Never cruised before, so have some questions>>>>

[mjvans]

First off, do you prefer the magic over the wonder, or the other way around, or are they the same??? Also, for a family of five, 2 adults and 3 children, 7, 5 and 3.......what kind of room do I request??? What can accomodate a family of five or do I have to get the 2 bedroom suite?? What is better, the 3 or 4 day cruise in your opinion?? What time of year to ensure hot weather, little rain, and no threat of hurricane?? (if that is possible??)
And, lastly, I get somewhat seasick riding a jet ski at times, so I'm wondering if I will get sick on the boat ?? And, how safe is the boat in regards to young children?? Anyone ever worry about their safety around the outer deck?? Is there anyway at all they could fall overboard? I know this may sound simply paranoid on my part, but for my own piece of mind, I had to ask. If we go for it, and spend big bucks, I just want to make sure it will be worth it!
Thanks!
Michelle

 

[tkd lisa]

Boy, lots of questions, you remind me of me when I first found this board!!

First, Magic or Wonder. They are very nearly identical (some minor name changes on sites, like Beat Street instead of Route 66 and Lumiere's instead of Triton's). The main difference is itineraries, so the next information is:

3 night or 4 night? This will put you on the Wonder, which does the 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas. Currently, the 4 nights alternate between a day at sea or a day in Freeport. Both 3 and 4 night go to Nassau and Castaway Cay. In my opinon, longer is better, so I'd go for the 4 night since it's probably not much more $.

Room booking for a family of 5. On DCL, you register everyone since you all have your own keys and ID. I get a little confused about the cat numbers, but I think it's a Cat 4 that's a family stateroom (it has a murphy bed for the extra person??). Some people book adjoining Cat 10s which sleep 4 apiece. Realize that you will pay 2 full price fares for each room if you go with 2 rooms. Several people have had family members like Grandparents' go along, and just put the extra kid in their room. Best bet is to work with a travel agent (Dreams Unlimited sponsors this board) to see what's the best for your family. It costs you nothing to talk to them, and nothing to book through them. I'd highly recommend it.

As to time of year, again, it's personal preference. We did the 4 day in January, and it was pretty chilly. Of course, FL was having record cold temps that week, but I'd probably limit it to before mid-November or after February if you expect warm weather. There are people with hurricane concerns as well. Never been an issue for me, but lots of people avoid the fall for that reason (of course, prices are better for same reason).

Boat safety: There are plexiglass inserts around the open deck rails on the pool deck. I think they were on the upper deck (sports deck) also, but there would be no reason for young kids to be up there without supervision anyway (the lab takes the older kids up there for games occasionally, but they're well supervised).

Final question, seasickness. I took Dramamine II faithfully and only had a problem on a little fishing boat in Cozumel (it was REALLY hot, and the boat was pretty darn small). Once I was back on the Magic, it took me about 4 hours to recover, so if I were you and were at all worried about seasickness, I'd be safe rather than sorry and take dramamine.

 

[AnnMorin]

The Magic and the Wonder are identical ships except for decor. They are both beautiful. Your decision on which to go on would be based on the length of your cruise, the Magic only does 7 day trips while the Wonder does three and four day trips.

There are cabins that accomodate five in a party without getting a suite. Unless you are incredibly wealthy I would not even dream of a two bedroom suit. You would be talking a GREAT deal of money. You could go for a Cat.4 or two adjoining lower cabins.


I personally prefer the seven day cruises, but if I had to choose between 3 and 4 it would be 4, the three would be way to short. ( I actually would like a ten day cruise! Heck I actually want to move onto the ship )

There is no way to insure hot weather, no rain or hurricanes. The best you could do is not sail during hurricane season (which runs the summer until November) But there are no gaurentees even then. I will say that in our three cruises we have always had good weather while at sea. We have had rain in port but there really is no preventing that. Besides you will have fun in the rain anyhow.

My son gets horribly car sick but has had no problems on the ship. The stablizers are great, and if you do feel ill there are plenty of medications that can aleave that.

The outer decks have a plexiglass rail so children can't fall off the ship That said it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them and not allow them to push chairs up to the rail and climb them.
Any other questions feel free to ask, Ann

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

We took the 4 day last year and loved it so much! I would love to have booked a 7,but we wanted to do the Halloween party at MK and so we are doing the 4 day again.

I had a 4 year old with me and never felt unsafe except in my Uncle and Aunts room with a Veranda. I would not want one with my child. That was scary!!!!! We have a window and that is just fine. The decks feel really safe and I could lay out at the Mickey pool and my DD would swim and play. They had counselers on the slide to help them and so I could just layout and watch. So nice!

My DD liked the kids club. The only complaint I have is that it is so dark w/no windows anywhere. I almost felt bad when I checked her in during the day to go to the spa. Soon as I was done I got her out and took her to the pool. I mainly used the club in the evening when we went to Palo or the adult areas of the ship. She did have a blast! One night I went to pick her up at 11:30 pm and she was all dressed in Costume with her face painted and she did not want to leave.

You may have to get ajoining rooms in a Cat 10 or 11,9. It is cheaper than the rooms that sleep 5. Good Luck.

These boards are so helpful to find out info about the ships. You just have to have a plan and get things done asap when you board and then you can relax and enjoy your time!!