auntlynne
Aunt Lynne
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2008
How do the kids feel about equity? Sometimes taking groups of them works better if they get the “same/similar.” Of course, different kids, different interests, too.2023 took my oldest granddaughter and niece on a 3 night Wish sailing Nassau/Castaway, ages 10/13. First cruise for everyone, myself included, and decided 3 night, since we didn't know if we would like it or have seasickness issues. Splurged on consierge to offset our newbieness. Did Atlantis swim with the Dolphins, didn't get a cabana, but it worked out fine on Castaway cay. We loved the lounge for bfast, avoiding the chaos and trying to find seats for buffet, enjoyed getting in early for show and the snacks in the lounge and the hosts. I feel I got my money's worth
Well we had a great time, and I promised my other 2 grandkids that summer 2025, I'd take them. So it would be me, my granddaughter that went before, and the 2 younger ones. Summer 2025, they will be 8, 10, and 12. Looking at late July, early August - has to be that date range.
So the new schedule is out, and I'm checking out the itineraries. We enjoyed the Wish, so I thought we'll, we can do the Treasure. See some different shows, but similar lounge set up.
But I looked and, wow the Treasure for the 7 night Eastern Caribbean for 4 people consierge is $22,000! Now I was expecting more than my 3 nights, 3 people Wish trip - but that is NOT in my budget!
I'm not real excited to go back to Nassau, but 4 night Wish is possible, or a similar itinerary on the Dream but Lookout Point instead of Castaway. Also saw a 4 night Magic that was just Lookout Point and Castaway Cay.
I know the Magic is 25 years old- would we be disappointed in a smaller ship when our first experience was the Wish? Maybe the Dream would be better, even if going to Nassau My granddaughter that went last time was looking forward to a longer cruise where she could check out the kids club and hero zone- we were off the ship more than on last time, looking forward to a sea day to explore ship more.
It looks like 4, maayybee 5 day would work budget wise. We are from Texas, I'm disappointed that DCL doesn't cruise from Galveston in the summer time.
Back to the Wish? Or try out Magic or Dream?
If you are interested in Concierge again, be aware that it is not the same experience on the Magic. There is no one dedicated/ concentrated area of cabins. They are converting cabins each year, it seems, adding the number of Concierge guests, but I don’t know of an enlargement to the Lounge.
The Dream is offering a 5-night Nassau, Castaway Cay, and the new development at Lighthouse Point. A dedicated Sea Day and the time in Nassau which can be like a Sea Day (the ship will not be empty).
Fort Lauderdale is an easy, smaller, airport and very close to the cruise port. Probably an easier transportation situation than Port Canaveral, in terms of time.
The Dream Concierge Lounge is probably not as large as that of The Wish, but also does not have as many cabins associated. And the cabins are all located in the area near the Lounge.