You missed one thing that puts Disney as the winner. The FEELING you get when on board, literally a magical feel and vibe that I don’t think you’d find on any other cruise line. ✨✨✨
Although I have only been on ONE cruise (Disney Dream)..... I would tend to agree. It was the same feeling I always get when I enter Magic Kingdom, look down Main Street USA, and see Cinderella's Castle. Magic.
I've only cruised w DCL so far but just booked on Icon of The Seas and we want to do another RCL before we sail on that in April 2024. We are so excited and this is a GREAT video!!!
Disney's kids clubs are different to how you described it. Disney has 3-12 for the Oceaneer Club and Lab, then there is Edge for ages 12-14 and then vibe 14-17. So they do split it up a little bit. I remember going to the oceaneer club and lab as a 6 year old and it was stunning and so fun they did cater towards most ages, it could be the fact that your son was only 4 he might've found it scary as there is alot going on and some arguments can occur however I feel like that the Disney Kid's Club was really good and would be suited for a lot of ages.
We have been on 3 Disney cruises since I recorded this video and it is how I described it. Now my son was 6 during those trips and enjoyed the kids club so much more. Also I was discussing the oceaneer club and adventure ocean only. Both lines have teen areas, but I don’t have teens so I have no experience with them.
I've done 5 with Disney including Alaska and 3 with RCL only on Oasis class ships. All in all honestly Disney is a better line, the pricing of course even more now is extremely more expensive. But both give you an excellent experience. I too live in the Miami fort Lauderdale area so driving to the boat or having your family drop you off is an awesome perk
Very excited for your family for your cruise on the Wish! We are booked on the Wish Sept 2022 for a 3 night. We are also looking forward to trying Royal Caribbean for the first time probably Nov 2022.
Wow, fabulous video. I so appreciate it. We went on a DCL when the kids were little and LOVED it. We snagged a great deal at the time. Now our littles are teens and we are debating which to do. I had always heard about being nickeled and dime'd and how they push things to purchase that are not included. The pressure to buy stuff that is already included with DCL and having a smoky casino is a huge turn off. It sounds like from your video that may not be the case. I am curious about the teen activity rooms. I know you have a little one, I will have to find another video. Thank you again.
I have 3 vlogs on Royal AFTER the restart, but like you said, I have a little. I have heard great things about Teens on RCCL. I would advise going on an Oasis class ship (except Allure until it's refurbed). There is also a great FB group called Royal Caribbean Moms at Sea that I advise joining and asking other moms with teens their thoughts
I was honestly a little disappointed with the teen club on DCL. They do have their own pool, hot tub, and smoothie bar in there, but the kids club spaces have so much amazing imagineering and features why is the teen club just video games and cool seating? With that said, my teen son who likes Disney but is not a huge Micky Maniac LOVED the teen club and can't wait to go back. As far as nickle and dime, I think that is unfair for people to say. It's a matter of if or when you pay for things. You can go on Royal, Norwegian, or Carnival and pay 1/3 of the price for the same grade of room and have a good time without paying extra for anything. Will it be the same quality experience as DCL absolutly not. If you pay for the addition upcharge such as the soda package or other opportunities such as the casino or water park you could have a comparable experience if not better depending on your taste and still possibly spend less than DCL, BUT you are paying separately for only the experiences you want instead of most everything being included. A picture is painted that on DCL you pay that big upfront price and nothing costs extra. That isn't true, you can still pay for specialty dining, the sweet shop, popcorn and candy at the shows, the sports simulator, spa treatments and the rainforest room, beach cabanas(not to be confused with Cabanas buffet which is included),excursions, bikes, float and snorkel rentals, and of course souvenirs. I can go on a DCL, not pay for anything extra but gratuities, and not feel I missed out on a thing (well maybe still buy a spirit jersey), but I would need to do quite a few up charges to feel the same on other lines. In the end, I would still pay about the same or less on another line even with the upcharges. For me I prefer to pay that upfront cost with Disney, but to say nickle and dime of others is not fair.
This was a great comparison. I liked that you kept things as apples to apples as possible and mainly stuck the things that are available on both lines. I also liked your point about the kids clubs. For those without kids, they are basing it on the facilities. DCL's facilities with Andy's room, the Star Wars simulator and life sized Disney Infinity are hard to compete with. Disney puts their IP to good use, but those bells and whistles wear off quick for kids over the course of 3-4 days or more. It really does come down to the staff and activities. I have also heard good things about for DCL staff and activities, but other lines with fewer frills in the design of the space could still engage kids as much if not more. You are 100% right, you need a kid to see that part.
I've done a DCL cruise with my adult children and we loved it. I want to try RCL on an Oasis class ship next. I know we will have a different time on it but we will have a great time there too. Whenever I have grandkids we will be going on DCL.
I'm looking at a Grand suite in RCL for a week long cruise around christmas and it's just under $7k. A similar room on DCL for a suite using "Prestiege" is $20k. I have no idea what Prestiege is and what I get? I'm sure RCL nickel and dimes you for all the child care stuff the dinning up charges, drinks ,etc... But it can't be $13k worth of difference.
Actually they don’t nickel & dime you. The upcharges are pretty much the same on DCL. The only thing you get on DCL is soda which is about $9/ day on Royal
@@ShannonFord thanks! What are your thoughts on celebrity vs RCL? I found a similar cruise on Cel a bit more expensive $2k but a far nicer room (bigger suite). I’ve never cruised celebrity before and have 2 daughters (5 & 2)
@@aceofspades6667 we only sailed on Celebrity once before our son was born. It wasn’t for us. It was great, but the crowd was older. Also, there wasn’t much else to do on the ship except lounge around the pool. We like activities. Not sure about their kids program either. I personally wouldn’t sail Celebrity with my son.
Good video and comparisons. Been on both cruise lines. You mention rotational dining on DCL, they do that on the Quantum class ships for RCL (or at least when we went). It is difficult to do comparisons as DCL costs significantly more money for the same room category (but I'm not sure it's significantly better in relation to the cost). Our last cruise we were supposed to go on we snagged a loft suite on the Oasis class for what the veranda on Disney would cost.
Love your video my wife mother-of-two has stage 4 metastatic Breast Cancer it took me 13 years to finally get her on her first cruise on carnival panorama she loved it her Bucket List a DISNEY CRUISE
Hi Shannon! I love your videos! Am power-watching all of your RC ones as we booked our first family cruise for the spring! We have little ones - 3 & 5 and wondering if you have any suggestions for shore excursions at Port Canaveral and Nassau or if we should just stay and enjoy the ship! It's a 7 nighter 😊. Thank you!
So we have only left out of Port Canaveral so I don’t know personally. Maybe Cape Canaveral? As for Nassau, we have never gotten off since having our son. I’ve heard others say Blue Lagoon but a lot of people will stay onboard. Which ship?
@@ShannonFord thank you! We're on the Anthem. We're in NJ and it leaves from there and takes us to the Bahamas! I was sold because we can just drive on over and no airplanes necessary 😊
@@dancingdewdrop1132 I also vote for a port you can drive to. We were on the Odyssey in March. It's not my favorite class of ship, but it's very nice. The Spashpad for your kids will be great. It was a little small for my son who is older.
@@ShannonFord oh that's awesome about the splash pad! Since it's our first time we're just excited in general. I really wanted a Disney Cruise but It's hard to find sailings out of Jersey. The ones they have are in the fall which doesn't work for us timing-wise. We're thrilled to be able to sail South during our yucky, late winter weather! March here is in like a Lion and out like a lamb usually, so hoping we'll come back to the beginnings of spring!
It's comparing apples and oranges. I think Disney is better for families with children 12 and under and adults traveling with no kids who just want to relax (as long as they are already Disney fans). RC is better for families with older kids who want to do the rock climbing, go karts, etc.
I agree. But we have a 6 year old and we love Royal too with him. He’s a huge Disney fan, but also loves going on RCCL cruises. I made this video because I see families who can’t afford DCL being shamed for considering RCCL or another cruiseline. I wanted to give a comparison from someone who enjoys both lines.
Royal Caribbean selection of restaurants are not free. Both lines are great for different reasons, but you can’t compare pricing without adding all the extra restaurants on RC as part of the cost comparison.
I specifically rated Main Dining on both which is free. DCL’s main dining is rotational but it is still main dining. I stated that I did not compare any specialty or additional fee restaurants on board because we don’t utilize them on either line. The “other” food items I mentioned were all free offerings. Yes, RCCL has many extra fee restaurants but those are optional just like Palo and Remy and not necessary in order to have a great Cruise experience.
@@sandyflipflopsandabackpack9541 Just now seeing this video and reading comments, but we sailed 7 nights on Royal and never once touched or needed to touch a specialty dining option. For example, an Oasis class ship would have 9 different places (at a minimum) where you could get included dinging. And that was just off the top of my head.
On the fence about doing Disney, or Royal Caribbean.... Price might be the deciding factor.... We have done Disney, and it was a fantastic experience! But for the price difference, RC might get our business. (Empty nesters, so no kids to worry about.)
I would say just as safe as DCL. I find their kids programs are similar. Really depends on your kid. Mine loves both and would rather be there than anywhere else
Great comparison. I agreed with so many of your comments. I agree that the kids club definitely depends on how many children you have. When my son was younger DCL was too overwhelming for him alone but the other lines were great with the smaller clubs divided by age. I need to know more about how you like to spend your days to determine whether Celebrity will good for you. But I’m thinking would be on the newer ships. (The cruises over 14 Days will trend older, but otherwise many will be within a decade of our ages...) And you have to call Captains Club but your Royal Diamond status will carry over to be Elite status with Celebrity. 😀 (It works in reverse too which is how I’m diamond with Royal…) Thanks for this great video!
Disney cruise is great but if your child is timid and only child,,, just be mindful that he/she might not have much fun. There wasn't much organized activity but it was more of kids led activities. Sometimes my child wanted to be picked up because she was bored.
I've never cruised before, we have a 10 month old and another little on the way. I think I grew up hearing news stories about human trafficking on cruise ships which is also on my mind as a new mom. One reason I've been leaning towards Disney is security of kids. Do you have insight to compare to Royal Caribbean?
I have never heard that. As far as security with the kids, both are stellar. My son has used both the nursery and kids club on both. One thing to note, DCL has not reopened their nurseries. No word on when they (or if they) will.
You missed one thing that puts Disney as the winner. The FEELING you get when on board, literally a magical feel and vibe that I don’t think you’d find on any other cruise line. ✨✨✨
Although I have only been on ONE cruise (Disney Dream)..... I would tend to agree. It was the same feeling I always get when I enter Magic Kingdom, look down Main Street USA, and see Cinderella's Castle. Magic.
I've only cruised w DCL so far but just booked on Icon of The Seas and we want to do another RCL before we sail on that in April 2024. We are so excited and this is a GREAT video!!!
We booked the Icon too.
If you are going to do another RCCL ship, I highly recommend an oasis class
I just did Odyssey and it was so amazing
Disney's kids clubs are different to how you described it. Disney has 3-12 for the Oceaneer Club and Lab, then there is Edge for ages 12-14 and then vibe 14-17. So they do split it up a little bit. I remember going to the oceaneer club and lab as a 6 year old and it was stunning and so fun they did cater towards most ages, it could be the fact that your son was only 4 he might've found it scary as there is alot going on and some arguments can occur however I feel like that the Disney Kid's Club was really good and would be suited for a lot of ages.
We have been on 3 Disney cruises since I recorded this video and it is how I described it. Now my son was 6 during those trips and enjoyed the kids club so much more.
Also I was discussing the oceaneer club and adventure ocean only. Both lines have teen areas, but I don’t have teens so I have no experience with them.
I've done 5 with Disney including Alaska and 3 with RCL only on Oasis class ships. All in all honestly Disney is a better line, the pricing of course even more now is extremely more expensive. But both give you an excellent experience. I too live in the Miami fort Lauderdale area so driving to the boat or having your family drop you off is an awesome perk
RCL is so much better than the rat cruise line
@@JuicyAlmond Wrong.
@@yikesvikes how
Very excited for your family for your cruise on the Wish! We are booked on the Wish Sept 2022 for a 3 night. We are also looking forward to trying Royal Caribbean for the first time probably Nov 2022.
Thank you. I am still in disbelief we won.
Well said. Perfectly done. Excellent!
Thanks so much!
Very great info! Just what I was looking for!
Glad you found it useful. Feel free to ask questions
Wow, fabulous video. I so appreciate it. We went on a DCL when the kids were little and LOVED it. We snagged a great deal at the time. Now our littles are teens and we are debating which to do. I had always heard about being nickeled and dime'd and how they push things to purchase that are not included. The pressure to buy stuff that is already included with DCL and having a smoky casino is a huge turn off. It sounds like from your video that may not be the case. I am curious about the teen activity rooms. I know you have a little one, I will have to find another video. Thank you again.
I have 3 vlogs on Royal AFTER the restart, but like you said, I have a little. I have heard great things about Teens on RCCL. I would advise going on an Oasis class ship (except Allure until it's refurbed). There is also a great FB group called Royal Caribbean Moms at Sea that I advise joining and asking other moms with teens their thoughts
I was honestly a little disappointed with the teen club on DCL. They do have their own pool, hot tub, and smoothie bar in there, but the kids club spaces have so much amazing imagineering and features why is the teen club just video games and cool seating? With that said, my teen son who likes Disney but is not a huge Micky Maniac LOVED the teen club and can't wait to go back.
As far as nickle and dime, I think that is unfair for people to say. It's a matter of if or when you pay for things. You can go on Royal, Norwegian, or Carnival and pay 1/3 of the price for the same grade of room and have a good time without paying extra for anything. Will it be the same quality experience as DCL absolutly not. If you pay for the addition upcharge such as the soda package or other opportunities such as the casino or water park you could have a comparable experience if not better depending on your taste and still possibly spend less than DCL, BUT you are paying separately for only the experiences you want instead of most everything being included. A picture is painted that on DCL you pay that big upfront price and nothing costs extra. That isn't true, you can still pay for specialty dining, the sweet shop, popcorn and candy at the shows, the sports simulator, spa treatments and the rainforest room, beach cabanas(not to be confused with Cabanas buffet which is included),excursions, bikes, float and snorkel rentals, and of course souvenirs. I can go on a DCL, not pay for anything extra but gratuities, and not feel I missed out on a thing (well maybe still buy a spirit jersey), but I would need to do quite a few up charges to feel the same on other lines. In the end, I would still pay about the same or less on another line even with the upcharges. For me I prefer to pay that upfront cost with Disney, but to say nickle and dime of others is not fair.
I agree with you on everything, absolut accurate ;)
Thank you!
This was a great comparison. I liked that you kept things as apples to apples as possible and mainly stuck the things that are available on both lines.
I also liked your point about the kids clubs. For those without kids, they are basing it on the facilities. DCL's facilities with Andy's room, the Star Wars simulator and life sized Disney Infinity are hard to compete with. Disney puts their IP to good use, but those bells and whistles wear off quick for kids over the course of 3-4 days or more. It really does come down to the staff and activities. I have also heard good things about for DCL staff and activities, but other lines with fewer frills in the design of the space could still engage kids as much if not more. You are 100% right, you need a kid to see that part.
Thanks so much.
Everything I need to know! Thank you!
I've done a DCL cruise with my adult children and we loved it. I want to try RCL on an Oasis class ship next. I know we will have a different time on it but we will have a great time there too. Whenever I have grandkids we will be going on DCL.
We are booked on Oasis next March. We love the Oasis class
I'm looking at a Grand suite in RCL for a week long cruise around christmas and it's just under $7k. A similar room on DCL for a suite using "Prestiege" is $20k. I have no idea what Prestiege is and what I get? I'm sure RCL nickel and dimes you for all the child care stuff the dinning up charges, drinks ,etc... But it can't be $13k worth of difference.
Actually they don’t nickel & dime you. The upcharges are pretty much the same on DCL. The only thing you get on DCL is soda which is about $9/ day on Royal
@@ShannonFord thanks! What are your thoughts on celebrity vs RCL? I found a similar cruise on Cel a bit more expensive $2k but a far nicer room (bigger suite). I’ve never cruised celebrity before and have 2 daughters (5 & 2)
@@aceofspades6667 we only sailed on Celebrity once before our son was born. It wasn’t for us. It was great, but the crowd was older. Also, there wasn’t much else to do on the ship except lounge around the pool. We like activities. Not sure about their kids program either. I personally wouldn’t sail Celebrity with my son.
Good video and comparisons. Been on both cruise lines. You mention rotational dining on DCL, they do that on the Quantum class ships for RCL (or at least when we went). It is difficult to do comparisons as DCL costs significantly more money for the same room category (but I'm not sure it's significantly better in relation to the cost). Our last cruise we were supposed to go on we snagged a loft suite on the Oasis class for what the veranda on Disney would cost.
Thanks so much.
We are booked on the Odyssey next month and I know it’s not rotational. But there are a lot of specialty dining options
This makes me nervous to cruise again. We did one cruise on RCL, Quantum of the Seas. The food was terrible all over the ship.
We were on the Oasis in March and thought the food was great. They changed the main dining menus and we really liked them.
Love your video my wife mother-of-two has stage 4 metastatic Breast Cancer it took me 13 years to finally get her on her first cruise on carnival panorama she loved it her Bucket List a DISNEY CRUISE
Oh wow, I’m so sorry. My advice, just do it. My thoughts and prayers are with her and your family.
Hi Shannon! I love your videos! Am power-watching all of your RC ones as we booked our first family cruise for the spring! We have little ones - 3 & 5 and wondering if you have any suggestions for shore excursions at Port Canaveral and Nassau or if we should just stay and enjoy the ship! It's a 7 nighter 😊. Thank you!
So we have only left out of Port Canaveral so I don’t know personally. Maybe Cape Canaveral?
As for Nassau, we have never gotten off since having our son. I’ve heard others say Blue Lagoon but a lot of people will stay onboard.
Which ship?
@@ShannonFord thank you! We're on the Anthem. We're in NJ and it leaves from there and takes us to the Bahamas! I was sold because we can just drive on over and no airplanes necessary 😊
@@dancingdewdrop1132 I also vote for a port you can drive to. We were on the Odyssey in March. It's not my favorite class of ship, but it's very nice. The Spashpad for your kids will be great. It was a little small for my son who is older.
@@ShannonFord oh that's awesome about the splash pad! Since it's our first time we're just excited in general. I really wanted a Disney Cruise but It's hard to find sailings out of Jersey. The ones they have are in the fall which doesn't work for us timing-wise. We're thrilled to be able to sail South during our yucky, late winter weather! March here is in like a Lion and out like a lamb usually, so hoping we'll come back to the beginnings of spring!
@@dancingdewdrop1132 I remember. I lived in NYC for 5 years.
It's comparing apples and oranges. I think Disney is better for families with children 12 and under and adults traveling with no kids who just want to relax (as long as they are already Disney fans). RC is better for families with older kids who want to do the rock climbing, go karts, etc.
I agree. But we have a 6 year old and we love Royal too with him. He’s a huge Disney fan, but also loves going on RCCL cruises.
I made this video because I see families who can’t afford DCL being shamed for considering RCCL or another cruiseline. I wanted to give a comparison from someone who enjoys both lines.
Royal Caribbean selection of restaurants are not free. Both lines are great for different reasons, but you can’t compare pricing without adding all the extra restaurants on RC as part of the cost comparison.
I specifically rated Main Dining on both which is free. DCL’s main dining is rotational but it is still main dining. I stated that I did not compare any specialty or additional fee restaurants on board because we don’t utilize them on either line. The “other” food items I mentioned were all free offerings. Yes, RCCL has many extra fee restaurants but those are optional just like Palo and Remy and not necessary in order to have a great Cruise experience.
@@ShannonFord how many restaurants on the RCL are included in the price?
@@sandyflipflopsandabackpack9541 Just now seeing this video and reading comments, but we sailed 7 nights on Royal and never once touched or needed to touch a specialty dining option.
For example, an Oasis class ship would have 9 different places (at a minimum) where you could get included dinging. And that was just off the top of my head.
@@sandyflipflopsandabackpack9541 Sorentos, Loco Fresh, 270 Cafe, ect. All different then the buffet and main dining thats free
On the fence about doing Disney, or Royal Caribbean.... Price might be the deciding factor.... We have done Disney, and it was a fantastic experience! But for the price difference, RC might get our business. (Empty nesters, so no kids to worry about.)
How is Royal Carribean for single moms with kids? (Safety wise and activity)
I would say just as safe as DCL. I find their kids programs are similar. Really depends on your kid. Mine loves both and would rather be there than anywhere else
Royal hands down. Disney ships are too small with really nothing to do especially for the money not worth it. But go on Disney at least once.
Great comparison. I agreed with so many of your comments. I agree that the kids club definitely depends on how many children you have. When my son was younger DCL was too overwhelming for him alone but the other lines were great with the smaller clubs divided by age. I need to know more about how you like to spend your days to determine whether Celebrity will good for you. But I’m thinking would be on the newer ships. (The cruises over 14 Days will trend older, but otherwise many will be within a decade of our ages...) And you have to call Captains Club but your Royal Diamond status will carry over to be Elite status with Celebrity. 😀 (It works in reverse too which is how I’m diamond with Royal…) Thanks for this great video!
7:30 Use the sink instead, lol.😂
MILF.❤😊
Disney cruise is great but if your child is timid and only child,,, just be mindful that he/she might not have much fun. There wasn't much organized activity but it was more of kids led activities. Sometimes my child wanted to be picked up because she was bored.
Same.
I've never cruised before, we have a 10 month old and another little on the way. I think I grew up hearing news stories about human trafficking on cruise ships which is also on my mind as a new mom. One reason I've been leaning towards Disney is security of kids. Do you have insight to compare to Royal Caribbean?
I have never heard that. As far as security with the kids, both are stellar. My son has used both the nursery and kids club on both. One thing to note, DCL has not reopened their nurseries. No word on when they (or if they) will.
Did you say $1000 ? Is that the rate per night at royal Caribbean ?
Just wondering .
I’m planning my cruise
That’s for all 3 of us, taxes, port fees included for a 3 night cruise on a holiday weekend: An interior was less than $900
Wow I think I am paying way too much for my 4 night cruise 😬 but I’m excited, your video inspired me to book ,. I’m taking my little boy
@@fabychay you won’t regret it. Did you book with a TA? They will typically look for discounts for you.
Congratulations on winning the Wish contest! Can you let us know how’s everything?
Yes, I will try and livestream from the ship and post videos as soon as possible
Great video! If you had toddlers, which line would you choose for your family’s first cruise?
It really depends on the child. Right now RCCL because everything that makes
DCL worth it, isn’t happening
Disney is more for children
Takes too long to get to the choices.
That’s why I include time stamps. So people can skip to sections if they want to