DCL or RCCL???

[Karenpowley]

I dont suppose anyone has had the lucky opportunity to have been on both of these Cruise lines?

DCL seems alot more expensive, but is thats because its better? but they are offering credits on board if bkd b4 end of the month. And RCCL dont have their 2009 cruises on sale until April i think, so dont know what to do really - book DCL or wait to see whar RCCL have to offer.

Any help wud b appreciated - we are thinking of booking a 4 day Bahamas or Carribean cruise in July 09 as part of a hopefully 3 week break,but are new to cruising.

Any suggestions, itinaries etc wud b very much appreciated.

Thanks
Karen

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I dont suppose anyone has had the lucky opportunity to have been on both of these Cruise lines?

DCL seems alot more expensive, but is thats because its better? but they are offering credits on board if bkd b4 end of the month. And RCCL dont have their 2009 cruises on sale until April i think, so dont know what to do really - book DCL or wait to see what RCCL have to offer.

Any help wud b appreciated - we are thinking of booking a 4 day Bahamas or Caribbean cruise in July 09 as part of a hopefully 3 week break,but are new to cruising.

Any suggestions, itineraries etc wud b very much appreciated.

Thanks
Karen

I have been on DCL many times and also other cruise-lines such as Princess but not RCCL.

DCL is more expensive but the Entertainment, kids clubs and service is far superior than other cruise lines.

Food and pools is the same as other cruises lines and is good.

I would suggest a 7 Night Eastern or Western Magic cruise, the 4 nights are far too short to enjoy, and the 7 nights have great entertainment.

2009 DCL are on sale now I book via Dreams unlimited a sponosr of this forum but you can also book via Virgin holidays. DU will be in $ so you take advantage of good $/£ rates at this time.

 

[wayneg]

We have done a 4 night DCL, 2x 7 night DCL and a 4 night RCCL.
If you are doing 4 night from Port canaveral then its Sovereign of the Seas. Oldest ship in their fleet, not as good as The Disney ships but still seaworthy. As said entertainment on Disney is far superior, the shows are Broadway standard. the kids clubs are the best you can get.
RCCL (S of the S) we only got as far as the buffet, it was so good we never got to a table service meal. It also has casino, not for us but many like it.
There is for and against both cruise lines. If its down to money then I doubt there is a choice RCCL will win, we have DCL booked for next week and RCCL booked for August, different experience. To give you difference in price for August we have paid £200 each for outside cabin, DCL was about £450 each for inside cabin.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We have done a 4 night DCL, 2x 7 night DCL and a 4 night RCCL.
If you are doing 4 night from Port canaveral then its Sovereign of the Seas. Oldest ship in their fleet, not as good as The Disney ships but still seaworthy. As said entertainment on Disney is far superior, the shows are Broadway standard. the kids clubs are the best you can get.
RCCL (S of the S) we only got as far as the buffet, it was so good we never got to a table service meal. It also has casino, not for us but many like it.
There is for and against both cruise lines. If its down to money then I doubt there is a choice RCCL will win, we have DCL booked for next week and RCCL booked for August, different experience. To give you difference in price for August we have paid £200 each for outside cabin, DCL was about £450 each for inside cabin.

Go for a 7 night DCL one!

 

[Scotfan]

We have done both, we found the Disney one too manic for our kids - they want to go back on it but only when they are old enough for the adult only pool area. They didnt like the kids clubs, too structured. On the other hand they loved our week on Mariner of the Seas.

Horses for courses I suppose. I know we are in the minority as a family.

Personally I would rather pay for a week on MotS than 4 nights on DW

 

[UKDEB]

We've done DCL and NCL (but not RCCL). I'm assuming you're a family and we've only experienced them as adult-only trips, so we're coming from a different perspective, but nevertheless, my observations might help you.

DCL is surprisingly good for those travelling without kids thanks to its adults-only areas (two bars, a pool and la creme de la creme - Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay). The adults-only pool is right next to the family pool, but the relative calm is palpable. You only need to walk the short distance between the two to perceive the difference. We had Serenity Bay virtually to ourselves whereas the main beach at Castaway Cay was manic. Even so, Castaway Cay is not to be underestimated and I'd almost go as far as to say that DCL may be worth it for that alone.

Can I ask why you've narrowed it down to DCL/RCCL? NCL is in the same category and their "Freestyle Cruising" really is a market-leader in my opinion. The newer ships have so many dining options with none of the typical restrictions. It is necessary to do a bit of planning to make sure you get what you want, but, that proviso accepted, you eat when and where you choose. The Cruise Critic forums are an excellent resource - they are to cruising what the Disboards are to WDW!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

A lot more responses on the DCL forum now.

 

[Karenpowley]

Thanks for the intro of NCL Debbie, i only asked about DCL and RCCL because they are the other 2 that keep coming up, i will certainly look into NCL, thanks for the advice.

Karen x