Royal Caribbean vs. DCL

[Mendelson]

In May we took our second Disney cruise (both on the Fantasy) and today I just got back from an RC cruise to Bermuda. After the second DCL cruise I decided that cruising is just not for me but this RC trip was a family deal that I kind of couldn't get out of.

Overall the DCL cruise is much better. I felt the service is better and more attentive. While I've been incredibly underwhelmed with DCL food, RC managed to lower the bar even more. The communal areas on deck 11 have a much more pronounced sense of debauchery on RC, though that's probably too strong a word. And, of course, you just miss the Disney-ness of DCL.

Consider this if you have kids, though - there are a couple places where RC was better. When their Dreamworks characters come out there are like, two kids in line, at most. None of this lining up 30 minutes ahead of time and rushing through meeting Princess So-and-So. You can actually stop and interact. The kids' play area is very lame in comparison to DCL, but my son (4) actually liked it better, I think because it is less overwhelming/intimidating than the DCL area, which has lots of bells and whistles. RC also has a parade and an ice skating show, both of which my son enjoyed.

And there are many, many, many more 20somethings on RC of course, which gave pool time its own special appeal.

So if I ever do go on another cruise, it will be Disney, but settling for RC can also have it's appeal.

[eandrsmom]

We haven't ever done a Disney Cruise. Eventually, it is something that we would like to do. We have done several RC Cruises, and have been happy with them. Being a family of six, we always get two connecting rooms. Whenever I do the math, it always seems like DCL is nearly twice the cost of RC for similar rooms and cruise itineraries. Over the years, I've found that food quality on all of the cruise lines has declined. There is an abundance of mediocre food, but nothing outstanding served consistently in the MDR. I think that they are all trying to upcharge for meals in their "specialty" restaurants. I can tell you that my kids really enjoy the kids camp areas on RC, although I'm sure that they are not nearly as elaborate as what Disney offers. They absolutely hated the kids program on Carnival.

[BrerGnat]

Curious to know what RCI ship you were on?

We have only done Disney cruises with our kids. I want to branch out, but I'm scared. We have taken Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Carnival cruises pre kids, but our kids associate cruising with Disney ships and I think they would be pretty let down. They are not old enough (nor brave enough) to try the stuff on RCI like rock climbing walls, flowrider, zipline, etc. They don't even want to try ice skating. So, we're torn. We want to cruise again, but DCL is just SO pricey, and they don't offer discounted rates like they used to, so not sure when we will be able to go again. Every time I get close to booking Royal Caribbean, I back out.

[Crow]

gf says we should do Disney CL. we dont have kids. and it is so much more exp then Carnival. im wondering which we should do. thinking about a few days at WDW too, but idk if we can if we do DCL. anyone else do either wo kids

[BrerGnat]

gf says we should do Disney CL. we dont have kids. and it is so much more exp then Carnival. im wondering which we should do. thinking about a few days at WDW too, but idk if we can if we do DCL. anyone else do either wo kids

I wouldn't do it without kids. We would be bored out of our skulls. This is an area where DCL needs a lot of work. Not enough for adults. And frankly, I love my own kids, but I don't love everyone else's, and those ships are like 25-35% kids.

[Crow]

I wouldn't do it without kids. We would be bored out of our skulls. This is an area where DCL needs a lot of work. Not enough for adults. And frankly, I love my own kids, but I don't love everyone else's, and those ships are like 25-35% kids.

thanks. DCL looks really good but the cost is throwing me. and if we do Carnival or another maybe can afford a few days at WDW.

[DonLefNY]

We've done Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines and they are all nice. Now without kids along, low price bid wins for us, and that ain't goin to be Disney.

[JanetMegan]

I have not done DCL but I cruise frequently on RCCL and also Celebrity which is my favorite. Celebrity has FAR better food and service than RCCL. What I have heard some parents comment about on Celebrity is while there are not nearly as many kids you end up with an awesome ratio of staff to kids. On our last cruise there were about 20 kids and about 15 staff, meaning they can give your child an amazing experience. Of course there would be more kids during a school break or holiday but not nearly as many as DCL. (For probably 1/2 the price.)

[baldburke]

I wouldn't do it without kids. We would be bored out of our skulls. This is an area where DCL needs a lot of work. Not enough for adults. And frankly, I love my own kids, but I don't love everyone else's, and those ships are like 25-35% kids.

We've done DCL without kids for our first cruise and were very pleased. In fact, I'd say we didn't even notice the kids because we stuck to the adults only areas.

[BrerGnat]

We've done DCL without kids for our first cruise and were very pleased. In fact, I'd say we didn't even notice the kids because we stuck to the adults only areas.

I suppose you it depends on what you want to do on your cruise. We very much enjoyed our DCL cruises with our kids, but we were even bored a few times on our 5 night Dream sailing. We are not into the kitschy "games" and other activities. The shows are good but we found the adult areas lacking in nightlife considerably. I suppose an adult only DCL trip would be heavily focused on meals in Palo and Remy and alcohol tasting seminars, since there isn't much else to do that interests us.

[MarkC]

We have done both DCL and RC. Both have their advantages. We don't gamble but RC does have a casino if you are into that. DCL has free pop/soda where RC does not. Disney has better movies and theatres on the ship. The Disney shows are much, much better than RC. We usually skip the RC productions as Disney blows them away. Disney offers 4 course meals vs. 3 for RC, but the quality of both is very good. The trivia contests for RC are for all adults, where as Disney is mostly for kids. RC has the advantage of having a lot more ships so they have a lot more destinations and itineraries to consider. But both my wife and me like Disney best. We have taken Disney cruises the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Both were awesome and we are cruising the Caribbean again ins 2017. Have 2 RC cruises booked for next year as well. The biggest difference is the cost. Unless it's a specialty cruise somewhere, a balcony on RC is sometimes about half of what Disney costs. Love them both. Disney wins by a close call, but the price difference means we will cruise more with RC. But you won't go wrong with either one.

[paragon]

Well, We have done 6 DCL trips, AND without kids. I am 52 , DW is 41 and we find more than enough to do onboard. For me, I never had an issue of being overwhelmed by the kids, they have their space, and there is more than enough adult only space for me. DCL food is not bad at all, and I would say it's definitely ABOVE average. We looked into RCL, As well as NL, ad just didn't see anything that would draw us in. I absolutely love the Disney ships , they are beyond beautiful. Yes the cost is certainly more, but I think it's worth it in the long run. DCL cabins are larger than the others. Nobody does planning, organizing and people moving better than Disney. With kids or without, DCL is our choice. Going again this April for number 7 and already planning number 8 for next year. BTW, we also do the parks without kids......