The Wish is beautiful and the fact you get an island day with lunch included at CC vs Catalina and Ensenada on an older boat? Again, no brainer. Even though bahama’s isn’t anything special, compared to sands/beaches of Pacific coast, no brainer. The beach day at CC alone and weather of the Caribbean area vs Pacific again…no brainer. So what the Wonder the go away at some point but should THAT be your decision maker? No way. Think larger picture. The last times we were on the wonder was frustrating and aggravating. That and the Magic always seemed to have work being done SOMEwhere. Couldn’t enjoy walks on the deck that circle boat due to fumes from touching up areas of boat or doors weren’t functioning or closed off due to “you name it”. The Wish has a fantastic food court the Wonder does not and let me tell you, it is much better. I respect the responses of course but given the ports, water (Pac vs Carib/Atlantic), ships……I wouldn’t think twice about it. What I DID like about the Wish is the area with all the air hockey tables, cornhole and basketball court. I’d pay the addition funds and do the cruise out of PC as I just don’t think you would regret it. Ensenada. Castaway. *sigh*. You can’t compare those ports AT ALL. Nope. Nada. Not even close. So it really comes down to where do you SEE yourself? What environment do YOU think you/family would enjoy more. THAT is what I would ask myself. It’s truly about the experience as a whole. Opinions are a dime a dozen. You can watch videos on the 2 ships to figure that one out but again, this is more about the experience. They aren’t going to feed you off that boat at Catalina or Ensenada (you’ll likely be met with guarded men with heavy firearms at the entrance to shops - cause you know…THAT is relaxing. Just saying). Good luck but I’ll admit…..it’s known what I hope you go for because it truly is comparing a pear to a peach. Nothing the same except the name of the cruise line.

Let us know what you decide. Either way, enjoy!!

 

[PsylockeSmythe]

Hey again. So I’ve been thinking about this and my view hasn’t changed. There are people really nostalgic over the Wonder. Tiana’s place makes that ship in my opinion, otherwise….meh. The Wish is beautiful and the fact you get an island day with lunch included at CC vs Catalina and Ensenada on an older boat? Again, no brainer. Even though bahama’s isn’t anything special, compared to sands/beaches of Pacific coast, no brainer. The beach day at CC alone and weather of the Caribbean area vs Pacific again…no brainer. So what the Wonder the go away at some point but should THAT be your decision maker? No way. Think larger picture. The last times we were on the wonder was frustrating and aggravating. That and the Magic always seemed to have work being done SOMEwhere. Couldn’t enjoy walks on the deck that circle boat due to fumes from touching up areas of boat or doors weren’t functioning or closed off due to “you name it”. The Wish has a fantastic food court the Wonder does not and let me tell you, it is much better. I respect the responses of course but given the ports, water (Pac vs Carib/Atlantic), ships……I wouldn’t think twice about it. What I DID like about the Wish is the area with all the air hockey tables, cornhole and basketball court. I’d pay the addition funds and do the cruise out of PC as I just don’t think you would regret it. Ensenada. Castaway. *sigh*. You can’t compare those ports AT ALL. Nope. Nada. Not even close. So it really comes down to where do you SEE yourself? What environment do YOU think you/family would enjoy more. THAT is what I would ask myself. It’s truly about the experience as a whole. Opinions are a dime a dozen. You can watch videos on the 2 ships to figure that one out but again, this is more about the experience. They aren’t going to feed you off that boat at Catalina or Ensenada (you’ll likely be met with guarded men with heavy firearms at the entrance to shops - cause you know…THAT is relaxing. Just saying). Good luck but I’ll admit…..it’s known what I hope you go for because it truly is comparing a pear to a peach. Nothing the same except the name of the cruise line.

Let us know what you decide. Either way, enjoy!!

For some, what you call a no brainer is a no go.

We have cruised DCL 4 times so far, twice on the Magic and twice on the Wonder. We have 2 DCL cruises scheduled for 2026, and both are on the Wonder for a B2B. I won't even look at an itinerary if we can't cruise on either the Magic or Wonder and plan on cruising on them until we can't.

We have done the Caribbean and while it was a great first cruise, I preferred our Alaska cruise over the cruise to the Caribbean. If I ranked our cruises, it would be the Med, Alaska, Mexican Riveria and then the Caribbean. Other will have different opinions and that is fine, I'm not claiming that our opinion is a no brainer and what works for us, will work for someone else.

We like the smaller ships and for us it is the time we spend on the ship that makes it magical. We don't travel with kids, so the experiences that both the Wonder and Magic provide is just fine in our book and we look forward to our two cruises on the Wonder in 2026.

Psy

 

[pearljammer]

For some, what you call a no brainer is a no go.

We have cruised DCL 4 times so far, twice on the Magic and twice on the Wonder. We have 2 DCL cruises scheduled for 2026, and both are on the Wonder for a B2B. I won't even look at an itinerary if we can't cruise on either the Magic or Wonder and plan on cruising on them until we can't.

We have done the Caribbean and while it was a great first cruise, I preferred our Alaska cruise over the cruise to the Caribbean. If I ranked our cruises, it would be the Med, Alaska, Mexican Riveria and then the Caribbean. Other will have different opinions and that is fine, I'm not claiming that our opinion is a no brainer and what works for us, will work for someone else.

We like the smaller ships and for us it is the time we spend on the ship that makes it magical. We don't travel with kids, so the experiences that both the Wonder and Magic provide is just fine in our book and we look forward to our two cruises on the Wonder in 2026.

Psy

Ahhhh, no kids. Kids do and can sway a lot of which lies behind one’s opinion (along with so many other factors ). Thank you for taking the time to respond with kindness and grace as well as sharing your own experiences. Cheers to Tiana’s Place. Love that one!

 

[towels]

I thought they heavily promoted their fleet of 13 ships by '31. By my math, that means they're not making any plans to mothball the Wonder/Magic for at least seven years...

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

I've been on Dream, Fantasy, and Magic, in that order, and have Treasure booked.

I would choose Wonder, probably a lot due to the concern of wanting to sail her before she's retired and not knowing when I'd get the next chance. But also, I would like the experience of sailing out of SD (two of our cruises have been from PC and one from New Orleans), and I think I would enjoy sightseeing in SD before the cruise.

 

[Sakura1017]

Are you sailing concierge? If so then wish because of the lounge. A lot of cons regarding the wish have to do with layouts. No walk way on deck 4. No mid ship elevators.

Wonder is nice and it's on the smaller size.

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

Thanks everyone! I should have added that we do have kids - at least one of which is able to do Oceaneers.

I shared all this input with my wife and we’ve opted for the Wish. While we also wanted to do the Wonder, and it was a close call, the factors that swayed it were average temps that time of year (80 in Bahamas vs 66 in Ensenada), the availability with CC, and the Hero Zone for our boys (one of which has aged out of Oceaneer’s).

In our view dining was a close call, with slight advantage to Wonder. Cost was a few hundred more on Wish, but we got a balcony/veranda deluxe family suite vs two interconnected interior rooms.