Platinum DCLer does RCCL, minus kiddo, will answer questions

[cgolf]

This year we decided to do a cruise on the Freedom of the Seas because in short we didn’t see the value in another DCL cruise. I don’t want to make this a pricing discussion, just our honest take on the two lines.


The Ship

DCL – We are big fans of the classics, they are super easy to navigate and we love the adult pool area. The Dream class are not as simple to navigate and the adult pool area is not well designed, in the shade a lot and it is not conducive to swimming mini laps like you can on the classics. The classics definitely have their bumps and bruises and the Dream class even have a few. The pluses are the running track on deck 4 and no casino, only outdoor smoking. The feel of the classics is more laid back overall while the Dream class are hectic on the upper decks and more laid back on the lower decks.


Freedom – We love the layout, it was super easy to find everything. The upper decks were pretty chill, not a lot of kids on this cruise, most likely the time of year, and the Royal Promenade was very lively and a lot of fun. The casino was a bummer due to the smoking, the smell unfortunately carried out of that area sometimes. The running track on the top deck was a joke which was a bummer for me. The Deck 4 seating area was really nice and it was pretty easy to find some quiet spots to chill out. We also really enjoyed that they let you out on the helipad, at night you could see a ton of stars and sailaways were fun. The interactive boards on each floor showing the cruise compass and locations of all the venues are really nice, DCL should do something like this.


Verdict – DCL Classics and Freedom to close to call and Dream class behind both.


I want to add that both companies seem to take pride in their ships. We found the Freedom to be well maintained and staff always working on keeping it in good shape. But, just like DCL it is not perfect. I would rate both lines as 3 star lines, and when you cruise these lines you can’t expect 5 star quality. I have taken issue with people on this board that have taken pokes at our favorite ship the Magic, so I am consistent for both lines. Overall I would say DCL is cleaner, but it is pretty close.


More to come.

 

[tinkerone]

We found that smoking in the casino on the Oasis a bit much as well although smoke does not seem to bother me like it does others. It was still painfully obvious when you walked in. Other than the casino we really didn't do much on that deck so not sure of the overflow. I thought the adult only area on the Oasis kicked DCL's a**. It was amazing. Was the FOS adult area like a solarium? I really hope DCL comes up with a better plan with the new ships.
I also agree with you about the interactive boards. I liked that you could go to the menu board and see what would be served each night all at once, helped with choosing nights that we may not wish to dine in the main dinning room. DCL should definitely look at this as an option.
I enjoyed both RCCL and DCL equally.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

[cgolf]

The solarium was very nice, but did see a few kids walk through. Being that the cruise was light on kids it is hard to tell. I would say it is pretty close to the classics. Will have that write up posted soon.

 

[cgolf]

The Staff

When we signed up for RCCL, we were concerned that the staff would not be as friendly as we were used to. What we actually found was that the staff was just as friendly and helpful on RCCL as it was on DCL. Just as many staff walking the halls acknowledged us as on DCL and we got lucky and had an awesome server and stateroom attendant. Guest services was very helpful and the Next Cruise area was open from 9 to 9 every day and always had at least 2 people available to help out.

Verdict – Tie with a possible slight edge to RCCL for the Next Cruise hours

 

[cgolf]

Pool Areas


The RCCL cruise we were on was light on kids, but we did really like the solarium area. It was hard to tell though what the kid traffic would be if the cruise was loaded with kids. The Freedom had 5 pools, two in the adult/kid shared area, two in the kids area (one shallower and one 4ft ish), and one in the solarium. The pools just felt better laid out than the DCL pools. We would like to see what the pools on the Freedom are like when there are a lot of kids onboard. The one thing we did notice is that the water seemed to run cooler on RCCL than on DCL. The chair hogs were awful, and it seemed more noticeable on RCCL because people seemed to use the chairs less than on DCL. All lines need to crack down on the chair hog issue.


Verdict – RCCL, but they need to warm up the pools!


MDR


We did my time dining. We ended up having a table for 2 with two other tables of two right next to us. We got so lucky and had two wonderful couples seated next to us. This is the first time in 13 cruises that we have left with peoples contact information. Because of the awesome tablemates it is tough to tell if we missed the DCL spectacle. The one thing I did like was that the dining room was not as loud and I could hear all of the conversations, vs DCL where all of the noise made it difficult for me to converse across the table.


Verdict – Too early to tell


Free food


RCCL didn’t seem to have the same variety as DCL in both the MDR and Windjammer. They only had fresh fruit in the morning and not at lunch in Windjammer. Taste is too subjective to compare, but I really don’t think foodies will like either lines food choices. The one spot RCCL really missed on was for GF people. Some to a lot of the food is premade and can’t be made GF. For me it wasn’t a big issue because I am not a picky eater. A picky GF eater may struggle a bit on RCCL. I also did miss the ability to get some items I had on DCL, but I never did go hungry. We weren’t fans of the pizza place on RCCL and missed the on deck food options that DCL had.


Verdict – DCL just had more options, especially for GF eaters, but you will get your fill on both lines


Upcharge Food


We didn’t take advantage of this on RCCL because we found the free food to be good enough to cover our needs. We love Palo brunch on DCL.


Soda


We didn’t mind paying for the soda package with the freestyle machines on RCCL. They give you a ton of great options that DCL doesn’t have for their “free” soda.


Verdict RCCL


Entertainment


This is where DCL excels. The stage shows on DCL are better, we only watched one on RCCL, and DCL seemed to have more entertainers going throughout the cruise. That said entertainment like food is subjective and we will find performers we like and dislike on RCCL just like on DCL and they will differ from others opinions. The RCCL audience participation shows seemed better attended and more lively than DCL events of a similar type, but we need more cruises to get a trend. The one thing I really liked though on RCCL is the live orchestra.


Verdict DCL


Adult Beverages


The prices on RCCL right now are crazy. They are trying to push people to get the drink packages. That makes it difficult for light drinkers like us. We didn’t get any drinks until the second to last day when we could get a drink card that got us 10 drinks for 75 bucks.


Verdict DCL


Stateroom


Comparing the storage options in an inside stateroom, RCCL wins this one. They have a medicine cabinet style storage space in the mirror in the bathroom. The desk in the room has two storage spaces about 8” wide and as tall as the mirror with shelves that are nice for storing medicine, sunscreen, etc. The closet is very nice and has shelves to put your clothes on. Of course they don’t have the split bath, but that is not a big issue for us because our favorite DCL inside stateroom, sideways room, didn’t have the split bath. Size was comparable, DCL might have been a bit larger, but the RCCL cabin worked for us.


Verdict RCCL


For us, we found more value in RCCL. There is a vibe about the ship that is different than DCL. It won’t be for everyone, but in the end it looks like we will be sailing RCCL for the foreseeable future. If DCL becomes a better value in the future it will be interesting to see what our decision is.

 

[Dug720]

Does the Freedom not have a Windjammer? I know on Radiance-class there is a dedicated pod in the Windjammer that is all Gluten-Free, and I could also ask for a pizza at lunch (maybe dinner...I never did dinner in the Windjammer) and bagels at breakfast (I probably could have asked for a bagel at lunch if I'd wanted to make a sandwich). The manager I spoke with on my first day on the Brilliance walked me all around and told me what I could ask for - and then my dinner room server told me options at sit-down breakfast. If I did sit-down breakfast, I could do GF pancakes. They offered French Toast, but that seemed weird with the bread I knew they had. More than once they custom-made something for me in the dining room. So I definitely never went hungry.

My one GF food quibble with them (and it may be a common issue in bulk-prep dining) was that there were very few GF dessert options that were not pudding or mousse.

 

[cgolf]

Does the Freedom not have a Windjammer? I know on Radiance-class there is a dedicated pod in the Windjammer that is all Gluten-Free, and I could also ask for a pizza at lunch (maybe dinner...I never did dinner in the Windjammer) and bagels at breakfast (I probably could have asked for a bagel at lunch if I'd wanted to make a sandwich). The manager I spoke with on my first day on the Brilliance walked me all around and told me what I could ask for - and then my dinner room server told me options at sit-down breakfast. If I did sit-down breakfast, I could do GF pancakes. They offered French Toast, but that seemed weird with the bread I knew they had. More than once they custom-made something for me in the dining room. So I definitely never went hungry.

My one GF food quibble with them (and it may be a common issue in bulk-prep dining) was that there were very few GF dessert options that were not pudding or mousse.

They didn't have the pod in windjammer on the freedom. With how busy it was I didn't specifically have a chef walk me through each day, but would ask the chef in the area if something was gf or not. For some items I asked about I got the line that they were made off ship snd could not be made gf. Next trip will either be on the Freedom again or Serenade. I definately didn't go hungry either, but will be more proactive on our second trip. The first time on a new line, there was a lot to learn and I just stuck to what I knew was safe. The French toast was pretty good and I loved their bread compared to the DCL rolls that are good for one day and hockey pucks the other days.

For the desserts, we ended up loving the Pavlova. My wife who is non gf found this to be her favorite dessert. Overall even in my pre gf days, we have always been a bit disappointed in the desserts. They always look pretty but lack in flavor.

 

[Dug720]

They didn't have the pod in windjammer on the freedom. With how busy it was I didn't specifically have a chef walk me through each day, but would ask the chef in the area if something was gf or not. For some items I asked about I got the line that they were made off ship snd could not be made gf. Next trip will either be on the Freedom again or Serenade. I definately didn't go hungry either, but will be more proactive on our second trip. The first time on a new line, there was a lot to learn and I just stuck to what I knew was safe. The French toast was pretty good and I loved their bread compared to the DCL rolls that are good for one day and hockey pucks the other days.

For the desserts, we ended up loving the Pavlova. My wife who is non gf found this to be her favorite dessert. Overall even in my pre gf days, we have always been a bit disappointed in the desserts. They always look pretty but lack in flavor.

Gotcha. I only got walked through the first day as there was a pod (or at least a side of a pod) that was always GF. And I was told if I had any questions about other things I could ask. (They did say that the hamburgers and hot dogs were GF minus the bun and the fries were in a dedicated fryer.)

YES! The Pavlova was divine! The night they had that and the night they had Baked Alaska I about started a dance party because there was something NOT pudding or mousse. The flourless chocolate cake was good too - though TBH that typically has a consistency of a thick, heavy pudding.

 

[cruiser21]

I haven't found huge differences between DCL and the 3 big cruiselines. They all have their plus and minus's. On cruise critic people tend to be very defensive and biased towards their favorite. I'm sure that's probably the case on here also. My kids would rank DCL and Carnival as their favs, but I think if you have kids and stick to the newer bigger ships they'll be happy. I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise. I haven't cruised on Freedom, but I've been tempted to give the ship a try.

 

[cgolf]

One other thing we enjoyed is the trivia. Not being big Disney movie/charecter fans we always struggled with their trivia. Unfortunately we didn't see the ice show, but everyone that did said it was incredible. We learned from our DCL experience to not do everything on the first trip and end up not really vacationing. The ice show will be for another trip.

The rock wall was awful as it reminded me I am still afraid of heights, almost slid off our snow covered tri level roof hanging lights years ago. The goal next time is to either totally concour the fear or at least make it higher than I did this time

 

[jdb in AZ]

The shops on RCCL have sales, which would be a good thing if they'd just stop with the hype and promos on the mic in the stores.

We cruised RCCL just a week after DCL and the adult atmosphere was a nice change of pace. We found the food comparable, but DCL's nightly entertainment was superior.

We attended the equivalent of the Castaway Cay Club reception onboard RCCL and the RCCL refreshments were superior -- they had hot and cold hors de ourves and lots of desserts -- almost didn't want to go to dinner that night. (I said almost.) The DCL reception made it easy for DH to get his pic taken with Capt Mickey and the Wonder's Captain, but other than that it was a waste of time. The refreshments were a joke.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Do tell about this 10 drinks for $75 card. Where did you get it? Was it advertised somewhere? Sailing Anthem in a little over a month & not feeling like I will drink enough to make a beverage package worthwhile since my friend I'm traveling with is a non-drinker. Ya know?

Enjoyed your thoughts. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[bumbershoot]

The running track on the top deck was a joke which was a bummer for me.

It got curtailed to put in the fabulous panoramic oceanview rooms. It's just short, that is. As for DCL's track, on Dream you either have to turn around if the front (?) is closed off or in my experience risk running into crew members in that area. They are equal to me.

Adventure didn't get their pano rooms put in because of the hurricane, so I was able to experience their WHOLE running track, and it was lovely. But I do adore those pano rooms...

The solarium was very nice, but did see a few kids walk through.

Kids are allowed to walk through. Just not use the facilities. That's what the signs say at least.

The goal next time is to either totally concour the fear or at least make it higher than I did this time

I would suggest taking rock climbing classes at home to help you with the fear.

Do tell about this 10 drinks for $75 card. Where did you get it? Was it advertised somewhere? Sailing Anthem in a little over a month & not feeling like I will drink enough to make a beverage package worthwhile since my friend I'm traveling with is a non-drinker. Ya know?

Showed up on Adventure on day 4ish. Any drink (as far as I could tell...I just went for frozen goodies like daiquiries and mudslides, oh wait and one great and one meh Long Island Iced Teas etc) seemed to be included, and they just marked the drinks off as you bought them. You'll see them advertised on sandwich boards and standup signs on the bars etc, if/when they are being sold.

 

[cgolf]

Do tell about this 10 drinks for $75 card. Where did you get it? Was it advertised somewhere? Sailing Anthem in a little over a month & not feeling like I will drink enough to make a beverage package worthwhile since my friend I'm traveling with is a non-drinker. Ya know?

Enjoyed your thoughts. Thanks so much for sharing!

We were on an eight night cruise and the last two days were sea days. The Cruise compass for the next to last day had it listed on the bottom right half of one of the pages. This beats the 12 bucks they raised the drink prices to. Not sure that a lot of people took advantage of it, because the bartender at the schooner bad had to really search for the card.

 

[Dug720]

We were on an eight night cruise and the last two days were sea days. The Cruise compass for the next to last day had it listed on the bottom right half of one of the pages. This beats the 12 bucks they raised the drink prices to. Not sure that a lot of people took advantage of it, because the bartender at the schooner bad had to really search for the card.

Just be aware that it is not always offered. It was not on my 12-night Med/Venice even though we had 2 sea days at the end. So hope for it, sure. But don't count on it.

 

[cgolf]

Just be aware that it is not always offered. It was not on my 12-night Med/Venice even though we had 2 sea days at the end. So hope for it, sure. But don't count on it.

Agreed, and if we had not seen the deal we wouldn't have gotten any drinks. Drinking isn't that big of a deal for us on our vacations, it is a nice to have In moderation, but not a must have.

One thing I did miss was the non wine tastings. The didn't seem to offer these like DCL does.

 

[Dug720]

Agreed, and if we had not seen the deal we wouldn't have gotten any drinks. Drinking isn't that big of a deal for us on our vacations, it is a nice to have In moderation, but not a must have.

One thing I did miss was the non wine tastings. The didn't seem to offer these like DCL does.

Definitely agree with that. I was really hoping that they WOULD offer the card just so I could have wine with dinner and maybe a drink or two during the day and not be mentally calculating the cost. But I made it work. Like you, I'm not a big drinker, but I will occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner.

And I agree. I was able to get some tastings in on excursions as my cruise was in the Med, but it would have been nice to have one on board as well, especially on sea days.

 

[Quellman]

We found that smoking in the casino on the Oasis a bit much as well although smoke does not seem to bother me like it does others. It was still painfully obvious when you walked in. Other than the casino we really didn't do much on that deck so not sure of the overflow. I thought the adult only area on the Oasis kicked DCL's a**. It was amazing. Was the FOS adult area like a solarium? I really hope DCL comes up with a better plan with the new ships.
I also agree with you about the interactive boards. I liked that you could go to the menu board and see what would be served each night all at once, helped with choosing nights that we may not wish to dine in the main dinning room. DCL should definitely look at this as an option.
I enjoyed both RCCL and DCL equally.

The Disney Cruiseline App lets you do this. I know it isn't what you were specifically talking about, but it is there. So perhaps that is their solution for now.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Agreed, and if we had not seen the deal we wouldn't have gotten any drinks. Drinking isn't that big of a deal for us on our vacations, it is a nice to have In moderation, but not a must have.

One thing I did miss was the non wine tastings. The didn't seem to offer these like DCL does.

I've not seen the tastings on other cruise lines either. I was reading some Compasses from a past Anthem sailing identical to our itinerary and noticed several 2 for 1's here & there. There were some other drink specials advertised. I figure I can watch for these, too.

 

[cgolf]

I've not seen the tastings on other cruise lines either. I was reading some Compasses from a past Anthem sailing identical to our itinerary and noticed several 2 for 1's here & there. There were some other drink specials advertised. I figure I can watch for these, too.

They did offer a Martini seminar, but from the info my wife got it was not like the Martini tasting on DCL. We can deal with missing out on stuff like this for the value we are getting.

We have 2 trips booked next year and will keep one and ditch one. I thought the 10 night on the Serenade was expensive until I did the cost per day per person for 2 people in the room and it came out at 105$. The other option is the Freedom again with 3 people in the room for 8 nights and it came out to 94$ per person per day. These were inside rooms and we would add the soda package for each person to up the cost a bit, but it is still a good value.