Disney fan thinking of going on Royal

[wifey4life]

I feel like I'm "cheating." ;) My hubby and I always sail on the Disney Wonder and although I love it, with the economy the way it is, I'm thinking of trying something different. RCI looks to be the most like what we would be interested and since I've written several articles about it (I'm a travel writer btw) I feel that we may try RCI this fall. We're going OCt. 26-20 on the Monarch of the Seas from Port Canaveral. (We are doing the Food & Wine thing at WDW beforehand)

 

I checked out the new to Royal link on this thread and am interested. I would like to know if anyone can tell me how much hte deposit is. (I'm booking on their website, not from a TA)

 

Anna

[tekmnky]

I feel like I'm "cheating." ;) My hubby and I always sail on the Disney Wonder and although I love it, with the economy the way it is, I'm thinking of trying something different. RCI looks to be the most like what we would be interested and since I've written several articles about it (I'm a travel writer btw) I feel that we may try RCI this fall. We're going OCt. 26-20 on the Monarch of the Seas from Port Canaveral. (We are doing the Food & Wine thing at WDW beforehand)

 

I checked out the new to Royal link on this thread and am interested. I would like to know if anyone can tell me how much hte deposit is. (I'm booking on their website, not from a TA)

 

Anna

 

Anna, as you can see from my signature, I've sailed Wonder several times (most recently was April this year). I think you'll enjoy Royal, just bear in mind that it's not Disney and don't expect the same "magic" atmosphere. I've never sailed on Monarch, but I've been on her sister ships Sovereign (used to be at Port Canaveral) and Majesty (Miami). Royal is a great cruise experience and offers some aspects that Disney doesn't. The sailaway events on Royal aren't as energetic and they don't have anything like the Pirates in the Caribbean deck party/fireworks. It's just a little different cruise experience on Royal - no better or worse than Disney, just different. The service is of equal quality. One thing you may miss is the free soft drink station on Disney - Royal doesn't do it, they charge for every soft drink...but if you drink a lot of soft drinks it might be cost effective to purchase a "soda" card on board the Royal ship on the first day. For a flat fee (like $6 a day per adult) you get unlimited fountain soft drinks (cans, if you prefer, will still cost you normal bar prices $2.24). You just present your SeaPass card with the "soda" sticker attached at any bar or in the dining room to get your fountain soft drinks. The only other major difference is the stateroom layout. If you love the Disney split baths, you'll probably really miss them aboard Royal.

 

I believe the normal Royal deposit is $250 per person, but you will sometimes find half-price deposit events going on.

[Clarea]

I believe the normal Royal deposit is $250 per person, but you will sometimes find half-price deposit events going on.

The normal Royal deposit is $250pp for 6-9 day cruise. For 3-5 day cruises the deposit is $100pp, so for Monarch the deposit should be $100pp.

[The Big Booper]

Another point, the cabins on the Monarch class ship (Monarch, Majesty and Sovereign) are smaller then usual, even by RC standards. Standard OV is 122 sq. ft. If it is financially feasible, go for a larger class cabin then the standards.

[Heard02]

Yes, keep in mind it is not Disney.

No where close to what Disney offers!!!

Go in knowing that and with an open mind and you will be fine.

[Joy2theWorld]

We're Disney faithfuls and are trying Freedom of the Seas in a few weeks. We had to travel during one specific week and the Magic is on the same itinerary that we've been on that week, so, we're branching out. We did the 15 day Panama Canal trip on Disney last year and well, we love Disney. However, I'm hoping we'll enjoy RCCL as well. We booked only a couple of months out, but I was still able to get a balcony room for two for the cost of one on the Magic. I know I'll miss the mouse and the princesses and the pirates, but I'm hoping to just relax and enjoy!

[grand isle joe]

Having sailed both I feel that they are pretty similar to us. Although Disney has all the entertainment focused on their themes, RCI offers a broader selection (I.E. Motown group, theater productions, headliner comedians, acrobats...)and we enjoy both. The quaility of the productions are close with Disney winning by a nose on their special effects. The crews we have encounted were both friendly and courtious. Food was a little bit better on the Magic but RCI Splendour the food was excellent. When we are on Disney we are surrounded by Disney while RCL the feeling is more diverse with cruisers with different interests like late night shows and bars as well as the casino. Much more night life on RCL and diversity of activities. Long story short we love both equally much like your two children...different in aspects but love them equally. Wishing you a wonderful cruise.:D

[krasiva]

I just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one branching out and away from DCL. We've sailed on both the Wonder and the Magic. We have loved both, especially the split bath and Castaway Cay, but now we want to do something more since our children are starting to grow up. We looked at the DCL transatlantic but we chose the RC transatlantic instead because we loved the ports of call.

I have read on other boards that DCL's prices are still high but some of the service and extras are slipping.

Maybe once the new ships come out we'll use some of our DVC points and return but next year we really want to try something new. I agree with others that you have to go in with an open mind and try not to compare everything to DCL.

Enjoy your cruise!

[seeshore]

We sailed on the Disney Wonder in May '08 and Majesty of the Seas in Jan. '09. I am a huge Disney fan and I hate to admit this, but I enjoyed the Majesty cruise much more. Everyone says that the Disney cruises are great for adults traveling as a couple, but I found the Majesty cruise to have many more varied adult activities. Plus there's the fact that Disney is so grossly overpriced, and you get so much more bang for your buck on RC. Our 3 nite Wonder cruise cost roughly $1,500.00 for an inside cabin price and we were lucky enough to grab a "secret porthole" room. The 4-nite Majesty cruise cost us approx. $650.00. for a superior ocean view. Yes, the room was smaller, but more than adequate for the 2 of us. So for less than half the price, we also got an extra nite.

 

Book with Royal Carribean-you won't be disappointed!

[Deets]

What are you referring to when you say the Disney cabins have a "split bath?"

 

Thanks!

[Eeyore1928]

Split baths....1 room with a tub (yes tub..... in all cabins) and sink and another room with a sink and tiolet. WONDERFUL. I have done 13 Disney cruises and just came back from our first RCL. Did not enjoy it. Room was way smaller. Food was terrible. Entertainment was a joke. Their headliners were people no one ever hear of. Except the Platters from the 60's I think. The lack of open drink service made it very difficult to use the soda card you pay for. The kids club was seriously a 11 X 20 room. With stickers of Disney characters....no computers...no dress up...no movies.....nothing. A room. No pagers. Parents are not allowed to go in and check on their kids either. You have to stand in the doorway and have them disrupted and brought to you. Closes in the middle of the day...unless you pay them to stay in club. Closes at 10 pm...unless you pay. No where near DCL.

[Eeyore1928]

ooh..been on 13 DCL cruises and also did the Panama Canal last year! Out of this world. No sailaway party and never even met cruise staff. Very strange. DCL has really spoiled us. I actually had 2 men from the phot department tell me that they only had 1 week left and could not wait to leave. I did meet one man that used to be on Disney and said from a guest side DCL much better and from employee RCL was better because of a more relaxed work ethic and more down time. It showed

["Ginger"]

We've been Disney cruisers for years, 1-4 nighter 1 PC, that was great 14 days of paradise, and 8-7 nighters, but this year we are going to branch out also.

We live within minutes of the Baltimore port and just can't help but give it a try. No air fare or hotel stay cost was one of the big factor for our change plus the price of our 9 night cruise on the Granduer of the Sea is like 1/2 of what DCL charges.

I know it's going to be hard to not compare the two but we are going to give it a good try.

 

I know one thing that I have already missed is not being able to post and plan on that other discussion board with my DIS friends. Not that RCI people aren't friendly, they are, it just seems to me that they aren't the planners that DCL people are.

 

Looking for DIS'er friends to sail with us on Aug 27 out of Baltimore.

[Mollypuss]

We're Disney faithfuls and are trying Freedom of the Seas in a few weeks. We had to travel during one specific week and the Magic is on the same itinerary that we've been on that week, so, we're branching out. We did the 15 day Panama Canal trip on Disney last year and well, we love Disney. However, I'm hoping we'll enjoy RCCL as well. We booked only a couple of months out, but I was still able to get a balcony room for two for the cost of one on the Magic. I know I'll miss the mouse and the princesses and the pirates, but I'm hoping to just relax and enjoy!

 

Which sailing will you be on? We are Eastern route 6/28. We will be spending 2 days at Disney before we sail. We are DVC members and are huge Disney fans....usually taking a trip down at least 2x's a year. I hope we are on the same sailing....maybe we can talk shop!

[Mollypuss]

We just sailed on the Wonder this March. I have to say it was just "OK". It could have been the fact that my husband and I have always cruised alone and this time we brought our 5 year old. That gives you a different experience altogether. We also had been at the parks for 6 days prior and she had a virus for the first 3 days...which developed into a horrible ear infection the day we boarded the ship. First stop was medical center. We also had late seating (not my choice, main was full) and dinner was agony for her to stay awake.

 

I think Disney has a great product and had I not experienced the voyager class of ships on RCCL then it would have been awesome. I missed the larger ship and the promenade. We also realized that we could have taken 2 cruises on RCCL for what we paid for 1 Disney.

 

I would consider another Disney cruise if there price were right just so I could get back to Castaway Cay.

[bubbadog]

why not try a voyager or freedom class?,the monarch is old and quite small compared to disney:rolleyes:

[seeshore]

Hi Ginger! I'm a Dis-er too. so I know exactly what you mean. We may use Baltimore as our port someday. We are in southern NJ, near Phila.

 

Have a great cruise and check out the meet and mingle forum for your pre-cruise planning obsession. You'll find some helpful info there for a first time RCI cruiser.

[tchrmom]

We were DEVOTED Disney cruisers. You can read my comparision, at the bottom of my signature. I agree with a previous poster.........try a Freedom class ship. RCCL recently moved the Freedom of the Seas to Port Canaveral. We are sailing again 2 weeks from today. While I miss Mickey.........Freedom of the Seas (and hes sister, Liberty of the Seas last summer) are more affordable.

[jules815]

Our 3 nite Wonder cruise cost roughly $1,500.00 for an inside cabin price and we were lucky enough to grab a "secret porthole" room.

 

1500 "per person" for a 3 nighter in an interior??? :eek:

[tchrmom]

While I miss Mickey.........Freedom of the Seas (and hes sister, Liberty of the Seas last summer) are more affordable.

 

OOPS! I wanted to type HER........

[JOKSTEN2000]

You just can't compare the two, it does not measure up to DCL but it is a great value for what they offer We had one so so cruise on the EOS and the second was much better. When you realize we can sail a 12 day cruise for half what we spend on a 7 day DCL. You get what you pay for and we are going again on Nov 29th. We will sail with DCL again when the new ships come. The Magic is pretty worn and showing her age.

[Joy2theWorld]

You just can't compare the two, it does not measure up to DCL but it is a great value for what they offer We had one so so cruise on the EOS and the second was much better. When you realize we can sail a 12 day cruise for half what we spend on a 7 day DCL. You get what you pay for and we are going again on Nov 29th. We will sail with DCL again when the new ships come. The Magic is pretty worn and showing her age.

 

 

The Magic had a dry dock last fall and got a pretty good face lift. There is even a show about it on the Travel Channel.

[flagger]

RCI is so much better than Disney both in price and quality. An interior for a 3 day on Wonder was $1400+. Same week for a FOUR day on Enchantment is $820 with a residency discount guarantee.

 

No rotational dining, no standing in line for that perfect picture, sheer bliss. Also, no casino which is a major turn off.

[wifey4life]

why not try a voyager or freedom class?,the monarch is old and quite small compared to disney:rolleyes:

 

I already have an assignment lined up for the food & wine event at WDW (see my siggy) so I can't take anymore than a 4 day cruise after that.

 

Thanks guys! I'm looking forward to it! I've decided to go for it! :)

 

 

Anna

[Heard02]

Split baths....1 room with a tub (yes tub..... in all cabins) and sink and another room with a sink and tiolet. WONDERFUL. I have done 13 Disney cruises and just came back from our first RCL. Did not enjoy it. Room was way smaller. Food was terrible. Entertainment was a joke. Their headliners were people no one ever hear of. Except the Platters from the 60's I think. The lack of open drink service made it very difficult to use the soda card you pay for. The kids club was seriously a 11 X 20 room. With stickers of Disney characters....no computers...no dress up...no movies.....nothing. A room. No pagers. Parents are not allowed to go in and check on their kids either. You have to stand in the doorway and have them disrupted and brought to you. Closes in the middle of the day...unless you pay them to stay in club. Closes at 10 pm...unless you pay. No where near DCL.

 

 

Very, very well put. Couldn't have said it better.

Hours of the kids club were very, very odd too. If you want your kid to stay for lunch hours, plan on an extra $8 per kid.

 

And another note, no one and I mean NO ONE can top Disney's service. NO ONE!!!