Disney Fantasy vs RCCL Freedom of the Seas

[Bjmillic1]

My family and I are planning to sail the last week of February and there are (2) cruises we are very interested in...the Fantasy is a 7 Day Western Caribbean going to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, and Castaway Cay. The Freedom is also a 7 Day but Eastern Caribbean going to St. Thomas/St. Maarten and CocoCay. We have only sailed Disney in the past, but not the Fantasy. The cost is $2,400 with DCL and $2,036 with RCCL (no drink cards). Which is better? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Funky Chicken]

Traveling with children?

We have been on Fantasy 2x. Last RCCL cruise was Navigator 1/2012. Freedom booked for this coming April, Fantasy for April 2016.

We LOVE the Fantasy. We also enjoy RCCL. For the week you are looking at the price delta is not that large.

I think you would enjoy either. I like the Western itinerary better than that Eastern one (not a fan of St. Maarten or Cococay).

[TheGaDawgFan]

Wow, those are great rates! We loved the Freedom, but I'd pick the Fantasy in that case. Times we sail, the Fantasy is usually double the cost of the Freedom.

 

Sodas included and being able to carry on booze are other perks.

[sunrise&set]

With or without kids? I've been on both and loved both, but for that little difference in cost, I'd pick the Fantasy! It took a few years to talk DH into a Disney cruise, and he liked it so much we cruised on Fantasy again the following year. We both also love the Freedom class ships, and are cruising on the Oasis in 2 weeks. Unless you have a preference for Eastern vs Western, or want the casino, then DCL all the way.

[OSUZorba]

My wife and I (no kids) have done both ships and love both, a lot (probably our two favorite ships). I personally prefer the Eastern Route, but Castaway is much better than CoCo, although CoCo is still pretty nice if you enjoy private islands.

 

If you like the ship to entertain you, Freedom is probably better (Flow Rider, better pools, rock wall, ice rink, casino). If you want the entertainment staff to entertain you, Fantasy is definitely better. Nice thing about Fantasy is the Aquaduck has crazy good hours, usually until 11pm (at least in Oct), RCL has horrible hours on all their activities like the Flow Riders.

 

For the small price difference, I'd go with Fantasy. If they were always the same price, then it'd just depend on my mood. But that is a normal price for Freedom and a very good price for Fantasy.

 

Now, I don't know the answer for this, but I'd check the average temperature for February for each itinerary, one itinerary may typically be warmer in the winter.

 

Edit: I personally like the main dining room food better on RCL. All the other food on Disney is better hands down. In general I think the service on Disney is at a whole different level (except in the MDR where it is about equal to RCL), which is something my Wife and I really appreciate but the difference may not be noticeable by a lot of people.

Edited January 31, 2015 by OSUZorba