Comparison Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean

[starvenger]

We are doing a Barcelona to Dubai cruise in May and if we like the ship (Ovation of the Seas), we will book a Hong Kong to Singapore cruise for November while we are on board. Those are itineraries that previously we would not even have dreamed of.

You should be aware that the HK-Singapore cruises are designed to cater more to Asians, so you'll see more mainland Chinese on board and they can be... interesting.

 

[melmar136]

Thanks so much for your comparison. I booked Harmony of the Seas for this Nov. because DCL is just pricing us out. $4200 on the Fantasy in an inside stateroom, or $3100 in a gty inside standard on the Magic, so we went with the Harmony for $2500 for an ocean view, same timeframe. I was Kinda of bummed at first that we weren't doing DCL, but the more I read about RCI, the more excited I'm getting!

 

[Frozen2014]

Great comparison. Interesting to hear too that even though the stateroom is smaller on Splendor of the Seas, that it felt more spacious.
I've been on both Disney Magic and Royal's Grandeur (many years ago) and Voyager (15 years ago) , All are great ships but very different.

 

[dolphingirl47]

You should be aware that the HK-Singapore cruises are designed to cater more to Asians, so you'll see more mainland Chinese on board and they can be... interesting.

Yes, I am aware of this. However, one of my co-workers did a similar cruise last year and he was OK so I assume we will be as well.

so we went with the Harmony for $2500 for an ocean view, same timeframe. I was Kinda of bummed at first that we weren't doing DCL, but the more I read about RCI, the more excited I'm getting!

That is a fantastic price and the Harmony looks like a really great ship.

Interesting to hear too that even though the stateroom is smaller on Splendor of the Seas, that it felt more spacious.

The cabin was just really well designed.

All are great ships but very different.

I could not agree more. I have a special place in my heart for the Disney Wonder, but I have enjoyed every ship I have been on.

Corinna

 

[Brancaneve]

The Dreams Unlimited Podcast recently had a show all about the DCL/RCCL comparison that was very interesting. Check it out if you are looking for more information.

 

[bumbershoot]

I am still reading your report (my first RCCL is in 17 days so I am VERY interested in your thoughts) but it caught my eye that you said they KEEP your passports? I guess having them hold onto my expensive rum from Barbados isn't the only thing for me to (probably needlessly) fret about...

My mobile device wasn't showing all posts until after this reply. Needed to go back and see that it had been responded to already.

What I said was...

I didn't see that in dolphingirl's report but is that where you saw it? If so it's likely a combo of her nationality and where they were.

For our three cruises (not in the Middle East) they haven't held on to our passports.


Which is about what others said.

But I was late in the reply bc I didn't see the date of the question. Silly mobile.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes i think the character breakfast was kinda chocolate based, but we didn't worry much about the food as we were busy with the characters. Our breakfast wasn't that busy (even though there were lots of kids on the ship) so we had almost too much time with the characters - it was my 2 year old nieces first experience with characters, she really really enjoyed the parade and meeting them later on

They started charging shortly after our January 2014 cruise for those who didn't already have reservations.

It is the chocolate breakfast so yes it was chocolate based. . And it was lousy, and we went straight up to windjammer for actual food, even when it was free. Ds feels too grown for the breakfast now (and he was the oldest kid there when we went, which was odd), but I wouldn't pay for that food.

 

[Riggsy]

Does anyone know if RC does something similar to FEs? Have looked for sign-ups but haven't seen any.
I'm very nervous, I'm going on Independence of the Seas, and I've only been on Disney ships previously (Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream). Anyone been on IOS?
Great forum, I'm going to try to find the podcast mentioned above.

 

[msjprincess]

Does anyone know if RC does something similar to FEs? Have looked for sign-ups but haven't seen any.
I'm very nervous, I'm going on Independence of the Seas, and I've only been on Disney ships previously (Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream). Anyone been on IOS?
Great forum, I'm going to try to find the podcast mentioned above.

I've never seen anything like that. But I'm not positive.

I sailed on Independence this past summer and I'm booked for next year. I'll try to answer, if you have any specific questions.

 

[eskimoinparadise]

Does anyone know if RC does something similar to FEs? Have looked for sign-ups but haven't seen any.
I'm very nervous, I'm going on Independence of the Seas, and I've only been on Disney ships previously (Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream). Anyone been on IOS?
Great forum, I'm going to try to find the podcast mentioned above.

Not exactly. RCL does what they call "meet & mingle's" that you sign up for (I believe the link is on Cruise Critic on the Roll Call boards). They hold a party on the ship and people bring FE-like gifts to exchange. RCL also hands out a bunch of logo stuff to everyone who attends.

 

[Riggsy]

Thanks! I don't see anything mentioned in terms of mixology, wine-tasting, etc. Does RC offer classes like those?

 

[dolphingirl47]

Thanks! I don't see anything mentioned in terms of mixology, wine-tasting, etc. Does RC offer classes like those?

On the Splendour they only had a wine tasting on the sea day.

Corinna

 

[msjprincess]

Thanks! I don't see anything mentioned in terms of mixology, wine-tasting, etc. Does RC offer classes like those?

I took a quick look at my the daily Compasses from Independence. They list wine tasting, beer tasting, a martini class, bartending class.

 

[ldo]

I have been on IOS sister ship (same layout). It's a fine ship. Nice facilities. There is no FE, but you can "meet" some of your fellow cruisers on cruisecritic.com "mix and mingle" forum. They do have some limited tasting classes. They do not have the same level of organized daily activities as DCL, IMHO, but they have putt-putt, climbing wall, ice skating, flow rider. There is no movie theater, but they usually show a movie or two in the show theater on sea days. As long as you realize it's not DCL, and go in with an attitude that you probably saved a lot on the IOS cruise, and are going for family time, fun, sun, sand, and some good ports and you'll have a great time. No need to be worried.

 

[ludari]

I just returned yesterday from a 12-day cruise on my first Royal Caribbean Cruise (Anthem of the Seas). This was the first Anthem cruise that was sailed successfully after the ship had a string of bad luck with three previous sailings. Although I had a great time and enjoy the time I spent sailing with my friends (I typically cruise solo) I will definitely stick with DCL. Don't get me wrong I agree with a lot the review comments made by the original poster but they are things that DCL does that are more important to me that make my vacation/cruise more enjoyable.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I just returned yesterday from a 12-day cruise on my first Royal Caribbean Cruise (Anthem of the Seas). This was the first Anthem cruise that was sailed successfully after the ship had a string of bad luck with three previous sailings. Although I had a great time and enjoy the time I spent sailing with my friends (I typically cruise solo) I will definitely stick with DCL. Don't get me wrong I agree with a lot the review comments made by the original poster but they are things that DCL does that are more important to me that make my vacation/cruise more enjoyable.

I am sure we will continue to do the odd Disney cruise. We have many happy memories from our Disney cruises. However, for the time being, it is nice to be able to spread our wings a little and go to places were Disney either does not go or where Disney charges too much of a premium.

I would be interested in reading about your take of the Anthem. We are going on one of the sister ships (Ovation of the Seas) in 50 days and the whole concept is a brave new world to me. So the experience of the Anthem from somebody who normally cruises Disney is of great interest to me.

Corinna

 

[ludari]

I am sure we will continue to do the odd Disney cruise. We have many happy memories from our Disney cruises. However, for the time being, it is nice to be able to spread our wings a little and go to places were Disney either does not go or where Disney charges too much of a premium.

I would be interested in reading about your take of the Anthem. We are going on one of the sister ships (Ovation of the Seas) in 50 days and the whole concept is a brave new world to me. So the experience of the Anthem from somebody who normally cruises Disney is of great interest to me.

Corinna

Corinna,

I have completed eight Disney Cruises in the past five years so I'm not sure if my expectations where influenced by my dedication to DCL but I did go on my Anthem cruise with an open mind and a desire to have fun. That being said the price for my Anthem cruise was far less than a Disney 7 day cruise so that was great. Also the Anthem is a beautiful ship and they are plenty of activities on the ship for everyone that DCL doesn't do/have such as bumper cars, rock climbing, virtual skydiving, roller skating, wave machine, casino, trapeze fun and north star viewing, etc. I also like the technology around the ship such as the virtual/interactive hallway maps, robot bar but my favorite was the Two70 room with virtual wall (in the evening) and robotic HD screens. RCCL does a great job in managing the thousands of people around the ship with all these activities that it never felt too crowded.

I also took advantage of some of the paid specialty restaurants by dinning at Wonderland, Chef's Table @ Prime, Jamie's Italian, Michael's Pub and even Johnny Rockets. The food at the specialty restaurants where good and my favorites where the Chef's table and Jamie's Italian. Wonderland is a unique experience and the food was good but I was probably never visit that restaurant again. RCCL has copied DCL and does the rotational dining which I enjoy but the food was nothing special and IMHO below DCL as far as taste. I also thought that the Windjammer had the same menu/spread everyday during lunch which was discouraging. I'm not a soda drinker but if you are or have children that do like soda it's going to cost you. The tea and lemonade dispenser is syrup mixed with water and I either got too much syrup or too much water.

The shows on the Anthem where horrible and after one of the shows (The Gift) which by the way had wonderful props I asked my friend sitting next to me what did he think? His response was "What the hell did I just watch" which was my feeling as well. The same was true of the Rock of Ages which was discouraging because I am a Queen fan, nevertheless the cast are very talented for both shows but it's the stories for these shows that is lacking.

The service was far below my experiences with Disney and it also seemed like the crew was not happy or didn't get along with each other and it was clear something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it. I also had one issue in the dining room, spa and shore excursion desk that Disney would probably wouldn't let happen or would have resolved immediately and not try to send me off to someone else. I also didn't like the constant sales push and big sales in the Royal Esplanade area, the numerous jewelry shopping presentations on the stateroom television. Speaking of the stateroom television the channel selection is bad and they charge for movies so DCL is clearly better.

I'm going to end here and just say that my reasons for sticking with Disney are simply the service, crew and the shows. If you have any specific questions I didn't answer please PM me I will be more than happy to do my best to answer them.

 

[bumbershoot]

Currently on Freedom (hubby and son are watching How to Train Your Dragon) and am not missing DCL at all.


(Got the internet package because our offer on a house was accepted a few days before sailing. Call it a mortgage expense.)

 

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna,

I have completed eight Disney Cruises in the past five years so I'm not sure if my expectations where influenced by my dedication to DCL but I did go my Anthem cruise with an open mind and a desire to have fun. That being said the price for my Anthem cruise was far less than a Disney 7 day cruise so that was great. Also the Anthem is a beautiful ship and they are plenty of activities on the ship for everyone that DCL doesn't do/have such as bumper cars, rock climbing, virtual skydiving, roller skating, wave machine, casino, trapeze fun and north star viewing, etc. I also like the technology around the ship such as the virtual/interactive hallway maps, robot bar but my favorite was the Two70 room with virtual wall (in the evening) and robotic HD screens. RCCL does a great job in managing the thousands of people around the ship with all these activities that it never felt too crowded.

I also took advantage of some of the paid specialty restaurants by dinning at Wonderland, Chef's Table @ Prime, Jamie's Italian, Michael's Pub and even Johnny Rockets. The food at the specialty restaurants where good and my favorites where the Chef's table and Jamie's Italian. Wonderland is a unique experience and the food was good but I was probably never visit that restaurant again. RCCL has copied DCL and does the rotational dining which I enjoy but the food was nothing special and IMHO below DCL as far as taste. I also thought that the Windjammer had the same menu/spread everyday during lunch which was discouraging. I'm not a soda drinker but if you are or have children that do like soda it's going to cost you. The tea and lemonade dispenser is syrup mixed with water and I either got too much syrup or too much water.

The shows on the Anthem where horrible and after one of the shows (The Gift) which by the way had wonderful props I asked my friend sitting next to me what did he think? His response was "What the hell did I just watch" which was my feelings as well. The same was true of the Rock of Ages which was discouraging because I am a Queen fan. The cast where great and are talented but it's the stories for these shows that is lacking.

The service was far below my experiences with Disney and it also seemed like the crew was not happy or didn't get along with each other and it was clear something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it. I also had one issue in the dining room, spa and shore excursion desk that Disney would probably wouldn't let happen or would have resolved immediately and not try to send me off to someone else. I also didn't like the constant sales push and big sales in the Royal Esplanade area, the numerous jewelry shopping presentations on the stateroom television. Speaking of the stateroom television the channel selection is bad and they charge for movies so DCL is clearly better.

I'm going to end here and just say that my reasons for sticking with Disney are simply the service, crew and the shows. If you have any specific questions I didn't answer please PM me I will be more than happy to do my best to answer them.

Thanks, I really appreciate this. We have done 13 cruises on DCL between 2008 and 2014 and we enjoyed all of them. However, we got to the point that we had done most itinerary multiple times and were looking for something new.

Our first Royal Caribbean cruise was an Arabian Gulf Cruise. The upcoming one is a Suez Canal cruise and then we are hoping for Asia in November. Unlike you, I did not go with an open mind. We got a deal on the December cruise where it would actually have cost us more to stay at home so we decided to go for it as I was interested in the ports. I fully expected to hate the cruise. We swayed from DCL once previously in 2009 and tried NCL and that was not for us at all. I expected a repeat of this. What we did find was food and service that was nothing short of wonderful. The crew was amazing.

I don't do the shows on Disney either. I have never done any of the variety shows and after out Westbound Transatlantic in 2010, I was done with the production shows, too. We did not do any of the shows on the Splendour and I rather suspect that the same will be true on the Ovation.

I am aware of soda costing extra, but it looks like we are going to have the Coca Cola Freestyle machines on the Ovation and I am happy to pay for this as this is a special treat for me. My husband does not drink soda. He mainly drinks water with the odd ice tea and he much preferred the ice tea on the Splendour to the Nestea that comes out of the machines on the Magic and the Wonder.

I have a couple of questions and will send you a PM when I get back from work this evening.

Corinna

 

[short1882]

Any specific comments on comparison of the kids clubs between DCL & RCCL? We've only been on 1 cruise, Dream. That's my biggest concern!! We have a 3 year old & 6 yr old currently & looking to plan summer 2017...TIA