Magic/Voyager comparion for teens

[daisy2000]

I know I'm probably asking a biased group this question but here goes....
(BTW I am totally biased

If anyone has done both the Magic and Voyager cruises with teens (mine will be 13 DD and 16 DS) how do the two compare? Which did your teens enjoy more?

DS wants to try the Voyager after 2 cruises on the Magic because it looks way cooler, with the ice rink and rock climbing, etc. DD wants the Magic again. Our other consideration is that we are trying to get another family to come with the same age teens (who've never cruised) and want to choose the right cruise for everyone.

I would choose the Magic as I don't think I would get the same "magic" feel on any other line, and I am completely comfortable with letting the teens go off on their own. I don't know if I will feel the same level of comfort on the Voyager.

Opinions please!
Thanks

 

[MFan]

Never been on the Voyager, but given the ages of your kids, I'd strongly suggest it. I suspect, it'll be much less expensive as well. For my kids, ages 2, 3 & 5, I wouldn't consider anything else except DCL, and I'm paying probably a 40% premium for it...

 

[Rhonda]

We have cruised twice with Disney with our teenage boy (and a friend or two) and thought it would be hard to beat it! But, last month we brought him (with 2 of his friends) on the Voyager, and he said he will never go back to DCL!

The Voyager is so much more fun for older kids/teens! There is so much to do, we hardly ever saw them - until dinner!

And, as the previous poster said, the price was dramatically lower!

Oh, and dh and I enjoyed the Voyager very much too! We were pleasantly surprised that the food was much better than DCL, and the service was as good, if not better, too! We all had a blast and will not hesitate to go on the Voyager again!

 

[daisy2000]

Thanks for your responses, Rhonda and MFan. I do have a feeling DS would like Voyager better. Glad you could confirm it is comparable in quality to Disney.

Also, Rhonda and MFan, when I checked out prices for the Voyager on their website, they were about the same as the Magic for a 7 day Western Carribbean. What's the best way to get a better price?


Anyone else with teens have an opinion on the Voyager?

 

[MFan]

Well, not sure what your planned travel dates are, but if it's during/near school holidays, I'd say the prices probably won't differ too much due to sheer demand. Try Costco and Dreams Unlimited (sponsor of this board), they both give you discount/rebate from the current rates.

 

[mac_tlc]

daisy2000,

We have sailed on the Magic twice and on the Explorer of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas. Our DD is 16 now, and was 13-16 during the time we cruised.

Overall, I think there were many more activities on the Voyager ships. Especially the Navigator of the Seas, where they took the entire rear portion of deck 12 and dedicated it to the teens (12-17). The Navigator now has the "Living Room" (like Common Grounds, "Fuel" - the teen disco, and the entire rear portion of deck 12 just for the teens -- no adults and no younger kids.. The soon-to-be-launched Mariner of the Seas will be identical. The Explorer/Voyager/Adventure of the Seas does not have the rear portion of deck 12 dedicated to the teens --- yet. The arcades are also much larger than Quarter Masters..

Our DD has a special place for DCL and really enjoys it -- especially the theatre. But the Voyager-class ships are worth a look.. Usually cheaper too....

We have the Compass Activity sheets posted from our Explorer of the Seas Western Caribbean cruise of 8/16/02 and our Navigator of the Seas Eastern Caribbean cruise of 2/15/03 posted on our web site ...

www.new-horizons-travel.com/rccl.htm


Good luck


mac_tlc

 

[lancerguys]

daisy200,
ok, here you go. I was 14 when I went on a cruise last year. I had so much fun that I begged my parents to plan another one. so, we are going on the seven day western this summer. I will be 15. to tell you the truth, as cool as the voyager looks, you wont get the "feeling" that disney gives you. we researched and researched after we got back to see if we really wanted to do another disney one. we all agreed that disney is the way to go. the voyager is cool, but I really don't think they will cater to the teens as much as disney does with common grounds. also, voyager seems more geared to adults witht the casinos, and the shows and everything like that. and just to let you know, I would have been very happy with going on RCCL. I just think disney is great also. I hope I have helped you. if you have any questions, please let me know. oh quick question not relating to disney. I am a huge sports fan, especially ESPN. I know they are based in bristol. how close are you to them? do you every go by them?
Kraig

 

[tezb]

I heard there are extra costs to use the rink, rock climb, etc. Is this true? My kids are teens and don't seem to want to try another cruise line...although they may have to after this year...getting too expensive for us. My kids were never bored w/ DCL teen activities or just hanging out. We only saw them at dinner also. But then they have nothing to compare it to either. How much more is there for teens to do on the Voyager, compared to DCL?

 

[daisy2000]

Hi Kraig,

About ESPN, I've driven by it a few times on the way to Lake Compounce which is a small amusement park in Bristol, CT and a really fun place to spend the day if you're ever in CT. It's about 45 mins from our house. ESPN has a large building there and lots of satellite dishes, but that's about all I know, sorry I don't have any other info.

Thanks for your response on DCL. We will eventually make our decision and I think my kids will like any ship if they can bring their friends along.

 

[Bev J]

To find great prices for RCI you can look at www.buycruises.com for some reason exployer of the seas comes up cheaper than voyager and they are pretty much the same ship. We found a price of around 850 pp includes port fees and taxes. for an outside balcony cabin for the week of halloween.

If you want to read more information about other RCI cruisers look at www.cruisecritic.com at there boards.

There is no additional cost to use the rock climbing wall, inlineskating, iceskating or golf- its all FREE. Teens also love the huge basketball court. There are very large areas dedicated to kids and teens, they will never be bored.
RCI is very family friendly, yes there is a casino-for adults and more bars than disney but there is plenty for familys to do.

The next cruise we take our boys on will be one of the Voyager class ships, maybe Mariner then we leave out of Port Canaveral and could get a little Mickey Fix also.

 

[kajohn]

Just an FYI, when the Voyager first sailed in November 99 they charged for ice skating, putt putt, johnny rockets etc. We were on the Jan 31, 2000 sailing and they were charging then. Shortly after that, RCCL got feedback that people didn't like paying extra, so they stopped charging for all of that and it is now free on all ships.

Just my opinion, but I would give RCCL a try. I don't have teens, but I would think they would find much more to do on the Voyager class ships, especially the Navigator and the Mariner. And, in my opinion there is much more to do for adults too! We loved our DCL cruise, but can't wait to go on a more adult vacation on the Adventure next winter.

 

[KerriL]

We also considered doing a Voyager-class ship this cruise. But the kids (DS 14 & DD 12)wanted to do Disney once more. Which is fine with me. Next year we will be taking my step-daughter (17) along and Mariner of the Seas it will be. And the fact that it leaves out of Port Canaveral is great so that we can get that Mickey fix too!!
K

 

[lancerguys]

Ok thanks for all your knowledge about it. I bet there isn't much too it. but whenever I listen to ESPN Radio or watch ESPN, they mention Bristol. but I bet they don't want people around. oh, I have one more question. how near are you to yale? although I am only a freshman, I would love to go to yale. or any ivy league school.
Kraig