Magic Versus RCL Explorer?

[HawaiianGirl]

Which 7-day cruise is better for families?

We did the 4 day Wonder and loved it, but are now planning a big 7-nite family cruise for 5 families (kids age 4 - 12, plus grandparents). Some are interested in trying another line (also costs are a little lower on the RCL Explorer). Have read that the RCL Explorer has a pretty good kids club -- also skating ring and rock climbing, as well as adult entertainment and casinos.

For those of you who have done both Disney Magic and RCL Explorer how would you compare:

1. Food
2. Staterooms
3. Entertainment
4. Kids Clubs and Activities
5. Service

Thanks!

 

[alexandrew]

Although we never sailed on the Explorer, we reserved a stateroom that we later canceled in order to once again sail on the Magic...

I did extensive research on this ship on the Internet. while it is huge, beautiful, with incredible amenities including an onboard shopping promenade and Johnny Rockets, we opted for the Magic once again, heres why...

While the food, from what I heard from others sailing both lines, tends to be a little better and more refined on RCCL, we felt that Oceaneers for my 6 yr old, as well as Flounders Reef for my 17 month old, is simply unparalleled...I heard that kids programs are nowhere near as good on the Explorer, and there is no nursery available as well.

Although I heard the entertainment is great on the Explorer, including an ice show, what can possibly top Disney Dreams...Also, I heard the staterooms are quite nice on the Explorer, but again, nicer and more innovative on the Magic

In my opinion, you cannot beat DCL when traveling with small children. Although I would strongly consider the Voyager class RCCL ships when traveling with tweens and above

 

[alexandrew]

You can check out reviews posted by cruisers for just about every ship at www.mytravelco.com

 

[awatt]

Try searching cruisecritic.com. Either the RCL board or DCL board. i posted a similar question about 2 months ago and someone pointed me to a detailed thread comparing these two ships. Using that I was able to make the choice for my particular family. this time we're doing the MAgic. But I have loved RCL and they do a great job with their kids club.

 

[inkkognito]

We have not done Explorer, but we did its sister, Voyager, shortly after it started sailing. Here is my comparison:
1) Food: Definitely not up to RCCL standards, but I suspect that this was because the ship had just started sailing and they didn't have their act together yet. I've talked to people who have sailed more recently on Voyager, as well as Explorer, and they report that the dining is excellent. For us, the lunches were up to par (their soups are the BEST), but the dinners were not.
2) Staterooms: Small...we paid more for higher category and it was still smaller than Disney (no bathtubs either, just a shower). But we really weren't in there much at all, so it was not an annoyance.
3) Entertainment: Average cruise line fare (enjoyable) except for the ice show, which was FANTASTIC!! We loved it so much that we saw it twice.
4) Kids Clubs and Activities: Can't say, as we don't have little ones.
5) Service: Typical good service...clean stateroom, towel animals, etc.
Hope this helps!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

RCCL.. it has more "stuff" to do.. stuff meaning, if you like rock-climbing, or putt-putt.. if you are the active outdoorsy type. The ship on a whole is just really amazing to walk around. There is a lot to see on RCCL. I know one big drawback for DCL for some adults is the lack of casino, but I don't gamble really.. Jackpot bingo is enough for me. And I love Vista Spa just for the Rainforest room, no other cruise line has anything comparable to that. I also love the deck parties and the themed nights for adults.

Food-wise...I would say desserts/appetizers are better on RCCL, but the main courses are right up to par with DCL. I guess you just have more dessert choices. Overall the food is comparable, But nothing beats Palo's.

I think the staterooms on DCL are the best in the market. Sure RCCL has those inside staterooms overlooking the "mall" but, to me, that isn't much of a bonus. It doesn't seem very private, and who wants to look out to see total stragers peaking in? It's like being in a hotel with outdoor halls, and seeing the people walking by outside your window.. not very appealing. To me, if there is no day-light or ocean view, there really is no point to a window on a cruise ship.

I am partial to the Disney-themed shows, and for a family they are ideal. You really can't beat Disney Dreams as far as entertainment. It really does take your breath away.

I think DCL has more family activities as well, family dance clubs, family game shows, family deck parties that really do rock the night away.. with live music, dancing, characters..

I don't have kids, but I have heard the RCCL kids programs are good, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews of the DCL kids clubs. And if your kids love characters, DCL has plenty of them.

And DCL has one major thing that RCCL doesn't have and that is Castaway Cay. There is nothing like it on the planet IMHO. And Serenity Bay is worth every penny for a DCL cruise to me.

Service wise... I have always had excellent service on DCL. I just got off the 10/27 Wonder and was completely blown away by my stateroom Host Kerri, and our servers Dave and Anita. Also, we had a blast with the cruise staff every night.

I have sailed Carnival, RCCL, and DCL twice now, and DCL is overwhelming favorite. It combines the Disney feel with cruising.. no better combination in my opinion.

 

[HawaiianGirl]

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. Based on all the great feedback -- and our own experience on the Disney Wonder, we have decided to do the family reunion on the Disney Magic. There will be lots of time later to explore other lines -- but only so much time to do a cruise line that is still "magical" for our kids. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[disneyholic family]

wow...i just noticed where you're from....paradise.....lucky you!!! (and why would you ever leave paradise to come to the caribbean except to do it with disney????).....

anyway.....everyone else already answered your question but i'll give you my kids' 2 cents anyway.....granted they're older than yours (mine are 15 and 18)...
but after our spectacular cruise on the wonder in july i began researching the other cruise lines to pick out another cruise for us...
well the kids would hear nothing of it.....it's DCL or nothing as far as they're concerned.....all those rock climbing/miniature golf/ice skating rinks notwithstanding......they simply refuse to cruise with any other line.....(which is why i'm praying DCL sends one of its ships to europe so we don't have to travel so far for our next cruise)....

so...for what it's worth....

 

[goofysgirl]

I a glad you chose DCL. While we were in ST Thomas in October, the Explorer was there with us. Granted she is bigger than the Magic. She however is not as colorful, and nowhere near the Magic according to my girls 14,12, and 8.
We did meet up with some couples from the Explorer and the Carnival Fantasy. Both families had complaints about the food on both ships...........we just sat there nodding our heads. We had no complaints, and nothing but compliments. My kids would never consider another line, and until they no longer want to go with us, it is DCL all the way. and you know, we will probably choose DCL when we are old and gray!

 

[Bosjoe]

Hmmm

I believe you have to try everything at least Once.
Personally I believe RCCL is a better ship since I have been on Both the Explorer and Wonder. Wonder is better for kids under 14. I think the food is also better on Rccl Explorer. Isn't it great that everyone has thier own opinions. The atrium on explorer
can not be beat. You would never guess you were on a cruise ship. Great place to sit down for a snack and coffee and people watch. I do hope in the future people do try it out.

Joe