DCL vs Royal Caribbean for Adults only

[emilymad]

We love DCL as adults only. We find for the shorter cruises that the Dream is a better ship for us then the other cruise line's shorter cruises. We love the focus on movies that DCL has that is hard to find on other cruises. However, when I started looking for a March/April sailing (last minute and spring break I know) I was shocked at how much DCL was charging. We are gold on DCL so we have done a fair number of cruises but $9K for a week on the Fantasy is insane.

We are looking at Celebrity Apex/Edge as they look like great ships. Our one other Celebrity cruise we found to be very nice but not a lot to do. We were in our 30s at the time and were far the youngest people on the ships. Sailing out of FLL is an issue for us due to airfare so we will see.

 

[tidefan]

Just a curveball here... If you are going adults only, I'd highly suggest giving Virgin Voyages a look. We went in November and it was absolutely wonderful. Everything short of alcohol is included (like sodas, tips, wifi, exercise classes, etc.), the ice cream is gelato, free twizzlers, taffy, and gummy bears, and there are wonderful hammocks on each balcony. Also, the food was incredible. There is no main dining room. Everything is "specialty" and included. Also, no buffet. It's more of a made to order food court (including sushi!). We loved it.

Outside of that, our preference is Princess, which is probably a better deal than even RCCL...

 

[auntlynne]

My opinion is as someone who has never cruised with children (my nieces were all teens or older) and has cruised solo. I cruise mainly Disney, but have done some Princess and cruise on each RC Allure of the Seas, NCL Encore, MSC, and an old Carnival ship.

Sounds like you had a good DCL experience during COVID. I’m guessing March should be on par with December for restrictions (thinking positive). This time you can find out if you enjoy sailing DCL as a couple. (Have you vacationed without the kids before? If so, is it that much different than with them?)

Traveling as an aunt, a sister, or a solo - my cruising style is pretty set.

On Disney, I love most of the big shows, movies in Buena Vista theater, trivia, dinner in Palo (but I get a complimentary meal). I find main dining rooms and buffets to be not that different from line to line. I do not usually use pools, as they are just big wet areas for standing.

I enjoy the pool deck at night on DCL more than any other ship. I think it’s the Funnel Vision and the layout around the pool.

The water theater on the big RC ships is entertaining. But I’m not a fan of most musicals that are the stage shows they offer.

…The biggest thing you mentioned is the Military Discount. If I had an opportunity to sail with DCL with a discount, I’d definitely consider that.

I am also a general passenger type - I’m not a fan of having to bump up to Concierge level. I find DCL service provides me with all I need (that goes pretty much with any line. I can’t complain about crew on any cruise.

I would like to give Celebrity a try. Several of my Disney cruise friends have jumped to them and state the food is better. But it may be that it’s just a different set of options.

Hope you find something you like!

Bon Voyage

 

[auntlynne]

I would probably just describe DCL as low-key, relaxing v. some other lines.

Castaway Cay v Perfect Day would be a great comparison. I love the private beach feel of Castaway. I don’t want nor need the brightly colored water park of many line’s private islands.

Just more of my 2 cents.

 

[LisaRN97]

We are giving RC a try as a family in April. We have sailed 11 times with DCL, and the past two sailings were concierge (Jan 22, Oct 21). Our girls are now 16 & 17 and they were the ones who asked to try a different cruise line. This most recent sailing was very heavy on the younger children and not as many teens - thankfully for concierge so we were able to lounge outside as a family, and not be swamped with the family pool (we've been there and done that when they were younger). We are booked in a Grand Suite on RC and the price for 6-nights is half the cost it was for Concierge on a 4-night sailing with DCL. And we like that the age for the adult area on RC is 16.... we are excited to give a shot to another line, but we can't wait for our B2B on the Wish this summer