NCL Gem vs Disney Wonder

[William W]

Right now, I’m debating between a 7 days December Bahamas and Florida sailings on the Gem out of NY and a 7 days January sailing on a January Mexican Riviera sailing on the Disney Wonder out of LA. I was able to reserve a cabin on the Kids Sail Free promotion that is going on with Disney, the Disney cruise itself excluding airfare is priced approximately $200/more for the 3 of us. Though, airfare to LA as compare to flying to NY will probably be an additional $600.

We are a family of 3, myself and DW in our early 30s and DS is 3. We have never sailed on NCL or Disney, the last two cruises that we took were on Carnival Liberty and RCCL Liberty of the Seas. Our family really enjoyed the RCCL product but not so on the CCL product.

I understand that I’m comparing somewhat an Apple to an Orange here as they are for different itinerary, different ship, and different cruise line. But from Food, Service, Activities, and Kids Program perspective, which cruise would you recommend? Any inputs/opinions will be much appreciated.

I will also be cross posting this on the Disney board. Thanks

[cruisinsforme]

This is a no-brainer. Go for the Disney Wonder. I have cruised 4 times on Disney and twice on NCL (Dream and Gem) with my third NCL cruise coming in July on the Spirit, once on Carnival (big mistake) and twice on RCCL. Disney is usually so much higher priced than NCL, but for an $800 difference you'll be so much happier with Disney.

 

Given your ages and your child's age plus the itinerary, I think you'll be a lot happier. I sailed NCL Gem in February 2009 to the Bahamas/Florida. It is a beautiful ship, but the ports are not the greatest and the weather is cold. We did this itinerary because the price was right and we could drive to New York saving airfare. We also went with a group of 21, so that made it fun. As I said, the ship is beautiful. It would be a harder decision if they were sailing the same itinerary. I think you will enjoy the weather and the ports better on the Disney cruise. I haven't sailed from the West Coast with Disney, but I know people that have cruised the Mexican Riviera and loved it.

 

Another reason I would recommend the Disney Wonder is your sons age. My son was 3 the first time we cruised on Disney and the kids program is spectacular. Besides the kids programs, there will be Disney characters on the ship and there's nothing more magical. If your son was 13, he would probably be happier on the Gem.

 

The food is also better on Disney. NCL food has gotten better, but is still not on par with Disney or RCCL. If you enjoyed the food on RCCL, you'll enjoy it on Disney. They also rotate you between 3 restaurants which is pretty cool. Also, Disney offers an adult only pool for when your son is playing happiuly in the kid's club.

 

I have also cruised on Carnival and they are definately not in Disney's, RCCL's or NCL's league. I am not knocking NCL in any way by recommending Disney, but I can be objective since I've sailed both lines.

[Heard02]

Disney! NO ONE compares to Disney!!! You WILL NOT be sorry!!!

[mommyto2girls]

I have not cruised NCL yet but it does not matter. Disney in my book has beat out Carnival, RCCL and HAL. It is a unfair comparison but it does not matter Disney has a reputation to maintain on land which extends out to the sea. No other cruise line has to contend with that. Disney is amazing!

[mjkacmom]

If it was the same itinerary, I'd say NCL (I've done NCL and DCL to the Bahamas). Yes, the DCL was nicer, but the ability to get to the port in 20 minutes, and back home in 20 minutes, vs. travelling all day, was amazing. However, especially with a very young child, I'd go with DCL - my older kids didn't like the kids clubs on DCL, but my 4 and 6 years olds loved them.

[Darthdaddy]

My view is much the same as the prior posts...

 

We have sailed both NCl and Disney. DCL food and staff are in a different league from NCL. Still, we sail NCL, because it delivers a lot of value, i.e, DCL price premium is so great that it is sometimes prohibitive. Your child will enjoy all the Disney characters and other Disney amenities.

 

The biggest factor in your situation is the itinerary. Sailing from NYC in Jan will be cold. You will not be comfortable outside until you get to FL---IF THEN. Being confined to indoor spaces would be difficult for me. I hate to think how it would be for my kids. Even if you finally reach decent weather (which is not a sure thing), Port Canaveral is a very weak port of call; Nassau is a bust; Castaway Cay is nice. Only you can determine the relative value for your family, but I would pick the DCL cruise.

[newmexicoNita]

Right now, I’m debating between a 7 days December Bahamas and Florida sailings on the Gem out of NY and a 7 days January sailing on a January Mexican Riviera sailing on the Disney Wonder out of LA. I was able to reserve a cabin on the Kids Sail Free promotion that is going on with Disney, the Disney cruise itself excluding airfare is priced approximately $200/more for the 3 of us. Though, airfare to LA as compare to flying to NY will probably be an additional $600.

We are a family of 3, myself and DW in our early 30s and DS is 3. We have never sailed on NCL or Disney, the last two cruises that we took were on Carnival Liberty and RCCL Liberty of the Seas. Our family really enjoyed the RCCL product but not so on the CCL product.

I understand that I’m comparing somewhat an Apple to an Orange here as they are for different itinerary, different ship, and different cruise line. But from Food, Service, Activities, and Kids Program perspective, which cruise would you recommend? Any inputs/opinions will be much appreciated.

I will also be cross posting this on the Disney board. Thanks

 

this post is very much like one that was posted a little earlier.

 

Because you are have not been spoiled by Disney like the other poster, I would say give the Gem a shot. RCI and NCL are more alike than differenct in my opinion and I would rather sail out of the east than do the Mex Riv itinerary, but that is a personal thing.

 

Of course those on the Disney board will tell you DIsney, here you will get a little better cross section. There are those who really think Disney is the best thing since the earth was discovered and the line is awesome. The cabins are larger, the food is good and they do have a reputation to uphold. Are they so far above all other lines, NO, but they are a couple of steps up.

 

NCL offers value, an extremely friendly crew, lots of food choices and value for your buck. If that is what you want and you just want to have a good time, go for NCL. By the way, NCL does have a very good kids program.

 

Nita

[Darthdaddy]

We're talking NYC in January!

It will be C-O-L-D for AT LEAST the first and last 2 days. That's more than half your cruise with literally freezing weather. Why does this cruise go to Port Canaveral? Because that's as far south as it can get and still make it back to NYC.

 

This past March I was seriously tempted to sail out of NYC. Saving airfare for 5 of us would have been significant. Ease of driving to/from NYC compared to hassle of airports was something to consider. Still, we concluded that spending our entire cruise in bad to mediocre weather was just too high a price to pay.

 

Check some posts regarding Jan cruises out of NYC. I believe the universal theme will be that it is C-O-L-D on the ocean at 20+ knots. If all you want to do is hang out in the casino or other exclusively indoor activities, the NYC departure may be perfectly acceptable. With a 3-yr old I suspect you want a little more.

 

I'm not knocking NCL ( we ended up on the Pearl out of Miami and had a fantastic time). I'm simply being realistic about the weather.

[gkbiiii]

Disney's Port Canaveral terminal is an outstanding $35 Million art deco masterpiece. The Ships rotational dining is outstanding, as are the three main dining rooms. Castaway Cay is by far the best private island, with the actual ship used in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The quality of everything, from the staff, food, Broadway entertainment, accommodations, overall cleanness, are absolutely Fist Class all the way!!!!:)

[SnootieTootie]

Having sailed Disney twice, and NCL many, many times, Disney wins hands down in my book.

 

Disney has NCL beat by far in the way of entertainment, private island, and food. We kept our grandson with us, and chose not to utilize the childrens program, but I am sure that it is wonderful as well.

 

If money were no object, it would be Disney for me (when sailing with then grandkids). But, frugal as I am, we usually opt for NCL, with Disney being the occasional decadent treat.

[William W]

Thanks for all the feedback and opinions so far, please keep them coming as I will have to make a decision in a couple of days, when I have to leave a deposit for the Disney cruise.

 

I have always wanted to try NCL and my son loves bowling and he likes playing with the Wii, so definitely, he should be reasonably entertained if we were to go on the Gem. However, I think I'm leaning toward going on the Wonder over the Gem, as like others have said, usually, Disney cruises are much more expensive than NCL cruise, but what's holding me back is I live on the East Coast, and there is no direct flight to LA from where i live, so the flight including connection is 8+ hours. I am just somewhat concerned how would the little one handle the flight and the wait time at the airport.

 

Ideally speaking it would be awesome if Disney will later offer a Kids Sail Free option for cruises out of Florida like they did last year. Though, Dream being a new ship, I doubt that would happen. Any guess as to whether they will do such type promotion on the 7 nights Magic cruise?

 

What about the Jewel and the Nickeldeon at Sea cruises? Are Dora and Sponge Bob on board on every single sailing, or do they just appear on selected sailing? The Jewel is selling for the same price as the Gem, but downside of taking the Jewel is it doesn't have a bowling alley. Decisions.:confused:

[mymollysue]

I would also say to go with Disney especially with the Kids Sail Free promotion. They do offer those occasionally but they are on select sailings only. Given the weather situation and the age of your DS, I think the Wonder would be a better bet.

 

Also keep in mind if your DS is not completely potty trained, he won't be able to go in the pools on NCL. On the Disney Wonder, toddlers can enjoy Mickey's Splash Zone, a 385-square-foot play area with interactive fountains.

 

We are doing the Jewel in August with the family and DD (who will be 1), which is a huge savings since our DD is practically free. I would say if you wanted to try NCL out of NY to do so when the weather is a bit nicer (Spring/Summer).

[Solstice23]

DISNEY hands down!!! Not in same category as NCL on many levels from what my family and friends have said and aslo the travel magazines. the only Large ship cruise line we would try other the Celebrity or RCCL Oasis Class, once we have kids would be Dinsey

[newmexicoNita]

DISNEY hands down!!! Not in same category as NCL on many levels from what my family and friends have said and aslo the travel magazines. the only Large ship cruise line we would try other the Celebrity or RCCL Oasis Class, once we have kids would be Dinsey

 

For those who enjoy the best and can afford it, sailing the top lines are wonderful. yes, they do offer something special. They are designed for those who feel they need to be pampered and spoiled which is fine. But the other lines, Carnival, RCI, NCL, Princess offer good value and allow many to cruise more often because of pricing.

 

I will add, you obviously know little about cruising or you would have mentioned HAL. To most, HAL is a class of its own as well. The cabins are larger than Celebrity, or any of the other mass marketed lines. the service is a step above as well. The only thing the line is missing is the relaxed attitude some lines offer and the energy one gets from some other lines like Carnival, RCI (not referring to Oasis class as much) and NCL.

 

Disney, by the way is a step above any major line, though most Travel agents do not put Disney in the same catagory as mass marketed lines. Of course you pay for that step up as well. Most mass marketed lines, be it NCL, Carnival, Princess or any including Celebrity will offer somewhat similar prices, with some being a little higher. Disney is much higher. If I did have young chrildren and had the money I would take Disney anytime over other lines. Often the cost though is out of many family's budget. This is where the other lines come in.

 

I am guessing you haven't sailed on many mass marketed lines or Large ship cruise lines as you put it, you are depending more on hear say.

 

Nita

[Solstice23]

For those who enjoy the best and can afford it, sailing the top lines are wonderful. yes, they do offer something special. They are designed for those who feel they need to be pampered and spoiled which is fine. But the other lines, Carnival, RCI, NCL, Princess offer good value and allow many to cruise more often because of pricing.

 

I will add, you obviously know little about cruising or you would have mentioned HAL. To most, HAL is a class of its own as well. The cabins are larger than Celebrity, or any of the other mass marketed lines. the service is a step above as well. The only thing the line is missing is the relaxed attitude some lines offer and the energy one gets from some other lines like Carnival, RCI (not referring to Oasis class as much) and NCL.

 

Disney, by the way is a step above any major line, though most Travel agents do not put Disney in the same catagory as mass marketed lines. Of course you pay for that step up as well. Most mass marketed lines, be it NCL, Carnival, Princess or any including Celebrity will offer somewhat similar prices, with some being a little higher. Disney is much higher. If I did have young chrildren and had the money I would take Disney anytime over other lines. Often the cost though is out of many family's budget. This is where the other lines come in.

 

I am guessing you haven't sailed on many mass marketed lines or Large ship cruise lines as you put it, you are depending more on hear say.

 

Nita

 

 

Really HAL yes my mother has sailed them countless times and feels celebrity is as good in Service, and food is consistenly better on Celebrity as some review from HAL passengers have been stating recenlty in some reviews I have read

 

HAL is a great line comparable to X but we like the way Celebrity ships are designed more, smaller room or not, The rest of the Solstice class are stunning!

 

We would sail Deinsey with kids, we tend to look at ship, ports, dates before pricing...then break it down from there. We have had to pay more for extras on other ships versus others so we factor that in Also. Celebrity and HAL are in Premium cruise category all others are mass market, Oceania are premium plus, and regent, crystal etc are luxury.

 

We have our opinion an thats all, and like we stated we would choose Disney over NCL in this case