RCCL or DCL?! Help needed!

[MissTraveler08]

Hi!

 

I'm 16 years old and my family has given me the wonderful opportunity to plan another cruise! This time it will be my whole entire family,

-grandpa

-grandma

-mom

-dad

-myself (16 y.o)

-my sister (14 y.o)

-aunt

-uncle

-cousin (14 y.o)

-cousin (12 y.o)

 

I have narrowed it down between the Disney Fantasy and the Oasis of the Seas sometime during late June and early-mid July.

My family has actually already done Royals' western caribbean itinerary so we were hoping to do Royal's eastern, however if we went with Disney, we could do either the western carib or eastern carib because the 2 westerns are different enough!

 

Our complaint with Disney is the high price but we would do it if it truly WAS worth it and that's why I'm coming here to ask for your guys' opinion!

 

However, we like that Oasis is more cost-friendly but the downside is the size! That ship is MASSIVE!

 

The bottom line is, what would you choose? Disney never fails, they always have such an amazing production (we all go to disney yearly) and you're never "too old" for Disney.

 

Is the Fantasy worth it? ALL input is MUCH appreciate, I, by no means, am an expert at all. I have done quite a bit of research though and am left indecisive. :confused::p

[Friend100]

How much is Disney Fantasy more than Oasis OTS, in % and/or real term?

[MissTraveler08]

How much is Disney Fantasy more than Oasis OTS, in % and/or real term?

 

Fantasy - 4 passengers in a balcony cabin us $8,950.00 with the discount I receive through our bank.

 

Oasis - 4 passengers in a balcony cabin is $6,431.00

2 passengers in an interior and other 2 in balcony is $6,362.00

 

Fantasy is significantly more expensive. Is it honestly worth it...?

I know the food would be much better and the over-all experience but the question is, isn't oasis up to par with fantasy?

[sprout76]

I've sailed on the Disney wonder, magic and Oasis. I have not sailed on the newer Disney ships, but I have a friend who has done the Dream.

 

Service....hands down goes to Disney! But, that is what Disney does best and prides themselves on. Not that Royal is bad...they aren't...it's just that 'Disney factor' that can't really be replicated.

 

The cabin size on Disney will be bigger. They anticipate families in their cabins and with the bathroom separated into two it makes it easier when you have more than 2 people in a cabin.

 

With that being said...I think the Oasis class ships are simply amazing. Their productions (Chicago/Hairspray, diving show, ice skating show, acrobatics show) really can't be matched. Yes..even by Disney. There is SO much to do on the ship and it really does cater to everyone. It looks like you have a vast array of people going with you...there is truly something everyone would enjoy. Yes the ship is massive, but you would really enjoy it.

 

Either trip would be spectacular, but if it were me I would go Oasis/Allure since the price of the Disney ship is pretty outrageous. And that is coming from someone who love Disney.

[retire2cruise55]

We went on the DCL Dream last spring break. It was our 1st cruise. 3 adults and 2 kids. It was awesome. Totally worth the money. We wanted to try Fantasy, but the price was outrageous for 7 nights. So,we booked RCCL Oasis for this spring break. Difference in price is about $4k. We are very active so the massive ship is a plus with all the activities. Our kids, 6 & 8 enjoyed the Dream kids club so much they didn't want to leave and DCL shines in service. Hoping for the same magic on the Oasis in March!

[Jimbo]

Disney way over priced. Oasis for sure.

 

Jimbo:)

[Friend100]

Fantasy - 4 passengers in a balcony cabin us $8,950.00 with the discount I receive through our bank.

 

Oasis - 4 passengers in a balcony cabin is $6,431.00

2 passengers in an interior and other 2 in balcony is $6,362.00

 

Fantasy is significantly more expensive. Is it honestly worth it...?

I know the food would be much better and the over-all experience but the question is, isn't oasis up to par with fantasy?

 

Just comparing the quad balcony DCL is almost 40% more. I would prefer Oasis in the case.

 

DCL's price for summer sailing is very high, but is relatively more reasonable during off season. I have a dummy reservation on the Disney Fantasy for Jauary 2013 that is about $1000 less than Allure. Just to giveyou some perspective different timing can make a big difference.

[Artemis908]

I think either one would be awesome. Personally though Oasis would be my first choice, that ship looks amazing and I think it being massive is a plus. So much to do, you'll never get bored. I've only been on the older Disney ships, but I have looked into doing a Disney cruise with an add-on to WDW and it's expensive, but you're paying for that Disney magic, including their very impressively themed restaurants. Is it possible some of your family could afford nicer rooms on Oasis? Like maybe you could even go for a suite on the Oasis if that was an option, and if your family hasn't done that before it could be worth the experience.

[Cruisin' On A Dime!]

We cruised on the Disney Dream last April. Yes, the ship is beautiful, the rotational dining is fun, and the shows are Disney. The downside...the top decks are terribly set-up...and there is really not much to do. I don't know what we would have done on a 7 day cruise! I would cruise DCL again...but only for the shorter cruises, and only for an excellent price.

 

Our crew hands-down prefers the Freedom-Class RCI ships...And hopefully in the future we will be able to endorse the Oasis-Class ships! (Our cruise is planned for August!) If your group is an active group...that likes to be out on the top decks in the pools...tanning...playing mini-golf...rock-climbing...surfing...having a great time...plus the many other numerous activities and shows that happen on the other decks of the ship...Go with the Oasis...There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Enjoy...whatever you decide to do!

 

Crystal

[LittleMissMagic]

I haven't sailed the Disney or the Oasis, but personally, the Disney Fantasy is higher up on my list than the Oasis is (that being said, I'll probably still cruise on the Oasis first because it's less expensive and my family likes Royal Caribbean).

 

Why? Because I LOVE Disney. The detail that Disney puts into everything they do is absolutely amazing, and I dream of the day that I will sail on the Fantasy and get to appreciate all of the artwork, the amazing dining rooms, the fabulous shows, and Disney characters (I am a big fan of Mickey Mouse)!

 

Something to point out - Disney ships' balcony staterooms are a bit larger than those on other ships (I don't know how this compares to the Oasis, however - you might compare square footage). Also, they have a split bathroom set-up (sink and toilet in one bathroom, sink and shower in the other) which makes it easier for families to get ready at the same time.

 

The bunk bed that pulls out of the ceiling of the dream *spoiler alert* - there are stars that light up above you. The room comes with two "wave phones" so that your family can communicate on the ship. During the day, your pillow reads "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes..." and at night, "When You're Fast Asleep..." Maybe it's just because I'm a complete Disney nerd (not to mention an architect major), but I LOVE the Disney details.

 

Just looking at the advertisements for the teens' club (and teens' spa!) makes me wish I was younger. :D The Aqua Duck looks really fun - and the horn sings "When You Wish Upon a Star!" (And answers back "Makes No Difference Who You Are" when it meets another Disney ship.) And where else can you get your photo taken with Mickey Mouse in his tuxedo? (Answer: A Disney Wedding)

 

However, the Oasis does look pretty awesome - it just doesn't call out to me like Disney does with its massiveness. They do have some good, quality productions onboard the Oasis, like Hairspray and the aqua theater show. It's huge, so I doubt you'll run out of things to do or places to eat (probably won't be able to do it all). I think it, too, would be a great cruise - I just don't get that "Magical" feeling from looking at the brochures.

 

I'm sure no matter what you pick, you'll have a great time - good luck with your planning and happy cruising!

[volunteer cruiser]

Its nice to see another family vacation planner starting at a young age. I have not been on Oasis class ship yet, have cruise on Allure in May. I have been on Freedom with husband, 14 yo daughter and 16 yo son at the time and they loved it. We hardly ever saw 16 yo except for dinner and on excursions. He loved the flow rider and the pools. We could all use the main pool together. The entertainment was good and the food was excellent. We had a stop at Labadee, which was a great beach and zip line experience but hands down Disney has the best private island, Castaway Cay. My extended family: 9 of us including mom 74, me 46, husband 45, daughter 15, step son 17, my brother 45, sisterin law 38, and my twin niece and nephew 9 were on Disney Dream in May for 4 nights and was way to short. The ship was also huge and had great staff, food options, and excellent entertainment. The teens had their own cool hang out with outdoor hottub, spray jets, and loungers but saw few teens use them. My daughter and I rode aquaduck only once because it was always crowded during the day and it was cold at night when we did ride it, but it was fun. The twins never got to use pools because they were small and always crowded. Our family never got the chance to get in family pool area due to level of crowds. We were fortunate to have 1 bedroom suite and conceirge level rooms. The conceirges and the club were great. You have a hard decision. I am not planning to go on disney cruise again until our grandsons are 6 years old. I love disney but I think my teens enjoy Royal more.

[Pack My Bags]

I am a HUGE Disney fan. I just turned 40 but am a little kid inside. I have been to Disney over 20 times in my life & LOVE IT, but when it comes to cruising, its a different story.

 

Perhaps these may OR may not be such big factors you should consider for your group.

 

1. Many more CHILDREN & INFANTS on board Disney.

2. Disney is much quieter after the shows. If you like more activities other than bars & nightclubs there is always something going on RCI.

3. NO Casino on board Disney.

 

 

Whatever you decide, have fun & travel safely!

[Rala]

I am also a huge Disney fan and have been to Disneyworld more times than I can count. However, I, too, think Disney cruises are way overpriced even if the service is awesome. The service on RCCL ships is nothing to sneeze at (very ,very good) and with ages of you and the other young people in your group, I think you will really love the Oasis many, many activities and save some money for other things!!! Sounds like a wonderful family cruise whatever you decide!! Have Fun!:D

[funfamilyof6]

The Oasis...there will be something to do for everyone and with the savings, you can actually do some Disney days in the parks! :)

[Pack My Bags]

RCI RCI RCI RCI....... Hint hint

[salboz]

Hands down with diverse group - RCL Have sailed both, and for many nights on each, and don't see the advantage in paying so much more for Disney. Very little to actually do, more to see on Disney. Evening activity very limited on Disney

[Pack My Bags]

Hi sally!!!!

[salboz]

Hey Ria.

 

You aren't cruising this winter? Looks like a couple of good ones lined up though.

 

Leaving next week on the Enchantment.

 

Sally

[klybr1]

i just took a cruise on the oasis a few weeks ago. new years eve cruise for one week. first, i'll list the positives. it is a beautiful ship! as people have previously mentioned, the entertainment is excellent. World class and yes, better than disney. the food in the dining room is quite good and there is no need to go to specialty restaurants. if you want sushi, book that in the specialty rest before you get on, as it sells out fast. the teen clubs are pretty good. the oasis has mini golf, sports court, ping pong tables, and many activities for teens, but it isnt disney. they also have dreamworks parades and they are pretty good. thats about it on the oasis. there are many neighbourhoods, etc. but i found most of the teens in sorrentos at 3 am hanging out instead of the teen clubs.we had a balcony with my 16 year old daughter and i found it quite cramped. i also found the ship too big. yes, i said it, too big. ever try to get an elevator when your room is on the 14th floor? you wait a long time. one thing i would recommend to your parents is to attend the chefs table. it is incredible. a five course meal with wine pairings. there are only 14 people at the table and the chef cooks for only those 14 that night.

disney - I have been on three disney cruises and i was just on their site tonight to book another. i took my son on the

disney wonder when he was 16.

i thought he would hate it and I told him to try and like it bcz of his younger

sister. he liked it more than she did. the teen clubs are great and the counsellors fabulous. they make you feel welcome.my son even went on activities with all the teens on castaway cay. they have every gaming system at each of

the clubs, fitness days, cooking classes, etc, etc, etc. you dont stay in one dining room on disney, you rotate through

three and they are all unique and beautiful. (your waiter stays with you) they have all the latest disney movies, their

shows are great! the rooms are bigger than any other cruise line. weve been on celebrity, royal caribbean and disney, i

speak from experience. when you go disney, get two rooms for a family of four. get rooms with connecting doors. the

price is the same for that, than if you all cram into one room. on disney, they have a pirates of the caribbean party with

a huuugee buffet afterwards along with fireworks. On a 7 day, you also get a dessert buffet night. we did not get any of

this on the oasis, and we were on a 7 day cruise. Also on rccl and celebrity, you have to pay for soda. on disney, its

included. 24 hours a day, you can have tea, coffee, soda. fill up all you want. on oasis, take your room card out every

time bcz you will be charged. if you have a soda pkg, you still have to carry your card around. not on disney.

in conclusion, i would highly recommend disney for you. yes, the oasis is nice but you are going to try and get a disney

experience from a ship that is really geared toward adults. they try for teens but honestly, i havent seen anything like

disney. pay the extra and you wont regret it. two more things, when you arrive on the disney ship, they announce your

name, the----- family is here. all the officers are standing there and they all cheer for you. ok, no one on any other

cruise line has ever cheered for me on arrival. second, considering the costa disaster, disney makes you go to the station

where your life boat is stationed right on the deck and you have to wear your life jacket to the drill. you want to talk

about safety? we were upset on the oasis bcz there were no life jackets in the room. they told us we would get them at

our station if there were an emergency. i hope they change the policy.

i think ive told you enough. have fun and let us all know what you chose and how it turned out.