Would we regret Oasis or Allure instead of Fantasy?

[mom2aredhead]

Originally Posted by bfaber

We are Disney people through and through! We've done the Wonder, Magic, and Dream and were anxious to complete our Disney crusing experience with the Fantasy. I have the end of May 2014 on hold, but can do the RC Oasis or Allure for over $2000 cheaper the same week!!! Would we regret it? What would we miss that we were used to on a Disney ship? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Also make sure you are comparing apples to apples stateroom-wise. I didn't realize it at first but I was comparing a 5A to one of RCCL's lower level balcony rooms.
We are booked in a 5A, deck 9 oceanview verandah. Western itinerary, week of 4/12 2A/1C is $5377. (Yikes!)
Allure 4/13 Eastern itinerary, "superior oceanview stateroom with balcony" $4577.93. Boardwalk and central park view rooms are cheaper, but I wanted to compare comparable staterooms. Soda card about $150 (since there is soda included on the fantasy only fair to add it in). My difference is $650, not taking into consideration the $250-ish onboard credits.
There are a lot more dining options on the Allure (free and fee-based) but I think a lot more kid things for my son on the Fantasy.
On a side note, I am both happy and grateful that this is my biggest problem at the moment lol!

[keishashadow]

Originally Posted by EDH Family

We cruised on the Oasis last Spring Break and loved it. However, it's not geared towards the kids as much as Disney, but it still good for families. Word of warning, due to the size of the ship you have to make reservations for everything including shows...

Due to the high pricing just released we will be sailing the Oasis Spring Break of 2014. Now worries Disney, you still have me for next week and Spring Break 2013...

We're trying RCCL for the 1st time in a month

I had considered booking the two newest ships but had concerns as to size/passenger flow and fact that the itineraries didn't appeal to me.

OP why not consider one of the Freedom sized ships? They're comparable in size (slightly bigger?) to the DCL ships.

[manateesmom]

We are looking forward to our first DCL cruise, but have cruised Freedom of the Seas, and I agree with a prior poster's recommendation. New ship that's big enough with plenty to do, and still good itineraries. I think the ports are somewhat lacking with Oasis and Allure, Freedom has more options.

RCCL has stuff for kids without being totally kid-focused. Be aware, however, that staterooms on RCCL are pretty small. My comparison is to Carnival, but I bet it would be a bit of a shock compared to DCL. And the bathroom situation is different - you have to go to suite level rooms to get a bathtub, and no split bath. Honestly, availability of a tub and room size was the deciding factor for us with DS3. With older kids, maybe not as much of a concern for you.

One thing I'd consider if you did look at RCCL is the "royal promenade" rooms. They're inside, but have a window onto the interior multi-story atrium deal. We previously sailed in a balcony with in-laws across the hall in the royal promenade, they really liked it, seems like it could be a reasonable set-up for 2 rooms if your kids were old enough.

[uziel5000]

Having just gotten off the Fantasy and having sailed on RCI and other lines, I can tell you, you will have a lot of fun on the Oasis. They have great kids programs and the kids pool areas are actually bigger and more diverse on the Oasis (the ship is twice as big so that one is a given). The Dreamworks characters are there and frankly, the kids enjoy them just as much (provided they like the movies they star in).

In other words the potential to have a wonderful cruise is there on both lines.

However...

There is a certain "something" I found on the Fantasy. I don't want to use the word "magic" but whatever it is, it makes a difference. As many others have posted and argued on these boards, there is a certain something that makes people feel that the extra money you usually spend on DCL is worth it and I have to say I felt it too. Having finally taken the plunge, I have to say its "real".

But, what many people don't realize or understand (or want to understand) is that just because you are acknowledging you can have fun on other lines for less money, you are putting down DCL or implying they are not better (or, heaven forbid, that other lines are better ) I'm not talking about anyone in particular folks but you all know the kind of discussion I'm talking about.

The fact is that DCL is in fact more expensive. Like you just found out it can be a lot more expensive. For some of us, sometimes we have to pick between looking at other lines (which are very good as well) or having to wait to get the money needed for DCL (I booked two years in advance to slowly pay for it). Sometimes, we don't want to wait so much for a vacation. So sometimes we go for the less expensive option and have fun there too.

When I travel on another cruise line, I know its not gonna have that Disney "something" but the fact is I'm not expecting it to because I know its not Disney. I rate it for what it is and in the case of the Oasis, its a very fun cruise where you can have a great time. It's supposed to be different.

So all this writing just to tell you to take both. LOL Save the 2 grand and shop till you drop on your cruise, then take your time planning your DCL cruise and take it down the line. Variety is the spice of life! I assure you both will be a lot of fun.

[CSHaydt]

Just my two cents! I did a lot of talking to friends and reading discussion board about the Allure and Oasis. I think it's personal preference. Here are two things that discouraged me.

1. I heard that the area that is open air in the inside of the ship is very hot and really stuffy cause the air flow is not good in there. It gets very stuffy in that inside area.

2. From what i've read and did a comparison - even though DCL is more expensive - RC nickel and dimes you so much more on their cruises. More of the restaurants, special snack items, etc...

Just be aware! Not saying we won't check them out when my DS 7 is older but for now we just rebooked on the Fantasy. He loves it, we love it! Just our take on the whole thing.

[Niebz]

We are Disney people through and through as well and I can't see us cruising any other line. It's not the ports we love or even the experience of being on a boat but the Disney atmosphere and entertainment on the ship. For us that's well worth the extra dollars. If we couldn't afford to cruise Disney anymore we'd probably chose a land vacation of some kind. I too have read the Shrek vs Mickey trip report and it is excellent. I can tell just by that and other online research that sticking to Disney is the way to go for us but if you feel drawn to give something else a try you should! It all depends on your tastes and what those particular tastes are worth to you.

[jdb in AZ]

Different strokes -- the world would be boring if we were all alike. The Fantasy is beautiful and humongous -- I have no desire to sail on an even larger ship.

Our travel agent loves the Oasis-class ships, and has "encouraged" us to give them a try, but I'd rather sail on a smaller ship that doesn't overwhelm the tiny port towns when thousands of passengers decend upon them.

Walking is good exercise but the hallways of the Fantasy seemed to go on and on and on. I'd rather play on the Magic or the Wonder.

Maybe if the Oasis class ships installed moving walkways?

[Summerl30]

Originally Posted by manateesmom

We are looking forward to our first DCL cruise, but have cruised Freedom of the Seas, and I agree with a prior poster's recommendation. New ship that's big enough with plenty to do, and still good itineraries. I think the ports are somewhat lacking with Oasis and Allure, Freedom has more options.

RCCL has stuff for kids without being totally kid-focused. Be aware, however, that staterooms on RCCL are pretty small. My comparison is to Carnival, but I bet it would be a bit of a shock compared to DCL. And the bathroom situation is different - you have to go to suite level rooms to get a bathtub, and no split bath. Honestly, availability of a tub and room size was the deciding factor for us with DS3. With older kids, maybe not as much of a concern for you.

This is how I feel about the Oasis class itineraries, but I REALLY want to sail one of them. I think we will plan on either Independent or the other one that is in Europe probably in 2014. Stoked.

The rooms are much smaller, but when I travel with DH, my travel companion is the most important and then the itinerary...

and its not that hard not to spend more money. on our last cruise, aside for one excursion, we didn't spend any more money (and 4 pictures). We didn't feel gyped in any way and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[melaniejh1016]

Today will be our first Disney cruise on the fantasy. We have done royal carribbeans liberty of the seas and had a fantastic experience. It's similar in size to the fantasy and they have the dreamworks experience. We have the oasis booked for may so well be able to do a real comparison then!

[disneyholic family]

Originally Posted by Niebz

We are Disney people through and through as well and I can't see us cruising any other line. It's not the ports we love or even the experience of being on a boat but the Disney atmosphere and entertainment on the ship. For us that's well worth the extra dollars. If we couldn't afford to cruise Disney anymore we'd probably chose a land vacation of some kind. I too have read the Shrek vs Mickey trip report and it is excellent. I can tell just by that and other online research that sticking to Disney is the way to go for us but if you feel drawn to give something else a try you should! It all depends on your tastes and what those particular tastes are worth to you.

i can't stop myself from commenting on your post...
it's amazing to me when people comment on one cruise line vs another when they're never been on one of the cruise lines!!

it's nice that you love DCL, but the OP was wondering about RCI vs DCL...
the OP has been on DCL, so presumably already knows what DCL is like...

anyway...i guess i'm in a bad mood today or i would have just gone on my merry way without commenting...

i've also only been on DCL and had very good times on all 3 cruises....
nevertheless, DCL has priced itself out for me....i just can't see paying those exorbitant rates again... ....
so I'll be on Oasis of the Seas this August and i can't wait....

my decision was made much easier after DD sailed on Radiance of the Seas this past summer - on the southbound cruise from seward alaska to vancouver canada...
she's been on DCL several times and adores it (she's the reason we started going on DCL to begin with)...
however, she was very impressed by RCI - she said the ship, service, activities, food, everything was just perfect and she can't wait to go on another RCI cruise...(one is already scheduled for August 2013)..
she'd be thrilled to go on DCL again, but it's just too expensive for her...and given that RCI was so fantastic, she's not at all upset about missing out on DCL!

[tajz90]

Originally Posted by bfaber

We are Disney people through and through! We've done the Wonder, Magic, and Dream and were anxious to complete our Disney crusing experience with the Fantasy. I have the end of May 2014 on hold, but can do the RC Oasis or Allure for over $2000 cheaper the same week!!! Would we regret it? What would we miss that we were used to on a Disney ship? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

We prefer Disney. We have sailed RCCL only twice. Once before Disney and once after.

We do love Disney, but we don't do the characters things while on boards. We just love the service and the atmosphere. It's seems to us that the people who cruise on DCL are all wanting the same thing from the vacation, family. My children are older and still choose Disney.

RCCL would be our second choice if we really wanted to cruise, but couldn't get on Disney. My main objection to Royal is there are some interior areas that allow for smoking. One small interior room with smoking and I can smell it all over the ship. Too much for me. My children were excited to try the rock wall climbing, the ice skating, etc. The ship we were on didn't have those activities open all the time. We were under the impression that we could choose what we wanted, when we wanted.
We spent a lot of down time just wandering it seemed.

My children called Royal Caribbean ROYAL BORIBBEAN.

That being said, I'd choose RCCL over Carnival or NCL. I'm sure you will have a good time no matter what you choose. Those are just my objections. Doesn't make RCCL less nice than Disney, just different and not my preference.

[Niebz]

Originally Posted by disneyholic family

i can't stop myself from commenting on your post...
it's amazing to me when people comment on one cruise line vs another when they're never been on one of the cruise lines!!

it's nice that you love DCL, but the OP was wondering about RCI vs DCL...
the OP has been on DCL, so presumably already knows what DCL is like...

anyway...i guess i'm in a bad mood today or i would have just gone on my merry way without commenting...

i've also only been on DCL and had very good times on all 3 cruises....
nevertheless, DCL has priced itself out for me....i just can't see paying those exorbitant rates again... ....
so I'll be on Oasis of the Seas this August and i can't wait....

my decision was made much easier after DD sailed on Radiance of the Seas this past summer - on the southbound cruise from seward alaska to vancouver canada...
she's been on DCL several times and adores it (she's the reason we started going on DCL to begin with)...
however, she was very impressed by RCI - she said the ship, service, activities, food, everything was just perfect and she can't wait to go on another RCI cruise...(one is already scheduled for August 2013)..
she'd be thrilled to go on DCL again, but it's just too expensive for her...and given that RCI was so fantastic, she's not at all upset about missing out on DCL!

Different tastes for different people. I know my tastes pretty well and well enough to know what type of vacation I want. Our kids don't know who the Dreamworks characters are, they love the Disney characters and that's something we do a lot of on the cruise. The Disney broadway shows are my absolute favourite part of the whole trip, I love the pirate party, ordering room service late at night and watching Disney movies on demand in our staterooms, eating in Disney themed restaurants, etc. We always piggy-back a few days at WDW on our cruises so that's another going for Disney - it makes for a seamless family vacation. All those things are the reasons we cruise. Without that I'd rather go to New York or Disneyland or WDW or Europe or Hawaii or Banff etc. I have nothing against the other cruise lines they just don't appeal to my tastes. I'd rather do my online research and go for something I know I love than spend the thousands of dollars it costs our family to fly down from Canada and try something that doesn't appeal to me at all. I just wanted to post here to second the recommendation for the Shrek vs Mickey trip report because it truly is excellent at illustrating the differences between the 2 cruise lines.

[rosermama]

The size of the Oasis scares me I have thought about RCCL Freedom class ships since DCL. Prices are so high. My friends went on it and loved that size ship and said they had plenty to do. Just have to remember its different its suppose to be.

[Happy99]

Originally Posted by bfaber

I should have mentioned we have 3 girls 16, 14, and 12 and a boy, 8. We love swimming, the kid teen clubs, and the shows. And of course the eating! How will all that compare?

Teen club on RCCL and especially the Oasis and Allure are very nice. I like that they split the teens into 12-14 and 15-17 as I feel that is a more even split for those ages

Pools on Disney are one of the reasons we are looking at RCCL for our next cruise. Picture 10 kids in the pool and it being crowded. The pools on RCCL are much larger and there are more of them plus the 16 year old can join you in the solarium area (adult area if accompanied by a parent). The adult area on these ships is huge.

as previously mentioned on these larger ships you do have to reserve everything, even the shows. If you want to experience RCCL on a ship closer in size to the Fantasy and Dream I would suggest the Freedom of the Seas

by the way I am a platinum castaway club member on DCL and have sailed all of their four ships multiple times. For a $2000 difference and the pools I would go with RCCL

[rosermama]

Originally Posted by Happy99

Teen club on RCCL and especially the Oasis and Allure are very nice. I like that they split the teens into 12-14 and 15-17 as I feel that is a more even split for those ages

Pools on Disney are one of the reasons we are looking at RCCL for our next cruise. Picture 10 kids in the pool and it being crowded. The pools on RCCL are much larger and there are more of them plus the 16 year old can join you in the solarium area (adult area if accompanied by a parent). The adult area on these ships is huge.

as previously mentioned on these larger ships you do have to reserve everything, even the shows. If you want to experience RCCL on a ship closer in size to the Fantasy and Dream I would suggest the Freedom of the Seas

by the way I am a platinum castaway club member on DCL and have sailed all of their four ships multiple times. For a $2000 difference and the pools I would go with RCCL

Is the Freedom of the Seas just as nice the Oasis with just less to do?