June - Magic for Norway OR Fantasy (eastern itinerary) - ADVICE??

[swimfin]

Hi!
Advice needed (PLEASE) if you have experienced both of these trips. We have only sailed the Dream and Fantasy (eastern itinerary) and both were June trips. LOVED the Fantasy eastern last summer so much we were looking into it again for this June UNTIL we saw airline prices to Copenhagen have DROPPED!!! Last year it was almost $1,000 RT for one person ... now $561! We would have never considered looking at Europe b/c of the airline prices until now! My dilemma .... our DS 13 LOVES Goofy's sports deck with the putt-putt golf. We also love sailing and exploring the BVI along with Castaway Cay. We always have a FL ocean trip planned once a year to get my warm ocean and islands "fix" as I grew up in FL and now live in CO. If we go do the Magic we won't get this FL ocean "fix" and I'm also worried I'll be comparing the ships and "bummed" I'm not sailing in the warm BVI. How's the weather in Norway in June? We have done Alaska (not DCL unfortunately) and had AMAZINGLY warm weather with no rain so we were able to explore many areas. We are an outdoors family who tent camps, hikes 14ers and kayaks. We noticed 2 of the ports for Norway have kayaking! Very interested in those! My gut says Fantasy yet I think it's because it's all I know Any advice or information about Norway, the Magic's restaurants etc would be of great help! TYIA!!! Cheers!

 

[linetbo]

You can find a few trip reports from Norway cruise here. We are doing that cruise this year, but it look like for June the weather could be cold and maybe some rain too.

 

[Shanti]

Hi!
Advice needed (PLEASE) if you have experienced both of these trips. We have only sailed the Dream and Fantasy (eastern itinerary) and both were June trips. LOVED the Fantasy eastern last summer so much we were looking into it again for this June UNTIL we saw airline prices to Copenhagen have DROPPED!!! Last year it was almost $1,000 RT for one person ... now $561! We would have never considered looking at Europe b/c of the airline prices until now! My dilemma .... our DS 13 LOVES Goofy's sports deck with the putt-putt golf. We also love sailing and exploring the BVI along with Castaway Cay. We always have a FL ocean trip planned once a year to get my warm ocean and islands "fix" as I grew up in FL and now live in CO. If we go do the Magic we won't get this FL ocean "fix" and I'm also worried I'll be comparing the ships and "bummed" I'm not sailing in the warm BVI. How's the weather in Norway in June? We have done Alaska (not DCL unfortunately) and had AMAZINGLY warm weather with no rain so we were able to explore many areas. We are an outdoors family who tent camps, hikes 14ers and kayaks. We noticed 2 of the ports for Norway have kayaking! Very interested in those! My gut says Fantasy yet I think it's because it's all I know Any advice or information about Norway, the Magic's restaurants etc would be of great help! TYIA!!! Cheers!

I would go to Norway for a chance to experience something different. The Caribbean will always be there, but affordable flights to Europe won't. The Magic is a lovely ship. Challenge yourself and your family to embrace a different adventure.

 

[Flossbolna]

I have done both cruises (currently writing the Norway trip report from June 2015).

They are definitely very different. I started cruising DCL on the Wonder, then was on the Fantasy. I fell in love with the Fantasy and was afraid what it would feel like to be back on the smaller and older ship. I actually loved the Magic very much - nearly more than the Fantasy.

As to the weather: it really will depend, but it definitely was cold when we were there. Layers were necessary and I had a thin fleece hat with me that was nice to have when the wind was blowing. I would say highs were in the low 50s. Most of the towel places on the pool decks had fleece blankets in them and we actually had some wonderful time on the some loungers wrapped in blankets enjoying the scenery. One day it was quite rainy, but we had good rain gear and that helped us a lot.

The pools are heated and I enjoyed some nice hot tub time a few late afternoons despite the cold temperatures.

The great advantage of the Norway ports is that you can just walk off the ship and you are in the middle of a lovely Norwegian town with plenty of things to do. The scenery is amazing. The days are really long, sunset was around 11pm. It looks like outdoor activities is something you enjoy and Norway is certainly the place for this. Just bring the right clothes.

Also, Copenhagen is an amazing city with lots of interesting sites, including Tivoli, an old fashioned amusement park in the middle of the city that in some part inspired Walt Disney for Disneyland.

On my cruise the ship had more adults compared to kids than on the Fantasy cruises I have been on. However, not so that there were not enough kids to make friends. However, the whole ship seemed less crowded as there were more cabins with just a couple instead of whole families. I also have heard that a lot of kids like that they get more attention on cruises with fewer kids.

There were a lot of "extras" on our cruise, however that was the inaugural sailing for that itinerary, so I am not sure if things might not have changed now. The CMs have special costumes. There is a Frozen Night instead of Pirates Night. There are "Regional Inspirations" on the menu, so new choices on the menus. The characters had special costumes.

If you can get your head around that the experience cannot be comparable to the Fantasy cruise in any way, then I would suggest to use those great air fares. It is really a good price and who knows when it will be around again and if DCL will continue having those Norwegian cruises. DCL cruises to the Easter Caribbean will be around for a long time! However, if you feel that any time you feel some drizzle on your face, you will yearn for a beach, then keep the Fantasy.

 

[swimfin]

I have done both cruises (currently writing the Norway trip report from June 2015).

They are definitely very different. I started cruising DCL on the Wonder, then was on the Fantasy. I fell in love with the Fantasy and was afraid what it would feel like to be back on the smaller and older ship. I actually loved the Magic very much - nearly more than the Fantasy.

As to the weather: it really will depend, but it definitely was cold when we were there. Layers were necessary and I had a thin fleece hat with me that was nice to have when the wind was blowing. I would say highs were in the low 50s. Most of the towel places on the pool decks had fleece blankets in them and we actually had some wonderful time on the some loungers wrapped in blankets enjoying the scenery. One day it was quite rainy, but we had good rain gear and that helped us a lot.

The pools are heated and I enjoyed some nice hot tub time a few late afternoons despite the cold temperatures.

The great advantage of the Norway ports is that you can just walk off the ship and you are in the middle of a lovely Norwegian town with plenty of things to do. The scenery is amazing. The days are really long, sunset was around 11pm. It looks like outdoor activities is something you enjoy and Norway is certainly the place for this. Just bring the right clothes.

Also, Copenhagen is an amazing city with lots of interesting sites, including Tivoli, an old fashioned amusement park in the middle of the city that in some part inspired Walt Disney for Disneyland.

On my cruise the ship had more adults compared to kids than on the Fantasy cruises I have been on. However, not so that there were not enough kids to make friends. However, the whole ship seemed less crowded as there were more cabins with just a couple instead of whole families. I also have heard that a lot of kids like that they get more attention on cruises with fewer kids.

There were a lot of "extras" on our cruise, however that was the inaugural sailing for that itinerary, so I am not sure if things might not have changed now. The CMs have special costumes. There is a Frozen Night instead of Pirates Night. There are "Regional Inspirations" on the menu, so new choices on the menus. The characters had special costumes.

If you can get your head around that the experience cannot be comparable to the Fantasy cruise in any way, then I would suggest to use those great air fares. It is really a good price and who knows when it will be around again and if DCL will continue having those Norwegian cruises. DCL cruises to the Easter Caribbean will be around for a long time! However, if you feel that any time you feel some drizzle on your face, you will yearn for a beach, then keep the Fantasy.

THANK YOU!!!! I TRULY APPRECIATE your DETAILED response!!!! I think we are going to investigate the Magic option!! The more my DH and I talk about it, the more we are wanting to explore Denmark and Norway!! We have to wait a few weeks to buy the flights so if they are still that low, then I think it's meant to be!! I am going to read your trip report too!!! THANKS again!!! Cheers!

 

[swimfin]

I would go to Norway for a chance to experience something different. The Caribbean will always be there, but affordable flights to Europe won't. The Magic is a lovely ship. Challenge yourself and your family to embrace a different adventure.

THANK YOU!!! My DH and I were just discussing this!! The Caribbean will always be there yet the flight prices will not!! Cheers!

 

[anricat]

I would go to Norway for a chance to experience something different. The Caribbean will always be there, but affordable flights to Europe won't. The Magic is a lovely ship. Challenge yourself and your family to embrace a different adventure.

Yikes. We have really different versions of "affordable." Maybe it depends on where you're flying from, but from Austin, we're likely looking at around $1000/person round trip (for coach). That's not really affordable. We're going to do it, but it's definitely stretching our wallets!

 

[KalamityJane]

Yikes. We have really different versions of "affordable." Maybe it depends on where you're flying from, but from Austin, we're likely looking at around $1000/person round trip (for coach). That's not really affordable. We're going to do it, but it's definitely stretching our wallets!

Look at Norwegian Air. They have VERY affordable tickets. You would need to get to a coast city that they fly out of but I used our Southwest miles for that. We are flying back from Copenhagen for 250/ea one way and that includes luggage and meals. I could have gotten it for 160/pp one way.

 

[KalamityJane]

We are on the EBTA this year and I switched from the EBPC because the flights are so cheap right now. Plus, the ports are amazing Copenhagen is going to be awesome to explore!

 

[Shanti]

Yikes. We have really different versions of "affordable." Maybe it depends on where you're flying from, but from Austin, we're likely looking at around $1000/person round trip (for coach). That's not really affordable. We're going to do it, but it's definitely stretching our wallets!

I am an Austinite, actually I was referring to the prices the OP quoted: $561 round trip per person, which does strike me as an affordable fare between Colorado and Copenhagen. Can't imagine that route getting any cheaper.

 

[o&smom]

My family has done both cruises. I would suggest the Norway with the airfare being so cheap. We have done 4 cruises with Disney in Europe. Two were in the Med, so they were warm, and two were in Northern Europe, so not so warm. We have loved them all! You already know that you love where you have been cruising, and know that you will cruise there again. Go ahead and try something different. I do not think you will be disappointed with your experience. It is definitely different than the Caribbean, but an amazing experience. Happy cruising whatever you decide!

 

[swimfin]

Yikes. We have really different versions of "affordable." Maybe it depends on where you're flying from, but from Austin, we're likely looking at around $1000/person round trip (for coach). That's not really affordable. We're going to do it, but it's definitely stretching our wallets!

As I mentioned, last year it was $1000/pp and NOT AFFORDABLE, so we DID NOT go. This year it's $560/pp ... Much more affordable! Not as cheap as $220 to FL though!

 

[swimfin]

Look at Norwegian Air. They have VERY affordable tickets. You would need to get to a coast city that they fly out of but I used our Southwest miles for that. We are flying back from Copenhagen for 250/ea one way and that includes luggage and meals. I could have gotten it for 160/pp one way.

Hi!!!! THANK YOU!!!! What cities does Norwegian fly out of?

 

[KalamityJane]

In the US, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Boston, Baltimore, JFK in NY, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando,

 

[swimfin]

My family has done both cruises. I would suggest the Norway with the airfare being so cheap. We have done 4 cruises with Disney in Europe. Two were in the Med, so they were warm, and two were in Northern Europe, so not so warm. We have loved them all! You already know that you love where you have been cruising, and know that you will cruise there again. Go ahead and try something different. I do not think you will be disappointed with your experience. It is definitely different than the Caribbean, but an amazing experience. Happy cruising whatever you decide!

Hi!! THANK YOU!!! We have decided that if the airfare is still low when we are ready to buy and book everything in a few weeks then it's meant to be that we do Norway and Denmark!! We've read a few trip reports and fell in love with the itinerary!!! Cheers!

 

[swimfin]

In the US, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Boston, Baltimore, JFK in NY, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando,

THANK YOU!!!!! Cheers!

 

[Flossbolna]

While Norwegian is a good option for cheap airfare, I would recommend to shop around. Norwegian is a low cost carriers, so you will pay extra for meals, drinks (even water) and luggage if you get the lowest fare. Legacy carriers will usually include one free bag (50 pounds) as well as two meals (or one meal and a snack) as well as at least all non-alcoholic drinks. European airlines usually also include alcohol for free. So, make sure to compare apples to apples. Also, shop around with regards to airports you can start from as you might get better fares from a different airport if you are flexible. Personally I would hesitate booking seperate flights for a transatlantic trip, i.e. using one carrier to fly to another city and then taking Norwegian from there. If something goes wrong with your first flight and you miss your connection the airline will do nothing for you. If you are travelling on one ticket, the airline will make sure to get you to your destination. However, that could be the next day, so I would advise to arrive two days early if you can.

I usually use www.kayak.com to compare airfare and have found some amazing airfares this year. It definitely seems to be the year to fly a lot!

Also, I just had a look at the www.touringplans.com fare tracker and it seems that the Norway cruise only had one price jump so far. It also seems that there is quite a bit of availability on the DCL website for this cruise. My guess would be that the cruise could be a candidate for an IGT/OGT/VGT fare. The pay in full date for the European cruises is at 120 days, so should be around February 4. It might be worth it to wait and see if you can book the cruise at a discount unless you have an onboard booking which you can transfer.

 

[abja09]

I booked the 11 night Norway/Iceland cruise in June because of a great deal on air fare. I also had a western carribean booked for July 2017 then last month I saw a round trip direct flight from Newark to London for $650pp on Virgin Atlantic. I had to book it! If feel it's opportunity that may not present itself again and we can always cruise the Caribbean.

 

[jenf22]

We did a 7-night Norway cruise on NCL in June 2015. It was amazing! I would second the previous poster who said to shop around on airfare. In November last year we got round trip flights from Denver to Barcelona for March of this year for $393 roundtrip on United. Airfare is crazy right now! What we did in 2015 was fly to London, spend 2 nights there, took the Eurostar to Paris for 2 nights there, and then flew from Paris to Copenhagen. On the way home the best flights we found from CPH to DEN were on Icelandair via Iceland. So we also spent 2 nights there. I think including travel it ended up being a 15-night vacation. It was unbelievable though! Definitely a trip of a lifetime.

As a side note we booked the NCL cruise long before DCL released their 2015 itineraries. I priced the Magic when the fares were released and it was literally double the NCL cost. With the money we saved by staying NCL we were able to do a week in Disney World in October. If money weren't a consideration, I would have loved the Magic in Norway!

 

[KalamityJane]

While Norwegian is a good option for cheap airfare, I would recommend to shop around. Norwegian is a low cost carriers, so you will pay extra for meals, drinks (even water) and luggage if you get the lowest fare. Legacy carriers will usually include one free bag (50 pounds) as well as two meals (or one meal and a snack) as well as at least all non-alcoholic drinks. European airlines usually also include alcohol for free. So, make sure to compare apples to apples.

The fare I posted isn't their lowest cost one, it's the one that includes baggage and meals.

Also, if you book on their norwegian.no site with a no foreign transaction fee credit card, you will pay even less. Right now the fare I am looking at is 311 on the US site and ~250 on the Norwegian site. From what I can figure, they use the exchange rate that benefits them the most when calculating the US fares. The Norwegian ones go with the rate of the day.