Disney vs. Royal Caribbean - How To Decide What's Right for Us?

[AquaDame]

I DON'T get it!! I've asked this question too, and I am always FLOORED by the number of people pushing "Disney service". I must be on a don't bother list because we've been on three cruises and I have never seen anything out of the ordinary. All we can figure is since we don't have kids we don't get the magic show and have a server cut up the beef. Otherwise, they're just giving the same good service we expect and get elsewhere.

Maybe when we sail RCCL we'll be blown away by how BAD it is?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I DON'T get it!! I've asked this question too, and I am always FLOORED by the number of people pushing "Disney service". I must be on a don't bother list because we've been on three cruises and I have never seen anything out of the ordinary. All we can figure is since we don't have kids we don't get the magic show and have a server cut up the beef. Otherwise, they're just giving the same good service we expect and get elsewhere. Maybe when we sail RCCL we'll be blown away by how BAD it is?

Nah. We found the service on Allure to be on-par with Disney. Maybe not quite as smiley on a regular basis when you randomly cross paths with crew but for the most part still excellent.

What I always hear is how Disney is waaaaaay more expensive. I didn't find the final tally to be that ginormous a difference the way its so often implied.

For us both are great. Both have pros & cons over the other. I think for us in the future it'll come down to destinations/ports & what works for us with schedule.

 

[dpswift]

I DON'T get it!! I've asked this question too, and I am always FLOORED by the number of people pushing "Disney service". I must be on a don't bother list because we've been on three cruises and I have never seen anything out of the ordinary. All we can figure is since we don't have kids we don't get the magic show and have a server cut up the beef. Otherwise, they're just giving the same good service we expect and get elsewhere.

Maybe when we sail RCCL we'll be blown away by how BAD it is?

I understand. Our service on both RCCI and Carnival as good as Disney a our MDR service was better on both of them than Disney. On Carnival we had my time dining and it was still better. Disneys MDR servers are the only servers that we did not tip extra.

My favorite stateroom host was on our last Disney cruise. He went over and above including waiting with me for Guest services when my safe would not work.

Overall we just prefer Disney. I think it is because of the lack of a smoky casino and the overall vibe of the ship.

My kids loved the kids clubs on RCCI and Disney.

I agree that adult drinks are cheaper on Disney. You can get nickeled and dimed to death on RCCI but that is ultimately your choice. You can have the free ice cream or buy from Ben and Jerrys. Just like you can have free coffee or buy a special coffee. DH's sister has been on both and quite often does not buy anything.

I have never been to Coco Cay.

 

[DestinyMagick]

I've been on 7 Carnival cruises and really don't want to go on another. I don't know if I have changed or if Carnival has...maybe both. But the service and feel of the ships is not as good as it used to be. I would like to try RCCL or Disney. I'm an AP and live next to Disney. I love Disney service and I love how guest services will often go out of their way to replace an unhappy experience with a happy one. But I've also noticed that we often get poor service when dining in the restaurants. I'm concerned it would be the same on DCL. Service is most important to us. Followed by adult entertainment as we don't have children. We don't drink or gamble either so those things aren't an issue. The things I love about Carnival is the 11:30pm comedy shows, the piano bar, and the many many free food choices. We work nights and are up late and Carnival is ALIVE at midnight. I'm worried it won't be the same on other cruise lines. One of the things I hate about Carnival is that so much of their "entertainment" is actually more like an infomercial, designed solely to sell you something. Is this the same on RCCL and DCL? I hate being woke up at 9am by the cruise director telling me about some "not to be missed show" that wants to sell me something. Also the food quality has gone way down hill on Carnival. It's difficult to avoid chemicals and overly processed food. I know there's a great debate about food but I believe that food that is cared for and treated well before ending up on my plate is better for me than food that is abused, pumped with pharmaceuticals, and soaked with pesticides. I'm hoping RCCL and/or DCL care more than Carnival about where they source their food and how many preservatives and chemicals they use to make it taste better. So here are my questions.

1. Carnival is trying to end twice daily room attendance. Do they still clean rooms and do turn down service on RCCL and DCL? Do they have towel animals too? (Love those!)

2. How is the food quality on RCCL and DCL? Carnival used to have Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon. Now it is farmed. We took our anniversary dessert back to our room and left it out all night forgetting it had ice cream on top. When we checked it the next day, the ice cream wasn't cold but it still looked exactly the same as it did when we set it on the desk. That just makes me very suspicious about how many chemicals are in their food. We've been eating healthy. Being on Carnival last week wrecked our digestion system. I found myself CRAVING green smoothies and healthy foods when we got home.

3. Carnival has Guys burgers, Mongolian Wok, Deli, Lido buffet, Pizza Pirate, and Blue Iguana (Mexican food) as well as the MDR. Does RCCL or DCL have more free choices than the buffet and MDR?

4. I love the professional shows. They are my favorite part of entertainment and I'm sure RCCL and DCL have way better shows than Carnival but what other entertainment is there (except pool and sports stuff)? They had a trio of violinists on Carnival Liberty in the lobby which we loved.

Thank you for any help and advice you can give. And thank you to the person who started this post because it was exactly what I have been wondering myself!

 

[elaine amj]

My uber healthy, cook everything from scratch, vegan friend loves the food on both Disney and RCCL. she does say that Disney has more choices for her. She also likes Princess. She felt Carnival's choices were more limited.

Be aware that Disney shuts down at midnight. I love wandering the ship after my family goes to bed. But there is not a scrap of food to be found after midnight other than room service. Don't like that much as it disturbs my family.

I believe Disney's buffet runs as a table service at nights. I don't care for that much as I like being able to run in to grab a bite whenever I feel like it.

I loved, loved, loved our Disney cruise - but really missed the 24hr cafe and pizza place on RCCL.

Entertainment is best ln Disney for me. I don't like comedians, magicians, etc so only a few of Carnival's entertainment sounds interesting to me. RCCL was much better, but we prefer Disney shows just because we like the style of production.

Nightlife was pretty pathetic on Disney. We went to go dancing and that was a flop after a little bit. RCCL wasn't crowded either but at least there were always some people on the dance floor.

Hope this helps! IMO, I liked Disney cruising over RCCL but there are a bunch of things RCCL does better.

 

[DestinyMagick]

My uber healthy, cook everything from scratch, vegan friend loves the food on both Disney and RCCL. she does say that Disney has more choices for her. She also likes Princess. She felt Carnival's choices were more limited.

Be aware that Disney shuts down at midnight. I love wandering the ship after my family goes to bed. But there is not a scrap of food to be found after midnight other than room service. Don't like that much as it disturbs my family.

I believe Disney's buffet runs as a table service at nights. I don't care for that much as I like being able to run in to grab a bite whenever I feel like it.

I loved, loved, loved our Disney cruise - but really missed the 24hr cafe and pizza place on RCCL.

Entertainment is best ln Disney for me. I don't like comedians, magicians, etc so only a few of Carnival's entertainment sounds interesting to me. RCCL was much better, but we prefer Disney shows just because we like the style of production.

Nightlife was pretty pathetic on Disney. We went to go dancing and that was a flop after a little bit. RCCL wasn't crowded either but at least there were always some people on the dance floor.

Hope this helps! IMO, I liked Disney cruising over RCCL but there are a bunch of things RCCL does better.

Thank you so much. This is very informative!

 

[HopperFan]

- Have not been on Disney but have been on RCL
- RCL nickle and dime? well I wouldn't call it that.
- I call RCL upcharges, optional whereas
- Disney builds those into the cruise, non-optional
- I have rarely spent much more on RCL than cost of cruise
- Other than last time with Drink Pkg which we are doing again
- Every time I price Disney vs RCL .. Disney is DOUBLE the price
- So yes, I would expect LOTS included in that price
- Next cruise is booked for the new Harmony and cabins are very well appointed
- I love the big ships, newer, beautiful, lots of options, never feels crowded and don't feel it moving
- Our last cruise on Oasis, service was exceptional no matter the dining room, a bar or our cabin

One day I hope to go on Disney but right now I can't justify the costs.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

- Have not been on Disney but have been on RCL
- RCL nickle and dime? well I wouldn't call it that.
- I call RCL upcharges, optional whereas
- Disney builds those into the cruise, non-optional
- I have rarely spent much more on RCL than cost of cruise
- Other than last time with Drink Pkg which we are doing again
- Every time I price Disney vs RCL .. Disney is DOUBLE the price
- So yes, I would expect LOTS included in that price
- Next cruise is booked for the new Harmony and cabins are very well appointed
- I love the big ships, newer, beautiful, lots of options, never feels crowded and don't feel it moving
- Our last cruise on Oasis, service was exceptional no matter the dining room, a bar or our cabin

One day I hope to go on Disney but right now I can't justify the costs.

We have just come back from our first cruise on Royal's Anthem of the Seas (after only cruising Disney) and I agree, it's not nickel and diming. It's all optional up charges. There are a lot of options on Royal. Most are complimentary.
Some have a fee, but almost everything I paid for on Royal (alcohol, specialty coffees, specialty dining) I paid on DCL.

 

[HopperFan]

We have just come back from our first cruise on Royal's Anthem of the Seas (after only cruising Disney) and I agree, it's not nickel and diming. It's all optional up charges. There are a lot of options on Royal. Most are complimentary.
Some have a fee, but almost everything I paid for on Royal (alcohol, specialty coffees, specialty dining) I paid on DCL.

Yes, our first RCL cruise, FOS, I think DD and I spent an extra $130 tops. We just didn't need anything special extra. Mostly was drinks and we kept our eyes open for the 2 for 1.

On Oasis, it was DH DS and I. DH & I got the Drink Package. Our TA perks included our Gratuities, 1 Specialty Dinner and OBC. We bought internet to keep in touch with other kids. Other than that spent very little.

Upcoming on Harmony, RCL giving us $100 OBC and TA $325 OBC to that should cover our tips, Specialty Dinner with extra to go towards our internet (keeps us in touch with other kids) which last time they discounted on day one.

When we cruised last, Sept 2015, there were some tables set up to book your extras, internet etc but we didn't find it bothersome at all, and we could have just avoided the area altogether.

 

[Frozen2014]

Ok..you'll get many different responses. I've been on Disney (Magic) once and Royal 3 times (Grandeur, Voyager, Allure ) with another one booked


1. Will we feel the same kind of "Disney" service on a RCC as we do on DCL? The thing I love so much about Disney is that "Disney experience" and service. I've always loved Royal service and never had an issue. Includes room stewards, in main dining room, crew running activites, etc

2. Will we get "nickle and dimed" on RCL like I have heard. I like free room service, free ice cream, free drinks, etc. Are you stuck with bottom of the barrel food in the MDR unless you decide to up charge? What differences are there in extra costs not included in the actual cruise fare? I know soft drinks are not complementary but what else? What extra costs need to be factored in?
It's how you look at it. Soda is not included on Royal in your cruise cost, but rather than being charged upfront for it (as in Disney with its super $$$$), you can choose to add it with or without other drinks (fancy coffees, alcoholic). I think of Royal as flexible to meet your needs as you can purchase only what you would drink. I don't drink soda don't let my kids drink it except on odd occation so why pay for it. Dh does, so he bought the package (for like $8 USD/day). Drink packages were never worth it for us...and you can even bring 2 bottels of wine per stateroom and have them serve it in the MDR.

For others...there are many restaurants included, and there are also specialty. We never bothered with specialty as we liked the existing selection but some do. there is also Johny Rockets which is free at breakfast but minor fee at lunch. There is also a small fee for Character breakfast (on ships with Dreamworks)

Activites are included. Only thing of cost would be say lessons for Flowrider, cupcake decoration class, etc.

3. We most likely won't be taking kids next cruise but how to the kids programs differ? Are they included in the cruise price? Are there as many activities? I we brought kids would they enjoy themselves as much? If we didn't bring kids will there be more kids roaming the ship with no structured and supervised activity to keep them busy?
Our kids didn't go to the kids club but yes it's included. i think maybe after 10pn there is a charge, and note as well that it does shut down sometimes for lunch hour. From what I've heard they run great programs with organized activites. If you go to cruise critic, people often post the kids cruise compass.

4. How about the rooms, what are the differences in size, comfort, quality, amenities? Looking at pics on the RCL website the rooms don't look so appealing.
Many different room options so it depends on what you want, and I love the variety. We've stayed in interior Promenade for a reasonable cost and was lots of fun. Next cruise we have a Boardwalk Balcony booked which overlooks the Boardwalk area with the Aqua theatre, etc. There are also family suites and junior suites but can't comment as we haven't stayed in them.

5. How does the adult entertainment compare? We don't gamble so casinos aren't our thing at all.
Entertainment is amazing. Some ships have Broadway shows (e.g. Allure=Mamma Mia, Harmon=Grease, and others have We Will Rock you, Saturday Night Fever, etc). The Oasis class also has Aqua shows that are incredible, and there are ice shows, headliners, and other variety shows. Depends on the ship.

6. If we do a Caribbean cruise will we be very sad we missed Castaway Cay... I mean heaven?
If you do Western, there is Labadee which is their private island and built up with zipline, aqua park, etc.

7. One big concern is not wanting to sail on a ship the size of the Wonder or Magic again because of motion sickness but we want to do a Alaska cruise someday, does RCL or another line have larger ships that sail to Alaska?
Not sure about this one but I know RCL sails to Alaska

I'm biased to Royal and although I think Disney is amazing for kids, personally for adults and older kids / families I much prefer Royal (the newer ships). Note that Royal has many ships so if you decide on Royal, research on what amenities, activities you like as these vary by ship to ship. My favorite is the Oasis class.

 

[starvenger]

Been on Fantasy once and Allure twice. Going on Harmony in however many days it says in my ticker

Also did Princess once, before we had kids.

1. Will we feel the same kind of "Disney" service on a RCC as we do on DCL? The thing I love so much about Disney is that "Disney experience" and service.

You probably will not. I think the "9" and "7" ratings from an earlier post sound about right. It's not that Royal is bad, but Disney tries very hard in this department.

2. Will we get "nickle and dimed" on RCL like I have heard. I like free room service, free ice cream, free drinks, etc. Are you stuck with bottom of the barrel food in the MDR unless you decide to up charge? What differences are there in extra costs not included in the actual cruise fare? I know soft drinks are not complementary but what else? What extra costs need to be factored in?

As others have stated, it depends on your POV. There are many things that you can get upcharged for on Royal. But of course you are under no obligation to get those extras. Although I would not blame you one bit if you were to pay extra for a "real" coffee. Royal's free coffee is bad. Not as bad as Disney (which was worse than gas station coffee), but still, not very good. I'm bringing a bunch of Starbucks Via with me on my next cruise.

I would factor in at least one specialty restaurant. We never went on Disney because they were adults only, and it seemed unfair to leave the kids out of that experience. I think Royal charges $10 per kid for the specialty restaurants now, so you'd still get n&d, but at less of a rate

3. We most likely won't be taking kids next cruise but how to the kids programs differ? Are they included in the cruise price? Are there as many activities? I we brought kids would they enjoy themselves as much? If we didn't bring kids will there be more kids roaming the ship with no structured and supervised activity to keep them busy?

My kids are still young (6 and 9) and they loved both AO and Oceaneers. However, I was not a fan of the chaotic nature of Oceaneers, and preferred the more streamlined programs AO has. With that said, would not hesitate to leave the kids in either. Second time on Allure my younger one had a broken arm (long story... we almost missed the cruise because of it) and the AO crew did an amazing job keeping her involved in everything and working around her injury.

FWIW, I found there to be more kids roaming around on Fantasy than on Allure. I would chalk that up to Allure being a much larger ship.

4. How about the rooms, what are the differences in size, comfort, quality, amenities? Looking at pics on the RCL website the rooms don't look so appealing.

No complaints on either end, except that Royal doesn't offer shampoo, body wash or lotion. Love the storage space on Royal though.

5. How does the adult entertainment compare? We don't gamble so casinos aren't our thing at all.

I actually missed having the casino on DCL. But I like to challenge myself and see how long I can stretch $100 at the blackjack table. Not everyone's cup of tea.

Production shows were great on both. BUT Disney doesn't have a Cirque-style aqua show like the Oasis class ships do. Comedians are hit or miss, but you can't get adult comedy on Disney, so there's that.

The Royal "Headline act" has been... interesting. First time out we got an ABBA tribute band (hard pass). Second time out we got an impressionist, Jeff Tracta. He was pretty good, although about half of his material skewed older (Rat Pack, George Burns etc.)

6. If we do a Caribbean cruise will we be very sad we missed Castaway Cay... I mean heaven?

You will miss Castaway Cay. Labadee is fine as far as private beaches go. Disney clearly put a lot of time and effort into making CC what it is, and Royal is playing catch up.

7. One big concern is not wanting to sail on a ship the size of the Wonder or Magic again because of motion sickness but we want to do a Alaska cruise someday, does RCL or another line have larger ships that sail to Alaska?

Any other info or suggestions would be great. I'm sure there are others with similar questions as mine so I hope others will add to the discussion as well. Thanks

I've not been to Alaska (it's on my list) so unfortunately I can't answer this.

Hope that helps. FWIW, I didn't enjoy DCL as much as Royal, but I'm glad I at least tried.

 

[moericus]

2. "Nickle and dime" on RCCL. I thought I was prepared but couldn't help comparing with Disney while on board. Coffee at dinner is an add-on charge. I love taking coffee with my dessert but unwilling to pay extra.

Coffee and Tea have never been an additional charge at dinner or anywhere on a RCCL ship. In recent years, fees have started for coffee with in a Starbucks cup and specialty coffee drinks that would require a barista anyway.

That being said the Anthem nickel and dime'd me the most of any RCCL ship we have ever sailed. I did not participate in it because there were free alternatives for sweets, snacks, coffee, etc... But I certainly noticed it to the point where it annoyed me. It is just getting to be a little much for a vacation that I personally consider as a full package to begin with. Maybe it is because they offer so many deals with onboard credit now. I hope it is just a trend that will die out sooner than later.

Also, surprised to read so many negative reviews about Adventure Ocean (RCCL kid's club). I can promise anyone reading that my elementary school-aged kids are big fans.

 

[HopperFan]

I DON'T get it!! I've asked this question too, and I am always FLOORED by the number of people pushing "Disney service". I must be on a don't bother list because we've been on three cruises and I have never seen anything out of the ordinary. All we can figure is since we don't have kids we don't get the magic show and have a server cut up the beef. Otherwise, they're just giving the same good service we expect and get elsewhere.

Maybe when we sail RCCL we'll be blown away by how BAD it is?

This is my concern ... we are all adults but DS1 is disabled. He loves Disney and would love a Disney cruise but my fear is that it's so geared for the kids that we will be "ignored".... and for double the price I want to be fawned over.

On RCL he is treated like a king. The gave us the perfect table (we requested parameters), awesome servers who had multiple shrimp cocktails or fruit cups and cokes waiting for him upon arrival. They cut his food up every night in a kind way telling us we were on vacation they will take care of him. Top to bottom we were treated so well, and he was made to feel so special .... booking our next we explored many options but my gut just kept saying "I don't think the service is going to be a nice" (all our RCL have had top service).

 

[Jenn Dobbs]

Yes, our first RCL cruise, FOS, I think DD and I spent an extra $130 tops. We just didn't need anything special extra. Mostly was drinks and we kept our eyes open for the 2 for 1.

On Oasis, it was DH DS and I. DH & I got the Drink Package. Our TA perks included our Gratuities, 1 Specialty Dinner and OBC. We bought internet to keep in touch with other kids. Other than that spent very little.

Upcoming on Harmony, RCL giving us $100 OBC and TA $325 OBC to that should cover our tips, Specialty Dinner with extra to go towards our internet (keeps us in touch with other kids) which last time they discounted on day one.

When we cruised last, Sept 2015, there were some tables set up to book your extras, internet etc but we didn't find it bothersome at all, and we could have just avoided the area altogether.

Who is your travel agent?

 

[HopperFan]

Who is your travel agent?

I don't think I'm allowed to post that on here. Once you have 10 posts to your name, send me a private message ("Start Conversation") and I can let you know. We have used them 3 times and my cousin MANY times (and she used to be a TA). They have been great. Last cruise they even took care of dropping our fare when RCL had a big sale happen saving our family of 3 another $600.

 

[LSUfan4444]

1. Will we feel the same kind of "Disney" service on a RCC as we do on DCL? The thing I love so much about Disney is that "Disney experience" and service.

Ther service on DCL is second to none for family type cruising. Its certainly possible to get the same service on RC (Ive gotten it before on RC) but I'd say the service is more consistent on DCL.

2. Will we get "nickle and dimed" on RCL like I have heard. I like free room service, free ice cream, free drinks, etc. Are you stuck with bottom of the barrel food in the MDR unless you decide to up charge? What differences are there in extra costs not included in the actual cruise fare? I know soft drinks are not complementary but what else? What extra costs need to be factored in?

No, you won't be nickeled and dimed. For what you may miss in "free room service" you can make up in other free things.

3. We most likely won't be taking kids next cruise but how to the kids programs differ? Are they included in the cruise price? Are there as many activities? I we brought kids would they enjoy themselves as much? If we didn't bring kids will there be more kids roaming the ship with no structured and supervised activity to keep them busy?

Without knowing how old you're kids are it's hard to say but alot of the RC ships has more for older kids to do (slides, rock climbing walls, flowrider, ice skating, etc). The kids areas and staff don't measure up to DCL but there are more activities outside of the kids areas generally (again, varies ship by ship).

4. How about the rooms, what are the differences in size, comfort, quality, amenities? Looking at pics on the RCL website the rooms don't look so appealing.

For the most part when you can find on DCL you can find on RC except for the number of split bathrooms.

5. How does the adult entertainment compare? We don't gamble so casinos aren't our thing at all.

Probably better on RC in my opinion.

6. If we do a Caribbean cruise will we be very sad we missed Castaway Cay... I mean heaven?

Impossible to answer how sad you will be. Castaway Cay is nice, but if you give me San Juan or St Maarten instead of Castaway, I'm not complaining at all. There is nothing I can do on Castaway I cant do other places in the caribbean except for maybe run a 5K as soon as I get off the ship or drop my daughter off at some island daycare.

7. One big concern is not wanting to sail on a ship the size of the Wonder or Magic again because of motion sickness but we want to do a Alaska cruise someday, does RCL or another line have larger ships that sail to Alaska?

Those cruises yield smaller ships and most of them will be similar in size i believe.

 

[starvenger]

Also, surprised to read so many negative reviews about Adventure Ocean (RCCL kid's club). I can promise anyone reading that my elementary school-aged kids are big fans.

Well, the structure is almost like a summer day camp. If kids don't like that, or if they're used to roaming as they do in Oceaneer's, they'll probably be disappointed.

 

[NancyIL]

This thread was started in January 2014, but since I just returned from 3 consecutive Radiance of the Seas cruises in Hawaii and Alaska - I'll add my 2 cents!

BACKGROUND

I have been on 15 Royal Caribbean cruises on 11 different ships. I haven't sailed on anything larger than a Voyager-class ship, such as Explorer of the Seas - which currently sails round-trip Alaska cruises from Seattle. I prefer RCI's smaller and older Radiance-class ships, as I generally cruise for the itinerary and not for the ship as a destination.

I have also sailed on 6 Disney cruises on all 4 ships. There's a lot of "Wow" on the Dream and Fantasy, but I also like the Magic and Wonder. I'm really looking forward to my April 2018 Panama Canal cruise on the Wonder.

The remainder of my cruises were on Princess (5), Celebrity (4), and Holland America (HAL - 4). I enjoyed all of them, and would choose any again for the right itinerary and price.

SERVICE

Only Disney can give you the Disney-ness of "Disney service." Having said that, some of my best dinner servers have been on both RCI and Disney, and the worst dinner servers were on 1 Disney cruise.

NICKEL AND DIMING

The only charges on my last Royal cruise were the daily gratuities of $13.50 pp. I don't drink alcohol/soda/coffee, didn't eat at upcharge restaurants, didn't go to the spa, and resisted buying any merchandise onboard. Whereas on Disney - I usually go to Palo once each for brunch and dinner, and Disney merchandise is harder for me to resist!

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

I don't cruise with kids, so I can't comment about the clubs on either line. My preference is to cruise with fewer kids, so longer cruises during the school year on other cruise lines result in seeing nary a minor!

CABINS

I usually book inside cabins. Disney's are larger than those of most other cruise lines, but I don't like Disney's new beds that can't be separated into twins. The split bathrooms on DCL are handy for families, but I found them to be more of a nuisance for just two people. Example: Get up in the morning to pee in one bathroom, then switch to the other bathroom to take a shower!

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

Disney's production shows are among my favorite, and having lots of films to choose from in the movie theater is great. I like RCI's production shows, too, and RCI tends to have a lot more "adult" activities going on. However, most don't interest me, as I rarely stay awake past 10 or 11!

PRIVATE ISLANDS

As beaches go, Castaway Cay is very nice. However, I'm not a big beach fan, so I stay there only until I've eaten the BBQ lunch, then return to the ship. My only RCI cruise that visited a private island was Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Unfortunately, it was too windy to tender, so we missed it. Castaway Cay has a dock, but ships occasionally can't stop there either due to high winds.

ALASKA

I am sensitive to the motion of the ocean, so I take Meclizine - the main ingredient in Bonine. If the seas are rough, you'll feel it even on larger cruise ships.

I have cruised to Alaska 6 times: twice on Princess (1 northbound from Vancouver plus an independent land trip, and 1 round trip from Seattle ); twice on HAL (1 northbound from Vancouver plus an independent land trip, and 1 14-night round trip from Seattle); and my recent back-to-back one-way RCI cruises on Radiance of the Seas.

I think the itinerary is the most important factor when choosing an Alaska cruise. Sailing from Vancouver (whether one way or round trip) gives you a smoother ride and more scenic sailing than a round-trip cruise from Seattle. I don't like the trend to ever larger ships sailing in Alaska, as it overwhelms the small port towns - and most of those larger ships sail from Seattle.

Disney has a decent round-trip itinerary from Vancouver. I used to poo-poo it for sailing to Tracy Arm, rather than to Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. (DCL doesn't have permits for Glacier Bay, but neither does RCI or Celebrity.) However, Tracy Arm is a beautiful fjord, and Disney tends to allot more time to sailing it than other cruise lines do. For those who want a Disney cruise experience in Alaska and are willing to pay Disney's high price tag - it's a reasonable choice.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I definitely do not smile as much on the other cruise lines as I do on Disney. I have sailed a lot, over 50 cruises, probably the same number of nights on DCL and RCCL ( we are Diamond there) Princess ( enough to get free Internet) and Carnival.
We are not traveling with children any more. We are senior adults traveling with a wide range of friends.
I enjoy the family shows, the service and the characters most on DCL.