RCCL or DCL ??

[Castle Queen]

DH & I are thinking about another cruise. It's been 6 years due to numerous health issues. Still have some but hoping we can work around them. We have only sailed PCL in the past but we are looking at trying Disney or RC. We are both fans of WDW but we've decided on a cruise this time instead. We really enjoy cruising and the relaxation we get. We don't need to be off the ship at every port. Disney cruises are a bit expensive but that's Disney.

We like the look of RC's Oasis and I think it will be about $1,000 difference between the two lines. We will book a balcony and we are planning a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise.

 

I know I am on the DCL forum but I am hoping to get a more open minded and unbiased opinion here plus I feel like if I post this on RCCL forum there may not be enough people there that have sailed with Disney.

 

Oh and another thing, we are in our mid 50's so no children sailing with us.

 

Thank you so much for your help.

Edited June 29, 2014 by Castle Queen

[MizDaisy]

I am also in my mid-50's. We started cruising with Disney when our youngest son was 8 years old, he's now 21. We've gone on Disney once or twice a year since the beginning, only missing a couple of years.

 

First off, I haven't cruised on Royal Caribbean....the one time that we were looking for a non-Disney cruise, the RCCL cruise that we liked was out of our price range, once airfare to Florida was added in.

 

A couple of things to consider would be....the type of entertainment that you like. If you're perfectly happy to see the "Disney" shows, then that's a plus for Disney. If you want a little more "adult" entertainment (Although adults DO like the Disney shows, too)....there will be more variety of adult shows and activities on RCCL.

If you have no problem with being around a lot of kids, then Disney won't be a problem. We see the most of them on the pool deck, and gathered in the Atrium Lobby for photographs with the characters, particularly at dinner time, and a few other activities for kids are held in the lobby. Once in a while, you may find the kids are pretty excited during the shows, so don't expect it to be like a movie theater where it's quiet.

 

Disney has no casino, so depending on what you enjoy, that can be either a plus or a minus.

 

Other than the 3 main dining rooms, Disney has Palo (all ships) and Remy (on the Dream and Fantasy)....adult only, upcharge $$$.

RCCL will have more dining options. Disney also has a buffet, but it's not a "buffet" at dinner time.

 

Can't compare service, since I haven't been on RCCL. I'm not fond of Disney's food, but food is subjective....I wouldn't factor that in at all. You're guaranteed to find things you like.

 

There are quite a few people who post here who HAVE gone on RCCL, so I'm sure you'll get much better responses than mine, but that's my two cents' worth anyway.

 

By the way, I've gone on Disney several times without kids, and had a great time with friends. We have a short cruise booked for our anniversary with Disney, the price was irresistable and the flight is only a half hour, or we could drive. Otherwise, I'd prefer to cruise on a different line now...since the kids are grown.

In other words, yes, you can have fun as an adult on Disney, but I find more to do on other lines.

Edited June 29, 2014 by MizDaisy

[moki'smommy]

Just curious as to why with no kids, you'd choose what are probably the 2 most kid oriented cruise lines. I'm not saying that you can't do DCL without kids--we do it all the time. BUT, DCL has a very expensive kid program which their first 2 person fares subsidize. The shows are "Disney" shows. You might want to consider Celebrity, which is RCCL's more "upscale" line and is definitely more adult oriented.

 

Royal will give you more dining options, but also more surcharge options. On DCL, only adult dining has a surcharge and you will visit 3 themed dining rooms with no upcharge during your stay. Royal and Celebrity will happily sell you a soda card while you'll get that at no additional charge on DCL....but if you are not a soda drinker, it really doesn't matter. You won't find a casino on DCL; the only gambling there is bingo.

 

There are really more similarities than differences between Royal and DCL....We found the service and the entertainment on DCL to be better. Food quality was best on Celebrity. Most upcharges on Royal.

[clwalkermn]

We are regular Disney cruisers, I am in my 50's (partner in 30s), and we don't have children. We just returned from our first cruise on RCCL. While we had been interested in a RCCL cruise this one was because we were going with a large group.

 

Generally, I would say Disney trumps RCCL (Rhapsody of the Seas to Alaska by the way) any day. Having said that, though, I don't think I'd currently sail DCL to Alaska. RCCL, HAL others have pools that can be/are enclosed and DCL doesn't have that.

 

Other than that, I honestly can't think of anything that I think was better on RCCL. RCCL didn't have the split bathrooms, no coolers or fridge in the room, no wave phones, turn down service only had towel animals 2 nights and no chocolate (I realize that's trivial, but those other things aren't necessarily). No high quality (H2O) bath products, just a mystery pump in the shower. Service, food, entertainment were all not as good on RCCL. Yes RCCL had 3 speciality restaurants but we didn't eat at any of them because the menus honestly didn't seem that appealing to us. We at in the MDR all dinners except one night we had room service since my partner was sea sick.

 

As adults, we appreciate the adults only area on DCL (and the fact they enforce it). On RCCL the solarium pool is supposed to be adults only but if there is inclement weather such that the main pool can't be used, then kids can use the solarium pool during certain hours. That was the case our entire cruise, so DCL trumps there.

 

Food on RCCL was very hit and miss. I know food is very subjective. I don't think DCL food is to die for, it's good most of the time, but I'd say that RCCL isn't very inconsistent. We had, and saw many other cases in our group, where food wasn't eaten because it frankly sucked. Was easy to ask for a 2nd entree, or 2 appetizers, desserts, whatever, just like on DCL. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate DCL a 7, and I'd say RCCL was a 5 at best.

 

Just my 2 cents because you asked and I had recent experience.

[Castle Queen]

]Just curious as to why with no kids' date=' you'd choose what are probably the 2 most kid oriented cruise lines. I'm not saying that you can't do DCL without kids--we do it all the time[/u'][/b]. BUT, DCL has a very expensive kid program which their first 2 person fares subsidize. The shows are "Disney" shows. You might want to consider Celebrity, which is RCCL's more "upscale" line and is definitely more adult oriented.

 

Royal will give you more dining options, but also more surcharge options. On DCL, only adult dining has a surcharge and you will visit 3 themed dining rooms with no upcharge during your stay. Royal and Celebrity will happily sell you a soda card while you'll get that at no additional charge on DCL....but if you are not a soda drinker, it really doesn't matter. You won't find a casino on DCL; the only gambling there is bingo.

 

There are really more similarities than differences between Royal and DCL....We found the service and the entertainment on DCL to be better. Food quality was best on Celebrity. Most upcharges on Royal.

 

Didn't know they were that similar, we have never sailed on either.

We love the Disney immersion plus I have read so many great things about Cast Away Cay that we thought that we would really enjoy the ship. Just looking at the pictures of Oasis and the things they offer looked like this would be another good option. I didn't know it was as kid friendly as Disney, which by the way is ok with us. We are not necessarily searching for an "adults" only type atmosphere. Again, we really enjoy WDW so we thought we would enjoy the cruise line, but wanted to look at another option besides Princess cruises

[Castle Queen]

@clwalkermn

 

Thank you so much. This was what I was searching for. Opinions from those who have sailed both lines. I know people's views can be very different in expectations but I just wanted something to go on without having total "die hard" Disney vets or "die hard" RCCL vets.

 

I am thinking we may just pay the extra $$$$ and go with DCL

[boulders]

We are regular Disney cruisers, I am in my 50's (partner in 30s), and we don't have children. We just returned from our first cruise on RCCL. While we had been interested in a RCCL cruise this one was because we were going with a large group.

 

Generally, I would say Disney trumps RCCL (Rhapsody of the Seas to Alaska by the way) any day. Having said that, though, I don't think I'd currently sail DCL to Alaska. RCCL, HAL others have pools that can be/are enclosed and DCL doesn't have that.

 

Other than that, I honestly can't think of anything that I think was better on RCCL. RCCL didn't have the split bathrooms, no coolers or fridge in the room, no wave phones, turn down service only had towel animals 2 nights and no chocolate (I realize that's trivial, but those other things aren't necessarily). No high quality (H2O) bath products, just a mystery pump in the shower. Service, food, entertainment were all not as good on RCCL. Yes RCCL had 3 speciality restaurants but we didn't eat at any of them because the menus honestly didn't seem that appealing to us. We at in the MDR all dinners except one night we had room service since my partner was sea sick.

 

As adults, we appreciate the adults only area on DCL (and the fact they enforce it). On RCCL the solarium pool is supposed to be adults only but if there is inclement weather such that the main pool can't be used, then kids can use the solarium pool during certain hours. That was the case our entire cruise, so DCL trumps there.

 

Food on RCCL was very hit and miss. I know food is very subjective. I don't think DCL food is to die for, it's good most of the time, but I'd say that RCCL isn't very inconsistent. We had, and saw many other cases in our group, where food wasn't eaten because it frankly sucked. Was easy to ask for a 2nd entree, or 2 appetizers, desserts, whatever, just like on DCL. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate DCL a 7, and I'd say RCCL was a 5 at best.

 

Just my 2 cents because you asked and I had recent experience.

 

Rhapsody of the Seas is one of RCCL's oldest ships. The OP is looking at Oasis which is the second newest ship. There is a world of difference between the two ships.

 

I am in my fifties and I would take the Oasis any day over a DCL cruise. The worst food I've had on a cruise was on my Disney cruise. In fact, dd got food poisoning on our DCL cruise. There is a greater variety of activities on a RCCL cruise, especially on the Oasis class. BTW, soda is only free at one location on a Disney ship. It's a charge everywhere else on the ship. RCCL's soda card gives unlimited soda everywhere on the ship.

[meatloafsfan]

I've sailed 4 different cruise lines (Royal, Disney, Celebrity and Carnival). They all have their plusses and minuses.

 

There are a number of areas where you need to compare what the ships have and then what appeals more to you:

 

Entertainment - which evening shows? movie theatre? trivia? daytime activities?

Dining - Main dining rooms only? Specialty dining? Room service? Casual dining?

Ports - Private islands - Castaway Cay versus Labadee; other ports - what's happening on the ship if I decide NOT to go ashore?

Pools - are water activities important?

Adult only areas - do you want more adult only areas or family oriented areas?

 

If all you want to do is soak up the sun while laying back on a lounger and then enjoy a casual meal for dinner - I wouldn't pay DCL's price tag.

 

If you plan to do character meets, movies, disney shows, disney trivia and activities, then DCL is a no brainer.

 

Do you want a zip line, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink - only on RCL.

 

The Oasis is a huge ship - are you up for that (lots of walking, maybe being at opposite ends of the ship for different events and having to walk all the way forward from all the way aft); Are you okay booking shows and meals? Or would you prefer to just show up and go with the flow?

 

I like both lines for different reasons (actually I like all lines I've sailed on for different reasons). Take a look at the features of each ship, take a look at the extra expenses of each ship (and try to be realistic with what you'd spend) and then compare. You might find your cruise costs closer together or really far apart (i.e. your Royal cruise may or may not get more expensive - same as your DCL cruise - if you add Palo, Remy, alcohol tastings, etc to your DCL cruise but are okay with the included restaurants on the Oasis, you might find there's a bigger than $1000 gap between the two lines).

 

Really, the only advice I'd give you is look at both ships, do the math, feel it out with your heart, and then make a decision. Once the decision is made, embrace it and research and fall in love with the cruise you've decided on - regardless of which ship / which line.

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I have sailed both lines and if you look at the links in my signature line there is a trip report and comparison on there. RCL Nice ships, good pools, nice malls, poor shows poor entertainment, poor cruise directors, stupid activities such as fat man belly flop in the pools, food in the. MDRs on RCI is hit or miss some good food, some rubbish, desserts RCL can't do, there Buffett however is very good. DCL is better at service, kids clubs entertainment desserts MDR rotation themed dinners, all are Disney and deck party's, concierge RCI better, ice shows RCI only, premium restaurants both good.

 

 

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[Plymouthmerlin67]

We have just done our first cruise, on Independance of the Seas. A fabulous ship, but like someone else said, entertainment could be at either end of the ship. It was clear that it is a family orientated ship, with facilities for all ages.

 

Next year we are planning a trip to see a certain mouse in Florida, and seriously considering a cruise on the end of it. Looking at Disney and RCL. After this cruise we know the grand-kids would love Independence or something similar, however we do want to do the full Disney thing. Going to make a decision by about the middle of August. Whichever way we do it, we know it will be a good one.

[CI66774]

I've been on both cruise lines and enjoyed both! Disney Fantasy and Freedom of the Seas. However, I have a small child who loves both Disney and Nickelodeon characters. Disney wins with respect to comparable stateroom, children's entertainment, and elegance of ship. RCL wins with more adult activities during the day/night and shopping experiences. I loved both (so did kid) and wouldn't hesitate to cruise either again. Cost always is a factor and you can bet Freedom of the Seas is less expensive than a comparable Disney Fantasy cruise. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. Good luck choosing and have a great cruise.

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We have just done our first cruise, on Independance of the Seas. A fabulous ship, but like someone else said, entertainment could be at either end of the ship. It was clear that it is a family orientated ship, with facilities for all ages.

 

 

 

Next year we are planning a trip to see a certain mouse in Florida, and seriously considering a cruise on the end of it. Looking at Disney and RCL. After this cruise we know the grand-kids would love Independence or something similar, however we do want to do the full Disney thing. Going to make a decision by about the middle of August. Whichever way we do it, we know it will be a good one.

 

 

Agree I was on the IOS and found the entertainment all over the place, the cruise director loved himself, one night the evening show on the main theatre included a 15 min film of the a Cruise director with the ladies on the staff falling all over him, it was something out if the sixties or a self ego trip promo.

 

14 nights say two good shows and they were guest artists not the ship company.

 

If anyone's from the UK they will understand my final comment.

 

" Butlins at Sea"

 

 

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[Irene7]

I've sailed 4 different cruise lines (Royal, Disney, Celebrity and Carnival). They all have their plusses and minuses.

 

There are a number of areas where you need to compare what the ships have and then what appeals more to you:

 

Entertainment - which evening shows? movie theatre? trivia? daytime activities?

Dining - Main dining rooms only? Specialty dining? Room service? Casual dining?

Ports - Private islands - Castaway Cay versus Labadee; other ports - what's happening on the ship if I decide NOT to go ashore?

Pools - are water activities important?

Adult only areas - do you want more adult only areas or family oriented areas?

 

If all you want to do is soak up the sun while laying back on a lounger and then enjoy a casual meal for dinner - I wouldn't pay DCL's price tag.

 

If you plan to do character meets, movies, disney shows, disney trivia and activities, then DCL is a no brainer.

 

Do you want a zip line, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink - only on RCL.

 

The Oasis is a huge ship - are you up for that (lots of walking, maybe being at opposite ends of the ship for different events and having to walk all the way forward from all the way aft); Are you okay booking shows and meals? Or would you prefer to just show up and go with the flow?

 

I like both lines for different reasons (actually I like all lines I've sailed on for different reasons). Take a look at the features of each ship, take a look at the extra expenses of each ship (and try to be realistic with what you'd spend) and then compare. You might find your cruise costs closer together or really far apart (i.e. your Royal cruise may or may not get more expensive - same as your DCL cruise - if you add Palo, Remy, alcohol tastings, etc to your DCL cruise but are okay with the included restaurants on the Oasis, you might find there's a bigger than $1000 gap between the two lines).

 

Really, the only advice I'd give you is look at both ships, do the math, feel it out with your heart, and then make a decision. Once the decision is made, embrace it and research and fall in love with the cruise you've decided on - regardless of which ship / which line.

 

Very good advice!