Disney vs. Royal Caribbean

[shelley2]

I am planning a three generation trip, and am considering both Disney and Royal Caribbean for a 7 day western caribbean cruise. Has anyone been on both? I would like to know who has better/ larger staterooms, kids programs, and adult activities. Various family members have raised questions about who has a pool that adults can actually swim laps in, and if there are adequate business services if they need to contact the office. I want to find the ship that is the best mix for kids, parents and grandparents. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[iloverags2]

We've been on both. I'll try and do my best to help you out.

who has better/ larger staterooms...Disney's are by far larger, more attractive and family friendly. Disney has some of the largest staterooms in the industry. They are decorated very nicely as opposed to RCCL, where we found the staterooms to be rather plain and drab. Also, Disney's staterooms at category 10 and higher are known for their split bathroom configuration, where the toilet and sink are in one bathroom, and the shower in a seperate bathroom. In makes getting dressed for dinner and such much speedier.

kids programs...On Disney we sat at dinner with a family who had a pre-teen daughter. She raved about the teen club and programs. While on RCCL, there were very few mentions of the kids programs, although we didn't hear anything negative either. Being that it's Disney, I would imagine theirs to be the best.

adult activities...This is where RCCL probably beats out Disney if you are looking for casino's and vegas style shows. While we prefer the Disney Broadway style shows and low-key disco's, it might not be the excitement others are looking for. Depends mostly on taste.

who has a pool that adults can actually swim laps in...You won't find a pool that large without a crowd of people on a ship! Well, you may be able to find it, but it is difficult. We managed a few short laps in the Disney adult's only pool, but they were short laps. RCCL, if I remember correctly was similar. But there were more people in the pool, most likely due to the fact they don't seperate kids, families and adults pools as Disney does.

adequate business services if they need to contact the office...Both Disney and RCCL had adequate services. Disney's internet connection can sometimes be slow, so if you go on them, choose the entire trip internet access package instead of billed by the hour.

We enjoyed both cruises, but must say Disney was more enjoyable for the stateroom alone. Of course, with husband being 6'7" anywhere he gets more room automatically becomes his favorite!

 

[inkkognito]

We have done 19 Disney cruises and 4 on Royal Caribbean (I'm sure you can guess which one I prefer ). But here are some general comments/comparisons:
-Disney definitely has the larger staterooms, even when compared to RCCL's newer ships (we've been on Voyager and Radiance). Also, the lifeboats on Radiance stick out so that if your verandah is above them, they obstruct your view.
-Food is good on both, but RCCL has more variety (I LOVE their soups!).
-Personally, I think Disney is better for adults because of their adults-only areas. RCCL supposedly has some on some of its ships, but enforcement was non-existant. On Disney, the kids never seem to be underfoot, whereas they were EVERYWHERE on our Alaskan trip.
-Entertainment is great on both, although different. Disney fans will love Disney Dreams, but the ice show on Voyager was spectacular in a different kind of way. And on Viking Serenade, a SMALL ship, the shows obviously did not have the major production values because the theater was so tiny, but I thought they did a great job in such a limited space.
-Both lines offer competent service, but I find Disney's crew to be friendlier.
-Castaway Cay is AWESOME, but we also enjoyed RCCL's island, CocoCay, in a different kind of way (it is not themed like Castaway is, but it was still nice). But RCCL's other supposed "private" island, Labadee, is TERRIBLE!! It is not private, and the natives shake you down for money just to sit in a beach chair or to leave the restroom.
These are just some random thoughts. Hope they help!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com