DCL vs. RCl info

[mikewdw]

Family of 5 with kids 19/17/17 next year. Looking at comparisons for RCL vs DCL. We have on 5 DCL cruises (loved each one) On DCL always had verandah room. How are RCL rooms configured, comparison of space, bathrooms, etc.
Also, how many things on RCL are not included as opposed to DCL. We rarely did specialty dining on DCL, really like the main dining. One of the attractions for us on DCL was not worrying about paying for each little thing.
Also, which ships or class of ships would compare to Disney Fantasy & Dream
Any info appreciated!
Thanks
mikewdw

 

[ChuckElias]

On DCL always had verandah room. How are RCL rooms configured, comparison of space, bathrooms, etc.

RCL rooms will be slightly smaller in similar categories. RCL won't have the split bathroom. For configuration/layout, similar categories will be laid out similarly, but for specific differences, I think your best bet will simply be to look at deck plans to compare.

Also, how many things on RCL are not included as opposed to DCL. We rarely did specialty dining on DCL, really like the main dining. One of the attractions for us on DCL was not worrying about paying for each little thing.

Very little is included with RCL. But to be fair, very little is included with DCL. Yes, soda and soft serve ice cream are "free" with Disney, but that's about it. So there's not a huge difference in food/drink inclusions. On RCL, you can buy a drink package, which is not available on DCL.

Also, which ships or class of ships would compare to Disney Fantasy & Dream

Quantum Class ships hold around 4,100 passengers or so, which is fairly close to the Dream and Fantasy. Oasis Class can hold over 6,000 passengers.

 

[ToTBellHop]

RCL rooms will be slightly smaller in similar categories. RCL won't have the split bathroom. For configuration/layout, similar categories will be laid out similarly, but for specific differences, I think your best bet will simply be to look at deck plans to compare.



Very little is included with RCL. But to be fair, very little is included with DCL. Yes, soda and soft serve ice cream are "free" with Disney, but that's about it. So there's not a huge difference in food/drink inclusions. On RCL, you can buy a drink package, which is not available on DCL.




Quantum Class ships hold around 4,100 passengers or so, which is fairly close to the Dream and Fantasy. Oasis Class can hold over 6,000 passengers.

Quantum class is largely enclosed for cooler climates and has a weak pool deck. For the DCL entertainment and pool deck experience, I think Freedom class is the closest approximation.

Royal does throw in some unique free activities, but they vary by ship. Things like trampolines, zip lines, indoor skydiving, ice skating, carousels, rock climbing, water slides, water parks, laser tag, bumper cars, and more. Check each ship.

Shows are included. Some ships have ice skating shows and water shows.

Kids clubs.

Main dining room and an assortment of other locations (varies by ship).

I think Royal has more activities included but DCL excels in the theming of the spaces and level of service. I’m not sure DCL excels enough for the markup however. We scored a Wish cruise at half price this year because we were on a canceled July cruise. Well worth half price. Not sure I’d pay $9k for a 4-night cruise, though.