Will the Wonder disappoint after being on the other three ships?

[Julylady]

I have also been on all four ships. I much, much prefer the classic ships.

 

[thumpie's mom]

My family absolutely loves the Wonder. We have done 6 cruises and 4 of them have been on the beautiful Wonder. We were on it last October for the EBPC and she is as beautiful as ever. I agree with many of the other posts, the CM's are exceptional on the Wonder and make it a real pleasure to sail on her. The cabins did need a little refreshing,(which is now completed), but there was nothing to complain about. We are booked on 2 more cruises, both on the Wonder. We are praying that when she does her dry dock, that they do NOT change her the way they did the Magic. Maybe some updates here or there, but no drastic changes to a beautiful ship.

 

[shelbell77]

We were just on the Wonder for the PC. IT was first time we'd been on a classic ship since 2010. Although we love the new ships, we were not at all dissapointed by the Wonder. And I love love love Outlook Cafe.

 

[rrehman]

We will be sailing on the Wonder for the first time in March 2016. We have been on the Dream three times, so we have the same concerns as the original post. The Dream has always felt overcrowded.

 

[AquaDame]

I don't think so at all. The Wonder was the last ship we sailed and she is hands down my favorite.

We went Dream (2011 Bahamas), Fantasy (2012 ECaribbean), Magic (2014 Southern - post reimagining), Wonder (2014 Alaska), but in order of my favorites it is Wonder, Fantasy, Dream & Magic.

We actually just cancelled another Fantasy cruise next year to go on the Southern on the Wonder again in January also. Maybe we will see you there!

 

[swooshbear]

My DW and I have sailed on all four ships. The Wonder is our favorite, (we've done six sailings with her). The Disney Wonder, Captain John and her crew will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Another vote for the awesome Wonder crew, not to say the other ships don't have great staff but we felt more at home on the Wonder.

They have also been doing lots of work on the ship in advance of the dry dock. All of the rooms have been updated and the beds now have storage underneath.

 

[AquaDame]

Am I the only one who REALLY wants a print of those pirates like on the right wall in that pic? I loved it and wanted to take it home!

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

All the DCL vessels are maintained at a high level, both public areas and the vessels themselves. Think of the Wonder as a middle aged Aunt, still looking fine and sexy, and living the wildest life of the 4 sisters much to their chagrin! After all she handles the Alaskan waters with grace and charm and a little bit of sass!

AKK

 

[mlayton14]

It's really interesting to hear all of the love for the classic ship's. Part of me can't help but to believe that this is the very vocal minority speaking though, loyalists for whatever reasons due to nostalgia, etc

You goto a site like cruise critic and based off of hundreds of reviews 96% LOVE the Fantasy, while only 77% love the Wonder, and it makes perfect sense because Disney had years of feedback to learn those things that people wanted improved from the classics when building the new ships like fantasy

 

[dsnydaddy]

I've been on the Wonder more than all the other ships combined. This question comes up from time to time and my same response is that the Wonder is a different experience than the other ships. If you are expecting an experience like you'd get with the other ships you'll probably be disappointed. If you are going into a cruise on the Wonder as a new adventure with a different ship, you'll be pleased with your experience. I've really grown to love this vessel over the years even though my heart belongs to the Magic as she was the first I had ever sailed and my kids were young then. The Wonder is the ship that we grew into. The new ships are big and action-packed while the classic ships are more intimate experiences and have a laid back feel to them.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

It's really interesting to hear all of the love for the classic ship's. Part of me can't help but to believe that this is the very vocal minority speaking though, loyalists for whatever reasons due to nostalgia, etc

You goto a site like cruise critic and based off of hundreds of reviews 96% LOVE the Fantasy, while only 77% love the Wonder, and it makes perfect sense because Disney had years of feedback to learn those things that people wanted improved from the classics when building the new ships like fantasy

Of course those numbers are based differently. On Cruise Critic there are fewer DCL cruisers than there are here. So it's entirely likely that 96% of the responders (or 77%, for that matter) can actually be a lower number than whatever those numbers would be here.

I've also noted on cruise critic that there are many critics that haven't actually done a DCL cruise, but still slam them.

 

[HookedOnDCL1]

I have been on 3 Disney ships and loved each and every one of my cruises. I would have to say the Wonder is my least favourite but by ever so small a margin! She is a beautiful, well maintained ship and I loved the adult areas and Cove Cafe. I also love the small size of the classic ships but love the Aquaduct on the Fantasy. That's the only thing missing IMHO. All that said, we always choose cruises based on itinerary rather than ship. Let your kids know what to expect and you'll have a great time. My DD 9, had a great time on the Wonder recently for 2 weeks - enjoyed the kids club and pool, even without a fancy waterslide!

 

[mlayton14]

Of course those numbers are based differently. On Cruise Critic there are fewer DCL cruisers than there are here. So it's entirely likely that 96% of the responders (or 77%, for that matter) can actually be a lower number than whatever those numbers would be here.

I've also noted on cruise critic that there are many critics that haven't actually done a DCL cruise, but still slam them.

Not much different than posters here slamming other cruise lines ?


By the way I have only sailed the new magic, liked it but really looking forward to more offerings in the bigger DCL ship's. More people yes, but a lot bigger ship too

 

[jdb in AZ]

This discussion reminds me of the WDW fans who refuse to visit Disneyland because it's older and smaller. No one is forcing them to try something new and different, but they won't know what they're missing til they give it a try.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I would not think the fan of the Wonder are a vocal minority............If you read the forums you will find the Wonder has a large following. Big is not always better.

All the DCL ships follow the design and style of the great liners of the 30's, 40's and 50's, something that makes them special and popular.

AKK

 

[mevans9066]

We are on the Wonder this Nov on our first Disney cruise and this discussion is very interesting! ! Most stuff I've read previous is very positive about the wonder. Especially the smaller crowds everywhere and especially as that applies to CC. I am currently reading a book about DCL and authors very obviously don't hide their disgust for the Wonder. They dog it all throughout the book so far but I'm only halfway thru. We can't wait and have always had a blast on other cruise ships from Carnival where we have read some horrible reviews of the same ship! You're in a boat on vacay so you make it the best trip with fun family memories, that's our motto! A day on a boat is better than a day at home! Can't wait to see what magic lies ahead for us this fall!

 

[genki3]

We can't wait and have always had a blast on other cruise ships from Carnival where we have read some horrible reviews of the same ship! You're in a boat on vacay so you make it the best trip with fun family memories, that's our motto! A day on a boat is better than a day at home! Can't wait to see what magic lies ahead for us this fall!

With that mentality, I'll be the first to say that you'll definitely have a great time on your first DCL cruise! Sad to say, there are people who will complain about everything, even when they are blessed with a cruise vacation.

And as for me regarding the Wonder, my answer will have to wait as I'm going on it for the first time this August. I recently went on the Fantasy and loved that ship, but I know not to compare the 2 ships. I will go on the Wonder and enjoy the intimate surroundings as it WILL be a smaller ship.

 

[mevans9066]

With that mentality, I'll be the first to say that you'll definitely have a great time on your first DCL cruise! Sad to say, there are people who will complain about everything, even when they are blessed with a cruise vacation.

And as for me regarding the Wonder, my answer will have to wait as I'm going on it for the first time this August. I recently went on the Fantasy and loved that ship, but I know not to compare the 2 ships. I will go on the Wonder and enjoy the intimate surroundings as it WILL be a smaller ship.

Post some pics when you get back!!!!

 

[emilyann415]

I've been on the Wonder 4 times, Dream 2x, and the Fantasy 1. Here is my perspective. I do think our room looked a bit more run down the last time we were on the Wonder (2013 Alaska). And it is due for a major dry dock....that being said, I still say the Wonder is my favorite ship. Perhaps it is because it was our first ship. I like the feel of the smaller ships to the large ones and my kids love the water activities but in all honesty, the pools on the larger ships were pretty much useless to us as they were a sea of kids. We only do the Aqua Duck a handful of times on the ships so don't really miss it I guess.

 

[hudson3709]

I love the wonder. Been on all but the Dream (sorry but not going on a short cruise ever Looking forward to being on her again for the PC next year.