DCL Treasure - Pool Deck Woes

[sponica]

Having sailed the Fantasy and the Treasure, the pools on the Treasure are far superior to the Fantasy. If the boss didn’t like the Treasure then they likely won’t like the older ships pools.

The only thing that really got to me on the Treasure is because a lot of the pools are so shallow, the water was like bath water....which isn't great during the day in the Caribbean summer.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

The tech, lighting effects, poor theming, bland art work, atrium design is all very outdated.

I mean the crush show at animators is just embarrassing now, The lighting effects in Enchanted garden are awful, the funnel vision is basically un watchable in daylight hours the screens are so bad, carpets are repetitive, no lighting effects in the atrium, lack of themed bars, technology for detective game is outdated (still enjoyable to play but is outdated) and boy is the pirate show on the older ships just cringe.

I only agree with the Pirate show on the Fantasy and Dream. Total snooze fest. For a company that can do awesome ones on the Wish and Magic class ships how did they do such a poor job on the Dream Class ships.

 

[DCLMP]

Really? Ive heard lots of complaints from royal fans about the Icon class with many saying they will never sail them again. Too overcrowded, poor design, too hard to book actuvities etc.

For some cruisers the design isnt the big issue that concerns them. Its the service, food, activities, shows and appearance. And for me they are all better on Wish class. Design is better overall on Dream class than Wish although there are some design elements we prefer on the Wish over the Dream. But ultimately design is only one of 6 elements that matter.

There are complaints and positive reviews on all ships. It's up to the person reading or watching the reviews to decide what's important to them. I generally stick with you tube reviews because I can actually see it for myself. I get a better idea with a visual review if I'm going to like the ship or not.
The icon class has had enough positive reviews that I am willing to try it. There is only one way to know if you like something is to try if for yourself. I'm not one of those people that disparages other cruise lines or ships I've never tried. There are enough of those posters on here.

I'm glad you like the Wish. I gave it two very expensive tries. It's not for me.

 

[mcd2745]

We don't have young kids anymore who would be using them, but the multiple pools on the Wish class was a smart idea IMO. If you have a code brown in one, you still have several others unaffected that can stay open.

Pirate night? I'm of the opinion that it needs to go. At least on most ships. You can keep it on the Wish and maybe one other ship. The rest of the ships should get their own theme nights that culminate in a fireworks show. I'm pretty sure Disney has enough IP to find some different themes.

There's some validity to the idea of some things being outdated on the older ships, ironically moreso with the Dream and Fantasy than with the Magic and Wonder. In Enchanted Garden - I think we were all shocked it wasn't re-themed in the Dream's dry dock last year - it's true about 90% of the light fixtures don't work and slowly open like they initially did. And the Crush show in Animator's doesn't seem to have the same appeal anymore. Midship Detective certainly could use some upgrades and new stories/missions. I don't need fancy lighting effect in the Atrium or bars, however.

 

[MickeyD]

After sailing on the new and fancy Treasure, we CAN NOT WAIT to sail on the outdated and old Fantasy again. Already have 5 cruises booked next winter and spring. Also looking at the 10 night and the adjoining 4 night in July.

Shiny and new isn’t always better.

What didn't you like about the Treasure?
We are currently booked on the Treasure for Feb., but I am having severe "buyer's remorse" with all I am reading. We have sailed on the Fantasy almost exclusively since she came out and we love that ship! DH wants 7 day, but I do prefer about 5 day. I am worried about crowds and small spaces.
Any insights you can give me are appreciated.
Lisa

 

[sagosto]

This is all really good perspectives. My girls 8/11 love Disney (as does myself/boss) but we are DVC and go to Disney at least 1X per year so I can see characters anytime I want. The 7 day Treasure was nice before we went to Disney before/after which was a nice change of pace given the relaxed atmosphere of the cruise.

It's personal preference but, IMHO, it is VERY difficult to beat RCCL Oasis/Icon class ships from an entertainment/food/value stand point. Price increase aside, I view Icon as literally the greatest all-around ship on the market and I was on a PACKED summer cruise.

I've graduated from balcony to junior suites to the star class suites on RCCL. Unfortunately, my 11 day Jan 2026 RCCL cruise which is now $15K is literally $20-25K in future years and a line has to be drawn. The boss won't do MSC (World Nation) Yacht Club nor NCL or Carnival. And Disney doesn't really have a comparable star class experience but that's not a deal breaker. The biggest issue with Disney is the price point and lack of sailings -- I don't do 3-4 day. Disney's food was as good (maybe better) than RCCL and the entertainment was fantastic. Yes, the service was great but I've NEVER EVER had bad service on a cruise ship (even Carnival).

With that said, dry dock Fantasy is nice but even the $150M upgrade to Oasis didn't address the older design/decor of the rooms. It's better than nothing. I've also read the pools on the Fantasy have complaints as well so unclear why the boss views that as better.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

I will say I was disappointed on the Wish recently that the Chip ans Dales pool ( which is supposed to be a quiet pool ) was an absolute animal house. Both kids and parents yelling at the kids. I wish DCL would enforce the quiet areas as they were designated to be.

 

[DCL58]

What didn't you like about the Treasure?
We are currently booked on the Treasure for Feb., but I am having severe "buyer's remorse" with all I am reading. We have sailed on the Fantasy almost exclusively since she came out and we love that ship! DH wants 7 day, but I do prefer about 5 day. I am worried about crowds and small spaces.
Any insights you can give me are appreciated.
Lisa

We have sailed 12 cruises on the Fantasy - 88 nights. Our favorite things to do on the Fantasy are relax on deck 13 (satellite falls) in the shade and quiet while watching the ocean and walk laps on deck 4.

On the Treasure, we could do neither. The adult only outdoor deck has almost zero shade, has very few loungers, has a smoking area above it and you get to listen to goofy welcoming people back on the aqua mouse every 3 seconds. The walking track uses 3 decks - with very steep stairs and just ends before the aft of the ship. We tried to walk laps and just gave up.

The bars, dining and entertainment were excellent on the Treasure. There are lines for things on the Treasure, which we hadn’t experienced on the Fantasy. But the lack of a shady outdoor deck and a walking track are deal breakers for us.

We got home from our cruise on the Treasure and booked 5 cruises on the Fantasy.

 

[tvguy]

I am looking for a cruise recommendation. The boss didn't like the Disney Treasure's pool deck -- too many small / shallow pools and pushing for an older Fantasy ship. I prefer 7+ day cruises and typically larger ships -- we cruise mainly RCCL and big Oasis/Icon/Quantum fans. I also prefer to book vacations 1-2 years out which makes DCL difficult due to their shorter booking cycle. I assume DCL Wish and Destiny have the same layout? I noticed Fantasy does have some 7 day so that might work I am concerned it's outdated.

I hatred physics in school, but the laws of physics limit how big and how deep pools at can on any cruise ship. That is why pools on cruise ships are shallow and small and recessed to contain pool water in rough seas. Biggest pool on any cruise ship I have been on was the indoor pool on the SS Norway. As I recall it was in the center of the ship, on the lowest public deck, and it was over six feet deep. Being so low reduced motion. My wife and I were often the only ones in that pool. Could get in a nice swim without having to put on sunscreen.

 

[sagosto]

I hatred physics in school, but the laws of physics limit how big and how deep pools at can on any cruise ship. That is why pools on cruise ships are shallow and small and recessed to contain pool water in rough seas. Biggest pool on any cruise ship I have been on was the indoor pool on the SS Norway. As I recall it was in the center of the ship, on the lowest public deck, and it was over six feet deep. Being so low reduced motion. My wife and I were often the only ones in that pool. Could get in a nice swim without having to put on sunscreen.

Physics is not limiting Disney to 2' pool. Also, the aquacoaster is 30 seconds too short. I am VERY pro Disney but they make odd decisions sometimes and you need to get it right at that price point.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

We have sailed 12 cruises on the Fantasy - 88 nights. Our favorite things to do on the Fantasy are relax on deck 13 (satellite falls) in the shade and quiet while watching the ocean and walk laps on deck 4.

On the Treasure, we could do neither. The adult only outdoor deck has almost zero shade, has very few loungers, has a smoking area above it and you get to listen to goofy welcoming people back on the aqua mouse every 3 seconds. The walking track uses 3 decks - with very steep stairs and just ends before the aft of the ship. We tried to walk laps and just gave up.

The bars, dining and entertainment were excellent on the Treasure. There are lines for things on the Treasure, which we hadn’t experienced on the Fantasy. But the lack of a shady outdoor deck and a walking track are deal breakers for us.

We got home from our cruise on the Treasure and booked 5 cruises on the Fantasy.

The lack of shade on the Wish class is terrible for sure. Minimal shaded areas in the adults only section.

 

[sagosto]

Did she like DCL other than the pools because none of the ships are going to be like Royal's Oasis class or Icon. I'd put it on par with Odyssey in terms of size and lack of activities.

She originally thought it would be 'boring' after 9-10PM but there were activities well into the late night. It was late Jan so we would hang out on the deck and watch movies (NFL playoffs actually) which was nice. She loved food/service/entertainment. My oldest 11 is a real diva so she didnt want to do the kids club which is a shame because it's the best I've seen and RCCL has SOLID kids club. Literally, she hated the pool deck.

 

[DCLMP]

This is all really good perspectives. My girls 8/11 love Disney (as does myself/boss) but we are DVC and go to Disney at least 1X per year so I can see characters anytime I want. The 7 day Treasure was nice before we went to Disney before/after which was a nice change of pace given the relaxed atmosphere of the cruise.

It's personal preference but, IMHO, it is VERY difficult to beat RCCL Oasis/Icon class ships from an entertainment/food/value stand point. Price increase aside, I view Icon as literally the greatest all-around ship on the market and I was on a PACKED summer cruise.

I've graduated from balcony to junior suites to the star class suites on RCCL. Unfortunately, my 11 day Jan 2026 RCCL cruise which is now $15K is literally $20-25K in future years and a line has to be drawn. The boss won't do MSC (World Nation) Yacht Club nor NCL or Carnival. And Disney doesn't really have a comparable star class experience but that's not a deal breaker. The biggest issue with Disney is the price point and lack of sailings -- I don't do 3-4 day. Disney's food was as good (maybe better) than RCCL and the entertainment was fantastic. Yes, the service was great but I've NEVER EVER had bad service on a cruise ship (even Carnival).

With that said, dry dock Fantasy is nice but even the $150M upgrade to Oasis didn't address the older design/decor of the rooms. It's better than nothing. I've also read the pools on the Fantasy have complaints as well so unclear why the boss views that as better.

Were sailing on Utopia in January. We sailed on Allure in 2020. I thought it was good not great, but was good enough that I was open to try RCCl again.

Sailed on Odyssey in Europe in 2023. I think that it is the perfect European ship. New ship, not to big, nice layout etc..really loved it. I wish that ship didn't have such lackluster itineraries in Europe next year. RCCL for some reason is sticking to 7 day sailings in Europe. We are currently leaning towards DCL next year

If we like Utopia I plan on booking Icon or star while onboard. Not sure what they offer for doing that, but thats my plan.

The only negative thing I have to say about RCCL is having to book a non-refundable deposit to get the best price. I've also never had bad service on a cruise either and even Carnival. Some servers are better than others, but I wouldn't call any of them bad.

I think the adult pool area is much better on the Fantasy, but If you have to hang out in the kid area....God speed. I was fortunate my kids never wanted to go to the pool. My youngest is 21 has been on 34 cruises and has never been in a DCL pool. If I had to hang out at the family pool or stand in line for characters. I would have been one and done.

 

[asgur5]

We have sailed 12 cruises on the Fantasy - 88 nights. Our favorite things to do on the Fantasy are relax on deck 13 (satellite falls) in the shade and quiet while watching the ocean and walk laps on deck 4.

On the Treasure, we could do neither. The adult only outdoor deck has almost zero shade, has very few loungers, has a smoking area above it and you get to listen to goofy welcoming people back on the aqua mouse every 3 seconds. The walking track uses 3 decks - with very steep stairs and just ends before the aft of the ship. We tried to walk laps and just gave up.

The bars, dining and entertainment were excellent on the Treasure. There are lines for things on the Treasure, which we hadn’t experienced on the Fantasy. But the lack of a shady outdoor deck and a walking track are deal breakers for us.

We got home from our cruise on the Treasure and booked 5 cruises on the Fantasy.

Your two favourite things can be done on any cruise ship a 3rd the price of disney. They cant be your favourite things otherwise why would you pay so much extra for disney ships over other ships?

 

[asgur5]

I only agree with the Pirate show on the Fantasy and Dream. Total snooze fest. For a company that can do awesome ones on the Wish and Magic class ships how did they do such a poor job on the Dream Class ships.

You like crush in animators as compared to magic class animators?

 

[DCL58]

Your two favourite things can be done on any cruise ship a 3rd the price of disney. They cant be your favourite things otherwise why would you pay so much extra for disney ships over other ships?

Because we prefer to sail DCL and have the money to do so multiple times per year. We just choose which ships we will sail on and the Treasure isn’t one of them. We’ve sailed other cruise lines and weren’t fans.