Recommendations

[Cruzawest]

Hello,

Pretty new to cruising. This past January we did a 4 night Disney dream cruise and absolutely loved it. We would like to try a different line and although we know characters wouldn't be on other lines what line would match up to service, food and entertainment on Disney? We have small kids 3 and 5. Thanks!

[Grandma Dazzles]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Very hard to match Disney's overall service - that's one area where they excel. They are, however, more expensive than other mainstream cruise lines.

 

Personally like Royal Caribbean. They have excellent entertainment. Food is very subjective, but unless you are extremely picky I don't think you would be disappointed. RC also has excellent programs for kids and is very family oriented. Would recommend the bigger ships with lots of family activities. Some ships also have characters from Shrek.

[leaveitallbehind]

Try RCI. They are very family oriented and can certainly match DCL with service, food, etc. - and do so at a measureably lower price. They have children's programs that are very good that would fit well with your children's ages. They also have a variety of venues and activities that few cruise lines offer. They also offer casinos on each ship for the adults if that is of initerest. Here is a link to their activities section on their website to see what they have:

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities

[Keith1010]

In terms of the Disney Cruise no other line is going to be like that one in terms of the entire package for a family so whatever you do don't compare lines when you are sailing whichever line you pick.

 

Take a look at Celebrity, RCI and Princess but it will not be Disney.

 

Keith

[champagne123]

Oasis Class with Royal Caribbean. Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony. Your kids will love it!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Definitely check out RCI.

[tomko2]

Another vote for RCI -- very good children's programs.

Our favourite ships -- Independence and Allure/Oasis.

 

I don't view Celebrity as a good choice with children -- little for them to do.

 

Enjoy.

[Jimnbigd]

I agree with others -- RCI, Try a voyager, freedom, or oasis class (the ones with an ice rink).

Also you might look at this forum: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49

 

Tip: Get two connecting cabins (cabins with an inside door so you can go from one cabin to the other without going into the hall) -- especially when the kids are older. I think you'll appreciate having 2 bathrooms and double the space. You probably need to book these a year or more in advance, as there are not that many of them and they tend to book quickly.

Edited August 5, 2018 by Jimnbigd

[cb at sea]

Get the largest cabin your budget will allow...Disney's cabins are bigger than most!

[George C]

Another vote for rccl, also agree pick one of the larger ships freedom class or bigger they will have lots of things to keep kids happy.

[sloopsailor]

I also recommend Royal as your best bet. Celebrity and Princess would not be as good a water parks for young kids.

 

We took a Disney cruise with another couple, all of us in our 50s and 60s, with no kids with us. Surprisingly, we had a great time and the abundance of kids were not a bother at all. Disney does a great job of providing areas for the adults to get away from kids, and their level of service is top tier for a mass market cruise line. No other cruise line can duplicate the product they offer.