Disney to Carnival to Royal....

[indychristine]

Ok so I actually have sailed one NCL (first cruise in 2005) and once on Royal for a three night girls cruise which I wasn't too thrilled with. Although I love cruising and even loved that cruise! [emoji1]. You can see my cruising history in my signature. [emoji1]

 

As you can see most of our cruises have been on Disney and then our last three have been Carnival. I always said I would never cruise CCL ( yes i was a snob) then I got tired of DCL costs and decided to give them a try.

 

We liked our first two cruises on Sunshine and Liberty. We had a good time on both, but our last cruise on the 14th of this month on the Triumph has kind of soured us on Carnival; at least for now.

 

So we decided to go back to Disney.... I priced out a balcony for our desired dates and itinerary and it was over 4K. I kept delaying hitting that submit button on their booking page. I just couldn't. So i went to RCI and took a look. I found only 1 cruise

that fit our dates and port of departure- Oasis of the Seas.

So here we are. Booked on Oasis on March 5,2017 ! its our 17th anniversary. i booked a balcony oceanview I believe it is a D6 Cat. Deck 10 almost Midship.

 

We are not big ship cruisers. We have never been interested in sailing one of these big ships! We love smaller ships. But we told ourselves we should try it! We might like it!

 

Ive been watching videos and reading reviews. Im beginning to warm to the idea of this big ship. Im getting excited!

 

If anyone has any tips or suggestions for a (mostly) Royal newbie please feel free to share.

I would appreciate it. :)

 

I do have a question maybe someone can help me with. Can i book dining or shows yet? Is there a window i have to wait to open? I cant seem to figure this out. TY!

 

 

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[tinkertwo]

We are in the same position as you, DCL lovers moving over to RCCL. We are booked on our first non DCL cruise this October on the Oasis. Wasn't sure how I would feel about it but after reading lots of reviews and you tube videos we are very excited. So excited in fact that I have booked two more on her for October of 2017. I figure if its a bust, which I'm not expecting, I can always cancel the 2017s.

Have a great cruise.

[indychristine]

Wow! Well good for you! Yes I'm getting excited too! This ship is beautiful. One reason we love DCL... Ok the two reasons are the beauty of the ships and the service. Ok and Castaway Cay! ;)

I'm excited to see the beauty of this ship. And the food options. I also love the Solarium! <------ that has me excited!

Yes there are several reasons we are looking forward to this cruise.

Thanks for the reply! I can't wait to hear how you love your Oasis cruise!

 

 

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[ColoradoGurl]

Watch the show "Extreme Cruise Ships." They did a feature on Oasis that will make you excited to go. I have a YouTube link for the whole show but when I went to it, it said it didn't exist anymore so maybe they took it down.

 

This link has a quick commercial for it, and if you scroll to the bottom of the page it says the episode wil air again on June 17th and 18th, so if you have the Smithsonian channel you can watch it. http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/videos/oasis-of-the-seas-the-biggest-cruise-ship-in-the-world/14750

[Ken at the beach]

IMO you picked a good location for a cabin. Close to the elevators and only 2 decks down to Central Park.

 

There is no set time for dining end shows to open do keep watching your cruise planner. Dining should open before the shows which is strange as you really need to book them both together. I've never had a problem booking my specialty restaurants early on boarding day. Shows can open up anywhere from 60-120 days prior to sailing.

 

We have been on Oasis and Allure within the past 6 months and loved the large ships.

[JohnSnowGOT]

Yes great location. I think deck 4 and deck 8 is where the neighborhoods are so youre just a short stair climb to the action up or down. And your deck/balcony is low enough to be close to the water. Oasis class ships are truly amazing!

[deliver42]

You picked the right ship. It is a marvel. So much to do on it that it's a destination all to itself.

[indychristine]

Thanks everyone! I am happy to see the cabin location seems to be a good one. I did notice it is neat elevators, which is good for us, as my husbands knee bothers him and well..... Being near elevators is a nice perk! :)

 

ColoradoGurl I will take a look at that link! Thank you!

 

Hey John Snow!! I just wanted to say "hey". ;)

(cause you're my favorite on GOT! so honored you replied to my thread!! [emoji12][emoji12] lol )

 

 

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[MaiseyM]

I have heard from others that one upside to RCI is that the night life options far outweigh anything Disney cruises offer. Many more options and events going on in several locations. I can't attest to this, but have read it here a few times.

[indychristine]

I also want to say thank you for the reassurance on our choice in ship! Between the YouTube videos and your positive feedback I am feeling better.

 

I have to admit even for a die hard "small ship" devotee there is a lot to get excited about on this ship!

[indychristine]

I have heard from others that one upside to RCI is that the night life options far outweigh anything Disney cruises offer. Many more options and events going on in several locations. I can't attest to this, but have read it here a few times.

 

Hi Maisey!

I have noticed there is a lot going on at night on this ship. I had a friend tell me that also and I can see from the videos to some extent. We are not big night time party goers but we do love a good show. While the shows on Disney are Disney themed they are great quality and we have as yet to find that quality anywhere else. BUT from what I am seeing I really like the look of some of the shows on Oasis! I am excited for them!

 

And we are not casino frequenters but the casino on Oasis just looks beautiful. LOL we will just have to go and see it! It is huge!

 

Thanks for the reply!

[Clarea]

Hi Maisey!

I have noticed there is a lot going on at night on this ship. I had a friend tell me that also and I can see from the videos to some extent. We are not big night time party goers but we do love a good show. While the shows on Disney are Disney themed they are great quality and we have as yet to find that quality anywhere else. BUT from what I am seeing I really like the look of some of the shows on Oasis! I am excited for them!

 

And we are not casino frequenters but the casino on Oasis just looks beautiful. LOL we will just have to go and see it! It is huge!

 

Thanks for the reply!

One difference in the shows on Royal is that they use a live orchestra. I've read that Disney shows use recorded music.

[LuCruise]

We've been on Royal and Disney Magic, and just returned from Allure of the Seas (sister ship of Oasis). The Oasis class is amazing. You'll find many comparison threads, but with the shows (Aqua show, ice skating, cirque de soliel type show), and the activities (FlowRider, zipline, rock wall), I don't think you'll be disappointed. There are tons of meal options, both complimentary and specialty. There are more pools on Royal and they are bigger, so this is better. The only thing you'll be missing are the waterslides.

Happy anniversary!

[casadetexas]

I also want to say thank you for the reassurance on our choice in ship! Between the YouTube videos and your positive feedback I am feeling better.

 

I have to admit even for a die hard "small ship" devotee there is a lot to get excited about on this ship!

 

 

I have enjoyed this thread so much! We are DCL addicts and have chosen to sail with Royal the first time in September. I too, had the same thoughts. At first I felt guilty for cheating on Disney. Haha. But the more and more I investigate, I am getting excited. There are soooo many people who switched to Royal from Disney and don't go back to Disney.

 

We got flex dining. This is a big difference from Disney. I look forward to eating dinner when WE want to not hurry get to dinner kind of thing.

 

Always said the Dream so this will be a huge ship. Friends I know going on these massive ships have stated very clearly that you won't feel like you are in a mosh pit. [emoji16].

 

Just look at it as yet another new and exciting cruise adventure to add to your travels.

 

 

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[hansolosmom]

We love DCL but like a lot of people we can't cruise them exclusively due to $. The largest RC crusie we've done is Freedom, but like Oasis it has the flow rider, rock wall etc. there's plenty to keep everyone busy.

 

My biggest tip is go in with an open mind and you'll have a good time.

[dpcmh]

We have done 3 DCL cruises....Wonder and Dream...and just took our first RCI on the Allure. I loved it!!! We are an adults only couple, and I loved the Solarium!!!! If only it had a Cove Cafe equivalent..... We were on deck 12 D2 hump and liked the larger balcony and a standard height table. I found the forward elevators to be less crowded during peak times. Our sailing was at or near being sold out, and I felt like the Dream was often more congested feeling. I enjoyed the shows and didn't miss the Disney theme at all. At the advice of my TA, I went into it with an open mind, did not compare it to DCL and knew it would be great...just different. Great advice!!!

 

We had late dinner vs MTD, and I much preferred that. There were lines at MTD, and I liked having the same servers all week. I will do the same on future RCI cruises. I felt the dinning room was calmer and more quiet as well. My one big hiccup was dinner the first night....it was chaotic and unorganized.... I feared I made a mistake.....but the second night all was good. I hear that sometimes happens. I will do a specialty dinner the first night next time. In Central Park, there were staff offering buy one get one free on the first night.....I've read others say this but not guaranteed. I may try my luck next time.

 

I found the ship to be what made the experience great...so much to offer....the size was a plus for us....people are more spread out into many venues....more to offer at night as well.

 

I'm a food snob, and I find DCL food tolerable at best. I wouldn't go to Palo if it were in my town, but we go onboard. I prefered the food on the Allure slightly better. I liked the wider variety in the Windjammer and especially the ethnic selections. I did not try any specialty dinning as I wanted to experience each menu night to know what I could skip next time.

Edited May 29, 2016 by dpcmh

[indychristine]

One difference in the shows on Royal is that they use a live orchestra. I've read that Disney shows use recorded music.

 

Very nice!! I definitely will look forward to that!

[indychristine]

We've been on Royal and Disney Magic, and just returned from Allure of the Seas (sister ship of Oasis). The Oasis class is amazing. You'll find many comparison threads, but with the shows (Aqua show, ice skating, cirque de soliel type show), and the activities (FlowRider, zipline, rock wall), I don't think you'll be disappointed. There are tons of meal options, both complimentary and specialty. There are more pools on Royal and they are bigger, so this is better. The only thing you'll be missing are the waterslides.

Happy anniversary!

 

That sounds great! I do love Aqua Duck but it is not something that is that big a deal to me. Food matters and I do like all of the options in that respect. And between your post and the others, I am getting excited for the shows. Thanks for posting!

[indychristine]

I have enjoyed this thread so much! We are DCL addicts and have chosen to sail with Royal the first time in September. I too, had the same thoughts. At first I felt guilty for cheating on Disney. Haha. But the more and more I investigate, I am getting excited. There are soooo many people who switched to Royal from Disney and don't go back to Disney.

 

We got flex dining. This is a big difference from Disney. I look forward to eating dinner when WE want to not hurry get to dinner kind of thing.

 

Always said the Dream so this will be a huge ship. Friends I know going on these massive ships have stated very clearly that you won't feel like you are in a mosh pit. [emoji16].

 

Just look at it as yet another new and exciting cruise adventure to add to your travels.

 

 

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Well I am glad you are enjoying the thread! I am too! I am absolutely looking at this as another new and exciting cruise adventure! I went on Carnival after DCL and believe me that took a lot! I had to have an open mind! ;) SO I will go into this with an open mind and a mind looking for all the good in this adventure!

I am excited to hear how your cruise goes! I hope you post! Which ship did you pick?

[indychristine]

We love DCL but like a lot of people we can't cruise them exclusively due to $. The largest RC crusie we've done is Freedom, but like Oasis it has the flow rider, rock wall etc. there's plenty to keep everyone busy.

 

My biggest tip is go in with an open mind and you'll have a good time.

 

Yes, they do make it hard to cruise them exclusively or even a lot! And truthfully I like trying the other lines. I am looking forward to trying Princess, Celebrity, and Hal! :) I would love to try Regent and Oceania too...maybe someday! :)

 

I see you are going on Anthem! We were docked next to her in Port Canaveral...beautiful ship! Hope you have a great cruise.

[indychristine]

We have done 3 DCL cruises....Wonder and Dream...and just took our first RCI on the Allure. I loved it!!! We are an adults only couple, and I loved the Solarium!!!! If only it had a Cove Cafe equivalent..... We were on deck 12 D2 hump and liked the larger balcony and a standard height table. I found the forward elevators to be less crowded during peak times. Our sailing was at or near being sold out, and I felt like the Dream was often more congested feeling. I enjoyed the shows and didn't miss the Disney theme at all. At the advice of my TA, I went into it with an open mind, did not compare it to DCL and knew it would be great...just different. Great advice!!!

 

We had late dinner vs MTD, and I much preferred that. There were lines at MTD, and I liked having the same servers all week. I will do the same on future RCI cruises. I felt the dinning room was calmer and more quiet as well. My one big hiccup was dinner the first night....it was chaotic and unorganized.... I feared I made a mistake.....but the second night all was good. I hear that sometimes happens. I will do a specialty dinner the first night next time. In Central Park, there were staff offering buy one get one free on the first night.....I've read others say this but not guaranteed. I may try my luck next time.

 

I found the ship to be what made the experience great...so much to offer....the size was a plus for us....people are more spread out into many venues....more to offer at night as well.

 

I'm a food snob, and I find DCL food tolerable at best. I wouldn't go to Palo if it were in my town, but we go onboard. I prefered the food on the Allure slightly better. I liked the wider variety in the Windjammer and especially the ethnic selections. I did not try any specialty dinning as I wanted to experience each menu night to know what I could skip next time.

 

Great information! Thank you! We too are an adults only couple ( I can't recall if I even mentioned that in my OP). We have always cruised sans children. I love the adult areas on DCL. And I have seen videos of the Solarium, I am quite excited about it!

 

I was not impressed with Palo for dinner ( I liked The Sunshines Steak house Fahrenheit 555, it was much better!) but loved Brunch at Palo! I would not pass it up if I could help it. The one thing I liked about the buffet on DCL was the fresh shrimp! I felt the buffet on DCL was better than any Ive had on other lines. The one RCCL cruise I went on was on Monarch of the Seas the last year she sailed. And it was not good. I found the Windjammer a place I never wanted to visit again! It was terrible. I could never get near any food and the people were rude. This was a common theme throughout the cruise but it was a three night cruise. I sailed a three night cruise on DCL and it was fantastic! I will never do a three night on another line unless they are more geared towards, DCL or Celebrity....something like that. Unfortunately we had to take MTD because my husband would not even hear of having a seating at 8:30. I would really prefer set dining time.

Anyway..... I am really looking forward to this cruise now! Thank you for your comment!

 

You all have been great! I appreciate the feedback! We have a trip planned to Florida in September for a DVC members party at Animal Kingdom, my husband is excited to go, I am more excited for the cruise in 279 days!! Shhhhhh Don't tell him ;)

Edited May 30, 2016 by indychristine

[jd99]

Another Disney Cruising family making the big switch this summer. We have cruised DCL 20 times on all four ships, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Mediterranean and Greek Isles. Obviously we love our DCL cruises, but I priced out an apples-to-apples comparison: Eastern Caribbean same week in August. One verandah cabin on DCL (not concierge) was nearly $4,000 more for our family of four than booking two cabins - one verandah and one inside across the hall. That's a stunning price difference. So for this summer, it's the Allure! Fingers crossed. I know I don't want to compare everything but I will. So I will probably write a review afterward with those comparisons.

[indychristine]

Another Disney Cruising family making the big switch this summer. We have cruised DCL 20 times on all four ships, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Mediterranean and Greek Isles. Obviously we love our DCL cruises, but I priced out an apples-to-apples comparison: Eastern Caribbean same week in August. One verandah cabin on DCL (not concierge) was nearly $4,000 more for our family of four than booking two cabins - one verandah and one inside across the hall. That's a stunning price difference. So for this summer, it's the Allure! Fingers crossed. I know I don't want to compare everything but I will. So I will probably write a review afterward with those comparisons.

 

Wow!! I am really going to be looking for your review! We too will compare everything, we just will. We will also be open minded and we will have a good time(as evidenced by our last CCL cruise..we still had a good time regardless of the challenges we faced) but we will be comparing, I am hopeful there will be so much good on the Oasis it wont matter to us! Different product same outstanding experience. Too much to hope for? I think not! We will see!

Thanks for the comment!

Edited May 30, 2016 by indychristine