Crowds and lines on the Fantasy?

[JMHDisney]

We have only sailed the Wonder and the Magic before. We recently went on an RCL cruise on the Explorer of the Seas, which is closer in size to the Fantasy. The lines and crowds were awful. Lines for meals, lines for entertainment, basically I waited in line or stood in crowds constantly.

That said, I didn't hate the size of the boat as much as I thought I might. We currently have the Magic booked over New Years and I'm thinking about changing to the Fantasy either for New Years or winter break. But I'm worried about how crowded it will feel and how ports and Castaway will feel.

I'm thinking given the increasing prices that our next Disney cruise will probably be our last so I'm debating between the Magic, which we know we love, and going big with the Fantasy. Thanks!!

 

[OKW Lover]

We've sailed on all four DCL ships and can't say we noticed any difference in the lines between the Classic ships and the newer ones. I think Disney has a good handle on moving people and the facilities on board are properly sized to accommodate the number of people on board.

 

[lbus42]

Off the Fantasy in April. The longest lines I encountered were getting on and off the ship at ports and the line leaving the mandatory emergency drill. That many people leaving the deck was definitely the longest line.

 

[moremouse]

We've sailed on both, and I can say that in 2004 on the same RC ship, there were a lot more lines than I've found on the Fantasy.

 

[DISGRL13]

The crowds we noticed on the Fantasy were at the elevators! We always had to wait especially before and after dinner and shows. We noticed the crowd on Sea days on the pool deck as well.

 

[Quellman]

I'll chime in that if you eat at the normal "lunch times" in Cabanas you'll find a crowd of people and lines. Not terrible mind you, but certainly more from 1215-130pm. It is just a product of sea days and convenient buffets.

 

[dreadpiraterose]

The crowds we noticed on the Fantasy were at the elevators! We always had to wait especially before and after dinner and shows. We noticed the crowd on Sea days on the pool deck as well.

Biggest line for us always seemed to be the AquaDuck on Sea Days.

 

[missyp]

I was dreading the Fantasy for the same reasons. My first cruise was on the Dream and we were miserable with the crowds and elevators. Our next three cruises were on the Wonder and we fell in love. We then booked a 4 night on the magic for this past April but then decided it would be too short. We reluctantly switched to a Fantasy cruise on spring break week, fully sold out cruise . We loved it! As far as the elevators go, we were now pros and we knew to stay away from mid ship elevators especially around dinner/show times. Do I still prefer the classics, yes but 7 nights was certainly better than 4!

 

[My2litteprincesses]

We've been on carnival, Royal & 2 DCL's (just off the Fantasy yesterday). DCL was the absolute best in NOT feeling crowded. Never felt corralled or herded like I've felt many times on the other 2 cruise lines. Pirate night is crowded (everyone on the same deck to see the show & fireworks), but other than that, it was very relaxing & a great time. Don't don't be nervous! You will love it!

 

[squirk]

I'll add to the pile. The only places I notice long lines on the Dream-class ships are 1.) embarkation/debarkation at PC (including check-in and kids club registration), 2.) Cabanas lunch on embarkation day, 3.) characters, 4.) atrium photos, 5.) the AquaDuck and 6.) Shutters on debarkation day.

I know that might seem like a lot, but most of those things are optional and/or can be managed to avoid a line.