Tough choices

[psimon]

I already have taken 6 Disney cruises with a seventh in a few months. Trying to plan for summer of 2019... Too far out to schedule a Disney cruise.

I am really torn as I would like to wait for Disney for Europe but as I see it the main competition right now is Royal Caribbean, on the Oais off the Seas.

I've been told they are excellent but I am used to the way Disney does things but for a lot more $$.

Anyone have any thoughts on RC versus Disney?

Many thanks...


---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[starvenger]

To be honest I think going on an Oasis class is wasted in the Mediterranean where you will be at port most days. There is a lot to do on board and I feel that it's better suited for the Caribbean where there are more sea days available to explore the ship.

I could still try and sell you on it, but I do think you're better off looking at a smaller Royal ship or another cruise line (Princess, maybe?) if you're not eager to wait for the DCL schedule to pop up.

 

[beachdrmn]

Have you looked at Celebrity Edge? It is a new ship beginning in December 2018 that is offering Med cruises in summer of 2019. It looks really nice! We're considering it.

 

[Shanti]

It's all about what you value in a cruise. If the DCL experience means a lot to you, you're not going to get that anywhere else, so you pretty much have your answer.

But if you're really open to having a different experience, then try a different line and save money.

Do you have kids?

 

[psimon]

It's all about what you value in a cruise. If the DCL experience means a lot to you, you're not going to get that anywhere else, so you pretty much have your answer.

But if you're really open to having a different experience, then try a different line and save money.

Do you have kids?

Kids with us are 21+. How does that change the equation?

Thanks...

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Kids with us are 21+. How does that change the equation?

Thanks...

---Paul in Southern NJ

It changes the equation a lot. Parents traveling with young kids may choose DCL over RC because of the Disney characters that can be found and met only on DCL.

 

[Shanti]

Kids with us are 21+. How does that change the equation?

Thanks...

---Paul in Southern NJ

DCL is the best line for young kids. That's why I asked.

 

[cyclenut]

This is really personal preference, but if you are interested in European cruises, then don't worry too much about it needing to be Disney. There are several other very good cruise lines out there and some of them have much more extensive experience with Europe than Disney. You may even want to consider a river cruise, which Disney does not even do.

If you really want Disney in Europe, think about Adventures by Disney as well.

Europe is about the destination, not just the cruising or the ship. Most itineraries there are very port intensive (as they should be) so the ship and cruise line (while important) are not nearly as important as one with a lot of sea days or familiar ports.

Consider Princess (higher end Carnival brand) or Royal Caribbean or even Celebrity (higher end Royal brand). A lot of people criticize Carnival but a lot of people love them too. I find the newer Carnival ships to be quite nice (e.g. Carnival Breeze), but I don't know what is sailing in Europe right now. I've heard good things about NCL too.

 

[jdb in AZ]

This is really personal preference, but if you are interested in European cruises, then don't worry too much about it needing to be Disney. There are several other very good cruise lines out there and some of them have much more extensive experience with Europe than Disney. You may even want to consider a river cruise, which Disney does not even do.

Consider Princess (higher end Carnival brand) or Royal Caribbean or even Celebrity (higher end Royal brand). A lot of people criticize Carnival but a lot of people love them too. I find the newer Carnival ships to be quite nice (e.g. Carnival Breeze), but I don't know what is sailing in Europe right now. I've heard good things about NCL too.

Actually, Disney has started doing river cruises, but they charter an AMA Waterways ship, so I would just do AMA and skip the middle-mouse. AMA is amazing.

For a cruise on a larger ship I would go with Celebrity. The $$$$ you'll save over DCL will pay for some great shore excursions.