Disney or Rccl?

[ssatterly]

I plan on taking my Mom 50 and my DD 6 and my DS 9 they all have never cuised i have. Is disney a good choice for their 1st cruise? Or should I go with Rccl? Does Disney have a mini golf course on their ships like Rccl does? Please tell me all about Disney cruise lines and are they worth the extra money?

 

[mac_tlc]

This question is a common one. I have a comparison of the Disney ships to the RCCL Voyager-class ships on my web site. We have sailed the Disney Magic three times and the VOyager class ships three times, with a 4th scheduled for 10/8.

E-mail me and I can send you the link to the comparison..


mac_tlc

 

[Mojomanny]

Here are my thoughts from this spring

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=516133

and pictures

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=521067

 

[SeaSpray]

I've only cruised RCI once and DCL once. Based on only those 2 cruises, I'd choose DCL, no contest.

Having said that, we are booked to cruise on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas next June. But this is because we are sailing with other family members who do not fly, and that cruise is sailing from NJ, which is where they live. If I was choosing which cruise line myself, it'd be DCL!! I know I'll have a great time on the Voyager, but I don't think it will be able to top the Magic.

 

[PoohJen]

Ssatterly,
I also saw your other question about Magic pics. One thing that might help in your decision making is ordering the free video/dvd cruise overview from Disney (see www.disneycruise.com) and take a look at the Navigators (especially the ones specifically for the kids' clubs) at www.dcltribute.com The Navigators are the daily activity itineraries for the Disney cruises (obviously, subject to change with each cruise, but will give you an idea of what to expect!).

Happy Planning!

 

[ssatterly]

PoohJen I tried to look at the links and the 2nd one say I am not authrized to view it...? I have a DVD on order now !!!! Thanks!!!

 

[PoohJen]

Originally posted by ssatterly
PoohJen I tried to look at the links and the 2nd one say I am not authrized to view it...?

Hmm, try typing the address in instead of using the link; I don't know why it gave you a problem [edited: I found the problem in the link and fixed it - try again!

You'll find LOTS of great Disney cruise info there! Good luck!

 

[ssatterly]

thamks Got itt Wow what a great site!

 

[kcashner]

DCL! Also, be sure that when you compare cabins, you look at the square footage. DCL cabins are much larger than a similar category on many other lines. A regular cabin on DCL compares to a junior suite on RCCL.

 

[goofydadeo]

We've done both and have kids almost exactly the same age as yours. DCL wins hands down for the age of your kids!

When they get a little older the RCCL ships will have the edge.

Good luck making the choice! It's tough - both are good cruise lines and you will have a great vacation on either one!

 

[goofydadeo]

Thought you might enjoy this comparison I did on a similar question recently:

Been on RCCL Voyager - still like Disney better!
We just recently cruised on the Voyager just to see how it compared to Disney.

First the Voyager is a great ship! Some things you won't find on DCL include - rock climbing, mini golf and ice skating. The shopping is not that much better even though RCCL has a huge "mall" like area in the middle of the ship.

Staterooms - On RCCL we booked a junior suite (like a cat 4 on DCL but even larger and nicer). The price was very good too! RCCL wins hands down on the stateroom - walk in closet, full tub, huge balcony with two chairs, a table and lounge chair too.

Food - It's not even close in my opinion - dining on DCL is far better than RCCL. The dining rotation is what makes DCL so much better - let's face it, its boring to eat at the same table ever night, and the food - RCCL quality is below average.

Entertainment - Even in my opinion. Both have great shows. RCL's guest performers (we had the Platters) are something unique. I don't care for casinos so I think DCL has the right idea - give that space to the kids clubs.

Kids - DCL wins here. On RCCL the clubs close twice a day for lunch and dinner. After 10pm on RCCL you have to pay extra for childcare. Don't get me wrong, our kids like RCCL but from the parents perspective RCCL is a hassle with all of the checking in and out. However RCCL is trying to catch up. In fact the kids club director (Nohair Pierre) was hired away from the DCL Magic where we knew him.

SPA - Since the Voyager has more spa their spa is more elaborate however they do not have a thermal suite (Rainforest). Spa treatments are more expensive on RCCL for the same thing. Overall Spa service is about the same.

Price - RCCL initial price is a bit cheaper than Disney and we got the best deal on RCCL at Costco. Once you are on board Disney may be a little less expensive for incidentals, alcohol, etc.

RCCL Voyager is a mega ship after all and in my opinion this made me feel my cruise experience was not as personalized as it was on DCL. You definitely feel part of a huge crowd.

So, in the end, we are still partial to Disney. It's just a more magical experience.