First time DCL - Magic in Alaska or Adventure in Singapore

[beckyboo1986]

Hi all

I'm a seasoned cruiser on RCC, MSC and NCL however a DCL virgin. I'd love to cruise next year with my 5 year old son to celebrate my 40th birthday but I just can't decide which trip.

The options are 3/4 nights on Adventure from Singapore. I know this is the newer ship, much bigger than Magic and it will consist of all sea days or do we go on Magic, smaller older ship but to stunning Alaska where we've never been before.

My concerns are with Singapore will it be too overcrowded, will it be mainly locals, does the cuisine change to accommodate a more local market and would we get bored being constant sea days. The pluses would be great weather, bigger ship to explore.

With Magic is the ship very dated, is there plenty to keep us entertained and will we even get to use the pool/hot tubs/slides being in the colder weather. The huge draw is fantastic Alaska, the excursion look incredible (although very expensive!).

My son travels well so he would be fine in either location. If you had a choice, which would you choose and why please.

 

[Amunet]

It sounds like you're interested in Alaska the most but are hesitant at sailing on a smaller ship.

The Magic is my favorite Disney ship that I've been on so far and is a great introduction to DCL sailing. DCL isn't about having everything shoved in your face at all times and I love that.

The Adventure is an outlier for DCL, it is not a normal DCL experience. Based on information released about the Adventure, there definitely will be more options for local cuisine. There will even be a Boba lounge onboard!!
I do have a reservation for the Adventure as I'm a huge fan of DCL and I love being on the ships. I also live in Japan, which makes it slightly closer to travel to.

I say go for Alaska, you clearly are very excited for that itinerary. It will be a nice introduction to DCL.

 

[beckyboo1986]

Thank you for your reply. Alaska does sound incredible. I've priced both trip options up and Alaska is coming in at £1500 more and that's without any excursions. I suspect it will cost considerably more than Singapore option. It's a special trip so I could splurge.

 

[jimmymc]

It sounds like you're worried about the Magic being a smaller, older ship, but this isn't a concern on DCL the way it is on other mass market cruise lines. The theming is just as good, arguably better than some of Disney's newest ships. I think the big decision is if you'd rather spend more money to see Alaska or if you're OK doing all sea days on a larger ship.

 

[holula]

If the choice is between Alaska or the Adventure I’d 100% do Alaska. I’ve sailed Alaska twice and it’s hands down my favourite itinerary. The Magic is older but DCL take very good care of their ships and you get the advantage of the Tangled restaurant and music too.

 

[Newsies]

FWIW I was initially disappointed when we booked our first Disney cruise based off of the itinerary and found out that we'd be sailing on the Magic versus the Fantasy, which sailed with our same itinerary last year. I ended up feeling very silly for feeling that way -- the Magic was terrific. Her size is so perfect, the ship never felt crowded and I felt like I really got to know the Cast and the other guests. The MDRs were fantastic, especially the Tangled restaurant which is unique to her. Can't speak to pool/hot tub in colder weather but as far as entertainment goes, yes, they will keep you entertained -- the team is fantastic and if you love games, trivia, character m&gs, and stage shows, you're going to love the Magic. An Alaska sailing on the Magic specifically is now on my bucket list.