crusing with Disney or Royal Caribbean???

[3swimmers]

HI!

I just got back from our family's first Disney cruise 11//05/05. We had a fabulous time, and want to plan another cruise vacation for 2007. My kids will be 15, 13, and 11 by then. I am just wondering how older kids like Disney, and if anyone as cruised on Royal Caribbean with older kids, and what the advantages/disadvantages are. I am just wondering if the characters and Disney shows will still appeal to my kids 2 years from now. I do however, love the cleanliness, service, and food on the Magic. If you have done both cruises, please share your thoughts with me, I'd appreciate it! Claire

 

[AspiringCindy]

Having cruised on both. I would say go for RCCL. We traveled RCCL when my DDs were 5 and 6, and they were entertained. Even though they are younger, there was still plenty to do. I hear that Royal Caribbean has an even better teen club now. Also they have great shows, an ice rink and a Johnny Rockets. The only reason that I just went on DCL(my oldest now are 11 &13) is because my youngest is now 4, and I thought she would be bored on RCCL. We would have saved a TON of Money if we would have cruised RCCL!

 

[Cheryl-Lynne]

We have sailed on Disney twice and did enjoy ourselves. On Dec. 18 we are taking a RCCL. I have been on the "cruisecritics" board (just like this one) and have spoken to several people who have switched from Disney to RCCL. I think you have a good time on Disney because the staff are amazing, but the price is so high that people are starting to go with RCCL. Royal (so I've heard) has better food, more to do, and of course cheaper. I'll be sure to let all of you know my thoughts on the two cruise lines.

 

[Jsme]

Let me put it this way...

DD is 12 and DS is 11

We have been on three DCL cruises. The kids have been on NO RCI cruises. But when given the option on what ship to cruise on they chose the Freedom of the Seas over a DCL cruise.

Dh and I have been on RCI before and have two planned for 2006.

I love DCL but we are ready for the kids to make up their own mind on what to do.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We've been on 1 DCL and have another planned for next September. I seriously considered booking RCCL, since their new ship will be sailing by then, and looks awesome with the waterpark and all. DS(7) seen me looking at the books and said he loved the RCCL ship and wanted to go on it. But we are doing DCL, since DS is 7 and DD is 2. Probably next time with prices and all, we'll do RCCL.

 

[my3kids]

My kids loved RCCL at about the same ages as your children. The service was better on RCCL, food about the same but room service was MUCH better on Royal Caribbean, and both ships were equally clean. You have nothing to worry about....RCCL is NOT a step down from Disney, in my opinion.

 

[Viki]

We're going to give RCI's Freedom of the Seas a go March 2007; we have two teens, so we'll let you know!

 

[AspiringCindy]

We've been on 1 DCL and have another planned for next September. I seriously considered booking RCCL, since their new ship will be sailing by then, and looks awesome with the waterpark and all. DS(7) seen me looking at the books and said he loved the RCCL ship and wanted to go on it. But we are doing DCL, since DS is 7 and DD is 2. Probably next time with prices and all, we'll do RCCL.

OOOHHH!...What is the new ship called? My DDs love waterparks!!

 

[Jsme]

OOOHHH!...What is the new ship called? My DDs love waterparks!!

The new RCI ship is the Freedom of the Seas. This is the cruise we are going on in November. We canceled the 4 day DCL for the 7 day Freedom.

 

[3swimmers]

Thanks everyone for your replies. We are currently pricing the "Freedom of the Seas" for April 07, and the Disney Magic, too. I'll let you know what we decide! Claire

 

[goofysgirl]

I see that I am in the minority here, but I have to give my kids opinion. We have been on 7 DCL cruises with the 8th booked for next September. We have always given the kids the choice of what they want to do. Their answer is always DCL..
They are all girls 17, 15, and 11. These girls love the atmosphere of the Magic. Dress for dinner every night and play at the stack, or the club until they are ready to drop.
They also like to spend some time with the "old parents" and visit every port as a family.
It depends what type of kids you have. My are jocks always on the go at home and school, dance, flag squad, track and basketball, so when they vacation this is the only down time they get. They are not looking to be busy every moment, but enjoy the pools or the activites they are offered.
I have tried to talk them into the new RCL ships, but they want that special "pixie dust" that you can only get on DCL.
They also still love the parks, so maybe they are just Disney Kids at heart.
But...a big one, they feel safe on DCL, I don't need to worry about casino crowds or really heavy drinking parties. They always are aware of their surroundings, but know the ship like the back of their hand and are comfortable there.
Let me know what you choose, have a great cruise

 

[3swimmers]

Goofy girl,

You made some great points. I did feel safe on the ship, and felt comfortable with the kids my children were meeting. It is nice not to have to worry about the content of the shows, movies, accessablibity to alcohol, etc. I also liked the size of the ship, too. We felt it was not too big, not too small. I am a fairly paranoid parent, so these things are important to me! My kids also like seeing the ports with us, and shopping etc, dining, etc. with us as a family. We are on the go 5 nights a week with swim team, music, and other activities, so the down time is great! Claire

 

[NJBILL]

I have sailed both with small and teenage kids...Disney is the choice...