Wonder or Magic? Need your input please!

[karebear1]

WHat are the differences between the Magic and the Wonder and which do you prefer to cruise on and why? We'll be doing a cruise for our 25th next year and I am just beginning to learn about these cruises. I really hvae no idea so need as much inout as possible from anyone willing to help me out unitl I get some familiarity with the subject. Thanks everybody!!

 

[SeaSpray]

Currently, the Wonder does the 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas while the Magic does the 7 night cruises to the Caribbean. So you'd first want to decide how long of a cruise you want to go on, and that would determine which ship you'll sail on. They are called "sister ships" because they are almost identical except for the name and theming of one of the restaurants, and on the Magic some of the lounges/coffee bars have been changed, as well as the teen lounge. I'm sure others will be along to add to this, but I thought I'd start

Happy planning

 

[LVTravel]

The two ships are virtually identical. The "fancy" restaurant has different names (Triton vs. Luminere (SP?). The cabaret area at the front of the ship, deck 3 is pretty much layed out the same with different names. The layout of the ship is very close and if you know one ship you generally know the other. Teen hangout is different since the refit of the Magic.

A 3 or 4 day cruise on the Wonder is great (have done one of each within the last 2 years). The short time is good if you don't know whether you will like to cruise or not. Since the time is limited you see the three main Disney shows on either the 3 or 4 day cruise. The 7 day Magic (Jan of this year) is great with the same 3 main shows plus other "lighter" shows.

Either cruise you take will have the same Disney characters with photo/signature opportunities. Since the 7 day has more days the opportunities are generally repeated.

Food on both ships are equal in quality and quantity. Both pretty good.

The big difference between the two ships is the itinerary. The 3/4 day Wonder goes to the Bahamas and the private island (Castaway Cay). The Magic 7 day goes Eastern one week and Western the next week. Western is Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Castaway Cay with 2 days at sea. The 7 night Eastern is St. Marteen, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay and 3 days at sea.

 

[jrabbit]

We prefer the Magic. We actually have not sailed on the Wonder (it started sailing after our first 4 night cruise on the Magic). The only reason we prefer the Magic is we like cruising for a week or longer at a time. The 4 night cruise went by so quickly, and gave us our love of cruising (it was our first time...aaahhh.)

With the seven night cruises there are more activities and even more time to rest if you want to. We are never bored.

The "overall" decor in the Magic is Art Deco and on the Wonder its Art Neuvo (spelling). You'll have to take the "Art of the Magic (or Wonder)" tour to know exactly what that means (Deco vs. Neuvo)

Additionally the only thing I like about the Bahamas is Castaway Cay. Don't care for Nassau or Freeport.

My favorite islands have been St. John's (St. Thomas port on East) and Grand Cayman on the West.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Also, if you like dressing up, then you'd definitely like the 7-day as there are 'formal' and 'semi-formal' nights. (Have your photo taken w/Mickey or Goofy wearing a tux!)

There is also a fun character breakfast (not just for the kiddies, adults love it too!)

Also, the Palo brunch (which is probably the best meal I've ever had,) is available on 'at-sea' days. (Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, I don't think the brunch is available on 3-4 day Wonder?)

Also, EVERYONE I've talked to who has cruised on 3-4 day Wonder said their only regret was it ended too soon! (Though others here say 3-4 days is fine. You really can't go wrong.)

Since Palo ressies are limited, you'll also increase your chances on the 7-day. There is also a spa treatment that is available on 'high-seas' only (7-day.)

Can you tell which cruise length I suggest?