Another RCCL vs DCL comparison (Freedom Class)

[jelbnl]

I just read another DCL vs. RCCL comparison, and wanted to offer another opinion. We are 3 time DCL vets on our first RCCL cruise, we sailed on Liberty. We went in with lowered expectations, not expecting it to be even equal to DCL’s product, but we were pleasantly surprised. RCCL won just about every category! I’ll structure my review the same as the previous comparison so here goes:

 

Cabins: We had usually booked balconies previously on our cruises, so having booked connecting promenade rooms, I was worried. The rooms were nicely appointed and we had plenty of room between the two.. The bathrooms were quite nice with the shower doors, instead of the dreaded curtain. I know DCL had the split baths, but I’m not a fan. I feel the split bath makes a too small space to maneuver, and it you’re claustrophobic, impossible. I have to shower with the door opened on DCL, whereas with the shower doors and slightly larger space on RCCL, I was fine there. The new bedding on RCCL is GREAT and really made sleeping enjoyable.

 

Speciality Restaurant: We ate in both Portofino’s and Chops and preferred Portofino’s. Portofino’s was much better than Palos dinner IMO. The food and service were superior to Palo’s and the experience awesome! Now, there is no brunch or high tea on RCCL, like there is at Palo’s, I think brunch is superior to dinner in Palo, so if I compare brunch vs. dinner, Palo is better, but dinner to dinner, Portofino’s wins. Chops was good, but no where as good at Portofino’s.

 

Lounges/bars/public spaces on the ship: The promenade is all that is needed to be said here. RCCL wins hands down in this category. The bars and public spaces were simply stunning. I never missed the casino on board DCL, but when it is available, provides a nice diversion.

 

Dining rooms: I thought the food to be superior on RCCL to DCL. I also thought I miss the rotational dining, but I didn’t. The dining room on Liberty was so BEAUTIFUL, that it was a pleasure to go there every night. The show at Animators on DCL is definitely unique, but nothing compares to the beauty of the RCCL dining room. Our servers were also better, catering to my kids every whim and always spot on with their service.

 

Food: RCCL’s food was better to DCL’s considering they are preparing much more food daily, a feat in itself. The food on RCCL was always perfect temperature and always tasted great, I could never say that about DCL. I also liked that on RCCL there are choices. There is the Windjammer, Johnny Rockets, Café Promenade and Sorrento’s to chose from. When on a ship, you’re a captive audience, so it’s nice to have some choices depending on your mood.

 

Pools: My kids wouldn’t leave the H2O zone, they loved it and definitely preferred it to the pools on DCL. The area is MUCH bigger than on DCL and the kids looked like they were having fun. I can say that my kids definitely preferred the H2O zone to the Mickey pool.

 

Kids clubs: My kids LOVED the clubs. As a parent, I felt like they were also superior in the programming they offered. The hours are weird: 9-Noon, 2 to 5PM, 7 to 10PM, then LNP 10 to 1AM (cost $5 per hour). But my kids never were in the DCL clubs long and we usually took them out to eat with us anyway. They did offer continuous hours during port days and did have dinners during formal nights. The clubs definitely were a nice diversion for both kids and parents.

 

Sports deck: What can I say here. DCL doesn’t have any of these features, but we sure did enjoy them. Flow rider, rock wall and mini golf were enjoyed by all. Again, since you’re a captive audience, it’s nice to have something else to do outside than sit by a pool.

 

Again, we were pleasantly surprised. We chose this cruise because it was less than half than what DCL was charging for the same week (11/3 sailing). We’ve been completely converted and I don’t think we’ll sail DCL again unless they lower their price point more in line with RCCL’s. As admitted Disney Freaks, that is saying a lot! Any questions, please ask!

 

[SandraLee]

How old are your children?

 

What did you think about family entertainment at night? We've been on DCL a number of times and LOVED the family entertainment choices at night. The only RCCL cruise we went on did not have anything that my kids would have liked to do after dinner. I am so very glad I didn't have the kids with me that time. We loved the family comedy and production style shows of DCL.

 

Thanks for your help.

[jelbnl]

How old are your children? 9 and 6

 

What did you think about family entertainment at night? We've been on DCL a number of times and LOVED the family entertainment choices at night. The only RCCL cruise we went on did not have anything that my kids would have liked to do after dinner. I am so very glad I didn't have the kids with me that time. We loved the family comedy and production style shows of DCL. I should have added we didn't see any shows except the ice show and it was spectacular! There is just so much to do, that we never found the time. The kids always wanted to go to the clubs after dinner, and we hung out with our friends.

 

Thanks for your help.

answers in quote above

[hopebh]

Thanks for the comparison. My 15 year old son wanted to try Disney a couple of years ago and I always said no because of the price difference. I guess we didn't miss much....