Opinion on which cruise and Questions on RCL Opinions?

[EmptyCanvas91]

Opinion on which cruise and Questions on RCL

Opinions?

I am trying to price out a cruise for next year and to be honest I got a little bit of sticker shock when May dates where released. Here is the situation it is just me and my husband and we celebrate our anniversary every year since 2007. Up until now it has been either WDW or DCL. We got hooked on cruising in 2012 and in 45 days will be taking our 3rd Disney Cruise. I am been on the Dream once and after May two on the Magic.

 

I priced out three different cruises.

 

One option was to go early and do one on the Wonder $1669.12 for 5 Night Western Caribbean April 26 that visits Castaway Cay and Cozumel out of Miami. This is with insurance. Catergory 11B.

 

Second option was to go on the Disney Dream a day after our anniversary May 14 for a 4 night Bahamian cruise stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay. For $1680.72 with trip Insurance Category 11C.

 

Third option is to go on Royal Caribbean on the Independence of the Sea which is a 7 night out of Ft Llauderdale on May 10 Stops in San Juan, Philispsburg, St Maarten, Basseterre, St. Kitts and 3 seay days. With trip insurance and Royal Replenish drink package that included (Premium coffee• Premium tea• Bottled water: Sparkling(375ml) or Still (500ml)• Fresh squeezed orange juice• Non-alcoholic cocktails• Fountain soda with Coca Cola® souvenir cup) for $1782.10. Inside Stateroom.

 

I have only cruised Disney and am hesitant to try something new. Because me and my husband love Disney but I have several concerns first being price.

 

Departure Port Questions?

 

 

1.One is for Miami my husband is not to fond of driving in he says it is way worse than Atlanta traffic is this true? We can navigate Atlanta and New Orleans fairly well. Are we talking Las Vegas bad or worse?

 

2.Also the same question for Ft. Lauderdale how is traffic compared to the cities above?

 

Royal Caribbean Questions

 

1. On Royal Caribbean are there any unexpected charges that I should know about besides the beverage package and has anyone done the Royal Replenish would this include unlimited things such as fraps and mocha's as well. Me and hubby are not huge alcohol drinkers but love specialty coffee.

 

2. On Royal Caribbean how is their food, I am a picky eater. Plenty of free options? (I know Disney you can not go hungry own) How are their menus can choose any amount of things from any category like Disney for no extra cost? Does the staff look at you funny if you do this?

 

3. How is the staff on Royal Caribbean?

 

4. How about the smell on Royal Caribbean? Me and my husband are non-smokers and have slight asthma around cigarette smoke. Is it bad on the ship?

 

5. How is the entertainment and activities on the Royal Caribbean we love them on the Disney ships?

 

6. How are the staterooms?

 

7. How is the Independence of the Sea?

 

 

Sorry so many questions but I have been on Disney and no the ins and outs I know very little of Royal Caribbean and have never been on it. Which would do with the prices and itinerary as a factor?

 

PS the one I originally wanted a 5 night on the Disney Magic during our anniversary to the Bahamas out of PC is out of our price range at 1982.78 with insurance.

[cruzmom68]

I have sailed with Disney twice and on RC twice. All trips with my DDs(8, 10) and DH. Disney, as we all know, is tops in customer service. I thought the food and entertainment were superior. Also, it's hard not to love the bathroom set-up. That being said, it comes at a rather steep price.

 

For that reason, we decided to give RC a try and have had great vacations, also. I do feel RC "nickels and dimes " you much more than Disney. But if you add it all up, you still come out ahead. And as my DDs have mentioned as one of their favorite things about RC...there aren't as many kids!:):):)

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I have heard lots of excellent things about Disney cruises. I personally love WDW. But, a 7 day cruise would win hands down for me over 4 days--particularly if this is an anniversary cruise for 2 adults rather than a family vacation with kids.

 

Extras on Royal Caribbean include gratuities [~$12/day pp], alcohol drinks [since you have a package for non-alcoholic drinks], any photos you want, any spa services, specialty restaurants, etc. You can see that these items are extra on most cruise lines [except the most upscale].

 

DH and I do not usually go to the specialty restaurants. [have gone a couple of times] We do not see the need to pay extra. The meals in the Main dining room are very good. Sure, there are some things I do not like. but, there is always something I like to eat. I must admit that if I do not have to cook the meal or do the dishes I am happy. :):p:D

 

Have a Happy Anniversary. Book the Indy and try something new. You will be glad you did.

[EmptyCanvas91]

I have heard lots of excellent things about Disney cruises. I personally love WDW. But, a 7 day cruise would win hands down for me over 4 days--particularly if this is an anniversary cruise for 2 adults rather than a family vacation with kids.

 

Extras on Royal Caribbean include gratuities [~$12/day pp], alcohol drinks [since you have a package for non-alcoholic drinks], any photos you want, any spa services, specialty restaurants, etc. You can see that these items are extra on most cruise lines [except the most upscale].

 

DH and I do not usually go to the specialty restaurants. [have gone a couple of times] We do not see the need to pay extra. The meals in the Main dining room are very good. Sure, there are some things I do not like. but, there is always something I like to eat. I must admit that if I do not have to cook the meal or do the dishes I am happy. :):p:D

 

Have a Happy Anniversary. Book the Indy and try something new. You will be glad you did.

 

Thanks for you input we have no kids so it always an adults trip. How are the adult venues do they have any on RCL that compares to Disney.

[EmptyCanvas91]

Also the price quoted include all government and port fees correct or is that extra as well?

[papaflamingo]

Never been on Disney, so I can't compare. But you'll find less kids on RCI. Have you priced Freedom out of Port Canaveral?

I live in Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale traffic is a piece of cake comparatively. The Port is a bit convoluted because of construction, so keep that in mind. I've been to Miami also and really don't remember much of an issue. In fact the worst port for driving to is, IMHO, New Orleans. So if you're ok with that, nothing will bother you.

But you also might want to look at Allure or Oasis. Freedom and Independence are the same. They offer a lot. I find the food good. A friend of ours just did Disney and likes RCI better. But they really don't like the "Disney experience" as much, so that may have tainted their opinion.

If you were to do Oasis or Allure, you'd be "wowed." They are a very unique experience.

Oasis class would offer the most diverse food choices. Not to mention some really great upcharge dining experiences.

Independence or Freedom offer some decent choices. You can always get pizza or a small sandwich. The Promenade is fun with the Pub, Schooner Bar, etc. They have Chops, Portofinos, and Johnnie Rockets. Those are additional but, in my opinion, worth it. There is also flow rider and rock climbing.

Of course Oasis and Allure have all that and more.

So, not sure this helps much, but on RCI you will be in a more "adult" environment. By the way, RCI has the best entertainment at sea. Oasis class ranks best with Aqua Show, Ice Show, Broadway Play, and other great shows.

Independence and Freedom are next. They have the Ice Show, and great headliners. They aren't Disney themed, but are excellent.

Again these are my opinions, and I have never experienced Disney. So, keep that in mind.

 

 

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[nolesrule]

Also the price quoted include all government and port fees correct or is that extra as well?

 

That's difficult to tell from the information you provided.

 

It depends on how far into the booking process you went on whatever site you priced out the cruise on. But room rates on RCI are even dollar amounts, and the price you gave had decimal values, so I'd guess that it does.

[EmptyCanvas91]

That's difficult to tell from the information you provided.

 

It depends on how far into the booking process you went on whatever site you priced out the cruise on. But room rates on RCI are even dollar amounts, and the price you gave had decimal values, so I'd guess that it does.

 

I went as far as where it lets you add trip insurance and tells deposit amount.

[nolesrule]

I went as far as where it lets you add trip insurance and tells deposit amount.

 

 

Then yes, it includes port fees and taxes in that number.

[EmptyCanvas91]

Never been on Disney, so I can't compare. But you'll find less kids on RCI. Have you priced Freedom out of Port Canaveral?

I live in Atlanta. Fort Lauderdale traffic is a piece of cake comparatively. The Port is a bit convoluted because of construction, so keep that in mind. I've been to Miami also and really don't remember much of an issue. In fact the worst port for driving to is, IMHO, New Orleans. So if you're ok with that, nothing will bother you.

But you also might want to look at Allure or Oasis. Freedom and Independence are the same. They offer a lot. I find the food good. A friend of ours just did Disney and likes RCI better. But they really don't like the "Disney experience" as much, so that may have tainted their opinion.

If you were to do Oasis or Allure, you'd be "wowed." They are a very unique experience.

Oasis class would offer the most diverse food choices. Not to mention some really great upcharge dining experiences.

Independence or Freedom offer some decent choices. You can always get pizza or a small sandwich. The Promenade is fun with the Pub, Schooner Bar, etc. They have Chops, Portofinos, and Johnnie Rockets. Those are additional but, in my opinion, worth it. There is also flow rider and rock climbing.

Of course Oasis and Allure have all that and more.

So, not sure this helps much, but on RCI you will be in a more "adult" environment. By the way, RCI has the best entertainment at sea. Oasis class ranks best with Aqua Show, Ice Show, Broadway Play, and other great shows.

Independence and Freedom are next. They have the Ice Show, and great headliners. They aren't Disney themed, but are excellent.

Again these are my opinions, and I have never experienced Disney. So, keep that in mind.

 

 

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Thanks I am trying to learn all I can about RCL before make the decision on Disney or RCL.

 

 

I have priced the other ships of. RCL and they are out of my budget range.

[dodgeball24]

Love disney but their prices way higher but when the kids were small we paid it but without kids no way it is time for you to go RCI and get away from the Bahamas.

 

Understand the Bahamas the lowest of the Caribbean in my opinion so go to st Martin Thomas kitts etc and take the longest cruise you can afford with RCI. The longer the more you will enjoy it so if you can do 7 do 7, if you can 14 do 14 trust me you will love it.

 

Best cruise and ship is your choice so ask yourself these questions:

1 fly or drive me driving much cheaper

2. What do you like to do I play a lot of sports so I look at the court and if they have one

3. Dining if you want speciality restaurants some ships have more then others

4. Has the ship been upgraded or is new

5. Ports Antigua st Thomas, st kitts, Barbados my favorites try some new islands

6. Rooms available and price, what discounts can you get if either been in the military great savings

 

Trust me the longer the better and I loved disney but for adults only not worth it

[papaflamingo]

There are lots of reviews on Independence. Check them out. Personally I believe that the enjoyment of a cruise is based on expectations. If you have a realistic expectation of what you will find, good and bad, then you are likely to really enjoy it. Royal Caribbean is just not Disney. So expect a different experience. Also if you read reviews, remember they are remarkably subjective, so take them with a grain of salt and try to read beyween the lines.

Can you cruise at a cheaper time? If so it may significantly improve your options.

Really I think you'll enjoy RCI. As much as Disney? Maybe, maybe not. But it's different. We've done Carnival, NCL, and Princess. We just like RCI for the experience and ships. But I still really enjoyed the others. Since it's just 2 adults, maybe this is a chance to try something new.

Good luck.

 

 

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[EmptyCanvas91]

Is ginger ale available as a part of 6.50 a day soda package, what about sprite zero.

[Jen731]

Empty canvas, I think you're probably a soul mate... in general I like what I know and am not big on taking risks with precious vacation time. That being said, I haven't cruised Disney and I haven't cruised RCL in 20 years, but I have no hesitation about trying a Royal Caribbean Cruise.

 

My husband is from Ft. Lauderdale so we have done our fair share of driving the south I-95 stretch. The things to remember about south Florida are 1) stop lights are generally considered optional and 2) I-95 is never not under construction. :) Yes, traffic is bad, but you only have to get there and then you're good for a week. You would be driving to the pier on the weekend, that will help. If you are used to Atlanta driving, I think you'll be fine.

 

As far as food, you will definitely not go hungry. Maybe you would like to check out the menus and see what you think. Here is a link to the full menus: http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/download-press-kit/7/

 

Royal just went through a change to the their smoking policy, so the only smoking is on one side of the pool deck and the casino. So you should be happy as long as a casino is not important to you, and since you are used to cruising Disney, I am assuming it's not.

 

Go read some ship reviews, I think you would enjoy the change of ports for sure and having some adult focused activities to keep you busy on the ship. Either way, can you really go that wrong? It's a cruise!!!!!

Edited March 28, 2014 by Jen731

[nolesrule]

Is ginger ale available as a part of 6.50 a day soda package, what about sprite zero.

 

On Independence of the Seas, the only soda options they have are the ones that come out of the bar gun (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, soda water, tonic water).

 

Zero products are only available on ships with the Freestyle machines, and Independence is not one of them.

[EmptyCanvas91]

Empty canvas, I think you're probably a soul mate... in general I like what I know and am not big on taking risks with precious vacation time. That being said, I haven't cruised Disney and I haven't cruised RCL in 20 years, but I have no hesitation about trying a Royal Caribbean Cruise.

 

My husband is from Ft. Lauderdale so we have done our fair share of driving the south I-95 stretch. The things to remember about south Florida are 1) stop lights are generally considered optional and 2) I-95 is never not under construction. :) Yes, traffic is bad, but you only have to get there and then you're good for a week. You would be driving to the pier on the weekend, that will help. If you are used to Atlanta driving, I think you'll be fine.

 

As far as food, you will definitely not go hungry. Maybe you would like to check out the menus and see what you think. Here is a link to the full menus: http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/download-press-kit/7/

 

Royal just went through a change to the their smoking policy, so the only smoking is on one side of the pool deck and the casino. So you should be happy as long as a casino is not important to you, and since you are used to cruising Disney, I am assuming it's not.

 

Go read some ship reviews, I think you would enjoy the change of ports for sure and having some adult focused activities to keep you busy on the ship. Either way, can you really go that wrong? It's a cruise!!!!!

 

Thank you for your help. :D Yes we do not do casinos. Because hubby and I now we have no luck. I went to Las Vegas once and only walked through the Casino once while there. LOL

 

 

And yes I do like taking risk with vacation time especially our one major one a year. This not counting short trip to Atlanta or Destin, FL. Thanks again for your help.

[EmptyCanvas91]

On Independence of the Seas, the only soda options they have are the ones that come out of the bar gun (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, soda water, tonic water).

 

Zero products are only available on ships with the Freestyle machines, and Independence is not one of them.

 

Thanks. So I am guessing no soda fountains at all like Disney has. We're all can you get soda from I assuming restaurants, especially between meal time. Me and hubby go through a lot of soda.

 

And as long as there is ginger ale. I was mainly looking for something to calm upset tummies in case of choppy seas, etc....

Edited March 28, 2014 by EmptyCanvas91

[DragonOfTheSeas]

You can get soda [including ginger ale] in any bar or restaurant. I always buy a soda package and get sodas with dinner in the Main dining room(MDR)and the MDR or Windjammer for lunch. I was able to get diet Sprite on my last cruise on the Grandeur.