Best Disney ship for Marvel themed fun

[IMMkXLVI]

We're beginning to explore a Disney cruise instead of the WDW parks as a vacation. I read that the newest Disney ship which will be based out of asia will have a heavy Marvel theme and feel to it. Too bad for us because we will never go there to sail on it. What ship would be the next best thing? From what I've read it should be the Disney Dream cruise ship, is that accurate?

Do most people find it more equitable to rent DVC points and pay cash for the cruise vs transferring points? This seems to be what my online reading suggests. It would also make it easier to use points across different contracts and especially if you have different UY for them.

Do the cruises book up as far in advance as the land resorts? Is there any advantage at all to using points? The cruises don't have a "home ship" like the land resorts so no need to worry about 7 months vs 11 wen booking a reservation.

Are there any pitfalls to watch for or be aware of? Any special discounts using the Chase card? I've started to come to the realization that aside from the cool look of the card itself, it doesn't have any tangible valuable benefits for someone with DVC and an AP. The discounts don't exceed DVC, they don't stack and the % Chase gives is less than other CC give for cashback, including other Chase products.

 

[disney2you]

Are you familiar with Marvel Day at Sea? Its a whole day of Marvel theme stuff on ship. That might be the best. You can filter for it when you search. What ship and itinerary rotate a bit but I think it is mostly 5 might cruises on the Dream out of Gavelston at the moment.

Wish and Treasure also have Worlds of Marvel themed dinner. I've met various marvel characters on the Wish too: Ant Man and the Wasp, Black Panther, and Spider Man. Wonder had Black Panther, Spider Man, and Thor. Recently on the Fantasy for Halloween 4 day there were no Marvel characters but Thor and Dr Strange visited the kids area. Wish and Fantasy both have some awesome Marvel themed kids areas (Wonder also had a small area for Marvel). I haven't been on Dream or Magic yet.

 

[dreamer17555]

currently Marvel Day at Sea is on the Disney dream out of Fort Lauderdale in the end of January and February 2025. I have a sneaking suspicion, it will be the last time they offer it.

The destiny will also have a heavy marvel focus and it starts sailing in November 2025

 

[IMMkXLVI]

currently Marvel Day at Sea is on the Disney dream out of Fort Lauderdale in the end of January and February 2025. I have a sneaking suspicion, it will be the last time they offer it.

The destiny will also have a heavy marvel focus and it starts sailing in November 2025

Any insider info or just a personal premonition?

Everyone hates FOMO so if I need to act quickly, do tell!

 

[dreamer17555]

Any insider info or just a personal premonition?

Everyone hates FOMO so if I need to act quickly, do tell!

Reading the tea leaves-

*They cut back on the number of MDAS sailing vs last year
*Still no MDAS Room Decor Packages to order (and last year they were selling them on non marvel sailings like the goal was to get rid of existing stock)
*They did away with Pixar day at sea on the Fantasy and did not replace it with anything
*Next year they are going to want Marvel fan to focus (and spend money) on their newest ship, Destiny, which has a heavy marvel focus. They will not need to have MDAS to fill sailings in the first few months the Destiny sailings and I cannot see them wanting to split their audience (especially when it costs to put on MDAS- Extra character, extra shows, extra fireworks)

 

[IMMkXLVI]

Reading the tea leaves-

*They cut back on the number of MDAS sailing vs last year
*Still no MDAS Room Decor Packages to order (and last year they were selling them on non marvel sailings like the goal was to get rid of existing stock)
*They did away with Pixar day at sea on the Fantasy and did not replace it with anything
*Next year they are going to want Marvel fan to focus (and spend money) on their newest ship, Destiny, which has a heavy marvel focus. They will not need to have MDAS to fill sailings in the first few months the Destiny sailings and I cannot see them wanting to split their audience (especially when it costs to put on MDAS- Extra character, extra shows, extra fireworks)

Having never experiences MDAS, is it the cats meow for a Marvel fix? Anything with Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Black Widow will be a blast for us. (yea, no spidey fans here, except my daughter but even there, it's not that big a deal for her) If Destiny won't have MDAS, that will be disappointing, despite not knowing what we'd be missing.

 

[holula]

currently Marvel Day at Sea is on the Disney dream out of Fort Lauderdale in the end of January and February 2025. I have a sneaking suspicion, it will be the last time they offer it.

I agree, at least for a while. Maybe in five years when the shine of the new ships have worn off.

I’d say unless you can get on a MDAS then the Destiny would be the best option. Marvel dinner show and Marvel themed bars.

 

[IMMkXLVI]

I just looked. Between school (in our NC school district, they are year round with breaks throughout the year) and some work meetings already scheduled, we won't be able to take advantage MDAS before it is gone. Bummer.

 

[IMMkXLVI]

I agree, at least for a while. Maybe in five years when the shine of the new ships have worn off.

I’d say unless you can get on a MDAS then the Destiny would be the best option. Marvel dinner show and Marvel themed bars.

But not character centric? Like characters walking around the ship for shows or pictures? Just spiderman coasters and a Captain America shield in a display case? meh. The dinner show might be the only real time to get a real Marvel fix.

 

[holula]

But not character centric? Like characters walking around the ship for shows or pictures? Just spiderman coasters and a Captain America shield in a display case? meh. The dinner show might be the only real time to get a real Marvel fix.

On the Wish they had Marvel characters for photo sessions (but not walking around the ship freely like they would in MDAS.) I’d assume the Destiny would be similar.

 

[disney2you]

Reading the tea leaves-

*They cut back on the number of MDAS sailing vs last year
*Still no MDAS Room Decor Packages to order (and last year they were selling them on non marvel sailings like the goal was to get rid of existing stock)
*They did away with Pixar day at sea on the Fantasy and did not replace it with anything
*Next year they are going to want Marvel fan to focus (and spend money) on their newest ship, Destiny, which has a heavy marvel focus. They will not need to have MDAS to fill sailings in the first few months the Destiny sailings and I cannot see them wanting to split their audience (especially when it costs to put on MDAS- Extra character, extra shows, extra fireworks)

oh no! *crys* I was hoping to do a MDAS in a few years. I already sad I missed out on Star Wars and Pixar days. I hope they do some more themes in the future.

 

[Mommb]

*Next year they are going to want Marvel fan to focus (and spend money) on their newest ship, Destiny, which has a heavy marvel focus. They will not need to have MDAS to fill sailings in the first few months the Destiny sailings and I cannot see them wanting to split their audience (especially when it costs to put on MDAS- Extra character, extra shows, extra fireworks)

Another way to look at it, though, is that Disney Cruise will want to offer something to attract guests to the older ships, especially those guests who don't want to spend the money for the newer ships.

 

[dreamer17555]

Another way to look at it, though, is that Disney Cruise will want to offer something to attract guests to the older ships, especially those guests who don't want to spend the money for the newer ships.

I would consider that except for the fact that they didn’t offer anything for the fantasy sailing this year when they stopped Pixar Day at sea (the fantasy had Star Wars day at sea before Pixar).

Also, the dream is not doing any five night sailings in 2026. She is slated for three and four sailings- MDAS has always been on five nights sailings

I don’t think it’s likely that they will be offering it next year- a few years down the road? Maybe if demand is there and they need it to fill their ships.

 

[dreamer17555]

Having never experiences MDAS, is it the cats meow for a Marvel fix? Anything with Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Black Widow will be a blast for us. (yea, no spidey fans here, except my daughter but even there, it's not that big a deal for her) If Destiny won't have MDAS, that will be disappointing, despite not knowing what we'd be missing.

MDAS is simply amazing. I will argue it has the best deck\firework show of any DCL has offered. In the past there has been a Dr. Strange show in the Walt Disney theater and tons (and I do mean tons) of character meets (with Groot being my favorite). It is simply on another level for Marvel fans and I would argue is better than Avenger Campus at DCL.

However if schedules don't work and they can't miss school it is what it is.

Destiny will have Marvel touches but I doubt it will compare with MDAS but as you mentioned since you haven't done a MDAS you won't really know what you are missing out on.

 

[IMMkXLVI]

MDAS is simply amazing. I will argue it has the best deck\firework show of any DCL has offered. In the past there has been a Dr. Strange show in the Walt Disney theater and tons (and I do mean tons) of character meets (with Groot being my favorite). It is simply on another level for Marvel fans and I would argue is better than Avenger Campus at DCL.

However if schedules don't work and they can't miss school it is what it is.

Destiny will have Marvel touches but I doubt it will compare with MDAS but as you mentioned since you haven't done a MDAS you won't really know what you are missing out on.

IF I can swing it, what area, aft, middle or fore is best? and a higher deck or a lower? Or is it like any other cruise and not really all that important. (we've never gotten seasick no matter where our cabin was)

 

[dreamer17555]

IF I can swing it, what area, aft, middle or fore is best? and a higher deck or a lower? Or is it like any other cruise and not really all that important. (we've never gotten seasick no matter where our cabin was)

If you do not get seasick, it is all personal preference. We are in an inside room on the Feb 1st MDAS but it will just be my son & I.

Is money a consideration? How many people traveling? Do you need\want a balcony?

 

[IMMkXLVI]

Money is and isn't a factor. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is well within our budget. There are 4 of us.
I chose middle and deck 9 figuring it is central, length wise and higher up at least means less obstruction from above when looking out over the ocean.

The trip protection leaves me with questions though. The below excerpt is from the reservations page. I italicized and put in bold the lines which have me concerned about the implication.

Add the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan​

Enjoy some peace of mind with a plan that helps protect your dream vacation. The Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan includes travel insurance benefits, a 24-hour helpline, and a Cancel for Any Reason cruise credit feature

•  Cancel for Any Reason Credit Feature - Non-Insurance Feature Provided by Disney Cruise Line
•  Travel Insurance - Underwritten by Arch Insurance Company
•  Trip Cancellation/Interruption (*up to the total cost of your trip - not to exceed $20,000 per person)
•  Trip Delay (Up to $500)
•  Baggage Loss (up to $3,000) and Baggage Delay (up to $500)
•  Emergency Medical/Dental (up to $20,000)
•  Emergency Medical Transportation (up to $30,000)

*Only expenses booked through Disney Cruise Line will be covered.
The Cancel For Any Reason cruise credit feature is equal to 75% of the non-refundable cancellation fee imposed by Disney for your use toward a future cruise. Credits are valid for one year from issue date, are not transferrable, and have no cash value. To be eligible for credits, notification of cancellation must be given to Disney Cruise Line prior to the ships’ departure and a cancellation claim must be filed. If the credit is applied to a cruise booking of lesser value, the credit will be considered used, and the difference will not be carried forward or redeemed for cash. Credit may not be used toward deposit. If, after credit is applied to a booking, that booking is cancelled, the credit will not be carried forward to any other booking. Credit is non-commissionable to travel agents. Residents of Minnesota, Missouri and New York are not required to purchase the Disney Cruise Line protection in order to access the cancel for any reason credit feature. Please contact 1-888-722-2195 for details. Guests younger than age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services - Non-Insurance Services Provided by On Call International
Enjoy 24/7 global assistance during your trip.
This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, with administrative offices in Jersey City, NJ (NAIC #11150) under Policy Form series LTP2013 and applicable amendatory endorsements. This is a general overview of insurance benefits available. Coverages may vary in certain states and not all benefits are available in all jurisdictions/regions. Please refer to your certificate of benefits or policy of insurance for detailed terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.


View specific terms, conditions and exclusions

 

[dreamer17555]

I am not a fan of DCL's insurance but I do recommend travel insurance. Allianz has worked well for us.

With 4 and getting a family deluxe verandah I suggest checking that your room has the wall pull down as well. The bunk bed isn't as comfortable. If going to Castaway I would recommend a starboard room- best view of the island

 

[IMMkXLVI]

Also, is there a "drink package" option? We always get the one Celebrity offers and boy, do they lose money!
I don't see the option for this....but I'm hoping it's an oversight on my part.

 

[dreamer17555]

Also, is there a "drink package" option? We always get the one Celebrity offers and boy, do they lose money!
I don't see the option for this....but I'm hoping it's an oversight on my part.

There is absolutely no drink packages on DCL. There is also no casino. I would do some more research before booking to make sure you will like this experience.

If you do decide to book, I highly suggest joining the Facebook group for your sailing. You will find a lot of information there.