Going From Disney Cruise Line To Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – What To Know

We are a Disney Cruise Line family, with me being the only one that has been on another cruise line, and this last trip had us thinking that with older kids maybe we wanted to branch out and try Royal Caribbean to see if it was as fun and cheaper than the current Disney option.

Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Lines: Picking the Perfect Ship for Your Family

Are you dreaming of a magical cruise vacation with your family? You’re likely considering Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. Both are fantastic options, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick the perfect one!

Finding Your Fellow Cruise Mates

Both Disney and Royal Caribbean have active Facebook groups for specific sailings. These groups are a great way to meet your fellow cruisers, share tips, and arrange fun activities onboard.

Decorating Your Door

Disney and Royal Caribbean both allow door decorations, but with some key differences. On Disney, use magnets; adhesives are a no-no. Royal Caribbean has the same rule, but there are no “fish extenders” (those little hooks some Disney cruisers use to hang gifts).

All About Dining On The Cruise

While all meals are technically included on Disney cruises, some specialty restaurants require an extra charge. Royal Caribbean is similar but a little different, with a wider range of specialty restaurants (think Italian, steakhouse) at an additional cost, this may be the one thing you want to really familiarize yourself with before you go on what places are upcharges. However, Royal Caribbean offers several complimentary dining options, including a buffet, main dining room, and pool deck snacks. They also have drink packages you can purchase to cover your beverage needs throughout the cruise. The other thing to note is that Royal Caribbean does not include soda (it is extra) while Disney does include many soda options which are included.

Hitting the Shows On The Ship

Both lines offer Broadway-caliber productions and other entertainment. Disney typically has one show per night, while Royal Caribbean often has multiple shows playing simultaneously on their larger ships. For Royal Caribbean’s bigger ships (Oasis, Quantum, and Icon class), you can book shows in advance for free to secure your spot.

Choosing Your Ship: A First-Timer’s Guide To RCCL

If this is your first cruise, especially with younger kids, Matt suggests the Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas are great options departing from Florida. These ships offer tons of variety for families, including water rides, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.

Island Hopping

Disney’s Castaway Cay is a classic private island experience with beaches and a limited number of activities. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay offers more variety, with a complimentary beach area, a thrilling water park (extra cost), chill adult areas, and delicious food options. Disney now also has Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point which we talked about as we visited on our last Disney Cruise.

Excursions Ashore

Excursions through either cruise line are similar. You’ll meet your group and tour guide at a designated spot on the ship before heading off on your adventure. Both Disney and Royal Caribbean use reputable third-party companies to operate their shore excursions.

Smoking on Board

Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on both Disney and Royal Caribbean ships. Royal Caribbean’s casinos can get smoky, especially on older ships. Newer Oasis class ships have a separate smoking section within the casino.

Suite Life: Perks for Concierge Class Guests

Royal Caribbean’s Concierge Class, also known as Suite Class, offers more perks than Disney’s Concierge Class. These perks include free specialty dining, drinks, gratuities, and a dedicated “Royal Genie” who helps you with reservations, show tickets, and pretty much anything else you need throughout your cruise.

The Final Splash

The best cruise line for you depends on your priorities. Disney offers a more intimate, immersive experience, especially for younger children. Royal Caribbean provides more variety, action, and freedom, particularly for families with older kids or those seeking a wider range of dining and entertainment options.

No matter which line you choose, you’re sure to have a magical time creating lasting family memories on the high seas!

So your mileage may vary with each cruise line, but as Matt said, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line are more similar than you might think.

Make sure to check out Matt at Royalcaribbeanblog

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