Leaving DCL, going where??

[Fawn]

I'd like some advice here from RCCL cruisers. I've done Disney for years with my daughters, and we love it. But we're thinking of trying something new...mostly because my girls are getting older, and we just need a change!

 

We did try one RCCL cruise a few years ago, and had a very bad experience. Food was horrendous, staff apathetic and no activities to speak of...we were bored!! I've been told that we probably just lucked out with a bad cruise/bad ship, and should maybe think about trying them again.

 

So I'm looking at a cruise for myself and two daughters, 19 and 20 next year, for March 2010...7 days in the Carribean. We aren't the type to sit all day sunning, so we enjoy daytime activities...we love a good band, some dancing/karaoke, a good show at night.

 

Thanks for any opinions or advice you can offer us on particular ships or cruising RCCL in general!!

[DonnaK]

Which RCI ship did you sail on, and what didn't you like about it?

 

(That would help us to steer you in the direction of a better ship/experience)

 

Was it a Voyager/Freedom class ship?

[Fawn]

You know, not one of us can remember the name of the ship...goes to show how much that vacation impressed us! LOL I do know they had a rock climbing wall, but no ice rink or anything else.

 

We thought the shows were terrible...vegas style is fine, but these were really just plain bad. Food was tasteless, cold and badly prepared from the dining room to the deck place. And the staff just couldn't have cared less...except our stateroom host, as I recall. Worst was there was simply nothing to do other than the casino, and a few lackluster bars at night....and we don't gamble! I felt like I got nickle and dimed, too, for anything outside of the MDR...extra for soda, extra for ice cream, etc, but that may be a problem with all lines but DCL.

 

We like daytime activities as well as nighttime, some good shows and bands. I'd like good food...doesn't have to be spectacular, but good. Maybe the option of anytime dining.

[DonnaK]

Well, you're right, that the extras for soda and premium ice cream are normal for cruiselines outside of Disney, but I have to think that even with the extra charges, the total cost will still be less than Disney. As well, we just drink the included beverages, like iced tea and lemonade, and only eat the included ice cream from the soft-serve machine, so there is no need to spend extra on these unless you really want to.

 

All RCI ships have My Time Dining now

 

It sounds like you were on an older ship. I'd suggest looking into Freedom, which sails from Port Canaveral. Or how about the new ship, Oasis? These ships seem to be destinations unto themselves, with more than enough going on to keep everyone happy regardless of what ports you visit.

 

Adventure and Serenade have lovely southern Carib itineraries for March 2010, which are attactive too.

 

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these.

[alexkrn46]

If you are happy with Disney stay with them.

 

All main stream cruise lines charge for extras. If this bothers you go to a premium or luxury line. I have no issue saying no to anything I don't want. I have never been at a loss for findings things to do on a cruise ship.

 

The cabin service has been good, and if I have an issue I would go to customer service.

[Aquahound]

I'd like some advice here from RCCL cruisers. I've done Disney for years with my daughters, and we love it. But we're thinking of trying something new...mostly because my girls are getting older, and we just need a change!

 

A coworker of mine and his family were Disney loyals until they cruised the Navigator. They have officially converted. He told me he had no idea what he was missing.

 

I suggest booking a Voyager/Freedom Class. You will not be disappointed.