RCCL vs. Disney - We should have known!!

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

Couldn't agree with you more...market forces prevail with Disney's pricing. We as consumers of their product, however, should always hold them to a higher standard if they want (and get) higher prices.

Absolutely. I am a bit concerned about my cruise not living up to my expectations; DCL has a fanatical set of repeat cruisers, and it doesn't seem that many of them have been on other lines lately--it's hard for me to get a clear answer as to how DCL compares. I've done Princess and Celebrity, the latter being my favorite.

But it's one of the reasons why we're doing a Wonder cruise; if we don't think it's worth the extra $$, we're not out as much dough as if we'd done a 7-day on the Magic. I guess I'll find out next month!

 

[DMMarla07860]

I think a reason disney cruises are expensive might have to do with disney havcing only two ships once a couple more ships are built it might go down, I'm not good with all my math, just guessing. and I do love reading about different cruise lines. When I try a cruise line I want more people then my dad to go on it. Now the only thing is talking to rest of the family and friends into going on a cruise

 

[Weegl]

Absolutely. I am a bit concerned about my cruise not living up to my expectations; DCL has a fanatical set of repeat cruisers, and it doesn't seem that many of them have been on other lines lately--it's hard for me to get a clear answer as to how DCL compares. I've done Princess and Celebrity, the latter being my favorite.

But it's one of the reasons why we're doing a Wonder cruise; if we don't think it's worth the extra $$, we're not out as much dough as if we'd done a 7-day on the Magic. I guess I'll find out next month!

Don't be concerned...Disney delivers a very solid product and we have loved all of our 4 and 7 nighters. Once I tried other lines though, I realized that my travel $ would go alot farther trying other lines (especially RCI) without sacrificing anything (and in fact getting a few things that are even better). Our vacations are much better getting 2 cabins for the 4 of us rather than piling into one...my wife and I are now getting a vacation too!

 

[NancyIL]

Of the 3 cruiselines I've been on so far (HAL, RCI, and Princsss) - RCI is my favorite. I'll finally go on my first Disney cruise in January. I can't compare any cruise line with Disney, but I do know this: you can buy a hell of a lot of soda on other cruiselines for the price difference! One more thing about the "free" soda on DCL: DCL used to charge for it and they don't now. Do you think DCL just GAVE that as a freebie? NOPE - now EVERYONE pays for the "free" pop!

 

[macbasset]

We have done 6 DCL cruises and 5 RCI cruises in the last few years. We switched RCI and did 3 aboard the Mariner of the Seas (our favorite) as well as Voyager and Explorer. The main reason we switched was the price. The last two years we have done 7 and 8 day thanksgiving cruises for the price of $349 each! At that rate, we were able to do 3 cruises in one year, each 7 or more days long! We preferred RCI's buffet to disneys, the buffet seating was never crowded where we couldn't get a seat and we never had a problem getting a lounge at the pool both over thanksgiving and in the summer, crowded times with lots of children. We loved the promenade area which felt like a european street where you could shop; we also liked the shows, particularly the ice show!

My main two complaints with RCI was the smoking in bars, lounges, etc. and no real movie theatre; just a small screening room that did not have current, first run films. I did mention the smoking on my comment cards several times and I read on cruise critic news that RCI ships would be smoke free next year, so I hope that is true.

This thanksgiving we are returning to DCL to experience the big, outdoor movies as well as the movie theatre-- we missed that. I do remember people smoking on DCL on deck 9 and 10, but it wasn't as bad as the bar areas on RCI.

One other thing we loved on RCI were the huge corner aft staterooms; they have like 15' x 20' balconies with 2 lounges, three chairs and a table. They are the same price as a regular small balcony on the side of the ship.

We certainly love the level of service on DCL and how they try very hard to make things magical, but if I can cruise 3 times a year, I'll take that and every once in a while come back to DCL like we are this thanksgiving.

 

[PinkTink63]

Of the 3 cruiselines I've been on so far (HAL, RCI, and Princsss) - RCI is my favorite. I'll finally go on my first Disney cruise in January. I can't compare any cruise line with Disney, but I do know this: you can buy a hell of a lot of soda on other cruiselines for the price difference! One more thing about the "free" soda on DCL: DCL used to charge for it and they don't now. Do you think DCL just GAVE that as a freebie? NOPE - now EVERYONE pays for the "free" pop!

The "free" soda isn't a biggie for me. I rarely drink it and I don't let my son have to much of it either! I'm one of those moms! Before you start thinking he is so deprived...he gets plenty of other treats! I'd rather buy him an ice cream, cookie, pie, etc.

 

[always on vacation]

We've cruised Disney twice, and are trying RCCL on Mariner in Fall 2008. Thanks for the review. We don't have children, so the childcare and programs aren't a concern for us. I AM concerned about the cigarette smoke, but am hoping once the smoking restrictions go into effect in 2008, it will be less of an issue.

We have booked an aft cabin (back of the boat) on RCCL, something that's not available on DCL, so we're looking foward to that. We are just ready for something different.

Similar cabin on both ships, figuring in tips, tax and insurance, RCCL is $1400 less than DCL. Even if I have to buy the $40 soda package (DH doesn't drink it), I'm saving $1360. (You know, you ARE paying for soda with DCL, it's just hiden in the price ).

I DO admit that I KNOW I will miss DCL, but I'm willing to try RCCL. I think the extra money in my pocket will help!

We have been on 7 disney cruises..3 & 4 night, eastern & western 7 night, & 10 day xmas cruise outside & inside cabins..never a balcony

We cruised twice on RCCL Voyager of the Seas in aft cabins & the aft balcony is wonderful..the room itself is much smaller than Disney's but it is worth it for the huge aft balcony & fabulous view. We had 2 chaise lounges & chairs & tables on the balcony..spectacular & cheaper than an inside room on disney.

We have also been on NCL with a balcony & a very small cabin in Alaska & also enjoyed that.

They are 3 different experiences & we are still going on the magic from California in May.

 

[PinkTink63]

Has anyone done RCCL "Soverign of the Seas"?

 

[Debbie H]

We are doing RCCL in about 6 weeks. We've done 2 Caribbean Princess and loved them. We look forward to a new experience. We were on the Wonder this Summer and it is the same, every single time. Even the Magic. Same shows, same entertainers and even they have the same shows. We've been on many DCL cruises and are amazed when we go on how each one was almost exactly like the last one. But then again, we kept going on them. Then we tried Princess and thoroughly enjoyed it. The service was excellent and we had a mini-suite that was big and spotless. We have a Grand Suite on RCCL and looking forward to that through the Panama Canal.

You will have DCL people that will only do DCL and the same for the other lines. We now like to see what the other lines have to offer. We also have a good friend who books cruises and she knows which ships to stay away from, so that helps as well. Not all ships are created equal!

 

[PinkTink63]

We also have a good friend who books cruises and she knows which ships to stay away from, so that helps as well. Not all ships are created equal!

That is what I'm afraid of! I don't want to get one of those that you want to stay away from!

 

[disneyauntieX11]

Has anyone done RCCL "Soverign of the Seas"?

I did the Sovereign of Seas last October the week of Halloween. It was wonderful. The cabin was small but I got a single Occupancy for $300.00 for a 4 night Cruise. The shows almost beat Disney. The food was 10 times better. I didn't buy a Soda Card. I think I had about 3 diet Cokes the whole trip.

I never knew there were kids on the ship until they had the Halloween Parade. They kept them entertained in the Club. One day when I was having lunch at Windjammers they brought them up for lunch. They close part of the area off for the kids Club.

I liked Castaway Cay better than Cocoa Cay(Royal Carribean's Island) but it was nice. The thing I like about Castaway Cay was that you ride a bike all over the island. I don't think they had bikes on Cocoa Cay but I could be wrong.

There was smoke in the Casinos. But there was lots of smoke in the Cafe Cove area when I was on the Magic while I was on the Transatlantic.

 

[PinkTink63]

I did the Sovereign of Seas last October the week of Halloween. It was wonderful. The cabin was small but I got a single Occupancy for $300.00 for a 4 night Cruise. The shows almost beat Disney. The food was 10 times better. I didn't buy a Soda Card. I think I had about 3 diet Cokes the whole trip.

I never knew there were kids on the ship until they had the Halloween Parade. They kept them entertained in the Club. One day when I was having lunch at Windjammers they brought them up for lunch. They close part of the area off for the kids Club.

I liked Castaway Cay better than Cocoa Cay(Royal Carribean's Island) but it was nice. The thing I like about Castaway Cay was that you ride a bike all over the island. I don't think they had bikes on Cocoa Cay but I could be wrong.

There was smoke in the Casinos. But there was lots of smoke in the Cafe Cove area when I was on the Magic while I was on the Transatlantic.

Thanks! The only choices for the Bahama cruise next year, at the time we are planning, are RCCL "SOTS" and CCL "Sensation", besides DCL, of course! We would love to do the DCL, but don't think we can afford that and 10 days at WDW, 3 nts. Vero Beach, + Kennedy Space Center. My son wants to see the "Flying Dutchman" so bad!

We could care less about the Casinos. We are not gamblers!

 

[Debbie H]

That is what I'm afraid of! I don't want to get one of those that you want to stay away from!

Ask around, that is your best bet. Also read the boards, not just Dis. When you hear people you know talking about their cruise experience, ask yourself if you would want to cruise with them, are you in the same socio-economic class with them, do you have similiar likes, dislikes, etc... What did they do? How did they describe the ship? You'll know, just from talking to them...

 

[Debbie H]

I did the Sovereign of Seas last October the week of Halloween.
There was smoke in the Casinos. But there was lots of smoke in the Cafe Cove area when I was on the Magic while I was on the Transatlantic.

We are doing Serenade of the Seas on a 14 night Panama Canal cruise over Halloween. Looking forward to it. I find the smoke at the Cove Cafe worse because it is in such a small area. In the casinos, you can usually try to get away from it but it is almost a given.

I have a friend who is sailing with us and we have been on DCL together before and she said we will love this cruise.

 

[wayneg]

Has anyone done RCCL "Soverign of the Seas"?

We did last August 4 nights. It is RC oldest ship so dont expect Magic or Wonder quality but you dont pay Disney prices. Like disneyauntieX11 said food is better than Disney, DS loved particpating in things, got to know some of the staff and had a good few days. We had an inside cabin which was very small but not in it long so big enough. Its difficult not to compare cruise ships/lines as they are all totally different, Its like comparing a Disney moderate resort with a Marriott hotel. Personally we prefer the Marriott for value.

 

[Jessieknj]

Mikey_Loves_Minnie... I sent you a PM to ask about celebrity.. thanks.

 

[kaykels]

On all of these comparison threads, a lot of apples and oranges are compared! You can't compare an entire cruise line with 21 ships to a cruise line of 2 ships. RCCL Sovereign of the Seas was built in 1988 ! It's old, little and shows it's age. It's a low budget ship. You can't compare it to Freedom or Liberty, so why would you compare it to Disney?
Would you compare the All Star to the Grand Floridian?
Disney cruise ships should be compared to Voyager class ships. They were built about the same time and they are in the same category.

 

[moviegirl11]

On all of these comparison threads, a lot of apples and oranges are compared! You can't compare an entire cruise line with 21 ships to a cruise line of 2 ships. RCCL Sovereign of the Seas was built in 1988 ! It's old, little and shows it's age. It's a low budget ship. You can't compare it to Freedom or Liberty, so why would you compare it to Disney?
Would you compare the All Star to the Grand Floridian?
Disney cruise ships should be compared to Voyager class ships. They were built about the same time and they are in the same category.

I agree! Well said!

I am doing my first DCL this December. I cruised on RCCL Adventure of the Seas and my family and I had an amazing time. All of the food was great (table service and casual dining), the staff was amazing and with the exception of them not letting us play dodge ball because we had sandals on (even though there were other teams with people with sandals), my family had a blast. I would definitely do another RCCL cruise.

 

[Glorydaz]

putting in my 2 cents... I LOVE cruising - last one was with RCCL to Alaska 7 years ago....the ship was wonderful, food and service very decent and of course the views and ports more than made up for any minor nuisance. I don't drink soda so that has never been a factor for me.

going on the Wonder for a 3 day cruise in December as part of our honeymoon. my future husband and I are HUGE Disney lovers, have DVC and visit the mouse 2 or 3 times each year. I couldn't see NOT taking this cruise. we splurged and booked a cat 3 - huge $$$ - for that money we could have taken a 7 or 9 day cruise elsewhere! but that wasn't an issue for us this go round.

now I am surprising my husband with a 5 day cruise to Bermuda next May. I was able to book a cabin with a balcony for little more than 1/2 of what we are paying for our Disney cruise. and RCCL has 2 advantages . first off, they sail to Bermuda and second, they sail out of New Jersey so we don't have to fly anywhere - huge pluses this time around! we are sailing on the Explorer of the Seas and she seems to get great reviews.

I've been on 7 cruises prior to our upcoming sailing dates. have gone on NCL, Celebrity, Princess and RCCL ...they each have their strengths and weakneses. I've had great service, great food in the dining rooms and fabulous stewards. and rarely, not so great. I think it's the quality of the staff and the mindset of the cruisers that make the difference...

so, anyone been on the Explorer yet? I'd love a review from a fellow Dis'r!! I've read so much about the Wonder, I know we will be thrilled with our experience!

Michelle

 

[kaykels]

You will absolutely love Explorer. It's more adult oriented. Disney cruise will be great since you're such mouse fans, so you'll get to experience the MAGIC, but on explorer you won't have all of the adorable little children running all over. Happy honeymoon and have a GREAT cruise (both of them !)

BTW, you can BRING soda on board.