Utopia or Wonder 4 nights?

[firstwdw]

Same dates, same itineraries. Utopia from Port Canaveral is $500 more. Wonder is out of Miami. If you've sailed on both of these ships, do you have a preference? Is the vibe different sailing out of Miami vs Port Canaveral? We've never sailed from Miami.

 

[OKW Lover]

Can't speak to the two ships themselves but have sailed from both ports. We find Canaveral the easier port to negotiate. However, if you are flying in, be sure to check prices for flights and airport transfers when comparing total cost.

 

[firstwdw]

Can't speak to the two ships themselves but have sailed from both ports. We find Canaveral the easier port to negotiate. However, if you are flying in, be sure to check prices for flights and airport transfers when comparing total cost.

Port Canaveral seems easier, hotels are less expensive as well and more nonstops in/out for us.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I also can't compare ships (but will be after my May utopia sailng).
PC : you have to find a way to get from Orlando to Port canaveral, which adds cost but may even out the higher cost of Miami hotels. The RC terminal in Miami seems to have heavy traffic on embarkation day (especially for Icon/Symphony) so bear that in mind. I didn't much difference re: the sailing out expeerience, other than if out of Miami you get to see a lot of what really reach people own (houses, boats etc)

 

[NJMomto2]

Utopia is newer but Wonder has the Wonderland restaurant which is really cool. I like combining Orlando theme parks pre cruise so love cruising from Canaveral. Miami was fun to do once. Disembarkation was a cluster.

 

[jenushkask8s]

We've sailed on both and I'd say they are pretty comparable. The main differences being Wonder has Wonderland & the Bionic Bar while Utopia has the Royal Railway (which we really enjoyed) & the Pesky Parrot.

Port-wise, Port Canaveral is a lot easier to navigate (Port Miami traffic can be insane) and the hotels in Orlando and Cocoa Beach are much more affordable than Miami. However, Miami does have a gorgeous downtown view at sailaway.

 

[pjacobi]

I would not sail on either ship! I'd save the money for a 7-day or more cruise which have a much nicer atmosphere. The shorter cruise on any cruise lines feel rushed with no time to relax.


-Paul

 

[peacefrogdog]

Just off a 4 night cruise Utopia, having done the Wonder in 2022 (albeit on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise).

Some minor differences in bars/restaurants as noted two posts above. On Utopia, Giovanni's is located where Wonderland is located on Wonder - it now spans two decks, and is beautiful. Utopia has Izumi in Central Park including the a la cart counter service option (where Wonder has Giovanni's), and has the Royal Railway where Wonder has Izumi. I think all the other specialty options are common to both.

Pesky Parrot (tiki bar) in the Promenade of Utopia is a nice addition but not enough to make me specifically want to rebook Utopia.

We enjoyed Utopia's water show (Aqua 80s) the most out of all the water shows I've seen on all Oasis class ships (I believe Oasis has the same show). If you grew up liking songs from the 80s, you'll like it. Neither ship has a broadway show - the stage shows are based around contemporary music - not really my thing. I believe Wonder has an Effectors show which I've never seen.

Beyond slight differences in colour schemes, the cabins had similar amenities (e.g. USB ports, more contemporary decor vs the older Oasis class ships).

Travelling with a party of 5 this trip, we really noticed the extra costs related to getting to/from Port Canaveral such that if the price of the cruise was already $500 more, it would turn us away.

Unless you really like the one restaurant and bar specific to each ship (Royal Railway/Pesky Parrot on Utopia, Wonderland/Bionic Bar on Wonder), I would frankly go with whichever is cheaper factoring in the transportation costs to the port.

 

[ColinBlair]

I loved the Utopia, but everything I have seen says that the Utopia is going to be different depending on the time of the year. During the summer, it is going to full of college age party seekers according to the reviews I have seen. In December (when my sailing was), it was an older crowd more of what I normally see on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I loved the Utopia, but everything I have seen says that the Utopia is going to be different depending on the time of the year. During the summer, it is going to full of college age party seekers according to the reviews I have seen. In December (when my sailing was), it was an older crowd more of what I normally see on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Good point. We just got off last Friday. Did not see much of college aged passengers but school may be still going on. I wonder whether they would go for cheaper 3 or 4 night sailings like Freedom or Liberty.