Innovative New Ship Features

[logan1_2000]

Interesting to see what will eventually be on the two new ships--I think all of us who love Disney and the standards of excellence we have come to expect from Disney want to think the ships will be a superior vessel and vacation/cruise experience, but I do have to recognize that Royal Caribbean seems to be leading the way in innovation for ship features, at least some of which might fit in nicely with a Disney ship--but maybe not the next two Disney ships, as those designs have been done. Oh well, the RCI experience is terrific in many ways, yet we still find things about each cruise that we wish were more like how the corresponding aspect is done on DCL. Take a look at the next generation of RCI ships to compare: http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/

Sure would love to experience all that plus Disney shows, guest relations friendliness, superior operations at Canaveral, Castaway Cay, and what we have always considered to be superior dining room experiences.

The prices for the Freedom class have escalated above what we were able to find in pricing on RCI just 2-3 years ago, and with Oasis, I'm sure it will be as pricey as DCL has become. Time to start saving--for both new generations of ships on both cruise lines!

[CPM]

I do have a little inside info on the new DCL ships. I have a friend that is working on the project. While he cannot tell me anything specific, believe me I tried to get it out of him (even fed him martinis), he said that it will blow away anything that RCCL has put on their new ships.
I do think RCCL's new ships are amazing!!! I'm curious to see how the large amount of passengers are handled.

[aan1701]

I am going to once again play spoil sport. Has anyone herd the term to big? I am sorry. I never see my self on that new RCCL ship or the new Disney ships. To big. One of the things I love about the Magic is how intament it is. Now the Jew ships still in all honestly may not be to big so one day if it is not doing 3 or 4 day cruises then maybe. The new RCCL no way, it is was to big

[CPM]

I agree about ships that are too large, that is why I'm interested in seeing how they move these people.
I have to say, I once sailed CCL's Valor, because that is what my extended family chose to sail. With my job, I get to cruise a lot and have been on all size ships.
I have noticed, that the newer ships seem to have a handle on crowd control. For instance, the Valor and the Conquest are exactly the same, with a few minor improvements. The Valor has an additional plank for guests to enter and leave the ship, and better food service line ups. I honestly didn't feel the crowds of passengers.
I think as time goes on, the cruise lines figure out new ways to handle the larger crowds on these ships.

[mmouse37]

I will hold off passing judgment on if the ships are too big after I sail on them!!! LOL....I do also think the Magic/Wonder are/feel intimate but I also would like to try the next generation of ships out there....I especially want to try the new Disney ships.

[disneycruise05]

The designs may be done, but have you seen them? We can't forget that Disney has released two (to my knowledge) VERY basic renderings of the new ships to the public. All they really are are a simple drawing to give us an idea of what they will look like. I don't think we can fairly say what will be on the ships based on these two pictures. Cruising is a very competitive business...I doubt DCL would put out detailed drawings of ships that aren't going to sail for another 3 years. Doing so would allow other companies to take DCL's ideas and put them on their ships before DCL even has a chance to break open the Champagne. So I wouldn't count on deck plans or anything of the like until the ships are well under construction.

As to what RCCL is doing...yes...they are doing amazing things to their ships. Then again, they are one of the largest cruise companies (sailing 21 ships at the moment) in the world and has launched (if I counted correctly) 12 ships since the Wonder came out in '99. It would be unrealistic to expect the Magic and Wonder to match the Freedom, Liberty, or Oasis. I just don't see a single thing on those ships that remotely interest me. I remember hearing criticism about the Magic and Wonder...that everything is focused in towards the ship and away from the ocean. I can't see how people can then turn a blind eye away from these RCCL ships. I don't understand what a Royal Promenade, merry-go-round, rock climbing wall, Central Park look-a-like, ice skating rink, surfing machine, and zip-lines have to do with the ocean. And who would want a balcony overlooking a shopping center? I loved the explanation in a video on the RCCL website..."You can look forward or aft and see the ocean!" Yeah...but it's like an eighth of a mile away! Maybe it's just me...all they look like to me are floating milk cartons. For goodness sake, throw on a coat of paint and give it some color!

I have to agree...the ships being built today just seem TOO big. I don't want to cruise with 6,399 other people. I'm happy enough with 2,699 others on the Magic. It's going to take awhile to get on the new DCL ships. I'm quite content staying with the flagship of Disney...my Bella...

OK...flame suit on...

[BethA]

When is the construcion supposed to start?

I thought the new ships would be the size of the Voyager class-so no park areas--I would expect something like the Royal Promenade area and hopefully a much improved pool deck. Maybe more suites,--I can't wait to see it.

[Monica D]

More elevators! More elevators!

[CPM]

William,

I don't think I ever said I saw the designs, but indeed they are done, maybe some tweaking is needed. That is what my friend does for Disney. That is how we were able to get on the Magic's maiden voyage. He is out at the shipyard regularly. I'm sure as the ship progresses, pictures will start leaking out.

I agree, I like the quaintness of the DCL ships, but they do have to compete in this cruise market and those entertainment venues appeal to the masses. I'm not sure if you have children or not, but these things keep them occupied

I am finding these new ships intriguing. I think the aft cabins would be kind of neat, a great alternative to an inside cabin for sure. I will stick with my ocean view balcony, but when I book my kids across from us, that would be a fun cabin for them. I'm thinking they may be a bit noisy.
I also think that the OOS's outdoor theatre will be a treat!

My guesses on DCL, maybe a really neat water park area. Also, an outdoor theatre of some sort. More suites, since it's so difficult to get the ones they have now. I think we know for sure they will have two Palo type restaurants with the Ratatouille theme. I was also thinking a covered promenade deck, something that will help with inside booking, maybe even an indoor roller coaster? I ddn't think it was supposed to be as large as the Genesis class ships of RCCL. More like 3500 passengers.
I cannot wait to see what they come up with!