Disney Cruise or RCCL? 8-10 yr. old BOYS

[willjackmom]

We are wanting to cruise (for our first time) week after Christmas. We are unsure whether Disney Cruise or Royal Carribean would be best cruise for our family ... which includes 2 active boys, 8 and 10. They have always enjoyed Disney World, but never that much into the characters and shows. So that had me leaning towards RCCL ... BUT, Disney is noted to be just such a phenominal experience overall that I wonder if this is the time to just do Disney.Any ideas for me folks? (PS I would consider us mid-upscale travelers ...)

[JordanLovesCruisin]

While both lines offer many activities for the young children, I believe they would have fun on either.

 

How about going on Freedom of the Seas? There will be no Mickey Mouse of course, however, they will have a LOT of fun. The kids programs are so wonderful and there will be a LOT of children on board that week. Plus, their age group is so fun, and they have a bunch of fun activities planned. I know when I was 10-11, I was starting to get out of the Disney crowd, however, I have no clue what your sons are like :) Either way you go, your kids will have a blast.

 

GOOD LUCK :)

[cb at sea]

RCI is a great family cruiseline and will cost less than Disney. yes, Disney is the KING of entertaining..they really know how to cater to their customers, but I doubt you or the boys will notice THAT much difference. And, on RCI, there's a casino for the adults--you don't have to spend a fortune to be entertained!!

Just know that RCI's cabins are nowhere near as large as Disney's, so keep that in mind when booking your room! Book the largest you can afford--or even 2 cabins, for more comfort.

[crusinmama06]

Either line is good. If the boys aren't into the characters, then RCL would have more activities for them.

 

I have the activity lists for both at the link in my signature. If by "mid-upscale" means that you will be getting a suite, there are more suite perks on RCL than on Disney.

 

I wouldn't use the words "phenomenal experience" with the Disney ships. They need some upgrades on their ships to be a phenomenal experience. ;)

[chipmaster]

We are wanting to cruise (for our first time) week after Christmas. We are unsure whether Disney Cruise or Royal Carribean would be best cruise for our family ... which includes 2 active boys, 8 and 10. They have always enjoyed Disney World, but never that much into the characters and shows. So that had me leaning towards RCCL ... BUT, Disney is noted to be just such a phenominal experience overall that I wonder if this is the time to just do Disney.Any ideas for me folks? (PS I would consider us mid-upscale travelers ...)

 

Disney is special for their themed resturants, characters, disney themed movies etc. If none of that you view as WOW, save the money and go RCI.

 

For a first cruise you'll have a blast on both! Find the ship, cabin class, ports that work best then go from there.

 

If spending that additional $$$ for a little more premium isn't a big deal, go for Disney. The experience whether you are a fan of the characters or not is a step above RCI. But I wouldn't go out of my way for schedule or ports to sail Disney, but all other things equal I would pick Disney even with that signficant premium.

[AZEmom]

I've sailed both, but only Disney with my son. He is now 11 and we did a Disney cruise for Spring Break. DH (son's step-father) had only sailed RCCL & Carnival and is a big casino freak. Even DH was in awe by the quality of Disney. Amazing shows, DS didn't want to leave kids club, free sodas, deck parties, treasure hunt on private island & fireworks at sea.

 

Plusses in my opinion for RCCL are with their larger ships (ice rink, rock walls, etc.) & quality of the promenade areas with shops and bars.

 

That said, if it's your first cruise you'll have fun no matter what ship you go on. My motto: Any cruise is a good cruise, but be warned, they're like potato chips, you can't have just one!

[Crusin6]

Let's put it this way, we loved our DCL experience. If you ever want to take the kids on DCL, now is the time as they will outgrow it within 2 years or so.

We now do Carnival and we are sad that DCL is probably over for us. Too many age restrictions with the pools and slide for our family ages 18, 14, 13, 8.

 

However, once all are 18, the adult pool is great. We always love Disney shows btw and the restaurants were lots of fun. Great deck parties and sailaway. I believe your boys are at the perfect age. But as I said not for too long!