Top 5 Ways Disney Beats Royal AND Top 5 Ways Royal Beats Disney

[Christie]

Welcome aboard Christie! I'm happy you introduced yourself, because (for some reason) I always thought you were the male in that photo. Now (not that it matters much) I know I'm talking to the female. I was always fairly sure I was not talking to the baby. ;)

 

Which college did you attend? The Queen (my wife, Laura) and I both attended Life University a lifetime ago.

 

What could beat Disney? As you've learned, in many ways RC does. The Queen and I had our honeymoon at Disney nearly 20 years ago. Shortly thereafter, we moved to Orlando (not just because we loved our honeymoon) from Atlanta. We've since been to Disney hundreds of times and for the last two years, she and I have both worked for the Mouse (she's a server; I'm a bartender). What all of that experience has taught me is that in some significant ways Disney beats Royal, and conversely, Royal beats Disney. They have their pluses and minuses. From my perspective, who "wins" really comes down to what the guest is looking for from their vacation.

 

I think maybe, if anyone else agrees, we should start a post: "Top 5 Ways Disney Beats Royal AND Top 5 Ways Royal Beats Disney" - you'd have to offer up both or you couldn't play. ;)

 

Anyway, welcome again! If you have any questions, many of us are pretty well versed in Royal (and Disney).

 

Guess I should have clarified that, sorry!!  I went to Palmer in Daytona Beach (couldn't handle the snow in Davenport).  That's awesome that you went to Life!  Great school!

 

I'm with you on Disney.  We've been to the World over 50 times, my parents are DVC members with over 1200 points, we got married there (and honeymooned on DCL), etc.  Obviously going to WDW and a cruise are two different experiences, and right now my vote is cruising over a land based vacation.  I know that will change as my daughter gets older.  

 

I can play this game really easily, as my family and I have had many discussions about it over the past few weeks.  In no particular order...

 

Top 5 Ways RCL beats DCL

1) Food- Variety, quality, and temperature.  DCL's food gets a bit repetitive quickly.  And they have always seemed to have a problem serving luke warm food.  We found the food to be piping hot every time we ate on RCL

2) Variety- Ships, itineraries, restaurants, things to do on board, room categories, etc.  If you've cruised DCL for a while, you kind of hit a point where you say "what now?" 

3) Nursery- I can't believe I'm saying the kid's program on RCL beats DCL (I haven't experienced RCL's older children's program), but RCL was far less chaotic and I felt like my daughter got a lot of personal attention.  I loved the open play area on Oasis for 5 and under as well.  

4) Shopping- DCL is pathetic to RCL in this category (especially on Oasis)

5) Price 

 

Top 5 Ways DCL beats RCL

1) Staff is more polished and trained on DCL

2) Outside of the ship is way prettier.  Constantly see people painting on DCL.  Never saw it on RCL

3) Family activities- on DCL I felt like my cruise compass was full of highlights.  Never saw much I wanted to do with organized activities on RCL

4) Spa- Not as big, but the treatment rooms were much much nicer.  So was the rain forest room vs thermal suite

5) Concierge Service- this may change with the new suite benefits program being released in May.  We felt like the concierge staff on RCL was a bit off putting.  On Disney, they practically move in with you and are extremely helpful.  

 

And a bonus one... 5.5... Disney's website/mobile app is way better.  Royal Caribbean really needs to invest some $$ in the website.  Pre booking things was a nightmare.  Disney has the mobile app that can be used on board for free with their wifi.  You can communicate with other guests with it.  The cruise compass is on it and you can set up notifications for things you wanted to do.  

 

I guess it becomes a point of what's more important to you.  The few things that I felt Disney does better, I'm willing to overlook for the cost difference- especially with a Caribbean/Bahamian cruise.  We've cruised Disney in Europe 3 times, and those were spectacular experiences that I'm not sure can be beat. 

[Jerel]

Guess I should have clarified that, sorry!! I went to Palmer in Daytona Beach (couldn't handle the snow in Davenport). That's awesome that you went to Life! Great school!

 

I'm with you on Disney. We've been to the World over 50 times, my parents are DVC members with over 1200 points, we got married there (and honeymooned on DCL), etc. Obviously going to WDW and a cruise are two different experiences, and right now my vote is cruising over a land based vacation. I know that will change as my daughter gets older.

 

I can play this game really easily, as my family and I have had many discussions about it over the past few weeks. In no particular order...

 

Top 5 Ways RCL beats DCL

1) Food- Variety, quality, and temperature. DCL's food gets a bit repetitive quickly. And they have always seemed to have a problem serving luke warm food. We found the food to be piping hot every time we ate on RCL

2) Variety- Ships, itineraries, restaurants, things to do on board, room categories, etc. If you've cruised DCL for a while, you kind of hit a point where you say "what now?"

3) Nursery- I can't believe I'm saying the kid's program on RCL beats DCL (I haven't experienced RCL's older children's program), but RCL was far less chaotic and I felt like my daughter got a lot of personal attention. I loved the open play area on Oasis for 5 and under as well.

4) Shopping- DCL is pathetic to RCL in this category (especially on Oasis)

5) Price

 

Top 5 Ways DCL beats RCL

1) Staff is more polished and trained on DCL

2) Outside of the ship is way prettier. Constantly see people painting on DCL. Never saw it on RCL

3) Family activities- on DCL I felt like my cruise compass was full of highlights. Never saw much I wanted to do with organized activities on RCL

4) Spa- Not as big, but the treatment rooms were much much nicer. So was the rain forest room vs thermal suite

5) Concierge Service- this may change with the new suite benefits program being released in May. We felt like the concierge staff on RCL was a bit off putting. On Disney, they practically move in with you and are extremely helpful.

 

And a bonus one... 5.5... Disney's website/mobile app is way better. Royal Caribbean really needs to invest some $$ in the website. Pre booking things was a nightmare. Disney has the mobile app that can be used on board for free with their wifi. You can communicate with other guests with it. The cruise compass is on it and you can set up notifications for things you wanted to do.

 

I guess it becomes a point of what's more important to you. The few things that I felt Disney does better, I'm willing to overlook for the cost difference- especially with a Caribbean/Bahamian cruise. We've cruised Disney in Europe 3 times, and those were spectacular experiences that I'm not sure can be beat.

 

Wow, you did the top 5 yourself, good job. Watch out Matt, you got some competition.

I really liked the podcast comparing Royal to Disney, many of the same observations you made.

[Christie]

Nah, just my experience and it's fresh on my mind :)

[monorailmedic]

 

Top 5 Ways RCL beats DCL

1) Food- Variety, quality, and temperature.  DCL's food gets a bit repetitive quickly.  And they have always seemed to have a problem serving luke warm food.  We found the food to be piping hot every time we ate on RCL

2) Variety- Ships, itineraries, restaurants, things to do on board, room categories, etc.  If you've cruised DCL for a while, you kind of hit a point where you say "what now?" 

3) Nursery- I can't believe I'm saying the kid's program on RCL beats DCL (I haven't experienced RCL's older children's program), but RCL was far less chaotic and I felt like my daughter got a lot of personal attention.  I loved the open play area on Oasis for 5 and under as well.  

4) Shopping- DCL is pathetic to RCL in this category (especially on Oasis)

5) Price 

 

Top 5 Ways DCL beats RCL

1) Staff is more polished and trained on DCL

2) Outside of the ship is way prettier.  Constantly see people painting on DCL.  Never saw it on RCL

3) Family activities- on DCL I felt like my cruise compass was full of highlights.  Never saw much I wanted to do with organized activities on RCL

4) Spa- Not as big, but the treatment rooms were much much nicer.  So was the rain forest room vs thermal suite

5) Concierge Service- this may change with the new suite benefits program being released in May.  We felt like the concierge staff on RCL was a bit off putting.  On Disney, they practically move in with you and are extremely helpful.  

 

And a bonus one... 5.5... Disney's website/mobile app is way better.  Royal Caribbean really needs to invest some $$ in the website.  Pre booking things was a nightmare.  Disney has the mobile app that can be used on board for free with their wifi.  You can communicate with other guests with it.  The cruise compass is on it and you can set up notifications for things you wanted to do.  

 

Hi Christie!

 

I'm a WDW person as well, and Gold on DCL.  The Allure sailing will be our first with RCCL but we've done many other lines - and your list largely holds up comparing to other mass-market and premium lines, actually.  I will say that while DCL MDR experiences are meh (and seem to vary ship to ship for some reason) Palo and Remy have provided some of the best dining I've had at sea (outside of Oceania's offerings and Cunard's Princess and Queen's grills).

 

As adults without kids, we always felt DCL had a decent amount going on as far as activities, but we're also pretty quiet in that regard - and shopping on-board is of no consequence to us (except for my addiction to DCL logo merch, ironically).

 

All of that in mind, one big thing I'm wondering with RCCL is how the activities (especially the variety offered on the Allure) will sit with me.  I'm confident they'll be no bother, but what are some of the activities you enjoy on RCCL that aren't readily available on DCL or others?  I'm not suggesting there aren't any, I'm genuinely curious as to what I should expect.  I'm perused cruise compasses, but I'm curious your take.  For a quieter person, I've been told there are no lack of quiet spaces to enjoy a drink and a gaze at the sea.

[Matt]

Great rundown, Christie!
 

Split this thread off into its own.

[Christie]

Hi Christie!

 

I'm a WDW person as well, and Gold on DCL.  The Allure sailing will be our first with RCCL but we've done many other lines - and your list largely holds up comparing to other mass-market and premium lines, actually.  I will say that while DCL MDR experiences are meh (and seem to vary ship to ship for some reason) Palo and Remy have provided some of the best dining I've had at sea (outside of Oceania's offerings and Cunard's Princess and Queen's grills).

 

As adults without kids, we always felt DCL had a decent amount going on as far as activities, but we're also pretty quiet in that regard - and shopping on-board is of no consequence to us (except for my addiction to DCL logo merch, ironically).

 

All of that in mind, one big thing I'm wondering with RCCL is how the activities (especially the variety offered on the Allure) will sit with me.  I'm confident they'll be no bother, but what are some of the activities you enjoy on RCCL that aren't readily available on DCL or others?  I'm not suggesting there aren't any, I'm genuinely curious as to what I should expect.  I'm perused cruise compasses, but I'm curious your take.  For a quieter person, I've been told there are no lack of quiet spaces to enjoy a drink and a gaze at the sea.

 

Hey there!

 

You are not going to be disappointed with Allure!  I was so nervous with booking the RCL cruise.  I agree with you on Palo and Remy.  Chef's table at Oasis lived up to the food with Remy, but not quite the experience.  150 Central Park was close.  I actually like Palo more than Remy and appreciate the views and adult only atmosphere.  Hard to compare it to anything on Oasis/Allure... different experiences but still excellent.  You'll enjoy the variety of food options on RCL.  Even the Windjammer vs Cabanas was a huge difference.

 

I think I might have worded my post wrong.  There was more stuff to do in terms of organized activities on DCL.  Things you would find in the compass.  There was more to do on your own on Oasis (rock climbing wall, zip line, flow rider, carousel, etc.)  I missed the activities on DCL.  I liked watching the belly flop competition (but from my balcony).  I missed having a movie theater on Oasis.  That was always a great way to kill a few hours on Disney ships.  I missed the DVC presentations (haha, not really... but we did go to those a lot).  The shows at night seem like a bigger deal on Disney.  If you go back to my thread I posted while on board, the entertainment on Oasis was more of a revue and less of a play like you would find on Disney.  The diving shows were pretty great though.  Just be prepared for little story line minus your Broadway show (Mama Mia on Allure).  

[Matt]

The real question Christie is when you are going to book the group cruise on Allure so you can join us! ;)

[Christie]

The real question Christie is when you are going to book the group cruise on Allure so you can join us! ;)

Private practice sucks in terms of taking time off! Maybe 2017 though!

[lildawgscottFL]

Great rundown, Christie!

 

Split this thread off into its own.

Thanks, Matty! I was gonna do the same thing, but I've been too busy at Disney. Holiday season and all. Hey, at least I've made enough (in tips!) to afford more cruises!

[lildawgscottFL]

Private practice sucks in terms of taking time off! Maybe 2017 though!

There are coverage DCs! YOLO BOOK IT!!!! :P

[JohnK6404]

Just to add IMHO... we loved Disney and will cruise them again in the future, but RC seems to have more variety and quantity of onboard entertainment... plus RC has casinos and more adult oriented/geared entertainment (Disney is family/child friendly to an extreme due to the brand - not that there is anything wrong with that!).  I agree that Disney is excellent with the maintenance and cleanliness of their ships which is nice... always polishing handrails and painting the ship while at port, etc.  We enjoyed their rotational dining and enjoyed the specialty dining (Palo) when we cruised with them on our honeymoon.

 

Bottom line, RC's 29 or so ships offer significantly more and varied itineraries, plus the 35%-50% premium for almost an identical stateroom and itinerary with Disney is not worth it to us... as I mentioned before, we really do want to cruise Disney again, but not for a few years... need to try the Quantum (Anthem) and Oasis class (Allure) ships first!

[Matt]

When I first made the jump to RC, I thought I would return to cruising with DCL but it never happened.

 

I think the reason is DCL continues to get more and more expensive and RC keeps pumping out new features that I was never that compelled to return to DCL.

 

As I've said before, DCL is a fine product, but I really feel their pricing is, well, crazy.  Especially for ships that pale in comparison to what RC's new ships offer.  

[Christie]

There are coverage DCs! YOLO BOOK IT!!!! :P

 

How about you come cover my office and I'll take your place on the group cruise?  :D

 

Ok while I was up with the baby in the middle of the night last night, I came up with these:

 

Top 5 Ways Labadee Beats Castaway Cay

1) Things to do!  Mainly the zip line and coaster

2) The view.  I love the mountainous terrain of Labadee

3) The food.  In all fairness, I did eat the "upgraded" lunch in the suite area, but it was delicious.  The way Castaway Cay used to be

4) Barefoot Beach- loved the sectioned off area for the suite guests

5) Huge splash pad area for kids 

 

Top 5 Ways Castaway Cay Beats Labadee

1) It truly is its own island.  Although Labadee is sectioned off from Haiti, we passed by a security check point on the way up to the zipline with people camped out.  It was kinda weird 

2) Serenity Bay.. not sure if Labadee has an adult only beach

3) The cabanas are way nicer 

4) Live music- they may have this on Labadee but I never saw it

5) Lack of the artisan market.  I thought I would like this on Labadee hoping it would be good local shopping without the heckling... but several people got stuck buying their stuff because they asked their names and immediately carved it into things.  They got guilted into buying things because it had their name on it.  

[Matt]

Good stuff, as always.

 

There is no adult only beach on Labadee.

There is live music, primarily at the entrance where the dock ends, but I have seen musical acts close to the main BBQ area.

[lildawgscottFL]

How about you come cover my office and I'll take your place on the group cruise?  :D

You're a crazy person? That must be it. Well, we like crazy people here. :P :wacko: :blink:

 

I never actually got my license. I completed all of the course work, most of the clinic work, and the first part of the national boards. Right at that moment, I decided being a DC wasn't for me. The Queen did too. So we've got the $250,000 in student loan debt, but nothing to show for it, aside from the knowledge. A very expensive mistake indeed.

[Christie]

Another point for Royal- I don't know much about Crown and Anchor Society, but from what I do know, it beats the pants off of the Castaway Club. Was just looking at the benefits I would get after one more cruise to become platinum and I get a free dinner at Palo... Ooooooh

[Matt]

Another point for Royal- I don't know much about Crown and Anchor Society, but from what I do know, it beats the pants off of the Castaway Club. Was just looking at the benefits I would get after one more cruise to become platinum and I get a free dinner at Palo... Ooooooh

No question about that.  DCL's rewards (if you want to call it that) are pretty paltry compared to the entire industry.  

 

Coming from DCL to Crown and Anchor, you will feel like royalty (no pun intended)!

[Christie]

I also like how C&A rewards you based on the length of cruise and bonuses you for staying in a suite. Castaway Club is just based on number of cruises. I received the same credit for a 3 night Bahamaian cruise as I did for a 12 night Baltic Sea in the Walt Disney Suite. That's crazy

[Matt]

I also like how C&A rewards you based on the length of cruise and bonuses you for staying in a suite. Castaway Club is just based on number of cruises. I received the same credit for a 3 night Bahamaian cruise as I did for a 12 night Baltic Sea in the Walt Disney Suite. That's crazy

Royal Caribbean used to have that policy many years ago, but has since switched over to a per-night basis.

 

I agree, it makes more sense to reward longer cruises.

[michelle]

Yes come on book on the Allure!  or the Navigator!