Well, we tried…

[tarheelmjfan]

Having taken 25 DCL cruises, breaking out to another line is scary. I am tired of DCL’s lack of new ports and high prices. I wanted to go to Grand Turk and the only cruise lines going there are Carnival and Holland America. Well, Carnival is out so I chose HAL. I was very nervous that the ship would be full of old people and that it would be boring. Well, there were more old people (I mean over 80 crowd) than DCL but we had a really good time. The amount of live music venues was awesome. I don’t mean a piano player in a lounge or a duo in the old Promenade lounge. I mean a dueling piano bar, a rock band, a three piece ensemble in the bar, etc. all going constantly all evening until around midnight. What did I give up? The 3 broadway shows on DCL. But the issue is I’ve seen them all over and over again so much that I rarely go to them any more. The shows in the theater on HAL were definitely lacking but the live music venues made up for it. Would I cruise HAL again? Absolutely! My next cruise is on Virgin Voyages to Iceland, Greenland and Canada for 13 days in 2006. Very nervous about this also since it is so different of a cruise line. But I’m going in with an open mind.

I’m sad that I’ve outgrown DCL but 3/4/5 day cruises are not my thing right now. I want longer itineraries and more exciting ports than the Bahamas and standard East/West Caribbean routes. DCL can’t give that to me at a reasonable price. I’m off to find greener pastures until I get grandkids.

Which HAL ship was this? We too have avoided that line, because we thought we'd be bored. The live music sounds right up our alley though. Did all of the bars close at midnight?

 

[brentm77]

My husband and I did a 4 night sailing on Utopia in February that stopped at Coco Cay twice. We are newly minted empty nesters and were eager to try a non-DCL cruise.

Overall, we had a good time and I left satisfied with my experience, but it was definitely a different vibe than Disney. “Shopping Mall at Sea” is a good descriptor of the vibe we got upon embarking - nice shopping mall, but just not the same as any of Disney’s ships upon entry. Kind of like walking into the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge vs. a nice Hilton.

I also thought it was way too loud - but figured that was because Utopia is “the world’s biggest weekend”. I didn’t realize it was a fleet wide thing! Fortunately, I had read that it was loud and brought ear plugs to wear to the shows and such, but didn’t realize how loud it was going to be everywhere else! We avoided pool parties and the main pool deck at all costs due to noise (we spent about 5 minutes at a deck party before the noise got to be too much). Even Windjammer had ridiculously loud “party music” playing for the first 15 minutes or so at opening when we went there for dinner one night.

There were things I really liked: the adults only solarium, the balcony furniture (reclining chairs with ottomans in the ocean view balconies … though this did not look like the case on Liberty of the Seas that was parked next to us, so must be ship specific), the stateroom showers, the ability to split the main bed into two twins, etc. I also really liked the Central Park area. I also thought the shows were very good and it was a nice change of pace from DCL.

I really liked Coco Cay. We had great weather and going two different days allowed us to try a variety of things. On Day 1, we only utilized included amenities and spent most of the day on South Beach in shaded loungers. On Day 2, we paid for Coco Beach Club. Coco Beach Club was very nice, but I would be happy just utilizing included amenities on future visits.

I was not impressed with the food in general and prefer Disney. We didn’t try any specialty dining on the ship and actively disliked the main dining room (we went twice). Windjammers had a lot of variety, but it was pure chaos and felt stressful. We did really like the Park Cafe’ in Central Park for breakfast and lunch - it was like an elevated Daisy’s Delights with seating. Coco Cay food was on par with Cookies, but with more variety.

I would cruise Royal again (actually hoping to try a 7 night on Star of the Seas) and think my young adult children would probably enjoy it, but nothing compares to DCL for a wholesome family cruise. Disney definitely feels like an elevated experience over Royal and I prefer the Disney vibe and atmosphere. Utopia didn’t feel “trashy” to me, but I don’t like to gamble, I drink very little and I’m not into nightlife … and these were prominent features on Royal. You can avoid them, but they are there and attract crowds that enjoy these activities, so the demographic is definitely different … more adults only groups, more older people, couples on vacation without kids, etc. I heard so many Florida retirees in the Solarium talking about past cruises and boasting to each other about deals they got with casino comp cruises or Florida residents rates or free drink packages.

Also, on Disney, I never worried if an all ages venue would be appropriate for my kids … on Royal, even though it was just my husband and I, I found myself thinking “this is not kid friendly” on several occasions while at events where there were no age restrictions.

I liked my cruise and can see myself cruising Royal again with my husband, but it would not be my first choice for a family cruise. If you’re going on Royal because you want to try something different and go in with the right expectations, I think you’ll be fine. If you really want to cruise DCL and are thinking about Royal just to save money, I would re-think the plan.

You might like Celebrity edge class ships. It has a lot of what you liked about Royal, but isn't loud at all. It's less shopping mall and more upscale hotel (I do prefer the classic DCL ship feel). I also really liked the main dining food too - much better than DCL. I personally preferred the relaxed more elegant dinning feel over DCL too. The buffet is also much more spacious with more variety than DCL. They also have the high level of service, including servicing the rooms twice a day. The ships are immaculate and well maintained (at least the edge class ones). We miss some things from DCL, but both of our next cruises are on Celebrity instead.

 

[John VN]

Which HAL ship was this? We too have avoided that line, because we thought we'd be bored. The live music sounds right up our alley though. Did all of the bars close at midnight?

just a FYI, DW and I cruised the older Zuiderdam on a Panama Canal and the Nieuw Statendam on a Western Caribbean and enjoyed both immensely.

 

[FastPasser.]

You might like Celebrity edge class ships. It has a lot of what you liked about Royal, but isn't loud at all. It's less shopping mall and more upscale hotel (I do prefer the classic DCL ship feel).

Good to hear. We’re doing the Celebrity Beyond, which is one of the Edge class ships, in Nov. It’s our first Celebrity cruise.

We’ve done Royal, Princess, NCL and lots of DCL. I’ve heard good things about Celebrity.

 

[pjacobi]

If you travel anywhere with the attitude, "I want to be somewhere else", then by definition you will have a bad time.

Instead, travel with the attitude, "I can have a good time anywhere" and you will always have a good time.


-Paul

 

[bbn1122]

How and what we like to do for a vacation, if we are fortunate to have the time and resources is personal choice.

There are no good or bad if you enjoy what you are doing. From traveling the world or vacationing in your own backyard.

I always appreciate DisBoard members sharing their experiences. These are "Dis" boards for a reason. Usually the folks here love Disney and/or DCL.

I also love living vicariously through others who may have the means or opportunity to experience the finer things on a DCL cruise.

Thank you for sharing your recent cruising experience on a different cruise line. There is something for everyone in the cruise industry.

I did relate to some of your points. I am always checking out other cruise options, but for now feel the most comfortable on DCL. Maybe a Viking ocean cruise one day.....that's my speed.

Happy sailing to all my fellow cruisers.

 

[Flcruising]

Please share how Utopia is. Been looking at that one but worried it might be too much of a party vibe

If you like lobster and shrimp make sure you go to the windjammer buffet on embarking . Yes lobster tails all you want to eat.
Also try to get reservations for the Aqua show ASAP. They fill up.
We liked the food a lot better than the last few DCL trips, which were bad.

 

[DCLMP]

It’s nice to see some good reviews and more people branching out. There was a time when you would get attacked for even mentioning liking another cruise line on this forum. I’m not sure that bodes well for DCL, but it’s refreshing to see.

 

[LoveDaisy]

If you like lobster and shrimp make sure you go to the windjammer buffet on embarking . Yes lobster tails all you want to eat.
Also try to get reservations for the Aqua show ASAP. They fill up.
We liked the food a lot better than the last few DCL trips, which were bad.

When I sailed in June they also had the seafood buffet at the solarium buffet, and it was a lot less crowded than windjammer.

 

[Memepoppy]

Thanks for the review!

We sail the Magic next week, then "jump ship" for a 3 night on Utopia. I'm curious (and a little nervous) to see the comparison.

We've sailed Disney, Princess, and Royal. Have not sailed Disney for 5 years as our Grandkids "outgrew" Disney. We've sailed on Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas and have Star of the Seas booked. You may be disappointed with Utopia. It's a beautiful ship with everything the Oasis class ships have to offer, but the 3 & 4 night cruises tend to be more party cruises like Carnival. We sailed on the 4 night right after 7 on Wonder and it wasn't bad. Depends on time of year, etc., but definitely more of a party atmosphere. Royal is taking a lot of heat for moving several of their newer Oasis class ships to the 3/4 night itineraries.

 

[Memepoppy]

This week-end I saw a post about a glass waterslide that broke on Icon of the Seas, slicing open two people before they could stop more people from going through the slide. It's been sailing for less than 2 years. How is this possible?

I was already averse to the Icon class because 7,600 people on a ship sounds like a nightmare to me, stories like this just make me fear I'll regret trying another line even more.

This morning I saw a photo of both Icon and Star of the Seas at port in Coco Cay. 14 000 people on a small island? Castaway Cay can feel crowded with 4000 people, and is bigger than Coco Cat. I cannot even imagine enjoying the island with an extra 10K people roaming around.

I am trying Seabourn next year, in Alaska. We'll see if I do end up with regrets.

The 2 ships together were a photo op, they will never be on the island together. Royal will only have 1 Oasis/Icon class ship at a time docked at Coco Cay. While Castaway may be larger, the majority is undeveloped and not available to cruisers. While Coco is smaller, it is more developed and can handle more passengers. We've been to Coco with 2 ships docked and never had a crowd issue. Less crowded than Castaway with one ship.

 

[Memepoppy]

The 2 ships together were a photo op, they will never be on the island together. Royal will only have 1 Oasis/Icon class ship at a time docked at Coco Cay. While Castaway may be larger, the majority is undeveloped and not available to cruisers. While Coco is smaller, it is more developed and can handle more passengers. We've been to Coco with 2 ships docked and never had a crowd issue. Less crowded than Castaway with one ship.

 

[MonaMN]

Actually, that same day the Oasis and Icon were at Coco Cay together. Due to the storm that rolled in, I don’t know how it really would have felt since it chased us back to our ships early. But we were definitely both there. The Star pulled into our spot as we left.

 

[asgur5]

You also sail concierge on DCL right? I can’t afford that and can get more for my money on another cruises line. If I choose to do that. Sometimes an inside room on DCL is fine.
It’s nice you eat at Michelin restaurants across the globe I’m not sure how that’s relevant. We have some non Michelin Italian restaurants in my home town that are better than Palo. I enjoy my free meal at Palo, but it’s not the be all end all. It’s just Italian food. I make pretty good pasta myself.

Millions of people across the globe enjoy Starbucks. Enough said on that.

Honestly how do know what music plays in the elevator on every cruise line on every ship? Maybe take the stairs?

You sound really defensive and for the life of me I can’t figure out why. No one said anything negative about DCL. Why the need to put down ships you’ve never sailed on?

I’m curious have you ever cruised another cruise line? How many DCL cruises have you done?

I would never sail concierge on dcl. A giant waste of money. On other cruise lines I need to do concierge as its not special enough otherwise. Cos of the mall like vibes.

Sorry i meant music on the stairs and hallways and lounge areas. Not elevators. I almost always only take the stairs.

Not defensive. Just trying to help inform people of the differences. And to me they are stark.

Starbucks is convenient and cheap. I doubt anyone actually likes it unless they have never tasted actual coffee before. On holidays i dont want to experience convenient and cheap that i can find 5 mins from my house in the local mall. I doubt many do unless forced too.

 

[DCLMP]

Starbucks may be a lot of things, but it's not cheap. Starbucks sales are pretty good. I think you may be an outlier.

 

[tidefan]

I would add that it's not just the cruise line (well, unless it's Virgin Voyages, then all the ships are similar), but rather the class of ship within each line.

For instance, take Carnival. The experience that you get on Mardi Gras, Celebration, or Jubilee will be MILES different than say if you are on Elation. In fact, we sailed Mardi Gras a couple of months after we sailed Oasis OTS, and we all greatly preferred the Mardi Gras.

For RCCL, the experience on the Icon and Oasis classes will be very different than say the Grandeur, Rhapsody, Serenade, or Brilliance, etc...

For Princess, the Royal class ships are very different than the Grand class ships (especially in the Buffet), and the Sphere class ships are different even from them.

You could go on. In other words, sometimes the ship matters just as much as the line.

And, as said before, everyone is different. For us, we don't do any of the waterslides, ice skating, etc, so a lot of Royal is lost on us. We just want things to be included. I appreciate for instance that Guy's Burger is included on Carnival and I don't have to spend $18 per person like you do at Johnny Rockets on Royal. For other people, the value metric may be different. That's why there are different lines and they are all doing well.

Our current preference is Virgin Voyages, however, if you have kids, that is a non-starter...

 

[BrokeMack]

We'll be taking an adults only fjords cruise on Sky Princess in '27, and we've got Celebrity Apex sailing out of Port Canaveral in the winter (we live about 30 mins away) so we'll be trying some non-Disney cruising once we knock out the Wish in 20 days and the Treasure in April (and probably Destiny if they'd ever drop fall '26 bookings).