Are 3 day & 4 day cruises mostly the same?

[seasalt81]

We are considering a B2B in September on the Dream. Having never done this before, I'm wondering if the 3 day cruises are just a shortened version of the 4 day (in terms of shows, menus, activities, etc) or if they are different. In other words, would our last 3 days just be a repeat of the first 3 of our previous cruise? Since shows and activities seem to be limited right now in the first place, with each happening multiple times throughout the cruise, I'm worried about it feeling rather repetitive by the end if so.

 

[Cheburashka]

We are considering a B2B in September on the Dream. Having never done this before, I'm wondering if the 3 day cruises are just a shortened version of the 4 day (in terms of shows, menus, activities, etc) or if they are different. In other words, would our last 3 days just be a repeat of the first 3 of our previous cruise? Since shows and activities seem to be limited right now in the first place, with each happening multiple times throughout the cruise, I'm worried about it feeling rather repetitive by the end if so.

That's always been a primary complaint of people who take B2B cruises, that they feel repetitive. If you're expecting something very different from a 3-night cruise, you're going to be disappointed because they are almost exactly the same as 4-night cruises, minus the extra day. Right now, DCL is only sailing to Castaway Cay, so the port of call is going to be repetitive, as well.

Most people who enjoy B2Bs love the time onboard the ship for what it is, love visiting Castaway Cay twice, & don't have a huge need for variety on cruises. If that doesn't describe you, it might be time to reconsider your plans.

 

[seasalt81]

Thank you, that's helpful information. We had also considered, depending on what's available when the Fantasy reservations are opened up, doing a 4 day on the Dream and then staying a night in a hotel and doing a 4 day on the Fantasy. I know the ships themselves are very similar but are the shows and activities the same, as well?

This might be a silly question. We've just never sailed with DCL before. We've sailed the Caribbean with several other cruise lines, up to 10 days, and do typically enjoy just being on the ship (often staying on board rather than going ashore), I'm just not sure with the COVID related changes decreasing the offerings to start with.

 

[Cheburashka]

Thank you, that's helpful information. We had also considered, depending on what's available when the Fantasy reservations are opened up, doing a 4 day on the Dream and then staying a night in a hotel and doing a 4 day on the Fantasy. I know the ships themselves are very similar but are the shows and activities the same, as well?

This might be a silly question. We've just never sailed with DCL before. We've sailed the Caribbean with several other cruise lines, up to 10 days, and do typically enjoy just being on the ship (often staying on board rather than going ashore), I'm just not sure with the COVID related changes decreasing the offerings to start with.

The activities will be the same on the Dream & Fantasy, and the ships' layout & restaurants will be almost identical. The shows might be different, because the Dream showcases "Beauty and the Beast", and when I was last on the Fantasy, she showcased "Aladdin", but I haven't checked which shows the Fantasy will be presenting upon her return to sailing. I would wager that the Fantasy will have different shows from the Dream, though, as that's always been DCL's pattern in the past.

 

[seasalt81]

The activities will be the same on the Dream & Fantasy, and the ships' layout & restaurants will be almost identical. The shows might be different, because the Dream showcases "Beauty and the Beast", and when I was last on the Fantasy, she showcased "Aladdin", but I haven't checked which shows the Fantasy will be presenting upon her return to sailing. I would wager that the Fantasy will have different shows from the Dream, though, as that's always been DCL's pattern in the past.

Very helpful info, thanks!

 

[HiStitch626]

On a typical 3 night cruise, there are 3 shows. These will repeat on the 4 night with one additional show, most likely a guest performer.

On a 3 night cruise, there are three menus. These will repeat on the 4 night cruise.

Most 3 night cruises do not feature a day at sea, while many of the 4 night cruises do. Days at sea are relaxing, but the family pool areas are also more crowded on those days. Days at sea have more shipboard activities such as trivia, crafts, drawing, etc.

BTB cruisers often board the ship before new cruisers even enter the terminal. This a great time to explore an empty ship and get some great photos. During this time, we have been offered complimentary coffees in Cove Café.

The best benefit to a BTB is on the debarkation morning when everyone else is sad because they have to leave, you are getting right back on the Mickey Boat!

 

[Cheburashka]

On a typical 3 night cruise, there are 3 shows. These will repeat on the 4 night with one additional show, most likely a guest performer.

On a 3 night cruise, there are three menus. These will repeat on the 4 night cruise.

Most 3 night cruises do not feature a day at sea, while many of the 4 night cruises do. Days at sea are relaxing, but the family pool areas are also more crowded on those days. Days at sea have more shipboard activities such as trivia, crafts, drawing, etc.

BTB cruisers often board the ship before new cruisers even enter the terminal. This a great time to explore an empty ship and get some great photos. During this time, we have been offered complimentary coffees in Cove Café.

The best benefit to a BTB is on the debarkation morning when everyone else is sad because they have to leave, you are getting right back on the Mickey Boat!

This was all true pre-Covid, but keep in mind that for current cruises, there are no guest performers, there are not 3 different shows per cruise, and there are fewer activities overall.

 

[HiStitch626]

This was all true pre-Covid, but keep in mind that for current cruises, there are no guest performers, there are not 3 different shows per cruise, and there are fewer activities overall.

That's why I mentioned a typical cruise.

 

[CamColt]

Pretty much, but I look at that as a positive. You can see a show but then do something else that is happening that same time on the next cruise. You can go to Palo for dinner and not miss a rotational dining menu. Etc.. It sort of frees up more time to do different things, it's not so much choosing this or that. Also, there is no greater feeling than on that last night when you see people's bags packed up and outside and you know you don't have to do that (yet).

 

[auntlynne]

Generally speaking (especially newbies, not long-time cruisers who just sail to be on the ship) what sets a 7-night cruise apart from a 3+4 B2B Bahamas cruise is the ports. A lot of people stay on board the ship in Nassau, making it effectively a cruise to Castaway Cay on each cruise segment. Eastern / Western / Southern… cruises stop at 2-3 ports + Castaway Cay, leaving you 1-2 ship days.

Food - On B2B, you will repeat the standard menu in each of the 3 MDR, with one additional menu (?Pirate). The extra nights on a 7-night will each be a different menu (served in all MDRs that night).

Palo - if you want to try this and are not high in loyalty status, you will have 2 better opportunities to get a table (the first night of the cruise this does not book as quickly. You could miss the first night of either cruise in a B2B and still dine off the menu on the other cruise)

Yes, the shows, movies, activities are essentially the same; trivia questions can be the same for a season, it seems. I do not usually find I am having to choose between 2 activities in a time slot, so a second cruise is pretty much a repeat that way.

If you need the ship’s offerings to be new entertainment everyday, a B2B could be a let down.

If you want time together as a family, chilling and relaxing with the possibility of 2 days at the beach (Castaway Cay) within a week, it’s a nice way to go.

Edit:
(Whoops; not really your question, went off on tangent comparing B2B with 7-night).

So, yes, mostly the same; well, very much so.

 

[auntlynne]

But if you have to choose between a 3- and 4- night, that extra night really does seem to make a difference to most people. Consensus seems to be the 3- night seems too short.