disney cruise vs. Rccl? anyone compare?

[Mjasp]

Mjasp, how were you notified of Costa's one day sale? Did you happen upon it, or do you subscribe to some sort of notification?
Sherry

Sherry...I got an email from Cruise 411, I subscribe to all travel websites LOL
Although I booked with Costa directly. I was speaking with a rep at Costa and she said the reply was so good they may repeat it in August.

JSME...On Costa cruise Lines you are considered a child if you are 17 or under, just like they are in real life LOL

 

[Jsme]

I must admit, I would REALLY love to try the new Freedom of the Seas when it starts up next year. They have the dates open through spring break 2007, and I mentioned it to DH, but he likes the 4 night cruises better.

But that Freedom of the Seas sounds like it is going to be really something (although they are being somewhat secretive about it all). This one sails out of Miami.

If there was a Voyager class ship out of PC that would do a 4 night cruise, we would consider trying it. DH really doesn't want to do the 7 night again.

If it isn't a Voyager class ship, I would rather just stick with DCL.

I haven't been on a RCCL, so the others may be great. The Voyager class are the only ones that have caught my interest, and in particular, the new Freedom of the Seas (which is going to be more expensive based on the pricing online at http://www.rccl.com -- it was mentioned that you don't really get a discount booking a RCCL through a TA, so these prices are probably what you are going to pay).

DJ

I just wanted to bump this up with a question about the Freedom.

We are seriously thinking about cruising on her next year. I know RCCL doe snot allow TA's to sale the cruise for a lower price than what they can on their sites. Does anyone know of a good TA that has any onboard credits or incentives to book with them on the Freedom?

 

[Mjasp]

I just wanted to bump this up with a question about the Freedom.

We are seriously thinking about cruising on her next year. I know RCCL doe snot allow TA's to sale the cruise for a lower price than what they can on their sites. Does anyone know of a good TA that has any onboard credits or incentives to book with them on the Freedom?

I also would like to know about the benefit of transferring my Costa ressie to a TA, they wouldn't be able to beat the price, got a one day sale with a 3 category upgrade and kids sail free and I already have an onboard credit of $100, so is there any incentive???

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We're scheduled to go on the Navigator of the Seas on Saturday, only because the Magic is on the West Coast.

I was over on Cruisecritics RCCL message board and made the mistake of posting two questions about the kids club. One was asking about alternate dining for kids, (DCL will feed them during dinner hour while RCCL closes between 5-7 ). Within two minutes I got nasty "You shouldn't be taking kids on the cruise" posts. The whole thread degenerated into a "bad kids in the dining room" thread.

After that I just hung back and lurked. Some poor woman asked if there was an age limit for the pools because her kids are less than 2 yrs old and potty trained. The thread is still running at 6 pages and not one nice thing was said.

Every post that asked a question about kids got that response. So without even stepping on the ship I don't feel that welcome. People who have never taken their kids cruising are just trolling for kids posts to make nasty comments.

I'll post next month and let you know how it goes. Maybe it won't be so bad, RCCL is $3K cheaper for the week we want to go next year.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I also would like to know about the benefit of transferring my Costa ressie to a TA, they wouldn't be able to beat the price, got a one day sale with a 3 category upgrade and kids sail free and I already have an onboard credit of $100, so is there any incentive???

We booked through www.cruisequick.com. They had a Mastercard giftcard incentive. You can do an online quote.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I was over on Cruisecritics RCCL message board and made the mistake of posting two questions about the kids club. One was asking about alternate dining for kids, (DCL will feed them during dinner hour while RCCL closes between 5-7 ). Within two minutes I got nasty "You shouldn't be taking kids on the cruise" posts. The whole thread degenerated into a "bad kids in the dining room" thread.

The thread is still running at 6 pages and not one nice thing was said.


I'll post next month and let you know how it goes. Maybe it won't be so bad, RCCL is $3K cheaper for the week we want to go next year.

Sorry, I disagree. I visit the RCCL boards frequently (we're booked on them as well,) and I read that thread. No where was it stated that 'you shouldn't be taking kids on a cruise. In fact, it stated, 'why take them on a cruise at all if you're not going to dine with them.' It wasn't anti-child.

Others responded w/dining alternatives, (Johnny Rockets, room service, etc.)

I did read part of the potty-trained twins thread and just rolled my eyes. Those posters are LOOKING for a mud-slinging debate, and I think that thread should be closed.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

No where was it stated that 'you shouldn't be taking kids on a cruise. In fact, it stated, 'why take them on a cruise at all if you're not going to dine with them.' It wasn't anti-child.

We'll have to disagree here because the correct quote was: "Why not leave the kids at home and then you can really enjoy your cruise?" and then in another post "Just wondered why you're bringing them and don't want to see them. " Which of course I wasn't asking about, just the dinner hour.

Not helpful posts IMHO.

 

[my3kids]

That Royal Caribbean board is a group of kid haters, isn't it?? But I have to believe that is a minority of cruisers. Maybe those folks just frequent boards looking for a fight. It kids were not welcome, we wouldn't see them featured on commercials, they wouldn't have invested in this aclaimed Adventure Ocean program, people wouldn't come back with great reviews of family vacations. They have a lot greater variety of rooms for families than does Disney. I think you'll have a great time....really, how many adults will actually make nasty comments to kids and parents in person. Just because they are nasty online, I'm counting on them not being nasty in person. We sail in just a few weeks.

 

[NCRedding]

MaryKatesMom: I agree with most of what you say about the posters on cruisecritic. I don't know if you every got an answer, but if not, on our Radiance cruise, there were a couple of nights when the kids clubs ate together--you had to sign up in advance. Also, on the Radiance, if DD wanted to go to the club during our dinner time, we took her to eat in the Windjammer buffet, or the Seaview Cafe. There are options

Enjoy your trip, thankfully, most of the people who sail RCCL don't appear to be like a "hardcore" RCCL fan on cruise critic.

 

[westjones]

On RCCL, are there places to get quick food, like at the burger and pizza places on deck 9 on the DCL?

I know I read they didn't have food by the pool, but is there a place somewhere like these? Do you pay extra for the food there? I remember reading Johney Rockets costs extra, and doesn't the ice cream place cost extra?

One of the reasons we are concerned about going on a RCCL is because we get the impression that is cost less up front, but then onboard you have to pay extra for a lot of things.

How about room service? If there an extra charge for that? For Soda?

Thanks!
DJ

 

[my3kids]

westjones: There are food places and a free ice cream place in the Solarium area of ships. No charge for any of that. Johnny Rockets has a $3.95 ( I think) cover charge for whatever you want to eat while there. There is also an ice cream shop which does carry a charge, but the other one is free.

Soda is never free, but their soda card is more reasonable for kids than Disney's used to be.

More extensive room service menu...you can have a full hot breakfast in your room any day, regardless of level of room. You can also have a full dinner in your cabin from the restaurant menu if you want to dine alone. There is no charge for any of that, other than tip, just like DCL.

 

[westjones]

westjones: There are food places and a free ice cream place in the Solarium area of ships. No charge for any of that. Johnny Rockets has a $3.95 ( I think) cover charge for whatever you want to eat while there. There is also an ice cream shop which does carry a charge, but the other one is free.

Soda is never free, but their soda card is more reasonable for kids than Disney's used to be.

More extensive room service menu...you can have a full hot breakfast in your room any day, regardless of level of room. You can also have a full dinner in your cabin from the restaurant menu if you want to dine alone. There is no charge for any of that, other than tip, just like DCL.

Thanks! That sounds great! WOW! I was under the impression I would have to pay for food through out the day except for dinner.

Thanks for clearing things up for me!
DJ

 

[JSCTRico4]

MaryKatesMom, can you tell me the site for the board you were looking at. We are doing an RCCL next may, and I would like to check it out. Sorry they were mean to you.... I always say.... WHATEVER!

 

[lookingforward]

We have sailed on RCCL several times and enjoyed the Voyager class ships. The Cruisecritic forum can turn hostile sometimes....I think there are just a few trouble makers who are constantly looking for a fight and have several screen names to remain undetected. I LOVE my kids more than life itself but I still like to enjoy an adult meal every now and again! I once had a babysitter tell me off because I dropped off my son on one of my days off. After she yelled at my "horrible choices" I fired her before I told her that I was on the way to get an MRI. Good parenting is knowing when you need a break and encouraging independence, in my humble opinion. People can judge so easily.
The new Freedom looks amazing. I had heard rumor that they were going to have a bowling alley on one of their ships. But I could not figure out how you could bowl when the ship was rocking. (on second thought..that might actually HELP my bowling score :

 

[cruisnfamily]

Can I chime in on the comparison?

We've done DCL 3, 4 and 7 day cruises and tried RCCL Mariner 7 day over this past Thanksgiving. We did have a good time BUT I really, really missed DCL.

The food on DCL was much better. We went to the buffet a few nights because we just didn't like the atmosphere of the dining room or the food. I can honestly say we never went to the buffet during dinner on Disney. The room service onRCCL was horrid. There aren't really any "quick eats" places on RCCL that are convenient. As a matter of fact everything seemed inconvenient on the Mariner.

And the staff absolutely DO NOT give the same service as on DCL. Of course there were a few staff members who were great but we found most folks couldn't answer simple questions(like the hours for an activity or something) nor did they care that they couldn't answer it or try to get the right answer.

We MUCH preferred the nighttime entertainment(for both kids and adults) on DCL. There was never anything we wanted to do on RCCL and always several things we wanted to do on DCL.

The kids were much happier in the DCL kids clubs. I must say DD12 enjoyed the teen program on RCCL however she has not yet experienced DCL's teen program.

The hours for everything were so complicated too. The kids club kept opening and closing every time you turned around it was time to drop off or pick up. Things like the rock wall and ice skating were only open for an hour at a time several times a day and of course it was never at a convenient time for us.

We found we didn't use any of the big extras like the golf, roller skating, and rock wall. We actually worked hard to try and do these things at a time when they were open just because we thought we should do them but it just wasnt' meant to be.

Anyhow.....did we have a good time? Yes! But from now on, it's DCL for our family.

 

[tezb]

We have sailed on RCCL several times and enjoyed the Voyager class ships. The Cruisecritic forum can turn hostile sometimes....I think there are just a few trouble makers who are constantly looking for a fight and have several screen names to remain undetected. I LOVE my kids more than life itself but I still like to enjoy an adult meal every now and again! I once had a babysitter tell me off because I dropped off my son on one of my days off. After she yelled at my "horrible choices" I fired her before I told her that I was on the way to get an MRI. Good parenting is knowing when you need a break and encouraging independence, in my humble opinion. People can judge so easily.
The new Freedom looks amazing. I had heard rumor that they were going to have a bowling alley on one of their ships. But I could not figure out how you could bowl when the ship was rocking. (on second thought..that might actually HELP my bowling score :

I heard the same rumor about the bowling on the Cruise Critic board. They actually were saying that the bowling could be set up by the same company who has the pool table on another cruise ship (not sure which one) so that it is balanced and not affected by the ship motion. Sorry, I don't know the correct terminology for this balancing act. They are being very hush hush about things on the Freedom. Revealing more in August. When I booked, the reservationist did tell me that they are having jacuzzis overlooking the ocean in an enclosed glass..which you can see on the interactive site. Flat screen TV's will also be overhead...and in the staterooms. I also heard there might be a Pool Table...not sure how true it is though. I'm sure the ship will be amazing!

 

[Jsme]

Anyone else want to comment?

 

[my3kids]

We're back from our RCI cruise. They compared favorably, with each line "winning" in some areas. Service and friendliness, we give to Royal Caribbean. Cabin size goes to Disney, although the cabins were very similar on both. Artwork onboard goes to Royal Caribbean....unbelievable works all over the ship. Food...about equal, I'd say. RCI seemed to have more choices on the children's menu each night at dinner, and an additional course choice for adults. Pool area....I liked the size of RCI's better since it was a lot larger, but I like the fresh water in Disney's best. Hours for children's activities goes to Disney, actual program to RCI. Fast food goes to Disney because RCI had no chicken fingers....go figure??? RCI did have great hot dogs though. Cabin bathrooms go to Disney, even though Iw as not a fan of the split bath. So, I liked RCI's single bathroom setup better, but Disney's decor in the bathroom was much better.

I'm sure there are a lot of things I could compare.....If you have a specific question, let me know.

 

[jennat]

This is my experience. Your mileage my vary!
I love RCCL. I have taken one Disney, 2 RCCL, 1 Princess and now, in 3 weeks another Disney . DIsney certainly has things, hands down, over RCCL but RCCL's ships are fabulous. I guess I am talking about the Voyager class ships. Johnny Rockets is great to have "normal" food on board. There is soooo much to do and everything feels "alive" I think this is because of all the BIG areas. Others may hate this....I LOVE IT! I haven't taken my kids on RCCL but I know the brokenup hours would bug me. Not because I want my kids gone all the time, but because I don't want to watch my clock. Also, I would rather be with them when we can be having fun together instead of at a 2 hour meal where I am constantly having to tell them to get out from under the table I'm exagerating but You know what I mean. I like that Disney let's you choose when to be with your kids and vice versa. I doubt my kids would say I choose to eat in that fancy dining room and eat escargot..can I mom, huh?
I will be interested to see how I feel after this trip. The only time I have done Disney was my first cruise (where expectations are aligned), 3 days after 9/11 (ship half full), and for 4 days. The RCCLs I knew what to expect and was sooo excited and no kids. I didn't notice a lot of out of pocket....free soft serve, pay for Haagan Daus, if you got a pop in a glass (as opposed to a can) at dinner our servers didn't charge us (may have been just them), we went before Johnny Rockets charged but i would gladly pay. Also, keep in mind it is a lot cheaper. Another cost will be paying for childcare after 10pm if you need it.
My feeling now....
Disney, rocks in the
kids dept
Castaway Cays
staterooms
rotating dining rooms
RCCL hands down
the ships/activities
Princess BITES (I know I know...a lot of people love it and I will try again, but I have NEVER had such rude, awfull service (rolling eyes when you ask for a coke instead of "drink", etc), EVER! It was after (days) Hurricane Jeanne NOT that that is an excuse, for our weather was wonderful, but I understand it could be an explanation. Left a really bad taste in my mouth.)

 

[TheWog]

Anyone else want to comment?

Sure, why not. I have sailed the Magic 7 night Eastern -St. Maarten, St. Thomas, CC and Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas 5 night Western - Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman.

The ships were very similar in size and age. We had vernadah cabins on both ships. Rooms were of similar size with Disney being slightly larger. We only had the two of us on RCI vs. 3 (including DS6) on the Magic so they felt very similar in size. Food was about equal. I enjoyed some things more on each ship. I'm not completely picky or gourmet so everything seemed to suit me fine. There was a late night chicken sandwich on the EOS that I wouldn't have fed to my dog though. Horrible.

Service is the biggest difference I found. Disney was always right there up on you smiling and asking whether you were having fun and almost too much at some points. When we first boarded the Enchantment we decided that it was different and thought it wasn't as good. As the week progressed we decided that it was just different. RCI was always around and ready to help you with any need or want, they just weren't in your face about it. If they saw you looking around aimlessly they would come over to see if they could help or the drink guy on deck would ask you if you needed one, but didn't hound, but if he saw your glass getting empty would come by and see if you wanted a refill. That type of stuff. So personally we liked the RCI service for our type of relaxing vacation we were looking to have. Disney service was great and we were certianly more active having our son with us so that worked out well too.

I am not sure if that made any sense, but they were both great experiences for us, just different.

Both ships were beautiful, but again just different. We are considering another DCL cruise in Jan 07, but are also looking at the Mariner. So we'll see.