Is the Magic getting Tired

[potzie2]

We're looking at booking a DCL cruise for next year. I was all excited when I thought I would looking at a good priced 5 night Bahamas cruise in May until my wife pointed out that it's on the Magic and not the Dream.

I was really excited about the new features to the Dream and Fantasy, but the price is so much higher than other cruise lines. We've cruised without kids on a number of other lines but this would be the kid's first cruise.

I know we won't have anything to compare it against (especially the kids) but does the Magic feel like a ship that's going on 14 years old?

We wouldn't normally cruise on a ship from any of the other lines that's 14 years old because we like the amenities and features of the newer ships. The itinerary and price are so good that I am contemplating it, but I just don't want to be disappointed.

 

[Mickeys Carol]

We're looking at booking a DCL cruise for next year. I was all excited when I thought I would looking at a good priced 5 night Bahamas cruise in May until my wife pointed out that it's on the Magic and not the Dream.

I was really excited about the new features to the Dream and Fantasy, but the price is so much higher than other cruise lines. We've cruised without kids on a number of other lines but this would be the kid's first cruise.

I know we won't have anything to compare it against (especially the kids) but does the Magic feel like a ship that's going on 14 years old?

We wouldn't normally cruise on a ship from any of the other lines that's 14 years old because we like the amenities and features of the newer ships. The itinerary and price are so good that I am contemplating it, but I just don't want to be disappointed.

I don't know about the Magic, but the Wonder (sister ship) did not feel old or outdated last year.

 

[blessedmomofboys]

I haven't been on the Dream but I didn't get that feeling from the Magic. We rebooked for another cruise on the Magic.

 

[pearljammer]

I noticed the price difference too back in April when looking for Spring of 2012. Noticed it was the Magic but I'm perfectly okay with that. We're sailing on the Dream for our first DCL cruise (have sailed Carnival before) and I'm fine getting the Magic. Now we can experience another ship for a lower fee (as I'm surprising my DH with it for his b'day). We won't know the difference and I've heard so much about the Magic and the Wonder that I'll be happy to experience one of them. Looking forward to it the Disney charm with less costs.

 

[GumbyO]

I've been on all three ships this year. The Wonder imho is the one that looks most in need of some TLC. The Magic's Cove area needs to be reworked also. I guess it depends on what you've seen in the past. I've seen them both look better in the past. However they're still beautiful ships.

 

[dizzi]

If it is your kiddos first cruise...as you said they will have nothing to compare it to. And we love the Magic.

There are so many things for them to do that even though i have not experienced it i am sure the AQUA DUCK is cool but if they have never had it they wont miss it.

The kids clubs are awesome on the magic and the wonder.

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!

 

[kcashner]

The Dream and the Fantasy will give you all the newest high tech stuff, but as you noted since the demand for these ships is high, so is the cost.

We've seen the Magic go thru multiple stages of "needing some TLC" to looking in great shape, usually depending on when the last dry dock was or how intensive the maintenance has been recently. We spent 25 nights on the Magic in 2011, and saw some of the most intense repainting and repairing that I've ever seen.

We're on the Magic for our next cruise, and while I'm looking forward to the features of the Fantasy, the Magic is a classy lady with plenty of great features...and I'll miss her when I'm on the other ships!

 

[BigJon]

I just got off the Dream yesterday, and while I was on that cruise, I booked the Magic for the 5 night cruise. We loved the Dream, but the price for the Magic 5 night cruise was very good. Yes, the AquaDuck was cool, the Detective Agency was fun, and I really liked the balcony option in the WD theater, but we also love the Magic. We will sail the Dream again, but hopefully the prices will come down after the "newness" wears off.

 

[sullins5]

First timers here and just got off the Magic on Saturday. Loved all of it! Yep, there were parts that I noticed that seemed 'aging' as it were...but such is 'character'....WE LOVED IT! Sometimes history, adventures and wear are indeed a sign of much loved backgrounds and while we've never been on any of the other ships? WHEN we rebook, it'll be on the Magic! Not too tired for us!

 

[Laura24]

Sailed the Dream in March and although it is amazingly beautiful and love the updated look and features I truly missed the coziness and familiarality of the Magic (or Wonder). I think it is the sheer size and amount of people on board The Dream that has me thrown off kilter. A true classic is the Magic, she just may need a little spiffing up here and there. To each person the experience is different and whatever you decide...enjoy!!

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm on the Dream in 2 weeks but also looking forward to going back onto the "classic" ships next year.

 

[ratt1345]

I imagine that other cruise lines have similar arguments. The Magic, The wonder and the Dream (soon-to-be Fantasy) all have their own character. Although I haven't been on the Dream yet, I'm sure there are more people who like it (quite frankly) because it's the newest ship. You may be saying The Dream is getting tired in 15 years!!! Time will tell.

 

[abatista08]

First timers here and just got off the Magic on Saturday. Loved all of it! Yep, there were parts that I noticed that seemed 'aging' as it were...but such is 'character'....WE LOVED IT! Sometimes history, adventures and wear are indeed a sign of much loved backgrounds and while we've never been on any of the other ships? WHEN we rebook, it'll be on the Magic! Not too tired for us!

We also just got off the Magic, and I yes there were parts of the boat that need some TLC. But none of this affected our experience on the ship. We had an absolutely wonderful time for our first DCL cruise.

I think that the Magic is being dry docked pretty soon, so all of those worn areas should be getting the TLC that they need.

 

[Webmiester]

I know we won't have anything to compare it against (especially the kids) but does the Magic feel like a ship that's going on 14 years old?

we prefer "nastalgic" or "classic", not old.

>>>>I've been on all three ships this year.<<<<

This makes you me personal hero of the day!

 

[mmouse37]

You may find this lengthy thread interesting from the other day....

IS THE MAGIC LACKING PIXIE DUST?

MJ

 

[potzie2]

You may find this lengthy thread interesting from the other day....

IS THE MAGIC LACKING PIXIE DUST?

MJ

Thanks, I will take a look at the thread. Sorry I missed it before I posted mine.

Cheers.

 

[mmouse37]

Not a problem.....if it helps any....we were on the Magic for her Maiden Voyage back on July 30th, 1998. We have been on her several times since and she always looks good. Last time was a year ago and she was great.

We were just on the Wonder in August and she looks great as well. DCL does take the time to really take care of their ships. Yes, problems will arise but overall they are maintained very well.

I would not hesitate to sail the Magic at all.

MJ

 

[MrMom]

I was on both the Magic (9/24 Eastern) and the Dream (10/6 3 Day) recently.

Our family would choose a 5 day on the Magic over a 5 day on the Dream.

Pros for the Dream:
Shiny and New
Bigger, Better Kid Clubs
Bigger Shops
Bigger Elevators
Mid Ship Detective Agency
Aquaduck
Lifted beds have room for suitcases underneath
Remy

In the end, my wife and I felt that the Dream was an extra 1000-1500 passengers, but with next to no discernible increase in public spaces. We found it far more crowded and noisy than the Magic and it was almost impossible to find a quiet place to sit and read on the Dream. That was true around all of the public spaces on the Dream. We also found the general layout was not as nice as the classic ships.

Most importantly, we simply found the Magic to provide a more relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

FWIW, YMMV, etc, etc.