Help the decision process: Dream/Magic/Treasure

[Sleepyluke]

Help me move one to the top, or even eliminate 1. Looking at a few options that fit schedules over the next 18 months or so. Adults are Gold-1 from Platinum, kids are Gold. 9/13 ages. Our first cruise was on the Magic as adults only in 2006. We want 7 nights or more ideally, price is a factor, but not the only factor. Galveston we can drive, FLL or MCO flights are available and not really any difference.

Dream 7 night Eastern out of FLL - never cruised on the Dream, but really like the Fantasy layout - Cheapest
Magic would be 9 nights as 4/5 Westerns back to back for about the same price as the Treasure
Treasure - Western 7 night - Pt Canaveral - Most money

Ports are definitely secondary to the ship, but prefer Eastern to Western and the Magic does not go to CC or LP. Parents I think would love the relaxation of the Magic again, but feel like there is just so much more on the Treasure to offer and we have never been on that class of ship. Not that this will be our last big vacation, it may be for a while as it has gotten so much more expensive and just that stage of life that there is so much going on at home year round.

I know there are benefits to each ship, but those of you out there that have been on any of them recently (last year or so) would you move one to the top, move one off the radar?

Also, are any of you hedging bets on discounts moving forward? There seem to be more than ever before, so should I book something now, pay basically nothing toward it and see if we need to cancel and rebook closer to sailing?

I realize that is a loaded thread, but what you got for me over planners

 

[Mommb]

Unless you really just want to be away from home, I'd take the Magic off the list. You'd have the same shows and menus on each leg, and there is not that much to do on the ship compared to the newer ships. I have nothing against the Magic, and wouldn't hesitate to choose it if the ports were interesting (as on my recent Southern Caribbean Magic Cruise), but I'd put it solidly in 3rd place here.

Between the Dream and Treasure, it depends how long ago your group was on the Fantasy, since the feel is similar (though the adult lounge area on the Fantasy is better themed than the one on the Dream). If it's been a while and your kids would enjoy the sports deck and Midship Detective activities, then I'd go with that.

If you've been on the Fantasy recently, then I'd pay the money for the Treasure, since it has a lot more theming in the lounges and new-to-you shows and restaurants.

I have no idea what will be happening with discounts, so I'd recommend booking what you want at a price you are willing to pay, then watching to see if something better becomes available before your final payment date.

 

[princesscinderella]

My favorite thing about the Treasure was the Haunted Mansion lounge, and I did like the Aladdin themed atrium. I did not like how small all the meeting spaces are where they hold trivias and activities, most times people we’re spilling into the walkways at the central jungle cruise lounge during trivia as there was not enough space. The lack of the large space the D lounge provides on the other ship classes is noticeable. Sarabi is nice but I don’t like that it’s open for the evening adult activities where kids can walk by and see all that’s happening.

Fort Lauderdale is easy to fly into and it’s so close to the port vs flying into MCO and having to do the bus/drive to PC. The dream being cheaper is also a plus and you prefer the eastern itinerary.

If you want to add a couple of days at WDW before or after the cruise then the treasure is the choice that stands out.

I agree that the b2b on the magic may be too repetitive but if driving is easier then this is a good option.

I would choose the Dream if it was me, just because I have been on all the ship classes and we really like the layout of the Dream and fantasy and we feel most at home on them. The cost being cheaper is a bonus.

 

[lklgoodman]

I agree with Princess Cinderella about the small spaces on the Treasure. It's a beautiful ship, but the lounges are way too small. We've always enjoyed going to trivia, character drawings, Anyone Can Cook(Treasure doesn't do it), and other activities. A lot of times it was standing room only for these on the Treasure. We missed not having the mini golf and thought the Aquaduck was better than the AquaMouse. Majority of the AquaMouse ride is really slow as you go by the video screens. I prefer the faster Aquaduck. We really like the Magic, but wouldn't choose it since it doesn't go to CC or Lookout. I would also prefer different entertainment each night. We haven't been on the Dream, but have been on the Fantasy 5 times. We prefer the Fantasy over the Treasure, so I would pick the Dream. The Treasure is beautiful to look at, but for doing things we prefer the 4 OGs.

 

[CamColt]

I've been on all 3 of those ships in the past 13 months.

Going by ship only, I would choose the Dream. Going by number of nights, again I would choose the Dream. I'm actually doing 5/4 on the Fantasy this summer and I am a bit concerned it may be too long. I would rather 7. And given the Wish class ships are last on my list, that bumps out the 7 night Treasure. And lastly, if the Dream is the cheapest, that's just a bonus!

 

[DWillowBay]

Another vote for the Dream. She's a beautiful ship. More spacious adult areas. Eastern is a plus, as far as our family is concerned as well. Love the Pink Champagne Bar. .....and cheapest...???? That's the one! Have a great trip!