From a dedicated RCCL cruiser need help with Disney

[Lovetocruise53]

we did the Dream in November. Stayed in inside rooms for once since the price was higher then RCCL. Wish all inside rooms on all the cruise lines had port holes. We had a blast but it really isn't any different then other cruise lines. They do treat you like Princesses. But the rest of the cruise line do to. Been on Rccl 10 times, Carnival 4 times, NCL 2 times. Going on the Allure in November. But saying that everybody needs to go on Disney atleast once in there life. Also it was only 4 days and I like the 7 days better. Easy on and easy off too.

[Bettytrouble]

Yes. Disney is basically superior in everything it does. Better food, service, entertainment. If there are things you are looking for that Disney doesn't offer (i.e. casino), then RCI has and advantage. But overall, Disney is a far FAR superior product.

 

 

Yes, you are so right. I did not have to read any farther than this response.

We have done multiple DCL, but our kids now enjoy RCl programs more as they get older. We love them both cruise lines, but DCL is a HUGE step above Royal in food, appearance, customer care, etc.

 

We were blessed to be upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite on our very first DCl cruise 12 years ago. That ruined us for life. But the standard staterooms are gorgeous. the staff is unbeleivably attentive..and DCl , even with 7 million children aboard, is less rowdy and much cleaner than we have found on either RCL or NCL.. Always great to try something new. I love NCL and Disney, but right now we are sticking mostly to RCl because of itineraries, time off and kid's stuff. Enjoy. Lots and lots to do!

[Friend100]

If I want WOW I will pick RCI. If I want MAGIC I will pick DCL.

[dogsambam]

Thank you for all the opinions. Great to hear. Our price is so similar, it seems like we should do Disney. Our kids will be 4 and 7 at sailing time, and this may be the best time for it. Still love hearing everyone's comments. My biggest item of contention is the perks I get from RCCL and the Allure/oasis are still the Aalure/oasis. Nothing like them.

[Friend100]

OP, here are a few more recent threads that may help in your comparison:

 

My thoughts: Liberty vs Disney Dream (by board57796)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1588003

 

 

Review Freedom of the Seas vs Disney Dream (by herdfans4)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1602287

 

 

Just back from the Magic - a review from an admitted 'Cruise Snob' (by Canuckdoc)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1575609

[GMoney]

I wrote this comparison last year - it may help.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1372199

[Friend100]

I wrote this comparison last year - it may help.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1372199

 

Hi Patrick, I remember your review too, also a very good and balanced comparison.

 

Frank

[Puffinater]

Thank you for all the opinions. Great to hear. Our price is so similar, it seems like we should do Disney. Our kids will be 4 and 7 at sailing time, and this may be the best time for it. Still love hearing everyone's comments. My biggest item of contention is the perks I get from RCCL and the Allure/oasis are still the Aalure/oasis. Nothing like them.

 

I would say at this age head over to Disney. There is a chance they won't want to do it when they get older. Enjoy.

[GMoney]

Hi Patrick, I remember your review too, also a very good and balanced comparison.

 

Frank

 

Thanks! :)

[LPCKG]

Yes. Disney is basically superior in everything it does.

 

Totally agree...Our first ever cruise was onboard Disney Wonder and we were hooked. Well, hooked and then decided to cruise RCL due to all the climbling wall, flowride etc..which we love, yet, secretly hanker after Disney.

 

Next year we are returning, well hoping, to Disney as Castaway Cay is the BEST private island. The best beach by far, truly private with fantastic activities...everything. The service was great, staff, shows (never been to a RCL show!) ,you will not be disappointed.

[orville99]

Thank you for all the opinions. Great to hear. Our price is so similar, it seems like we should do Disney. Our kids will be 4 and 7 at sailing time, and this may be the best time for it. Still love hearing everyone's comments. My biggest item of contention is the perks I get from RCCL and the Allure/oasis are still the Aalure/oasis. Nothing like them.

 

 

One question: Have your kids spent any time at either of Disney's theme parks, and are they comfortable around the characters? When our oldest GS was 6, we took him on Disney Wonder, and he was a basket case the entire cruise. Character's popping out of doorways, out of elevators, and wandering around in the public areas spooked him every time he saw one. It was a miserable three days for him, and us. His (now five Y/O) brother has the same problem. We can't even take him to Chick-fil-A, because he's terrified of the cow.

[Cruising89143]

Yes. Disney is basically superior in everything it does. Better food, service, entertainment. If there are things you are looking for that Disney doesn't offer (i.e. casino), then RCI has and advantage. But overall, Disney is a far FAR superior product.

 

 

Hmmm, I looked at your signature and I don't see a Disney cruise listed so how does one know that the experience is superior unless they cruised on both lines?

[dz9yvr]

At 4 and 7 I don't think there is a question, GO TO DISNEY. Disney knows how to do things that please the kids, that's the key part of all of their bisinesses. The kid's will like all of the kid's activities better on Disney and the shows are higher quality productions. Disney has the Mouse and all of the supporting cast and Shrek just can't compete. I was on a couple of Disney cruises with my daughter and she enjoyed every minute of the trip. Her first couple cruises on RCCL were kind of a let down until she found the Flowriders.

[OceanSea]

Disney has fantastic ships (beautifully decorated and great layout) and wonderful service and food. We would love to go on another and it will probably be our next cruise. If you are not into Disney though it might not be the cruise for you but we loved it and we also love Royal Caribbean. No reason not to try it and see for yourself :)

[lrn2cruise]

The Disney Magic is coming to Texas soon, which is where I live. I have one child, a boy, who is 12 now. He wants to go on a Nick cruise, not a a Disney cruise. The Nick cruise will be in New Orleans summer of 2013.

 

I find the Disney cruises more expensive. I guess if I had a little girl into princess, etc, it would be worth it.

 

We will see when the Magic gets to Texas if we get on it.

 

I would really like to do Oasis/Allure, but I need to justify spening $5000.00 plus airfare, excursions, and any other expenses. That is a lot for working middle class, esp when more cash goes to higher groceries and gas:(

[Andy99]

We have done both and here is my take. the service is equal, Cabins: Disney is better, Entertainment: disney is better, Food: is equal, Private island: Disney is way better, Activities for kids under 10: Disney is better activities for kids over 10: Royal is better, Public space: Royal is better. Food: is equal. value: royal is normally more affordable. Casino: royal, Adult activities: royal... All in all I would say they are pretty equal. I would say do Disney at least once if your kids are under 10 or your family loves disney movies.

 

The private island is really much nicer on Disney that is one reason we considered doing another Disney cruise. try to book a double dip, it stops at there island twice on a 7 day cruise.

[derrick22]

Thanks. The next time I want to spend a week surrounded by swarms of children plus crew members dressed up as Disney characters, I will check out the superior cruiseline.

 

I love RCCI but I have to defend Disney.

The only time we saw children was at the dinner table.

Disney has many adult only areas.

They even took our son off the ship for an excursion to their island

 

Maybe when I have grandchildren I will take them on a Disney cruise.

But until then the prices are outrageous and definitely not worth it.

Although I did like the dinner rotation through the different restaurants.

[Bluekat74]

depending on the cruises, but when searching out I was surprised to discover that some cruises are actually very comparative with pricing. Have been looking at possibly going onboard disney for the Panama Canal leg. There was a very good comparison I read on here somewhere comparing Freedom with one of the disney boats. It gives a very unbias review of both ships comparing them and the service against each other. At the end of the day though, why not just try them yourself. You will never know what you will think until you do it yourself :)

[macruisefan]

Hmmm, I looked at your signature and I don't see a Disney cruise listed so how does one know that the experience is superior unless they cruised on both lines?

 

Impressive to have two people skewer me because I haven't been on a Disney cruise. So how could I possibly have a clue? LOL!

 

I've also never been to Pamplona, but I don't need to go to know that being chased through the streets by a bunch of bulls would be frightening.:D

 

I'm a single male in my late thirties. While DCL is a fine product, it is not for me. In spite of that, I have numerous family members and friends who have cruised DCL. I have also considered it on many an occasion.

 

So, I will say AGAIN what I said before. The Disney product is superior to RCI in areas that they compare. Does that mean it's the right choice for everyone? No! But, chances are, if someone is looking for the experiences found on a Disney cruise (particularly as it relates to families and children), then a side by side comparison will have DCL winning out.

[Cruising89143]

Impressive to have two people skewer me because I haven't been on a Disney cruise. So how could I possibly have a clue? LOL!

 

I've also never been to Pamplona, but I don't need to go to know that being chased through the streets by a bunch of bulls would be frightening.:D

 

I'm a single male in my late thirties. While DCL is a fine product, it is not for me. In spite of that, I have numerous family members and friends who have cruised DCL. I have also considered it on many an occasion.

 

So, I will say AGAIN what I said before. The Disney product is superior to RCI in areas that they compare. Does that mean it's the right choice for everyone? No! But, chances are, if someone is looking for the experiences found on a Disney cruise (particularly as it relates to families and children), then a side by side comparison will have DCL winning out.

 

And I have had family members who have stated the opposite but since I have never cruised on Disney I cannot say so I would not be posting that they are superior to another cruise line. It's no different than the ones that state RCI is better than Carnival and have never stepped foot on their ships. And since yoiu have not cruised on either Allure or Disney then you have no idea who either ship would stack up against one another. It's one thing to give an opinon and another to state it as a fact.

[lampskies]

And I have had family members who have stated the opposite but since I have never cruised on Disney I cannot say so I would not be posting that they are superior to another cruise line. It's no different than the ones that state RCI is better than Carnival and have never stepped foot on their ships. Also if I were to base my opinion on booking a Disney ship verses my experiences with staying in their parks, I would not give them high marks.

 

Now we are bringing Carnival into the discussion? Lol.......8 sailings on DCL 7 on RCL next one tomorrow......and 1 on Carnival.......two months ago......We won't sail Carnival again......enough said.....

[SingingPixie]

Impressive to have two people skewer me because I haven't been on a Disney cruise. So how could I possibly have a clue? LOL!

 

I've also never been to Pamplona, but I don't need to go to know that being chased through the streets by a bunch of bulls would be frightening.:D

 

I'm a single male in my late thirties. While DCL is a fine product, it is not for me. In spite of that, I have numerous family members and friends who have cruised DCL. I have also considered it on many an occasion.

 

So, I will say AGAIN what I said before. The Disney product is superior to RCI in areas that they compare. Does that mean it's the right choice for everyone? No! But, chances are, if someone is looking for the experiences found on a Disney cruise (particularly as it relates to families and children), then a side by side comparison will have DCL winning out.

 

Honestly, if you'd said that in the first place you probably wouldn't have been skewered. To say that while you're not in DCL's target demographic, friends and family members who are have had nothing but positive comparisons is factual information. A blanket statement that says DCL is better than RCI in every category of comparison is pretty bold, especially coming from someone who hasn't set foot on one of their ships.

[leaveitallbehind]

Yes. Disney is basically superior in everything it does. Better food, service, entertainment. If there are things you are looking for that Disney doesn't offer (i.e. casino), then RCI has and advantage. But overall, Disney is a far FAR superior product.

 

.....funny, I don't see anywhere in your cruise history signature where you've ever cruised with Disney. Maybe not the first time asked in this thread but worth repeating as to where exactly are you getting your information from to form such a strong opinion?

[leaveitallbehind]

Impressive to have two people skewer me because I haven't been on a Disney cruise. So how could I possibly have a clue? LOL!

 

I've also never been to Pamplona, but I don't need to go to know that being chased through the streets by a bunch of bulls would be frightening.:D

 

I'm a single male in my late thirties. While DCL is a fine product, it is not for me. In spite of that, I have numerous family members and friends who have cruised DCL. I have also considered it on many an occasion.

 

So, I will say AGAIN what I said before. The Disney product is superior to RCI in areas that they compare. Does that mean it's the right choice for everyone? No! But, chances are, if someone is looking for the experiences found on a Disney cruise (particularly as it relates to families and children), then a side by side comparison will have DCL winning out.

 

Well there's my answer - obviously the voice of an expert. Do you also offer reviews for restaurants you've never dined at?

[Mmketeer]

Thank you for all the opinions. Great to hear. Our price is so similar, it seems like we should do Disney. Our kids will be 4 and 7 at sailing time, and this may be the best time for it. Still love hearing everyone's comments. My biggest item of contention is the perks I get from RCCL and the Allure/oasis are still the Aalure/oasis. Nothing like them.

 

Disney also has repeat guest perks and at this point since they are offered by sailing and not on how many nights you have sailed I think it's easier to get to a higher level. As a repeat guest you get a specific colored lanyard which is real nice to have to keep your key card in and each level gets a different colored lanyard. It's not uncommon to see even adults running around the ship with their lanyard on where as on say Carnival it's mostly kids.

 

The higher your level the earlier you are allowed into the port terminal for arrival times, the higher your level the sooner your allowed to book the private island cabanas, excursions and the adult only restaurants, the higher your level the better onboard shopping discount you get and everyone gets a welcome back gift no matter what your status. Ours last year was a nice DCL duffle filled with two rice crispy treats, water bottles and I can't remember what else. Over the years I have collected quite a few DCL backpacks, DCL luggage straps, DCL document holders etc. They are always nice and apreciated gifts. :)

 

I heard RCCL no longers offers a welcome back gift. Very sad....

 

The best way to get onboard credit and a discounted deposit and cruise discount is to rebook onboard with Disney. I currently have one in my back pocket and yes the more you sail the better the onboard credit offer.