That is why we all have choices. I am sure if my grandkids had sailed on disney first the other cruiselines would not compare either, that is a no brainer. But as far as the money issue, they did enjoy Royal Caribbean and Princess and we had more money to spend on them in port as well as on the ship, rather than just the disney experience. For new cruisers that have families that are reading this thread, disney prices are a lot higher than other lines and for those that can afford it , it is truly a wonderful experience for the kids, but for those who cannot, the other lines also have great programs for kids of all ages at a lower cost.
Exactly what Sue said.... that is why there are so many choices. Personally, Disney didn't meet my expectations onboard. I have traveled to Disney World and stayed in DVC resorts and one moderate and the service was much better than we had onboard. Everyone has a different experience, even if onboard the same sailing date.
Our first cruise in 2006 was on the Disney Magic. Our son was 14 at the time, and he quickly became bored with the teen activities. Don't get me wrong...he still had a great time. He just hung out more with my wife and I, which is cool because we really enjoy his company and sense of humor. His young mind has an interesting slant to it. We sailed this past year with RCI on the Explorer of the Seas, and for him there seemed to be far more to do for teens. When asked which cruise ship he enjoyed more the EOS won by a landslide.
Somebody mentioned Disney's island, Castaway Cay. We ALL agreed that Castaway Cay was head and shoulders above Labadee.
We found the food and the service to be comparable between the two cruise lines. The shows were far superior on Disney, and the first run movies on the Magic were very cool.
All of this leaves me with the opinion that for families with young ones, Disney is well worth the extra dinero. For us and and our current life situation, RCI was a better fit. Money does play a role in the decision, and certainly did when deciding between RCI and Disney for our second cruise. For similar itineraries RCI was roughly $1,000 less than Disney. That was 1,000 little hash marks in RCI's "pros" column, or that many in "cons" for Disney.
Ain't that the truth! I'm sure that there are deals to be found to narrow that gap a bit, but at the time we were cruising that was the difference between the best deals we could find with both cruise lines.
Since we just booked a 3 night on the DCL Wonder, I thought I would chime in here.
We've done DCL 4 times, then the Princess and then the NCL.
Best cruise EVER....the Princess, but this also had to do with the people we met through the roll call. We still email.
Our least favorite....NCL. We had a great time, but I probably won't go back.
Now DCL is expensive, but as most mentioned, it is worth the cost. I never thought I would be going again due to the cost of the cruise and flights. Flights and or driving costs have been so high that it doesn't make sense to do a short cruise. With gas prices down, the 3 night seems more reasonable.
I also have around $1000 reward dollars so that helps...alot!!!
We had balconies on both NCL and Princess which we loved, but I got them due to the size of the actual rooms. On DCL we will be in cat. 11 (next to the lowest cat.). It is an inside room that we have had on all 4 cruises. The size of the room has always been fine for us.
Teen clubs-DS now 18 has enjoyed every cruise teen program. He loves them. While on the DCL, NCL and Princess we NEVER saw him except for port time and dinner time and when he ambled in to sleep. It was AWESOME!!!!!!
I am really looking forward again to the ADULT things on DCL. An adult pool that is fresh water and there is NO extra fee. Princess did have one, but it was almost totally in the shade. On NCL, we got a spa pass for the use of the indoor pool (fresh water), the spa hot tubs etc. I must say it was a great value at $150 for 2 for the week. But a free adults only pool is even better!
While we did the NCL cruise that only went to Bermuda, I must say that Bermuda beaches were the most incredible beaches I have ever visited. Beautiful, clear, uncrowded (except for Horseshoe). DCL also has my heart with Serentity Bay.......aahhhhh!!!
Food/dining has always been given top billing on DCL!!!!! Oh yeah!!! We love the traditional, rotating system they have. They have only 1 fee restaurant, Palo and it is for adults only. Might I add, well worth the small fee.
Princess has traditional and freestyle, but since we chose traditional, it was one restaurant for all 9 nights.......there are pay restaurants....hmmmm..
NCL was freestyle with lots of pay restaurants. Quick frankly, I've already paid for my food.
I am a picky eater and the food on Princess and NCL were a bit fancy for me. Too much fish, lamb, duck etc. dishes. I ended up eating alot of the "always available" I'm not say the food wasn't good, just not what I like to eat.
Desserts...DCL hands down. Many times I would order 2...... On NCL and Princess, there were times when the ice cream with toppings was the best dessert.
Well, I could go on and on about DCL. I'm glad to be going back. I know exactly what I'm getting and it is worth every penny.
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We sailed this past year with RCI on the Explorer of the Seas, and for him there seemed to be far more to do for teens. When asked which cruise ship he enjoyed more the EOS won by a landslide.
I'm sure that there are deals to be found to narrow that gap a bit, but at the time we were cruising that was the difference between the best deals we could find with both cruise lines.
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