Which One Dcl Or Rcl

[carolsherman]

I have a cruise booked with dcl right now for 2/03 for myself dh, and 2 ds and my mom and dad but rcl is $250 cheaper I have done the dcl cruise once but not sure about rcl should I stick with what I have or switch to save the $$$ I am paying for everyone christmas gift for my parents. I don't know what to do

 

[MickeyCanada]

I went through that debate last March. I had booked last Dec. for a Dec 15/02 cruise with DCL. I had the special price for booking on board, but I really didn't want to go just before the holidays. I ended up canceling my DCL cruise and changing to RCCL for a Jan/03 vacation. I am paying only $200.00 extra, but I am getting a deluxe outside stateroom with balcony vs a deluxe outside stateroom. We have previously cruised with DCL 2 times, and absolutely loved it, but I decided it was time to try another cruise ship so that we can truly compare. We are going to go on the Voyager of the Seas. I know I am going to miss DCL, but I am really looking forward to RCCL.

 

[shmoogrrrl]

$250 difference? For that, my Money is on Disney. Just my opinion!

Kathy

 

[carolsherman]

my kids are set on DCL but with the extra $250 we could do Paradise Island Is RCL geared towards kids how are the kids clubs and how are the pools are they ok for a 7 and 10 year old

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I'm having the same dilema right now. We've been on DCL 3 times and have loved each cruise, but since DCL doesn't change their shows or entertainment too much, we'd like something different. Our TA has recommended RCCL Voyager or Explorer. She feels that we would be just as impressed with RCCL as we've been with DCL. She felt that they were the only 2 ships out there that could compete with DCL. She's going on a family reunion on Explorer. She says even though no one can outdo DCL kids clubs, RCCL kids programs are really good, she has a 6 and 8 year old and has taken them on both DCL and RCCL. So, I'm torn between the magic and familiarity of DCL vs. new shows, meals and activities on RCCL. Another factor is we could get a verandah on RCCL for the same price as a cat 9 on DCL. I'm terrible at making up my mind, but at least I have a few more months to decide.

 

[padisneyfan]

I am also looking at RC either Voyager of the Sea or the new one Naviagator of the Sea. There Cat C which is equal to DCL Cat 5 for 4 of us is nearly $400 cheaper for a May cruise. I do love DCL having take 2 cruises (3 and 4 day) with 3rd (7 day) for 9/28 and a 4th (4 th day) on 2/9/03. Even though cost is a factor, but I have 2 sons who will be 19 and 20 for the May cruise and were somewhat bored on our last 4 day cruise in June 2002. They are not going on our 9/28 or 2/9 cruise, but will be going on the 5/03. The 18-20 year old is sort of the lost bracket in the cruise industry, but my sons like to vacation with us and would like to do the western carribean. I have done alot of research and it seems that the Voyager or Navigator may have more to offer this age group. Only downside is that they leave from Miami, so if want to do WDW before or after it requires renting a car and driving there.

If anyone has been on the Voyager would like some input.

Disney cruise line would always be my first choice, but need to find something that would keep the boys happy otherwise it can be not pleasant at time.

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

We've sailed both lines. If you have smaller children (where the kids clubs are a +) DCL is where you want to be.

For traveling with the older "kids" RCL is nice. You would enjoy it. The service is really good as well as food etc....

I personally prefer DCL but would recommend RCL as an alternative if $$ is an issue or if your children were bored on DCL.

 

[inkkognito]

We have been on Voyager of the Seas (as well as three other RCCL ships), and on Disney 23 times. I'm sure you can guess which one I prefer! But Voyager was very nice in many ways and very kid-friendly. There was lots of them to do, like the rock climbing wall, mini golf, and ice skating (also, the ice show is phenomenal). At the time we sailed, they charged for the activities, but I've heard that they're free now. To me, Disney is better for adults...on Voyager, kids were running in and out of the spa, running from the indoor whirlpool onto the exercise equipment soaking wet. I like the adults only areas on Disney. But for a family it would be a good option if money is an issue. A couple of other things we liked were the parades at night (they have a "street" on the ship), the non-smoking casino, and the 24/7 snack shop which had awesome sandwiches and pasteries. You can go up on the "king of the world" area of the deck on Voyager too...great photo op.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[disneyholic family]

my sister went on voyager with her 2 sons who were 18 and 21 at the time...
she said they all had a nice time...

 

[DCL-Fan]

We have been on the VOS twice and I would not hesitate to go again..My children (9&7) actually like the RCCL kids area better than DCL..Maybe it's the fact that the more you go the more coupons you get towards neat things and the activities are have been a little different each time..Where as the DCL clubs have the same thing and the kids have gone 4 times on DCL and find it a little boring with too much un-planned activity time.. As far as the ship goes it has a character of it's own and I have to say i find more activities to do as an adult on RCCL than on DCL .

 

[nicurnc]

I think you will enjoy RCCL. Remember your vacation is what you make of it and I think it is possible to have a good time outside "the World".
I posted a similar question not too long ago asking for opinions comparing Princess with DCL and was was pretty much "flamed" for even suggesting that I might have decided to try a different cruise line based on a good deal.
Like you, we were thinking of trying another cruise line anyway, so why not try it when a good price comes along
We love DCL and have two cruiseswith the Mouse planned for 2003

Whatever your final decision is I'm sure you will all have fun and the best time. Your family is blessed having you to plan theses great things for them!

Just MHO
Loretta

 

[LindaDVC]

We want to cruise again and are pondering a different cruise line.

Two important factors are:

accesibility since husband has a power chair

and

teen programs since son will be 15 or 16 when we sail!


Any advice appreciated!

Linda

 

[carolsherman]

we are doing the 3 day on dcl how is Sovereign of the Seas compared to the wonder I notice the wonder rooms look alot nicer and biger

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

The inside cabins on DCL are MUCH BIGGER. On the Sovereign you basically have the twin bed (full size if pushed together), a bathroom and very little walking space. You really do feel cramped.

After sailing on the Sovereign, I was shocked at the space that was in an inside cabin on DCL.

 

[padisneyfan]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful information and for not flaming those of us who asked the question. As I was taking DS#2 to college today on the drive there we were talking about which cruise to do. He would like to try either Voyager or Navigator for a change to see if they have more activites for a 19 yr old, but made me promise that we would still go to WDW when we got back from the cruise. If DCL was doing the western on 5/17/03 (but that is an eastern week for DCL), that would be the first choice as that looks like the week we could all do a cruise. After I return from my 9/28 DCL western trip, I will have to make a decision. Barb, thanks for the information about some of the non smoking areas. Plus I will need to check out if they do charge extra for some of those special activities like rock climbing (not me but DS) and ice skating.

Thanks again for all your input.

Nancy

 

[disneyholic family]

you're right that that age group has a problem on DCL...
my 18 year old ended up staying with us the entire cruise as there was nothing organized for her to do...
her suggestion is that DCL organize the kids that age into groups that go to the clubs together...
all she wanted to do was go to the clubs and would have loved to have companions her own age to do it with....
as it was she had a great time dancing with me in wavebands...but i'm sure she would have had even more fun with kids her own age...
but nothing was organized (except for one singles meeting...but the singles were way too old for her...)

 

[padisneyfan]

disneyholic family

On our first cruise they were 17 and 18 and they left both of them into common grounds so that helped and they could link up with kids their own age. This past June, they weren't permitted to do common grounds. Plus were very few 18-20 year olds around (at least they couldn't find them) so yes they hung out with us alot. They enjoyed the wavebands and in fact my 18 year old was picked to be one of the Village People. Mine are both boys so usually they can find kids to do basketball or other sports, but mostly the kids were just to young for them to play against.

I did put in my comment card that I felt they should organize some sort of club for them at least to hang out and meet people. The promenade lounge never had anyone in it so I thought that could be an option.

I realize that this group is a small percent of their passengers, but there are alot of familes who have a wide range of children on the cruise. It would be nice it they could just organize some sort of way for them to meet up with the others.

So for now if it is just DH and me we will do DCL, but for this May 2003 guess will look into either Voyager or Navigator of the sea. I just hate to hear that "B" word Bored when I am on vacation.

Thank again for all your input.

Nancy

 

[disneyholic family]

we've already decided that the next time we go on DCL we'll take either one of her friends or her cousin (he's the same age as she is)...that will solve the problem for her...

 

[TimonTracy]

My husband (25) and I (24) just got back from the 3 day Sovereign of the Seas. We spent the whole time comparing it to the Disney Wonder. (Which is hard not to do, since you see the Wonder right next to SOS in Port Canaveral, Nassau, etc.) We got a good deal on a Deluxe Oceanview - so we decided to try it, I'm glad that we got the chance to see how RCL is, so we can fully appreciate Disney. The deluxe oceanview was okay - but I still like cat 11 on Disney much better!

Although Disney is more expensive, we found that we spent more $$ on RCL - casino, drinks, etc.

The entertainment on Disney is far superior, but the comedian on RCL was good on the last night - other than that the stage shows were not really that great.

There were several times where there was "nothing" to do. Especially on the last night. I NEVER felt bored on Disney.

The bar staff REALLY pushed drinks everywhere, it became annoying very quickly. --- I have never drank alcohol in my life and a waiter brought me an alcoholic daiquiri by mistake - good thing I always have my husband test my drinks - I would have been FURIOUS.

The food on Disney is alot better !! And the staff seem like they want you to have a good time, on RCL you can tell they are REALLY working and on several occasions we waited for assistance while two staff persons bickered all the time.


My husband did not like the fact that he couldn't play basketball 24 hours a day. (They took away the basketball at 7 - not sure why, because it wouldn't have bothered anyone)

They showed one movie on the tv the whole time - The Majestic. There were only 1 or 2 movies shown in the cinema - which was very small (Shrek and Snow Dogs - Disney movies !!)

I could go on, but it was very evident early on that the cruise was okay - but I didn't find anything that Disney didn't do better !! The price is worth it for Disney!

But that's our opinion - we had to do it once to see the difference. We were very comforted knowing that we already had our 7 day Disney cruised for next month - so we had something to look forward to !!

E-mail me if you have specific questions !!

 

[carolsherman]

thanks for the info hubby made up my mind fore me he said do dcl