EmersonNZ Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 We are currently considering booking a RC cruise (Likely out of Sydney around NZ or maybe Hong Kong to Sydney). Living in NZ we thought it'd be nice to cruise closure to home. We also thought the difference in DCL v RC we could upgrade to a suite which would be a nice treat. We have no children so not too interested in the kids clubs other than they attract children away from pools etc :-) We've done a number of DL cruises before and was wondering what was the difference might be and have a few questions for those that have done both. We are considering the Ovation our of Sydney if that helps Is service comparable to the two cruise lines Do you see more people drunk etc or is that not really an issue? Does the casino take up too much space on board (We really aren't too interested in gambling)? Are the staterooms of simular quality/size? Would you consider the main dining rooms of simular quality as far as food? What would be your reasons except for cost to travel RC v DCL? We are just a little gun share to try RC as we 'know' DCL but then again maybe it is time to take the leap? Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 I think you will find they are more alike than they are different. Have not experienced the Quantum class (Ovation) but have sailed both Disney and Royal. For me Disney does better on service and food but neither one is bad by any means, Disney's pricing is too much for the difference though so Royal is our default except for a couple of splurges here and there. Staterooms are very hard to compare directly since it depends on the class of room, etc. but I would say like to like are similar in size. Ovation being brand new is probably a little nicer and it sounds like you are considering a suite vs a regular room on Disney in which case you will definitely notice the increase in size/amenities and the additional service from being suite class should easily offset any difference (as perceived by me) in service level between the lines. Personally if cost was not an issue we would always choose DCL over RCL, however, in the real world for comparable costs you are likely doing a suite on a new ship with RCL vs. a regular room on an older ship with DCL, which tips the scales to RCL for me. Cruise_Addict 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 Is service comparable to the two cruise lines? Disney has staff that seems to be a little more seasoned, and the systems in place are a little better. But also more controlling of the passengers. Do you see more people drunk etc or is that not really an issue? While I believe you would see more on Royal it is only because of the larger ships and the higher number of adults. Really I believe it is a non issue. Does the casino take up too much space on board (We really aren't too interested in gambling)? Yes the casinos are large but the ships are also larger than Disney so again another non issue. If you are on a Voyager Class ship the casino is the deck under the main boardwalk and unless you go to it you would never know it is on the ship. On the Vision Class (Legend) it is located forward on the main deck in front of the shops, you may walk through it but not really large. And on the Quantum-class again very large ship it has little effect. Are the staterooms of simular quality/size? Yes but Disney has more family rooms Would you consider the main dining rooms of simular quality as far as food? The food on Royal is good and I believe you will be very happy with it. But the number of options really puts Royal over the top. What would be your reasons except for cost to travel RC v DCL? Most of the time Royal will be at least 1/3 off Disney rates many times more. Also Disney has very limited cruises in Asia, (mostly re position) Royal is the leader here. We are just a little gun share to try RC as we 'know' DCL but then again maybe it is time to take the leap? You should being in Asia try and use them. Some very great cruises. Besides Hong Kong look at Singapore. When Royal moves the ships from SE Asia to Australia (twice a year) they have some great values. Also the cruises from AU are at much lower prices than other Royal Cruises. I think if you try Royal you will enjoy it. I also live in Asia so I have checked all the crusie lines and right now the best overall package is RCCL. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 Welcome, Emerson. Long time, no speak. Is service comparable to the two cruise lines I believe it is. RC and DCL both are about ensuring guests have a great time. I do believe they employ different strategies, but I think you will find the RC staff quite accommodating and helpful. Do you see more people drunk etc or is that not really an issue? I think this only occurs more commonly on short 3 night weekend cruises. For your purposes, I do not think that will be an issue. Honestly, I think it's an overrated concern. Does the casino take up too much space on board (We really aren't too interested in gambling)? No, it's on one deck and it is usually a low deck that is avoidable if you are not interested. I know many DCL fans think the casino takes up half the ship, but think of it more like a restaurant. It's there, it's available but you do not have to go in. Are the staterooms of simular quality/size? RC has really stepped up its game with stateroom size and amenities. The ships in Australia are great. I would highly recommend Ovation of the Seas if you want to see a good 1:1 comparison between what RC has and what DCL offers, in terms of stateroom. Would you consider the main dining rooms of simular quality as far as food? I have always maintained the food, in general, is better on RC than DCL. When I first tried RC I was surprised by the greater variety of food choice and the overall food quality, especially in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. What would be your reasons except for cost to travel RC v DCL? RC ships offer so much more for guests to do onboard. They built their ships with onboard entertainment in mind, and they are quite frankly, the industry leaders in packing in things to do onboard. I also hope you have listened to the podcast episode I did with Len Testa and Laurel Stewart comparing the two cruise lines: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-50-royal-caribbean-versus-disney-cruise-line Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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