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We sailed last summer (2 families with kids from 3-17) on RCCL. The kids all enjoyed it, but I was not as happy with the clubs compared to DCL. More limited hours and just not the big open spaces of the Disney clubs. Plus they gave us a lot of hassle over names listed for allowed pick ups, etc. They are generally closed during lunch and dinner, although you can sign up to have the kids eat with the staff for some meals.

Hi

Leaving on Explorer next Friday... is there a list somewhere that shows what movies are playing onboard?

Thanks!

Royal Caribbean? I have never been to Seattle nor sailed on RCCL lol

Our son had just turned 3 when we went last summer. In Grand Cayman, we did the Turtle farm. Hopefully in October your weather will be cooler. I also think which guide you get makes a difference. Ours did not explain as much as the others near us seemed to be.

In Cozumel, we did the Discover Mexico ruins/cultural center tour. He enjoyed the bus ride (A/C lol). He would have liked the ruins, but again, it was just too hot/humid for him. At the cultural center, we were inside for a short video and got to see some art work which he liked a lot. And then after lunch, they provided a piñata for the kids, which was great fun since there weren't too many kids there.

My Ds had just turned 3 last summer, but one of the things we did and really enjoyed was the Toddler time in D Lounge. Most of the mornings, at 8:30am, they had music and characters in the D Lounge. Lots of babies and toddlers. My son LOVED it and I liked the fact that he could see some of the characters without waiting in line, etc. After that finished, we sat next to Nemo's Reef and had breakfast and he played in the splash area while it was not as crowded.

I haven't sailed on RCCL, but have taken all my teens on DCL. They have had an amazing time.. and kept the friends they made onboard. No complaints of boredom at all. And I love the fact that Disney doesn't have a casino.

We are trying Princess in 2 months, anxious to see if we like it! If RCCL would have more West Coast options, we'd try them too. Flying to Florida just adds so much to the cost of a vacation for our family.

I've taken all of my teens on Disney cruises. The first time on the Dream - Dd18, Dd15 and Ds13, and then last year, Fantasy - Dd17, and Ds15). They have a great time! If your Dd goes to the Vibe the first night, she will be able to make friends (you didn't say if she is/still will be in high school) and do Vibe activities. There are LOTS of general activities on board - movies, shows, towel folding, cooking classes, mini golf, jogging, shopping, Spa, etc. My oldest was out of high school when we went on the Dream, so did things with me or her sister, or just sat in the sun and read. Both cruises, Dd17 made a friend ahead of time on the cruise meet-up board, and we hardly saw her other than at dinner. There are also special activities on Castaway Cay for teens.

I do want to say, however, that my kids LOVE Disney, so are excited to be doing anything in or on Disney lol! Other kids might have more fun on other cruise lines that have rock climbing, etc.

Beth

My teen kids LOVE sailing on Disney! Maybe we're just all Disney nuts, or maybe we're just happy to be on a ship, I don't know (truthfully it's BOTH lol). But I don't see much of my teens other than at dinner. My ds15 was 12 and in Edge the first time we sailed and he had a great time.

 

 

We were pleasantly surprised that the ship, service, and food on the Sapphire Princess were every bit as good as on Disney. The ship was more elegantly decorated, and the Piazza with the International Cafe, Alfredo's Pizza, and Vines Wine Bar, was outstanding. Our room host and dining room servers were just as attentive as on the Wonder. I found the food quality to be comparable on both ships, but the variety was better on Princess, and the layout of the buffet was much better on Princess.

 

 

Thank you for sharing this! We have only sailed on Disney and decided to try the Sapphire. There just isn't as much to choose from on the West Coast (saving us $$$$ airfare!), especially shorter cruises!

edited to add: We LOVE DCL, our kids are mostly teens/young adults. We would sail DCL even without them haha.

Beth