Just got off Royal Caribbean, nothing compares to DCL!

[DisneyDoc5]

It definitely varies. I rank them :

1.) Magic
2.) Fantasy
3.) Wonder
4.) Dream

So for me, we did the Wonder twice, then the Magic twice, then the Dream, then the Fantasy twice.

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This discussion has made me ponder what the comparison is amongst the DCL ships, as far as the Dis fans are concerned. Having only the Fantasy as my benchmark with DCL, and being booked on the Fantasy for our next DCL cruise, I wonder now after reading some of the feedback about the Dream if perhaps the classic ships would be a better choice in the future if trying something different within DCL. As someone that enjoys the big ships that are 'newer', does anyone have any feedback about how I might react to the Wonder or Magic? I can get over not having the Aquaduck (even though we ALL loved it!). Just curious about the feedback from those that have sailed both the classic and new Disney ships. Thanks! This is all making me want to book another one! Not happening!

 

[bumbershoot]

You said RCI does not allow BYOB. That's correct.

I was just reading on cruisecritic (b/c we got off the 3 night Dream yearning to get back to RCCL (though wishing we could bring our assistant waiter and one of the concierge staff with us, LOL) and now I'm looking up everything I've missed since our honeymoon cruise on Radiance) that you are now allowed 2 bottles of wine per stateroom on RCCL. Better than it was before! And just right (if a bit generous) for me, since I'm the only one in the family that drinks anything boozey.



Looking at the pictures of Fiona and Shrek I'm completely reminded of the unmoving faces of Mickey, Minnie, and the Ducks....

As someone that enjoys the big ships that are 'newer', does anyone have any feedback about how I might react to the Wonder or Magic?

It's a good question, and one I had, too. We tried to add oomph to our first Disney cruise, since it was so short, by adding concierge and, of course, now can't imagine being on a different Disney ship and/or without concierge. We knew it would happen but hoped it wouldn't. Silly us. The 3 night was just way too short, and 4 isn't that much longer, but there's just no other choice with the Dream. (and, of course, no choice in our wallet to do a 7 day concierge, LOL)

 

[jadedjojo]

This discussion has made me ponder what the comparison is amongst the DCL ships, as far as the Dis fans are concerned. Having only the Fantasy as my benchmark with DCL, and being booked on the Fantasy for our next DCL cruise, I wonder now after reading some of the feedback about the Dream if perhaps the classic ships would be a better choice in the future if trying something different within DCL. As someone that enjoys the big ships that are 'newer', does anyone have any feedback about how I might react to the Wonder or Magic? I can get over not having the Aquaduck (even though we ALL loved it!). Just curious about the feedback from those that have sailed both the classic and new Disney ships. Thanks! This is all making me want to book another one! Not happening!

For me the smaller ships are more cozy. I feel I can find my way around easier (not taking into account I've been on the Wonder so much- I was on the Dream for a B2B and on the 6th day was still getting lost). I like that there are less people in general, less people at the buffet, less people at the soda stations. I love the way the Cove is set up on the Wonder. The smaller ships are my home away from home.

Now as for the topic of other lines, DH and I have only ever sailed on Disney and are having a hard time switching brands. For example... when the new itineraries came out a few weeks ago, the Fantasy itinerary that had a stop in Jamaica caught my eye. After our OB discount, it will come to around $2250 (after tax) for our sailing for an oceanview. I checked into RCCL, and they had a 7-day that was a comparable itinerary on Freedom of the Seas for $2310 (after tax) for an oceanview. So it was comparable pricing... but then I started to think about that $200 OBC Disney would give us. The free sodas that DCL gives us. And Castaway Cay. I've even been trying to pay attention to last minute deals on RCCL, and what seems like a good deal ends up being the same as I pay for DCL. (And I want to add that I have NOTHING against RCCL- in fact I look forward to sailing on them one day... if you can ever pry me away from Mickey Mouse). But I just can't justify us going on another line at the moment.

Now we've been looking at a 14-day exotic southern Caribbean cruise on Celebrity for our 15th anniversary, and that is mainly because of the different itinerary. I told DH long ago that variety in itineraries would be what made us try another line from DCL, but I guess DCL read my mind and that's why they started these new ports and itineraries . I don't remember what my point was LOL.

Besides that I <3 me some DCL .

(PS- I see you guys talking about perks on RCCL and Celebrity. If you go on Celebrity first, do you get any perks on RCCL? I am reading the posts, but I only know DCL language so the RCCL-Celebrity language is a little Greek to me ).

 

[FJS961]

45 days until I see what another cruise line is like. It feels weird, only sailed DCL so far and so familiar with the ships, policies, atmosphere, vibe.

The ship I'm going on will be getting a $30 million dry dock refurbish right before I sail her and I hope that helps. Going in with very low expectations for the ship itself.

 

[nicnac0404]

45 days until I see what another cruise line is like. It feels weird, only sailed DCL so far and so familiar with the ships, policies, atmosphere, vibe.

The ship I'm going on will be getting a $30 million dry dock refurbish right before I sail her and I hope that helps. Going in with very low expectations for the ship itself.

What RCCL ship?

 

[FJS961]

What RCCL ship?

not RCI, NCL Pride of America, the US flagged ship with US crew and US labor laws, yada yada. The reviews are so very mixed citing poor service especially but we are using it as a Hawaiian island hopper - no sea days, heck, the ship stays overnight twice spending around 100 hours in port during one week.

I'm looking at perhaps RCI Liberty out of San Juan for a southern caribbean cruise - at least they are sailing during the kids school break in 2014. I wish I could do it on the Magic but those darn kids and school

 

[woody73]

. . . you are now allowed 2 bottles of wine per stateroom on RCCL. Better than it was before!

You are correct. RCI changed it's policy since the last time I checked.

Woody

 

[GatorMomInNC]

I've sailed Disney, RCCL, Carnival and Celebrity.

I think the food is good on Carnival and the price cannot be beat. I do like Carnival but it is more like what I do when I just HAVE to cruise but really shouldn't be spending the money, or if I am looking for a certain itinerary and the cruise ship is secondary consideration.

The food is the best on Celebrity and I would love to cruise again especially on the Eclipse or one of those classes of ships. I have some great memories from Celebrity - of just relaxing and enjoying myself, the dining room, the good food, the beautiful ship (it was the Century, which is not even one of their nicer ships anymore). If it was just me and the hubby, that is what I would do.

RCCL (the one cruise I went on, 10 years ago this year) didn't impress me much. I don't remember the name of the ship, I don't remember what the dining room looked like, the public rooms, the pool, the food - nothing. That doesn't mean it was bad - just...meh. I have heard good things about the Oasis and the Allure, and when my kids are older I plan to try those to out to see if they like them.

But DCL...I have tons of great memories flooding my brain right now. I can think of so many times I just was so happy and content on a Disney cruise. Honestly, so many times on DCL I can just be walking down the hall with a sh#! eating grin on my face because I am so enjoying myself!!

I do think a lot of it is that my kids have such a great time and that means I can enjoy myself and I can enjoy watching them. Also, for the most part, you are going to be cruising with either other families, or people who appreciate the Disney brand, and the majority of the people you meet on the cruise are awesome.

Wow - I did not know that about the Elite status on Celebrity! Very interesting, we have Celebrity on our radar for our next cruise (without kids, we already have our next kid cruise booked on DCL), we have heard so many good things about them! Thanks for the tip!

We tried Princess and it was just an ok experience, we prefer RC over Princess. But as others have mentioned, you can't base your opinions on just one experience, if that was the case I would have a rough time getting back on DCL - we sailed through hurricane Sandy on our last 2 days and it wasn't fun - but that is ANOTHER topic and that thread got REALLY ugly, so suffice to say, we still had a great cruise despite the weather!

 

[SG101]

For me the smaller ships are more cozy. I feel I can find my way around easier (not taking into account I've been on the Wonder so much- I was on the Dream for a B2B and on the 6th day was still getting lost). I like that there are less people in general, less people at the buffet, less people at the soda stations. I love the way the Cove is set up on the Wonder. The smaller ships are my home away from home.

Now as for the topic of other lines, DH and I have only ever sailed on Disney and are having a hard time switching brands. For example... when the new itineraries came out a few weeks ago, the Fantasy itinerary that had a stop in Jamaica caught my eye. After our OB discount, it will come to around $2250 (after tax) for our sailing for an oceanview. I checked into RCCL, and they had a 7-day that was a comparable itinerary on Freedom of the Seas for $2310 (after tax) for an oceanview. So it was comparable pricing... but then I started to think about that $200 OBC Disney would give us. The free sodas that DCL gives us. And Castaway Cay. I've even been trying to pay attention to last minute deals on RCCL, and what seems like a good deal ends up being the same as I pay for DCL. (And I want to add that I have NOTHING against RCCL- in fact I look forward to sailing on them one day... if you can ever pry me away from Mickey Mouse). But I just can't justify us going on another line at the moment.

Now we've been looking at a 14-day exotic southern Caribbean cruise on Celebrity for our 15th anniversary, and that is mainly because of the different itinerary. I told DH long ago that variety in itineraries would be what made us try another line from DCL, but I guess DCL read my mind and that's why they started these new ports and itineraries . I don't remember what my point was LOL.

Besides that I <3 me some DCL .

(PS- I see you guys talking about perks on RCCL and Celebrity. If you go on Celebrity first, do you get any perks on RCCL? I am reading the posts, but I only know DCL language so the RCCL-Celebrity language is a little Greek to me ).

Loved your post. You cracked me up there at the end. I also love the smaller ships.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

I was just reading on cruisecritic (b/c we got off the 3 night Dream yearning to get back to RCCL (though wishing we could bring our assistant waiter and one of the concierge staff with us, LOL) and now I'm looking up everything I've missed since our honeymoon cruise on Radiance) that you are now allowed 2 bottles of wine per stateroom on RCCL. Better than it was before! And just right (if a bit generous) for me, since I'm the only one in the family that drinks anything boozey.



Looking at the pictures of Fiona and Shrek I'm completely reminded of the unmoving faces of Mickey, Minnie, and the Ducks....





It's a good question, and one I had, too. We tried to add oomph to our first Disney cruise, since it was so short, by adding concierge and, of course, now can't imagine being on a different Disney ship and/or without concierge. We knew it would happen but hoped it wouldn't. Silly us. The 3 night was just way too short, and 4 isn't that much longer, but there's just no other choice with the Dream. (and, of course, no choice in our wallet to do a 7 day concierge, LOL)

This made me laugh! It's like going deluxe at WDW and then trying value - we have ruined ourselves! But in all honesty, this is a great idea trying concierge!

For me the smaller ships are more cozy. I feel I can find my way around easier (not taking into account I've been on the Wonder so much- I was on the Dream for a B2B and on the 6th day was still getting lost). I like that there are less people in general, less people at the buffet, less people at the soda stations. I love the way the Cove is set up on the Wonder. The smaller ships are my home away from home.

Now as for the topic of other lines, DH and I have only ever sailed on Disney and are having a hard time switching brands. For example... when the new itineraries came out a few weeks ago, the Fantasy itinerary that had a stop in Jamaica caught my eye. After our OB discount, it will come to around $2250 (after tax) for our sailing for an oceanview. I checked into RCCL, and they had a 7-day that was a comparable itinerary on Freedom of the Seas for $2310 (after tax) for an oceanview. So it was comparable pricing... but then I started to think about that $200 OBC Disney would give us. The free sodas that DCL gives us. And Castaway Cay. I've even been trying to pay attention to last minute deals on RCCL, and what seems like a good deal ends up being the same as I pay for DCL. (And I want to add that I have NOTHING against RCCL- in fact I look forward to sailing on them one day... if you can ever pry me away from Mickey Mouse). But I just can't justify us going on another line at the moment.

Now we've been looking at a 14-day exotic southern Caribbean cruise on Celebrity for our 15th anniversary, and that is mainly because of the different itinerary. I told DH long ago that variety in itineraries would be what made us try another line from DCL, but I guess DCL read my mind and that's why they started these new ports and itineraries . I don't remember what my point was LOL.

Besides that I <3 me some DCL .

(PS- I see you guys talking about perks on RCCL and Celebrity. If you go on Celebrity first, do you get any perks on RCCL? I am reading the posts, but I only know DCL language so the RCCL-Celebrity language is a little Greek to me ).

Great points here! I have heard similar reviews of excellent food on Celebrity, I think that is the next 'no kids' cruise for us (or a DCL - being a Dis fanatic, that is always my first choice, but DH requires that I branch out from time to time!). If I can catch a glimpse of Mickey, or hear "when I wish upon a star" or watch a Disney movie by the pool, this puts DCL in the winners circle every time. That is a good question about the reciprocal benefits for Celebrity and RC - hopefully someone knows.

45 days until I see what another cruise line is like. It feels weird, only sailed DCL so far and so familiar with the ships, policies, atmosphere, vibe.

The ship I'm going on will be getting a $30 million dry dock refurbish right before I sail her and I hope that helps. Going in with very low expectations for the ship itself.

Best wishes on your adventure!

Thanks everyone for all of the great information here

 

[Silstone]

I hate to say this, but my reaction was the exact opposite. I got off the Dream and could not figure our how Disney continued to charge so much more for their product. Service was not good and ship had no charm.

My Disney cruises are all going to be on the older ships. If I want a megaship experience I can get the same or better for less on RCL

I said first on Wonder and then on Dream. (Still a newbie) and though I was awe struck on Dream, my heart still was on Wonder. Husband says you never forget your first love.

Either way, these posts have convinced me to not question if the water is bluer on other ships. And again, other ships seem more $$$ to us.

 

[ps17]

Just got of the Oasis. We have been to WDW over 10 times. We have taken about 7 DCL cruises with the most recent one being the Fantasy.

Will have to say the the experience on the big new ships is pretty incredible and they have multitudes of experiences and facilities that Disney cannot match. That said, there are things that Disney does better. Service, and Main Dining Room experience. Disney wins out.

Pricewise, the Allure and Oasis are the most expensive RCCL ships and while they are cheaper than Disney, by the time RCCL is done nickel and diming you with extra costs, not sure that Fantasy is too much more. Also, RCI's extras (Spa offerringgs etc.) are more expensive than Disney.

Bottom line is that for us repeat Disney cruisers, RCI (big ships) is something all should try and decide for yourselfs (especially with kids getting older).

Look for a complete review/comparison etc. in the near future of Oasis vs Fantasy (vs Magic).

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Wish I had felt the same. IMHO service on the Dream was much worse then Oasis. And total cost for my 5 day Oasis was $500 less then the total spent on a 4 day Dream.

 

[quentina]

I hate to say this, but my reaction was the exact opposite. I got off the Dream and could not figure our how Disney continued to charge so much more for their product. Service was not good and ship had no charm.

My Disney cruises are all going to be on the older ships. If I want a megaship experience I can get the same or better for less on RCL

I agree...I have done the WOnder and the Dream. I just find them OK. I do NOT think they are worth the $$$ and yes, we are Disney freaks. My kids enjoyed the clubs but, the food/entertainment was just blah. I would do Disney again but only for the kids. For me, I would do the member cruise but, not to the tune of $$$$ for a 4 day cruise.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Just got of the Oasis. We have been to WDW over 10 times. We have taken about 7 DCL cruises with the most recent one being the Fantasy.

Will have to say the the experience on the big new ships is pretty incredible and they have multitudes of experiences and facilities that Disney cannot match. That said, there are things that Disney does better. Service, and Main Dining Room experience. Disney wins out.

Pricewise, the Allure and Oasis are the most expensive RCCL ships and while they are cheaper than Disney, by the time RCCL is done nickel and diming you with extra costs, not sure that Fantasy is too much more. Also, RCI's extras (Spa offerringgs etc.) are more expensive than Disney.

Bottom line is that for us repeat Disney cruisers, RCI (big ships) is something all should try and decide for yourselfs (especially with kids getting older).

Look for a complete review/comparison etc. in the near future of Oasis vs Fantasy (vs Magic).

So glad you had a good time! This is exactly what I want to hear, our kids our 14, 11, 8 and I think after we do the Fantasy next year (already booked) we may try the Allure or Oasis with them. I agree, based on our experience (and the original intention of my post), that the SERVICE on the Disney ship was exceptional, top notch! We also felt the food was much better on Disney than our last few RCI cruises (good, but not WOW!) By the time we sail on the next RCI (with the kids) my DD will be 10 or 11 and I won't be as concerned if she witnesses the 'sexy man contest' by the pool with men thrusting on the lady judges (we think this is hilarious to some extent, but prefer the more family friendly environment for our kids on DCL - now I realize we could just avoid this on RCI, but we really are pool people) That being said, we are RCI fans as well as DCL, and will still sail both in the future (budget willing of course!)

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Wish I had felt the same. IMHO service on the Dream was much worse then Oasis. And total cost for my 5 day Oasis was $500 less then the total spent on a 4 day Dream.

This seems to be an opinion I have heard on more than one occassion regarding service on the Dream, I wonder what the deal is??? Anyone have an idea what would cause this discrepancy in service on the Dream compared to the other ships? Just curious...

 

[Bear3412]

..... Anyone have an idea what would cause this discrepancy in service on the Dream compared to the other ships? Just curious...

Short duration cruises are a whole different atmosphere with frantic pax trying to do everything. IMO this makes the CM's nuts too.

Dream used for newbie CM's more than other ships.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Short duration cruises are a whole different atmosphere with frantic pax trying to do everything. IMO this makes the CM's nuts too.

Dream used for newbie CM's more than other ships.

ah, this makes sense. I am sure turning the ship over from one cruise to the next is a lot of work and I know there is a ton of pressure on those days on the staff to get the ship ready to board new passengers. I would imagine that having to do this on the shorter itineraries is stressful for them.

I wonder why they use the Dream for new CM's versus spreading them throughout the fleet, I'm sure there is a valid reason.

 

[Bear3412]

.....I wonder why they use the Dream for new CM's versus spreading them throughout the fleet, I'm sure there is a valid reason.

If they survive the Dream pressure and speed test they become thrilled when transferred to the slower paced longer itinerary ships. IMO.

Not all new CM's start on the Dream.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

If they survive the Dream pressure and speed test they become thrilled when transferred to the slower paced longer itinerary ships. IMO.

Not all new CM's start on the Dream.

Yes, that would be a good training ground with the pressure, makes sense (perhaps except from the customer perspective being on a ship with a lot of CM's training, I wonder if the service issue on the Dream is reflected in the DCL post-cruise surveys as it is on the disboards).