Looking for DCL/RCCL comparisions

[ducklite]

We've booked a week on the RCCL Mariner for fall of 2005. As much as we loved our DCL Magic cruise, we just didn't think there was enough to keep our son (who will be 19 at the time) occupied. There are a lot more sports related activities on RCCL for that age group.

At any rate, we booked the Royal Suite on the Mariner. We were in a Cat 3 on DCL. We'd love to hear from anyone who's been on both ships in a suite, to get some comparisions in terms of services and amenities. Thanks to anyone who can help!

Anne

 

[jrabbit]

DuckLite: Did you see this thread a few weeks ago. DCL vs. RCCL comparison Hope it helps.

 

[Jennigator3]

Hi Ducklite,
I just got back from a Mariner 7-day western cruise and I have cruised on the Disney wonder 3 times before this. I would say that there will definitely be a lot of stuff for your son to do. I like the shows on Disney and I have always been a "Disney" fan, but the Mariner is really something special. The ship was just overwhelming for me the first day, so much to see and do. The sports deck alone could have kept me busy for 7 days. The promenade is always full of activity at night for someone your sons age. All-in-all, there is a more mature feel when on the RCCL ships and I liked that for a change. I am back on the Wonder with my future in-laws in May and I am looking forward to it, but I CAN'T WAIT to get back on the Mariner as soon as possible. Hope I helped out.

Jenni

 

[TootyJane]

Originally posted by ducklite
We've booked a week on the RCCL Mariner for fall of 2005. As much as we loved our DCL Magic cruise, we just didn't think there was enough to keep our son (who will be 19 at the time) occupied. There are a lot more sports related activities on RCCL for that age group.

At any rate, we booked the Royal Suite on the Mariner. We were in a Cat 3 on DCL. We'd love to hear from anyone who's been on both ships in a suite, to get some comparisions in terms of services and amenities. Thanks to anyone who can help!

Anne

Anne, I think your son will be quite happy with all that the Mariner has to offer. We have been on both the Disney Magic and stayed in Cat. 2 and the Voyager of the Seas (similar to the Mariner) and stayed in the Royal Suite. As far as the suites were concerned we were very disappointed with our suite on the Voyager. Very plain, no artwork and a bit worn -- basically it paled in comparison to the Cat. 2 on the Magic. Our room steward was probably the worse we've ever had. Sometimes he didn't get to our room until the afternoon and many times trash was not emptied or room service trays not removed. Our 3 boys said they liked Disney better than the Voyager. Voyager (at least on our cruise) seemed to have many kids 6 and under and teens 17 and up. Our boys fell right in between so this is probably why they preferred Disney. All in all I would definitely try RCI again. These mega ships have a lot to offer and we found it a bit overwhelming for the first couple of days. HTH

 

[callahanjulie10]

We cruised DCL for the 5th time over July 4th and my DD-12 and her friend were a bit bored by the lab and its offerings. Of course this was her 3rd time being in this age group with no change in activities. We have booked Mariner of the Seas for Halloween and I hope that she enjoys it. It seems that DCL leaves the 10-12 year olds hanging a little too much for my DD's taste. We have booked a JS and on DCL had a cat 4 on our last cruise. We have also cruised in a cat 11,10, 8, & 7! We upgraded at the port on the last one! Anyway we do have another DCL booked over Easter 2005 when my DD will be 13 so she can do the teen thing!

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by jrabbit
DuckLite: Did you see this thread a few weeks ago. DCL vs. RCCL comparison Hope it helps.

Thanks for pointing it out!

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by TootyJane
Anne, I think your son will be quite happy with all that the Mariner has to offer. We have been on both the Disney Magic and stayed in Cat. 2 and the Voyager of the Seas (similar to the Mariner) and stayed in the Royal Suite. As far as the suites were concerned we were very disappointed with our suite on the Voyager. Very plain, no artwork and a bit worn -- basically it paled in comparison to the Cat. 2 on the Magic. Our room steward was probably the worse we've ever had. Sometimes he didn't get to our room until the afternoon and many times trash was not emptied or room service trays not removed. Our 3 boys said they liked Disney better than the Voyager. Voyager (at least on our cruise) seemed to have many kids 6 and under and teens 17 and up. Our boys fell right in between so this is probably why they preferred Disney. All in all I would definitely try RCI again. These mega ships have a lot to offer and we found it a bit overwhelming for the first couple of days. HTH

Lisa,

Thanks for the honest info. I've been on another board which is very pro RCCL, and it's been hard to get unbased info. Now you've got me thinking if this is going to be right for us afterall...

Anne