Harmony of the Seas from DCL

[Sleepyluke]

I posted this over on RC, but not nearly as much activity over there and you people have the same addictions that we do.

We are 9x DCL cruisers and love the laid back atmosphere and kids activities. BUT, the constant price increases have gotten over our heads now. I have seen the DCL is double the price of RC for a while but never found significant savings for times we were looking. Well fast forward looking to October 2025, DCL week is over $6k while RC is under $3k with the current deals out of Galveston on the Magic vs Harmony. While I know it won't be Disney, will we be disappointed? We are not fans of a Vegas atmosphere and really want to relax and disconnect for week. I know there are tons of kids activities, but is it non stop lights and glitz?

Also, some love it or hate it, but can you still tell you are on a ship? i love the rocking motion of the ship and don't want to turn into a floating Vegas if that makes sense. Nothing wrong with it, millions of people love it, but that is not what I want to cruise for.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

We sailed on the Harmony way back when she was new. Don't recall any Vegas atmosphere unless you went to some of the shows or the casino. We enjoyed it and felt it was fairly close to DCL in quality.

Things can change over the years though so more recent Harmony cruisers could give you a more up to date comparison.

 

[holula]

I’ve been on Oasis and apart from the food, I had a great time. It’s definitely not a floating Vegas.

 

[dreamer17555]

I was just on the Allure. It is not Vegas but it is much louder IMO vs DCL. Tons of music (a bunch of it live) everywhere and even the Solarium wasn't exactly quiet. However the shows were actually better than DCL (and I do not say that lightly.) I missed all the trivia, drawing, cooking classes on DCL because I like calmer activities but if the price works I would give it a try

 

[OKW Lover]

I responded to your other post but now that I read this one with a bit more info let me suggest that you waste no more time and go ahead with booking the Harmony. The price difference is huge.

I would suggest however that on the Harmony you book an ocean view balcony. They have interior balcony rooms as well, but all that does is look across the ship at the rooms on the other side of central park/boardwalk

The ship is big, but yes, it does still move a bit and you'll know you are on a ship.

 

[retlaw_yensid]

I'll be honest. I have not cruised any other line other then DCL, so I don't have true first-person experience with any of this. But I have watched a number of YouTube vlogs by people that have. And the #1 concern that I keep seeing with "cheaper" cruise lines is that they seem to nickle-and-dime you for things that are otherwise included with DCL.

For instance:

• I keep seeing people having to buy a separate drink package (for the sodas, etc that are included with DCL).
• On other cruise lines, it seems that the number of dining locations included with their base cost were very limited, compared to the rotating dining and buffet options included on DCL.
• On other cruise lines, there seem to be a lot of on-board activities and rides that cost extra. I don't recall seeing too many of those on DCL.
• On other cruise lines, at their private island ports, there seem to be a lot of areas that cost extra just to enter. I don't recall Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point charging to go into separate areas on their islands.

Other cruise lines like to brag about their prices being lower. But when you're done with their cruise and add up all of the "extras" that you had to pay for to make the experience equivalent, I often wonder how much of a difference would it be then?

 

[dreamer17555]

I'll be honest. I have not cruised any other line other then DCL, so I don't have true first-person experience with any of this. But I have watched a number of YouTube vlogs by people that have. And the #1 concern that I keep seeing with "cheaper" cruise lines is that they seem to nickle-and-dime you for things that are otherwise included with DCL.

For instance:

• I keep seeing people having to buy a separate drink package (for the sodas, etc that are included with DCL).
• On other cruise lines, it seems that the number of dining locations included with their base cost were very limited, compared to the rotating dining and buffet options included on DCL.
• On other cruise lines, there seem to be a lot of on-board activities and rides that cost extra. I don't recall seeing too many of those on DCL.
• On other cruise lines, at their private island ports, there seem to be a lot of areas that cost extra just to enter. I don't recall Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point charging to go into separate areas on their islands.

Other cruise lines like to brag about their prices being lower. But when you're done with their cruise and add up all of the "extras" that you had to pay for to make the experience equivalent, I often wonder how much of a difference would it be then?

As a very loyal to DCL cruiser let me address this-

I did a 4 night Allure of the Seas for 2 ppl in a guaranteed Oceanview balcony in Oct. They had so many more included dining options (like the buffet opened for dinner and Loco fresh, and Johnny Rocket's breakfast), we spent zero for any onboard activity (included with cost- ice skating, flow rider, rock climbing, zip-lining, mini golf, sports deck). We also spent no more at Coco Cay than DCL (we rented a float before the cruise for $10, we would do the same at Castaway) and my son loved the giant pool with underwater speakers. And the show were better than DCL (and I hate admitting that)- Dive show, Ice show, First night main stage show, comedians, and a full production of Mamma Mia that was as good as any national tour I have seen of it.

The entire cost spent for the soda package x2 (basically getting me what I get on DCL), tips, float rental, fare, and port and taxes was just under 1k. There is no way that you can get a 4 night for 2ppl for the price and that was with a soda package.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I'll be honest. I have not cruised any other line other then DCL, so I don't have true first-person experience with any of this. But I have watched a number of YouTube vlogs by people that have. And the #1 concern that I keep seeing with "cheaper" cruise lines is that they seem to nickle-and-dime you for things that are otherwise included with DCL.

For instance:

• I keep seeing people having to buy a separate drink package (for the sodas, etc that are included with DCL).
• On other cruise lines, it seems that the number of dining locations included with their base cost were very limited, compared to the rotating dining and buffet options included on DCL.
• On other cruise lines, there seem to be a lot of on-board activities and rides that cost extra. I don't recall seeing too many of those on DCL.
• On other cruise lines, at their private island ports, there seem to be a lot of areas that cost extra just to enter. I don't recall Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point charging to go into separate areas on their islands.

Other cruise lines like to brag about their prices being lower. But when you're done with their cruise and add up all of the "extras" that you had to pay for to make the experience equivalent, I often wonder how much of a difference would it be then?

Just pointing out that these are some of the myths perpetually repeated on this forum.

- DCL includes soda only and does not offer drink packages. The mainstream cruise lines offer soda packages for $10-$15pp, per day. Soda can also be purchased for $2 to $3 per drink, spending on the cruise line and whether it’s fountain or canned. A lot of people make a big deal about soda but the reality is that if purchasing a la carte, the total spend will be minimal for the average person as most people don’t consume that much soda per day; they consume more on DCL because it’s readily available.

Alcohol packages include soda. This fourm acts as if these packages are for drunks, but most pay for themselves with a few alcoholic beverages that the typical DCL passenger consumes anyway.. You also get access to an array of beverages that are not offered or are an upcharge on DCL. Depending on the cruise line and or promo, if mom and dad purchase an alcohol package, the kids (12 and under) get a free soda package.

So alas, purchasing a drink package elsewhere can save money.

- rotational dining is simply themed MDR. The growing number of upcharge restaurants elsewhere are premium options. As a bonus, some cruise lines offer select items from these restaurants for free during lunch hours. Even with the Wish, DCL’s dining options are very lacking compared to other cruise lines. Before somebody response with “that’s what makes DCL better,” the Adventure is clearly moving in the same direction as the other guys (more premium a la cart options).

Also, not sure how you think DCL had better buffet option considering it’s the only mainstream cruise line not to open it for dinner.

- most anything that costs extra elsewhere (including private islands) does not exist on DCL - but there’s plenty of free activities on the other guys that don’t exist on DCL. And many of those activities have high appeal toward teens, a demographic that has historically rejected cursing.

Again, with the Adventure, DCL is headed in the same direction as the other guys…

 

[retlaw_yensid]

As a very loyal to DCL cruiser let me address this-

I did a 4 night Allure of the Seas for 2 ppl in a guaranteed Oceanview balcony in Oct. They had so many more included dining options (like the buffet opened for dinner and Loco fresh, and Johnny Rocket's breakfast), we spent zero for any onboard activity (included with cost- ice skating, flow rider, rock climbing, zip-lining, mini golf, sports deck). We also spent no more at Coco Cay than DCL (we rented a float before the cruise for $10, we would do the same at Castaway) and my son loved the giant pool with underwater speakers. And the show were better than DCL (and I hate admitting that)- Dive show, Ice show, First night main stage show, comedians, and a full production of Mamma Mia that was as good as any national tour I have seen of it.

The entire cost spent for the soda package x2 (basically getting me what I get on DCL), tips, float rental, fare, and port and taxes was just under 1k. There is no way that you can get a 4 night for 2ppl for the price and that was with a soda package.

Just pointing out that these are some of the myths perpetually repeated on this forum.

- DCL includes soda only and does not offer drink packages. The mainstream cruise lines offer soda packages for $10-$15pp, per day. Soda can also be purchased for $2 to $3 per drink, spending on the cruise line and whether it’s fountain or canned. A lot of people make a big deal about soda but the reality is that if purchasing a la carte, the total spend will be minimal for the average person as most people don’t consume that much soda per day; they consume more on DCL because it’s readily available.

Alcohol packages include soda. This fourm acts as if these packages are for drunks, but most pay for themselves with a few alcoholic beverages that the typical DCL passenger consumes anyway.. You also get access to an array of beverages that are not offered or are an upcharge on DCL. Depending on the cruise line and or promo, if mom and dad purchase an alcohol package, the kids (12 and under) get a free soda package.

So alas, purchasing a drink package elsewhere can save money.

- rotational dining is simply themed MDR. The growing number of upcharge restaurants elsewhere are premium options. As a bonus, some cruise lines offer select items from these restaurants for free during lunch hours. Even with the Wish, DCL’s dining options are very lacking compared to other cruise lines. Before somebody response with “that’s what makes DCL better,” the Adventure is clearly moving in the same direction as the other guys (more premium a la cart options).

Also, not sure how you think DCL had better buffet option considering it’s the only mainstream cruise line not to open it for dinner.

- most anything that costs extra elsewhere (including private islands) does not exist on DCL - but there’s plenty of free activities on the other guys that don’t exist on DCL. And many of those activities have high appeal toward teens, a demographic that has historically rejected cursing.

Again, with the Adventure, DCL is headed in the same direction as the other guys…

Feel better?

 

[dreamer17555]

Feel better?

You posted information that was based off not personal experience but what you had gathered from vlogs. I was sharing accurate information that I personally experienced. The idea that the cost of DCL is close to the cost of Royal with a soda package is not true (I wish it was).

My son much prefers the Vibe to the Living Room teen space on Royal which is why we have 3 DCL sailings booked in the next 4 months trying to max out his time in Vibe before he turns 18 at the end of Feb (and we might add a 4th). But after he is 18? We will likely sail more often on Royal assuming the price is right.

 

[toontoy]

I will say Disney only includes soda at the top deck area and the dining rooms. my wife ordered it at a bar by the theatre and room service as was charged for it. with royal we just paid the price and got it whenever i needed it (caffeine and gingerail helps both me and my wife with seasickness).

having sailed disney, Royal and princess I can say we spent the most onboard with disney. the light up cup upsells at restaraunts the other 2 didnt do and other optional things like that with kid activites.iI actually find disney has more upcharges then royal. our last Disney cruise we spent about $350 onboard (mainly food bevrage trinkets we dont drink alcohol or buy anything at the stores) and with royal it was zero. prepaid the drink package. we usually prepay gratuities and don't do excursions as we do that ourselves.


cruise lines are very similar to hotel brands. We travel with Hilton. My brother with Marriott. both are about the same. i would look at the ships.

 

[holula]

Also chiming in to say I spend less on other cruise lines onboard. There isn’t any need to purchase any of their upcharge things and they offer a LOT of pay for things that Disney don’t.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Feel better?

Nah, I felt better twenty years ago when people could actually have a quality conversation of these forums.

 

[retlaw_yensid]

Nah, I felt better twenty years ago when people could actually have a quality conversation of these forums.

Was ready to engage in one, until you essentially told me to shut up and sit down because I didn't know what I was talking about.

 

[Sleepyluke]

I think my Vegas feel analogy may be off, maybe it is just a loud and somewhat less "relaxed" type feel from what I can tell.

I am ok even if we put an additional $500 toward the sodas/restaurant/"nickel and dime" stuff, but would really want to pre pay as much as we can, simply for the feel of all inclusive, and we would still be significantly ahead.

I just have never been able to get a RC vs DCL to work out with more than a $300 difference so we always chose DCL, in my head saying that we would go RC if the price was right. Well right now the RC is on sale and DCL has gotten significantly more expensive, so here we are considering it.

I really think our kids would love it, but it is the polar opposite of what makes me love cruising. Magic is my favorite ship, just feels like home.

We are also the people that like to go the the same location over and over because we have a great time there, but would probably love going somewhere different too. Even if not the best trip ever, it can still be pretty good, and might just be the best trip ever!

And to make it even worse, the Magic is a 7 might, Harmony is an 8, so price is even further apart...

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I think my Vegas feel analogy may be off, maybe it is just a loud and somewhat less "relaxed" type feel from what I can tell.

I am ok even if we put an additional $500 toward the sodas/restaurant/"nickel and dime" stuff, but would really want to pre pay as much as we can, simply for the feel of all inclusive, and we would still be significantly ahead.

I just have never been able to get a RC vs DCL to work out with more than a $300 difference so we always chose DCL, in my head saying that we would go RC if the price was right. Well right now the RC is on sale and DCL has gotten significantly more expensive, so here we are considering it.

I really think our kids would love it, but it is the polar opposite of what makes me love cruising. Magic is my favorite ship, just feels like home.

We are also the people that like to go the the same location over and over because we have a great time there, but would probably love going somewhere different too. Even if not the best trip ever, it can still be pretty good, and might just be the best trip ever!

And to make it even worse, the Magic is a 7 might, Harmony is an 8, so price is even further apart...

How many passengers can Harmony hold? The Magic is our favorite too so whenever we sail on anything larger than that, it feels sooo crowded.
It's Carnival that has that glizty Vegas feeling. RCCL isn't that way but still left me feeling like I missed the Disney vibe. I like hearing Little Mermaid music while riding the elevator. I like Mickey shaped waffles. I like lounging in the sun watching Monsters Inc.
At the pool, we had to sign out towels and would be charged $20 each if it wasn't returned. So it left me nagging our kids every 10 minutes about where they absent-mindedly left their towel. It's such a minor thing but irks me so much. As if I really want to steal their nasty jzm-stained towels. No thanks.

 

[Sleepyluke]

How many passengers can Harmony hold? The Magic is our favorite too so whenever we sail on anything larger than that, it feels sooo crowded.
It's Carnival that has that glizty Vegas feeling. RCCL isn't that way but still left me feeling like I missed the Disney vibe. I like hearing Little Mermaid music while riding the elevator. I like Mickey shaped waffles. I like lounging in the sun watching Monsters Inc.
At the pool, we had to sign out towels and would be charged $20 each if it wasn't returned. So it left me nagging our kids every 10 minutes about where they absent-mindedly left their towel. It's such a minor thing but irks me so much. As if I really want to steal their nasty jzm-stained towels. No thanks.

max is 6,500 with it saying it typically sails at about 5,500. That is ALOT of your closest friends..... but at 226,000 tons - 41 people per ton

Magic is 2,700 at 87,000 tons - 32 people per ton

Disney Wish shows to hold 4,000 at 144,000 tons - 36 people per ton

Disney Fantasy shows 4,000 at 130,000 tons 32.5 people per ton

Yes I know this is a very flawed way of looking at things, but I can't quantify how many people that is in my head except for the feeling of adding 9 extra people in your space everywhere you go on Harmony.

Anyway. that is my math lesson for the day.

Just debating the idea of not going on a cruise at all with DCL, or try and take the chance on RC????

 

[starvenger]

Harmony holds a lot of people... but the design of the Oasis class does a great job of spreading people out. I think the only time you really feel the large number of people is during those 45 minute "parties" in the Promenade or when a production show ends.

 

[Sleepyluke]

Harmony holds a lot of people... but the design of the Oasis class does a great job of spreading people out. I think the only time you really feel the large number of people is during those 45 minute "parties" in the Promenade or when a production show ends.

That is actually very good to hear

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Was ready to engage in one, until you essentially told me to shut up and sit down because I didn't know what I was talking about.

FWIW I don't think either of the poster's comments had the feel of what you took away, they seemed pretty fair in trying to hit on what you talked about. I also thought your comment as a whole was fine because you were thinking about what you had not been charged for.

But also FWIW I think if you're going to say the below then I do think it's fair that people point out this might be a perception issue at play with what other cruise lines are and what DCL is as if DCL doesn't charge for example 18% gratuity on a variety of purchases (so you're already at a high price point just add more now) for example.

Other cruise lines like to brag about their prices being lower. But when you're done with their cruise and add up all of the "extras" that you had to pay for to make the experience equivalent,

For the OP they are talking double the price and it may be hard to rack up $3K extra then account for things on DCL like the 18% on a variety of purchases.

On other cruise lines, it seems that the number of dining locations included with their base cost were very limited, compared to the rotating dining and buffet options included on DCL.

To this point I don't think anyone can argue against how very high Remy and Enchante are for example on DCL. But I think hiding some of the allusion about a perceived value in dining options for dinner at least may be how DCL does the rotational dining, in so much that do you really have as many options when part of the restaurants are really just Disney shifting you each night from one place to the next, the access is still limited to you, but the theme places are a plus for DCL.