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Alright, nobody asked me but I'm still going to give you my thoughts on the Disney Wish anyways. (thread)
So I really like Disney Cruise Line, an important distinction however is NOT because they're Disney - because I truly think they're the best looking and operating ships at sea currently. I think they're marvious and it's why I have an absurdly large model of one in my office.
Let me start with what I LIKE about the Wish so far! I think the main theater is beautiful, the dining room 1923 is the same and so are the specialty dining options on deck 12.
I also really like the adults area pool. I think the glass enclosed infinity edge is a fantastic and luxurious addition with a very classic upscale attitude around it. However... this is where my issues begin.
I'm going to do a lot of comparing in this thread and I think this adults area needs context to it, because what was shown here is extremely small. It's taking the place of what would be the sports deck on the Dream class and compared, this adults pool area is much smaller.
The entire aft pool deck looks very tight and certainly not as expansive as the Dream or Fantasy but in fairness, there is a non-descript deck with a pool area that could also possibly be an adults only deck. Still, that's a long walk from either end.
So, the spa (which I adore) will now be moved to this deck 5, instead of deck 11 like on the older ships. That space has now been replaced with concierge suites. This now means it won't have the amazing views like on the older ships as it will be placed along the new promenade.
Speaking of that, when I first saw the renderings of the Wish, I noticed a walkway was going to be placed along deck 5. This is I think the biggest missed opportunity. I was really hoping they were going to do something like the boardwalk on the Norwegian ships. Unfortunately no.
Another huge missed opportunity to me was how they incorporated their design feature with the Deck 5, panoramic glass. This entire real estate is being used for the Frozen dinning room which really is such a loss as you can't even see out the windows at night!
I assume that Frozen restaurant will be a flex space during the day (god I hope), but how cool would have been if they used it as a purposeful lounge, family entertainment room or mix of several different bars like on other ships that have incorporated this design feature.
I also think having no true adults district is also a big con. It appears on the Wish, they will all be sort of strewn about, with walkways kids will likely need to pass through, unlike the contained Europa etc. on the rest of the fleet.
Honestly my biggest issue are the cabins. Gone are the magic portholes, the warmth, coziness and the nautical feeling. Replaced is an admittedly aesthetic pleasing space, yet void of character and uniqueness. These rooms look like nice Hilton rooms with disney artwork in them.
Even the concierge suites are (in my opinion) a huge downgrade from those that are on the Dream & Fantasy. They have such a luxurious style to them where the Wish has minimalist, modern and cold accommodations. Sure, the grand suite is impressive, but is it $18,000 a voyage nice?
Finally, as some last few thoughts. I think making a dining experience around a single property is a bad idea as many people are just not interested in Marvel. I think the AquaMickey is weird and let me honest here, a pretty ugly addition to the overall aesthetics of the ship...
The main pool deck is interesting and I hope there are more hot tubs as that has always been an issue on the Dream and Fantasy. There is now walkable deck space at the bow which is also pretty cool.
I think in closing, while we still don't know everything about the vessel, nor do I know what the final product will be like, from what I have seen so far my primary reaction is just disappointment - I think in a few aspects...
The ship (in my opinion) has missed out on so many opportunities to make themselves even more competitive with other, new ships. Moving the spa, adult areas (inside and out) to accommodate for more concierge suites has made the new spaces awkward.
To me, it seems like the line is moving away from their established and beautiful 1930's, nautical theming to now something much more generic and IP based (wow big surprise there). It definitely feels like this ship is much more based around younger kids than families as a whole.
I honestly think Disney nailed it in the late 2000's with the Dream and especially the Fantasy. The latter being, to me the best ship I have ever been on. It balances perfectly everything I love about going on cruises and I hope they don't mess it up with this new DCL direction.
So yeah, I'll try one cruise on the Disney Wish but I doubt it'll be for me. Hopefully more info will come out to turn the tide on my opinions, but I doubt it. Who knows though, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. Okay wow thanks for coming to my TED Talk. God damn.
