Disney vs. Other Cruise Lines Europe edition

[mrsp1030]

For those that have done both; in particular the Mediterranean, can you give me some feedback. Family of 5 exploring options with 3 Boys under age 12. Looking at a variety of cruise lines for best overall experiences. Thanks

 

[ldo]

We are a family of 5. We love DCL, and will pay extra in the Carib. for DCL, but don't find it worth it for port-intensive Med. We have done Carnival, NCL, RCCL, Princess, plus DCL. RCCL has a few OV cabins that sleep 6 persons. You have to have 5 to book them and you have to call. If you can get one (they go fast), it's a god value. NCL Epic has rooms for 4 plus studio rooms, so if you split up and DH sleeps in the studio, it's a great value also. In high season, 2 years ago, 5 persons in the family cabin was about $7.5K, Epic with 4 persons cabin and studio $6.5K.
For Europe. We like RCCL 2nd to DCL. RCCL has a good mix on entertainment, kids clubs, decent food, good pools, etc. EPIC had better MDR food and some interesting shows, like Blue Man group, but the pool area was VERY congested--like stepping over people to get by. Princess in Europe was somewhat boring for us (40s) and I didn't see many kids when we went without ours in early Aug. We like Princess in the Carib. Probably #2 after DCL for us. Carnival was almost 10 years ago as a couple. It was a new ship, just built in Europe. We liked it a lot. There are some reviews online for the Vista, which sailed this summer in Europe. We won't sail Carnival in the US, based upon reviews (and having sailed 2X), but would not hesitate to book Carnival in Europe.
Unlike Carib., the ship/entertainment really doesn't matter as much, esp. in the summer in Europe. It's hot and you are touring around most of the day. Coming back, grabbing some quick food, hop in the pool, relax for an hour or so, dinner and then maybe a show, but many times we just watched a bit of TV in the room and got ready for the next day.
RCCL kids clubs for under 12 are fine. DS9 even opted to stay in the kids club vs. a 1/2 day tour. On port days, kids clubs are open all day. At sea 9-11, 2-5, 7-10ish are the hours. This worked fine for us. RCCL also has some ships with active things, like flow rider, rock wall, ice skating. If that interests your boys, then I would choose RCCL. With 5 persons, RCCL is always my 1st phone call b/c of the cost savings if I can book one of the above rooms.

 

[Ofinn]

We are sailing on the Carnival Vista 10 day med cruise in October. They are launching another new ship in Europe in 2018. I will write a review when we get back. It cost about 1/5 of what DCL would cost so I already like it better. If I was looking at Med cruises next year I would look at Freedom of the seas.

 

[mrsp1030]

Thanks for the replies: RCCL was on my radar as was NCL. I was reading a lot of great things about MSC and Holland America new adventures as well. Princess and Celebrity also get good reviews but definitely feel geared to the older crowd more!

 

[kboo]

Following - family of 4, 2 girls who will be almost 6 (and so far still very into Disney princesses) and almost 2 (21 months) at the time of cruise. DH really wants to do a Mediterranean cruise and it's his BIG birthday - wondering how much touring we'd be doing in any case with a toddler. This would be our first big ship ever, with or without kids, so assume we are complete novices. Are there other cruise lines we should consider; other factors to consider when choosing a cruise? Thanks!

 

[mrsp1030]

We are a family of 5. We love DCL, and will pay extra in the Carib. for DCL, but don't find it worth it for port-intensive Med. We have done Carnival, NCL, RCCL, Princess, plus DCL. RCCL has a few OV cabins that sleep 6 persons. You have to have 5 to book them and you have to call. If you can get one (they go fast), it's a god value. NCL Epic has rooms for 4 plus studio rooms, so if you split up and DH sleeps in the studio, it's a great value also. In high season, 2 years ago, 5 persons in the family cabin was about $7.5K, Epic with 4 persons cabin and studio $6.5K.
For Europe. We like RCCL 2nd to DCL. RCCL has a good mix on entertainment, kids clubs, decent food, good pools, etc. EPIC had better MDR food and some interesting shows, like Blue Man group, but the pool area was VERY congested--like stepping over people to get by. Princess in Europe was somewhat boring for us (40s) and I didn't see many kids when we went without ours in early Aug. We like Princess in the Carib. Probably #2 after DCL for us. Carnival was almost 10 years ago as a couple. It was a new ship, just built in Europe. We liked it a lot. There are some reviews online for the Vista, which sailed this summer in Europe. We won't sail Carnival in the US, based upon reviews (and having sailed 2X), but would not hesitate to book Carnival in Europe.
Unlike Carib., the ship/entertainment really doesn't matter as much, esp. in the summer in Europe. It's hot and you are touring around most of the day. Coming back, grabbing some quick food, hop in the pool, relax for an hour or so, dinner and then maybe a show, but many times we just watched a bit of TV in the room and got ready for the next day.
RCCL kids clubs for under 12 are fine. DS9 even opted to stay in the kids club vs. a 1/2 day tour. On port days, kids clubs are open all day. At sea 9-11, 2-5, 7-10ish are the hours. This worked fine for us. RCCL also has some ships with active things, like flow rider, rock wall, ice skating. If that interests your boys, then I would choose RCCL. With 5 persons, RCCL is always my 1st phone call b/c of the cost savings if I can book one of the above rooms.

Thank you for the info. We feel the same way: for Caribbean DCL has been our choice by far. In Alaska, same as we feel the other cruises are geared towards older adults as well. However, it seems like so many more family friendly options available in Europe so wanted to explore.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

We did the new Carnival Vista Mediterranean cruise in June and loved it! We actually have 2 more Vista cruises booked next year. CCL will not be in Europe in 2017, but Vistas Sista, Horizon will spend her maiden season in Europe in 2018. They have some amazing family suites that slept 5 in the Family Harbor area, you should check it out. Here is my review comparing DCL to CCL http://www.disboards.com/threads/thoughts-on-the-new-carnival-vista.3521334/