RCCL comparable to Dream class?

[Snurk71]

Have sailed the Dream class ships 4 times (our only cruising experience - all in 5Es), just booked a 5th, but am experiencing some sticker shock. So I think it's prudent to at least scan RCCL for comparison. But to keep the peace in the family it would have to be a comparable/better ship than the Dream class (size, cleanliness, service, wow factor, etc).

So what RCCL ships (and cabins) are comparable? It's me, DW, and DD15. Me and DW are Disney fans, DD has grown up on Disney but is in that age where she's rebelled a little against Disney (but still loves the cruises for the freedom, teen club/deck).

Thanks

 

[mrsp1030]

Following this thread as we have sailed Magic, Wonder and Dream and sailed RCCL years ago, not a newer ship. As my boys get older, I want more options if we continue to go the cruise route as I think we will be priced out of Disney for Alaska and Europe compared to this year's price increases.

 

[emilymad]

The Freedom class ships on RCCL are comparable. The ships are Freedom, Independence, and Liberty. The Oasis class ships are also wonderful and I would consider them a step up from DCL's Dream class. The Oasis class ships can't be compared to any other ships on any cruiseline. They are just truly unique and wonderful.

 

[Bree]

The Freedom class ships are roughly the same size. I'm actually sailing on Independence this Monday in an aft balcony (1702)! It's a tad bigger than a standard D1 and the balcony is huge!

 

[Winston Wolf]

Check out the RCI Freedom Class (Freedom, Liberty, Independence) or NCL's Breakaway Class (Breakaway, Getaway, Escape)

 

[ldo]

we went on Navigator (Voyager class) for spring break in a OV cabin for 4 with pulldown beds. It is very similar to Freedom class, but just a bit smaller. Has flowrider, climbing wall, basketball court, putt-putt, ping-pong table, shuffle board, ice skating rink for great ice show and skating times, Johnny Rockets, pizza parlor, central promenade. We have also been on Liberty. Either of these types of ships are good alternatives to DCL and are much less $ than DCL and the newer RCCL ships. We had a fine cruise with 2 teens.

 

[tltay2005]

I know when I compared the two, you would have to go to a junior suite on RCCL to get the same space as a Family cabin on the Dream. In my case, a 3 night for 3 adults, next May, was actually cheaper on the Dream than with RCCl for the exact same cruise in a JS on one of the older smaller ships.

 

[DnA2010]

The Freedom class ships on RCCL are comparable. The ships are Freedom, Independence, and Liberty. The Oasis class ships are also wonderful and I would consider them a step up from DCL's Dream class. The Oasis class ships can't be compared to any other ships on any cruiseline. They are just truly unique and wonderful.

Echo this. We've been on Freedom (Just DH and I) and Oasis (DH, myself and DD who was 9 almost 10) and Fantasy (DD was 10 almost 11) - DD loved both her cruises equal. We all loved the Disney magic on the Fantasy- the FE, An. Palette, the Detective Ag, the shows, but DD really really missed all the pools that are on the Oasis, and she loved the programming in the kids clubs on Oasis as they had more structured activities. Our DR service was actually much better on our RCL cruises and the "must give the best ratings" on Fantasy sure got annoying fast.
Unless we can grab a GT rate, we are priced out of DCL as for us, the value just isn't there with all that Royal is offering. We'd rather a cruise and say some WDW time.
We may try one of NCL's new ships also- DD saw one of them in port when we were leaving on the Fantasy and thought it looked super fun.

 

[ldo]

for 3 adults, I can see that. But, for a family of 4 who don't mind a bunk bed setting (aka no privacy) or a sofabed (if 2 kids can sleep together), the cost savings is a lot. We did a 8 night Carib. over Easter for $3K. Not DCL, as we missed the great DCL shows (but RCCL had some good ones, esp. special guests--singer, juggler/comedian/fake Bon Jovie band) and the ice show was outstanding, better DCL food in MDR, themed putt-putt and movie theater and more outdoor movies--but the savings pays for a good part of our WDW trip the next year. My kids from 5-11 loved RCCL kids club as much or more than DCL. There is not as much to do for teens, if they don't go into the club or play sports on RCCL. We knew that, so brought 2 board games, which we played several times in the card room and by the pool. They also went back to the ice show a 2nd time on a sea day. Being prepared, they had a good time. On prior RCCL cruise, they were somewhat bored during the sea days. They do not do the flow rider, ice skate, rock climbing. So, for yonger kids and adventurous teens or those who like the clubs, RCCL would be very good.

 

[holden]

Don't forget about the Quantum class. Anthem out of NJ is a wonderful ship! We stayed in a family junior suite (FJ category) and it was perfect for a family of 4. It has 2 separate bathrooms (only one shower), which is great. The activities on this ship are unique - bumper cars, roller skating, skydiving simulator (IFly)...we had a blast!

I think she does trips to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

 

[tidefan]

I'd actually include the Carnival Vista and maybe even the Breeze and Magic. Ropes courses, water parks, comedy club, lots to do. Also, the Guy's Burger is included!

 

[Bree]

I know when I compared the two, you would have to go to a junior suite on RCCL to get the same space as a Family cabin on the Dream. In my case, a 3 night for 3 adults, next May, was actually cheaper on the Dream than with RCCl for the exact same cruise in a JS on one of the older smaller ships.

Not really. On DCL website it can be deceiving since total square footage includes the verandah. Here are some comparisons with a Freedom class ship.

Freedom
Deluxe OV w/ Balcony (category E): 184 sq ft + 66 sq ft balcony = 250 sq ft
Superior OV w/ Balcony (category D): 199 sq ft + 65 sq ft balcony = 264 sq ft
Junior Suite w/ balcony (category JS): 297 sq ft + 94 sq ft = 391 sq ft

Dream
OV Stateroom w/ verandah (category 5): 246 sq ft
Family OV Stateroom w/ verandah (category 4A-4D): 299 sq ft
Concierge Family OV Stateroom w/ verandah (category V): 306 sq ft

ETA: You really can't pit the Majesty of the Seas against the Dream when it comes to room size. That would be like comparing Magic to Freedom of the Seas.

 

[Vijoge]

For anyone with younger children, I highly recommend MSC Cruises. Kids under 12 sail free and my granddaughters loved their kid's club/activities. Beautiful ships, too.

 

[hoffman1]

I have done a cruise on the RCCL Liberty. We had a balcony cabin. I did not notice any difference in the size of the cabin from DCL.
Overall, I liked it ok. I feel they do some things better and DCL does some things better.
Would I sail with them again? Yes.
I think DCL is soon going to be outside of our budget.

 

[bumbershoot]

Freedom class compares nicely.

We'll be on Adventure in December, and I feel it will compare nicely as well.

Snurk, I see you have a 15 year old. Just like on DCL, she should go to the teen club that first night to make sure she feels at home, to meet the other teens, etc. We had a 15 year old at our table on our first Freedom cruise, and he made some strong friendships within 3 days. He was too cute; he was a total gourmet dude (wants to be a chef), so he really enjoyed the dinners, but then he would rush off to meet up with his buddies.

I know when I compared the two, you would have to go to a junior suite on RCCL to get the same space as a Family cabin on the Dream.

Not everyone compares in that way.

I don't. The storage on Freedom (and Vision) is so good that I have literally never noticed if a room was bigger or smaller than our rooms on Dream (one inside, one large porthole room 6666, two category V rooms). I appreciate a room for what it is and don't need the FLOOR to be the same space. So for me, I find that way of comparing to be totally irrelevant.

Of course, if you do book a junior suite, you get double points for those in the room. Which is pretty cool.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Has anyone done an Alaskan cruise on RCL?
Is so which one please and how did it compare to disney

 

[bumbershoot]

You mean royal?

It was our first cruise. They aren't doing the up and back from Vancouver, on Radiance anymore, but that was our first cruise. Was lovely.

10 years later we did DCL, though we haven't done Alaska with Disney yet. And likely won't because it's FAR too expensive. I'm sure Disney does a nice job.

But most of the people that I know who cruise Alaska regularly say that Princess is the one to go on.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

You mean royal?

It was our first cruise. They aren't doing the up and back from Vancouver, on Radiance anymore, but that was our first cruise. Was lovely.

10 years later we did DCL, though we haven't done Alaska with Disney yet. And likely won't because it's FAR too expensive. I'm sure Disney does a nice job.

But most of the people that I know who cruise Alaska regularly say that Princess is the one to go on.

Hello yes meant RCL sorry changed it

Why they say re princess?

I just get the impression princess is more "stuffy" and not much for children

Notice radiance and explorer do Alaska

Explorer just been updated ?

 

[China Expat]

I have done RCCL and HAL to Alaska. Superb experiences. One quarter what Disney charges (going through an online wholesale cruise seller)

 

[mevelandry]

Love that thread! Would love to hear about comparable cruiseships for Holland or Celebrity if someone knows.

Not gonna lie, if I miss the mouse that much, I'll go back to WDW...

But so far, what DH and I (no kids) love about DCL is the look (classy) of the cruiseships and the good food. I'd be looking for a similar experience but without the insane prices.