Fantasy - 4 night or 5 night?

[Disney102015]

We have cruised on the Wish once (our first DCL cruise) and LOVED it. We are looking at the Fantasy for our next cruise and trying to decide between the 4 night and 5 night. The difference is about $900. I know conventional wisdom is that longer = better, but the 4 night itinerary works much better for our schedule (and we know how short the 4 night “feels” from our first cruise on the Wish).


So, I am wondering - what are the main differences between the 4 night and 5 night? Do you still get to see all 3 shows on the 4 night? Is there a pirate night / fireworks on the 4 night? Just wondering what else, if anything, we’d be missing by choosing the shorter cruise.


The itinerary is not make or break for us. Both cruises go to Nassau and Lookout. The 5 night also goes to Castaway which we liked last time, but missing it is not a deal breaker for us.


Thanks!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have cruised on the Wish once (our first DCL cruise) and LOVED it. We are looking at the Fantasy for our next cruise and trying to decide between the 4 night and 5 night. The difference is about $900. I know conventional wisdom is that longer = better, but the 4 night itinerary works much better for our schedule (and we know how short the 4 night “feels” from our first cruise on the Wish).


So, I am wondering - what are the main differences between the 4 night and 5 night? Do you still get to see all 3 shows on the 4 night? Is there a pirate night / fireworks on the 4 night? Just wondering what else, if anything, we’d be missing by choosing the shorter cruise.


The itinerary is not make or break for us. Both cruises go to Nassau and Lookout. The 5 night also goes to Castaway which we liked last time, but missing it is not a deal breaker for us.


Thanks!!

Well, I'd do the 5 night. For the reasons you mentioned - longer is better and Castaway Cay. Yes, there are fireworks and pirate night on both 4 & 5 night cruises.

 

[Mommb]

The 3 main shows for each ship appear on all cruises of 3 days or more (barring unusual circumstances). The 4-night cruise adds a featured performed (such as ventriloquist, magician, or comedian) or a recent Disney movie. The 5-night cruise typically has both a performer and a movie.

The 4- and 5-night Caribbean cruises will (again, barring unusual circumstances) have a Pirate Night dinner and show. On 3 other nights, each restaurant will serve its signature menu. On a 5-night cruise, there will be one additional menu. From previous Navigators it looks like it's the "Let the Magic Begin" menu that's the same in all 3 restaurants on 5-night cruises.

So, the main difference between a 4- and 5-night cruise is one more day (and night) on the ship, and in this case 1 more port. The "main attractions" will occur on both cruises. If the 4-night works better for your schedule and you don't feel the need to visit Castaway Cay again, you'd be fine on the 4-night, but the 5-night would give you even more to do on the ship (or more time to relax, if that's what you prefer).

 

[nherbert]

Does the 5 nighter you are considering do both castaway cay and lighthouse point (both private islands), if so I would do the 5 nighter just for that.

 

[JM_97]

If you can swing the 5 night, go with that one. If you can't, then the 4 night is also a good option. The main difference is going to be one new menu for dinner and of course the extra day at CC. Most of the experience should be pretty identical.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you can do the 5 night, but certainly the 4 night on a different ship will give you lots of new experiences, too!

 

[auntlynne]

I am the outlier - there is no one single “better” option.

It’s what meets my needs, fits into my schedule and budget - and leaves ME feeling satisfied.

I have cruised from one-night to a B2B 25 nights. I have done 7 nights that did nothing for me.

You have your personal experience of a four-night.

Based on the choice of most of our fellow commenters, you should have a less empty ship on a shorter cruise

I will say that I like the idea of both Cays. I like Disney beaches, and if you miss one, you might at least get to the other. The old Double Dip is one of our favorite Disney Bahamas cruises (ideally, you do get two days at the beach). It was usually 5 nights. If it’s a 4-day Double Dip or 2 Cays, I could be happy. Actually, we are booked one of those!

Hope you have a great one! Whatever you choose.

 

[Erica1016]

I have cruised from one-night to a B2B 25 nights.

I want to be you when I grow up!

 

[Erica1016]

I'm in the camp of do what works best. I agree that both Cays would be my choice as well as longer, but it's not a given. If the four nights works better and saves a bit of money while still satisfying what you want to do, that works!

You know there will probably be more cruises in the future to try something else when it works out better!

 

[auntlynne]

I want to be you when I grow up!

You have many years. I didn’t even start cruising until 46 yo. I hope the cruise industry continues to offer fun (and be affordable) for many years to come.

I am fascinated to see what I think will be the future — with more private, foreign, beach resorts/ destinations for cruise lines.

 

[Pixarfans]

I say go with what works best for you. The advantage of the 4 is you don’t know any different! You’ll get all the shows and all the dining rooms. My only advice is use the bathrooms in the adult area! My favorite of all DCL bathrooms

 

[Erica1016]

My only advice is use the bathrooms in the adult area! My favorite of all DCL bathrooms

I second this! They're the best!

 

[JulieBeeRN]

I want to be you when I grow up!

Here to say the same thing!

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

Just did a four night on the Magic and to your question, had all the shows, pirates night, and fireworks. I did a five night on the dream for Christmas and I have to say I enjoyed the luxurious feeling of having an extra night, just didn’t feel as rushed. I loved Lighthouse Point.

 

[auntlynne]

Here to say the same thing!

Hey, I was an RN, too. But out before my cruising days.

You’ve got the DVC resume going!

 

[JulieBeeRN]

Hey, I was an RN, too. But out before my cruising days.

You’ve got the DVC resume going!

I went PRN for the flexibility to travel. It's like almost retiring, lol.

 

[sponica]

I'd be more inclined to do the one that fits my schedule better even if it meant a shorter cruise, because vacation shouldn't be a hassle.

 

[phinz]

We solved the problem of Fantasy being relegated to shorter cruises by scheduling a B2B in February. That way we get to actually enjoy the ship instead of feeling like we just got on board before they kick us off, but given one or the other I'd always choose the 5-day. It's more relaxed and you get to go to the better of the two private clubs.