Pete and Walter RCCL Review Spectacular!!!

[shawy1269]

I would like to cast my vote to here Pete and Walter do a review of their experience on RCCL a few weeks ago, and they now appear to be on the Oasis as well!! I would love to hear their perspective on these two ships and how they compare to DCL. On the last show, Pete said of his experience, that he kept finding himself saying..."Its nice but its not Disney" on the smaller ship. I wonder if that sentiment is the same on the Oasis. Well Pete, you wanted us to let you know if we wanted to hear about it. Consider me all in!!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Pete and Walter are currently on the Oasis and next week, John and I will be on the Allure.

I'm sure that you'll be hearing about these two ships in the near future.

 

[shawy1269]

Pete and Walter are currently on the Oasis and next week, John and I will be on the Allure.

I'm sure that you'll be hearing about these two ships in the near future.

Very exciting for everyone!!! Well, maybe a bit more exciting for you guys who get to go on the cruises. But still fun for us, when we get to hear all about it!!!

I considered Oasis and Allure for my honeymoon. Those ships just don't seem like cruising to me. I've never cruised, and I didnt want my first experience to be a floating Vegas-style Hotel. We're going DCL instead on the Fantasy!!!

Can't wait to hear the reviews from your perspectives!!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

I've been on many RCCL ships (including Radiance, Voyager, Freedom and very soon Oasis class) and never felt like I was in a Vegas style hotel.

Many basic characteristics of cruising are shared by both ships, but many of the details are different.

And for that exact reason, I enjoy both cruise companies.

I'd never discount one or the other, but I would tell you to look for the cruise that best fits you and your needs....and it sounds like you've done that.

 

[shawy1269]

I've been on many RCCL ships (including Radiance, Voyager, Freedom and very soon Oasis class) and never felt like I was in a Vegas style hotel.

Many basic characteristics of csing are shared by both ships, but many of the details are different.

And for that exact reason, I enjoy both cruise companies.

I'd never discount one or the other, but I would tell you to look for the cruise that best fits you and your needs....and it sounds like you've done that.

I was referring more to the Oasis Class of ships as far as the Vegas-style. This is exactly why I want to hear your perspective after you cruise the megaships!!! Do all of the offerings available on these ships take away from the experience of cruising, the way it was intended to be? Or at least what I would want it to be, which is a relaxing leisurely vacation at sea where I eat lots of good food (LOTS of good food). There is something out there for everyone, and thats the great thing about cruising. I'm curious to hear how you compare the Oasis Class to the other RCCL classes that you've experienced and DCL as well. I am very much looking forward to your reviews!!! Enjoy your cruise Kevin!!! And congratulations on your recent nuptials!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm finding this a very interesting discussion.

Pete posted a picture on his FB page of the inside atrium area of the RCL ship. When I looked at it, it didn't say "ship" to me, it said "concrete jungle". (Yes, I know they didn't use concrete - work with me here.) Still, I can see spending some time wandering around that area of the ship once I lose my money in the casino. I just really appreciate the effort Disney has gone to so that their ships feel like ships. Apparently RCL is searching for the market of people who are worried about being cooped up on a ship.

Right now Val & I are pretty much in a DCL mode (3 this year) but I've cruised on Carnival, RCL, NCL and Princess as well. I understand the appeal of them and am very tempted to cruise on one of them again. Especially as their price is usually lower than DCL for the same itinerary. In fact, we're planning an Alaska cruise next year and it will most likely be on Princess rather than DCL.

 

[mikelan6]

I'd love to hear a review of the Royal Caribbean ships as well.

 

[YachtClubWoman]

Pete and Walter are currently on the Oasis and next week, John and I will be on the Allure.

I'm sure that you'll be hearing about these two ships in the near future.

I would love to hear this review. I am sailing on the Allure May 13.

 

[Quicklabs]

I'm sailing on the Allure in 2013. I'd love to hear Kevin and John's review, as well as what Pete and Walter think about the Oasis. For now, wishing all four gentlemen happy voyages. I've liked RCCL, have been mostly on the Radiance class ships.

 

[chirurgeon]

I have been tempted by the Jewel because they run a repo from Boston to the Eastern Caribbean every October. I have this dream of doing a long repo cruise but the timing/cost of the Disney ships has worked against me. Kind of hoping for the 2013 repo on RCL at this point. Unless DCL does another round to Hawaii. That would really seal the deal for me with DCL.

Kim

 

[NancyIL]

Right now Val & I are pretty much in a DCL mode (3 this year) but I've cruised on Carnival, RCL, NCL and Princess as well. I understand the appeal of them and am very tempted to cruise on one of them again. Especially as their price is usually lower than DCL for the same itinerary. In fact, we're planning an Alaska cruise next year and it will most likely be on Princess rather than DCL.

Princess is a great choice for Alaska, particularly if it's a one-way Alaska cruise!

I have been on more Royal Caribbean cruises than any other cruise line, and I like them a lot. However, I prefer their smaller Radiance and Vision-class ships, and I am looking forward to cruising on Brilliance of the Seas in June. The Royal Promenade on the Voyager-class ships and above doesn't do much for me, and I have no particular interest in sailing on the Allure or Oasis.

 

[sayhello]

Princess is a great choice for Alaska, particularly if it's a one-way Alaska cruise!

I have been on more Royal Caribbean cruises than any other cruise line, and I like them a lot. However, I prefer their smaller Radiance and Vision-class ships, and I am looking forward to cruising on Brilliance of the Seas in June. The Royal Promenade on the Voyager-class ships and above doesn't do much for me, and I have no particular interest in sailing on the Allure or Oasis.

My first cruise was on a Voyager class ship (Adventure of the Seas), and while I really enjoyed the ship, the atrium did make me feel like I was vacationing at the Mall. (Now don't get me wrong. I *love* the Mall! Just didn't expect it on the ship!) I've also sailed on a Vision Class (Grandeur) and Sovereign class (Majesty). I *loved* Grandeur, but I thought Majesty was way too small (especially the cabins!).

I've also sailed on the Coral Princess, and thought she was fabulous.

I'm curious about the Allure and Oasis. Also the NCL Epic. Just because they *are* so big, and so different. I'd really like to experience one of them, and see what it's like.

Sayhello

 

[DisneyKevin]

For those unfamiliar with RCCL....the smaller class ships are the older ships in the RCCL fleet.

The Monarch sails from Port Canaveral and while I've never been on...it doesn't get very good reviews.

Personally, I think the Royal Promenade on the Voyager class and above is great.

We love the Promenade Cafe and the English Pub. It's like sitting at a sidewalk cafe.

Also, it's a natural meeting place when traveling with other people. It seemed that there was always someone in there I knew and if there wasn't when I arrived...there was shortly thereafter.

in addition, the Promenade is where RCCL holds there Parades. We liked them a great deal.

Bob's favorite rooms on the RCCL ships were the ones overlooking the Royal Promenade.

On the larger ships, we also like the Seaview Cafe, which serves food all day on the upper deck. The view is unobstructed and incredible.

The same is true with Johnny Rockets. We have them locally and don't go, but getting a chocolate milkshake and watching the sea is pretty amazing.

While I liked the Radiance class ships very much, they felt confined. I've never sailed on anything smaller, but I'm guessing I'd feel the same. It wouldn't stop me from trying it because I can't really form an opinion until I've tried it myself.

There is a cruise ship for every taste.

Keep an open mind.

 

[DisneyKevin]

In the not too distant future, we will also have a review of the NCL Epic.

 

[NancyIL]

My first cruise was on a Voyager class ship (Adventure of the Seas), and while I really enjoyed the ship, the atrium did make me feel like I was vacationing at the Mall. (Now don't get me wrong. I *love* the Mall! Just didn't expect it on the ship!) I've also sailed on a Vision Class (Grandeur) and Sovereign class (Majesty). I *loved* Grandeur, but I thought Majesty was way too small (especially the cabins!).

I've also sailed on the Coral Princess, and thought she was fabulous.

I'm curious about the Allure and Oasis. Also the NCL Epic. Just because they *are* so big, and so different. I'd really like to experience one of them, and see what it's like.

Sayhello

After my first not-so-great cruise, which was on HAL with my mom in 2004, I was anxious for a do-over (without my mom) on another cruise line! I really wanted to sail on a Disney ship, but didn't like their prices - even with a CM discount. I looked at Royal Caribbean out of Florida, and at the time everyone was raving about the Voyager-class ships. However, the RCI ship out of Port Canaveral (Mariner) was more expensive than Splendour of the Seas out of Tampa, so I booked Splendour. I expected to be disappointed with the ship, but I thought it was gorgeous. A few months later, my DH and I were on a Baltic cruise on Jewel of the Seas, and I loved that ship as well. I've been on 4 cruises on Voyager-class ships, and they were chosen for their itinerary and/or price. But given my druthers, I would choose a Radiance or Vision-class ship over a Voyager or Freedom-class ship.

 

[NancyIL]

For those unfamiliar with RCCL....the smaller class ships are the older ships in the RCCL fleet.

The Monarch sails from Port Canaveral and while I've never been on...it doesn't get very good reviews.

Personally, I think the Royal Promenade on the Voyager class and above is great.

We love the Promenade Cafe and the English Pub. It's like sitting at a sidewalk cafe.

Also, it's a natural meeting place when traveling with other people. It seemed that there was always someone in there I knew and if there wasn't when I arrived...there was shortly thereafter.

in addition, the Promenade is where RCCL holds there Parades. We liked them a great deal.

Bob's favorite rooms on the RCCL ships were the ones overlooking the Royal Promenade.

On the larger ships, we also like the Seaview Cafe, which serves food all day on the upper deck. The view is unobstructed and incredible.

The same is true with Johnny Rockets. We have them locally and don't go, but getting a chocolate milkshake and watching the sea is pretty amazing.

While I liked the Radiance class ships very much, they felt confined. I've never sailed on anything smaller, but I'm guessing I'd feel the same. It wouldn't stop me from trying it because I can't really form an opinion until I've tried it myself.

There is a cruise ship for every taste.

Keep an open mind.

The Promenade Cafe and the Pub (to listen to the entertainer) are my two favorite places on Voyager-class ships.

The Seaview Cafe is on 3 of the 4 Radiance-class ships: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experience/html.do?exCode=540

I've sailed on Monarch of the Seas twice: once each out of LA (4-night coastal) and Port Canaveral (4-night Bahamas). I really enjoyed Monarch out of LA because it had a nice itinerary to San Diego, Catalina Island, and the required stop in Ensenada. I didn't enjoy the cruise as much out of Port Canaveral - probably because it went to the Bahamas. Monarch's last cruise from Port Canaveral is March 29, 2013, and it will be full of many of its loyal fans.

 

[DisneyKevin]

The Promenade Cafe and the Pub (to listen to the entertainer) are my two favorite places on Voyager-class ships.

The Seaview Cafe is on 3 of the 4 Radiance-class ships: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experience/html.do?exCode=540

I've sailed on Monarch of the Seas twice: once each out of LA (4-night coastal) and Port Canaveral (4-night Bahamas). I really enjoyed Monarch out of LA because it had a nice itinerary to San Diego, Catalina Island, and the required stop in Ensenada. I didn't enjoy the cruise as much out of Port Canaveral - probably because it went to the Bahamas. Monarch's last cruise from Port Canaveral is March 29, 2013, and it will be full of many of its loyal fans.

Yes, RCCL will decommission the Monarch....which kind of re-enforces the "not so great" reviews idea.

I believe it's being sold to a small line in southeast Asia....but uncertain to the actual details.

RCCL will remove the Crown and Anchor lounge (one of their trademarks) prior to the sale.

 

[shawy1269]

You're right Kevin, its unfair for me to draw a conclusion about the "megaships" until I've sailed one for myself. Believe me, if I had a chance to go on ANY cruise right now, I would jump at the opportunity!!! Regardless of the line, size of ship, whatever! As I said, I haven't cruised before so its hard for me to form an opinion. I can only go by what I've heard (especially from the DIS podcast)and researched myself.

I decided to go with DCL for a number of reasons.

1) I know the brand and l trust their quality
2) DCL ships look gorgeous
3) Our first cruise should be a more pure cruise experience

I feel that DCL will be a good baseline upon which my fiance and I can compare other cruise lines in the future. There are some aspects of other cruise lines that I would like to explore as well. Celebrity seems to really focus on cuisine, I would love to sail with them some time in the future. Anyway, I'm glad to read that others are as interested in this topic as I am! Hopefully it becomes a futurew show topic!

 

[limace]

I'd live to hear a good compare and contrast review as well-we've never cruised and want as much info about both lines as possible, and I'm confident you guys will.....um...not sugarcoat things.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I'd live to hear a good compare and contrast review as well-we've never cruised and want as much info about both lines as possible, and I'm confident you guys will.....um...not sugarcoat things.

Now, that's just wrong.