Disney Fantasy Eastern or RCI Allure Western?

[Grenouille21]

I have no idea whether this is the right place for this, so I apologize if I am in the wrong place. :D

 

I want to go on a cruise for my 40th birthday, with my kids (will be 7 and 9 at the time of the cruise). I've read so many reports and reviews, and I've narrowed down our options to the Disney Fantasy Eastern or RCI Western, both of which sail during my birthday (I really don't want to be at home on my birthday!!!).

 

The overall on board experience sounds more appealing on DCL, as we are total Disney people and have pretty much only vacationed at Disney World and Disneyland. I am also on a vegan and gluten-free diet, and my daughter has food allergies, and I've heard DCL is very accommodating about food issues. Our experiences in the Disney parks has mostly been good, and the reviews I've read about DCL seem to indicate this would be a good choice. But the Eastern ports sound boring to me. We won't be shopping or sitting on a beach. I tend to get seasick on smaller boats, so I'm nervous about a St. John's excursion in St. Thomas. But I don't want to stay on the boat the whole time, either.

 

The ports on RCI sound more appealing to me. The ship (the Allure) sounds cool, and the Dreamworks and upcoming Barbie experience appeal to the kids. But no one seems to know whether a gluten-free vegan and child with food allergies will be able to eat anything other than fruit and salad on board. On the one hand I'll certainly not need to worry about weight gain! But on the other hand I don't want to starve!

 

The cost for a verandah room is roughly $500-$1000 difference. I feel like we need a verandah because 1) what if one of us gets sick and is room-bound? We need some outside space. 2) I am an introvert and if I feel burned out on being around people all.the.time on the public spaces I need my own space to refuel. 3) I get sea sick on smaller boats and am not sure what will happen on a big cruise ship.

 

Our additional expenses will be:

 

1) Wine for me. Can bring on board with both ships, right? But still might drink a glass or two at a bar just to be social.

 

2) Excursions. I like to see sights in local places, and would likely do some sort of tour at each port.

 

3) If on RCI, we would probably eat at the specialty restaurants because I've read they are more accommodating to special diets. Am I wrong here?

 

I won't be gambling, or shopping, other than a small souvenir from the ship and the ports. In other words, there will be no designer handbag and/or sunglasses purchased, no diamonds or other jewelry purchased, no clothing purchased, etc.

 

What would you do?

[skandls]

You prefer Disney - so cruise with them. AIf you want to expand your cruise choices go by price and enjoy whatever you choose. Royal has great kids stuff with time for the parents.

[Keith1010]

I would sail Disney. I say this because the kids are at the right age for this ship and cruise line. You'll find that they grow up fast and in a few years they won't want to do Disney. It is a great experience. They will be very accommodating to you and the kids.

 

Just want to note that on RCI you can bring on board two bottles of wine per stateroom. You can bring wine on board Disney but it should be in your carry on.

 

Keith

[Bonnie J.]

Disney costs more because they don't have a casino, it is a family ship.

If you need a special diet the main dining room will follow it for you. I don't know if a specialty dining room could. My husband has acid reflux disease and we notify the maitre'd ahead of time. The 1st night he can order from menu, seafood, but then every night the hostess brings him the next night's menu. He chooses what ever he wants then it is cooked just for him with out any spices or what will cause acid reflux.

We also had a table mate that could not have any garlic. She was also brought the next night's menu and whatever she chose was cooked for her with no garlic.

When I bring wine aboard I get a wine glass from any bar. Then often fill that galss and even take it do dinner, the atrium or wherever I want to go.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

I would choose Disney. They will cater more to your food diets than some of the larger ships.