Day 1 Disney Magic and not impressed

[swimfin]

Sounds awful. That's exactly the type of thing that turns me off of the mega-ships.

Agree!!! Awful. I only cruise DCL.

 

[auntlynne]

I have not found great food in any MDR on any cruise I’ve taken. And I am not a foodie. But I have found plenty of good (free) food for most meals somewhere on ships for the majority of meals. For-fee dining does seem to be very nice. But it‘s sort of like comparing a cafeteria to a nice restaurant. And many of us have a hard time paying for a meal you have already paid for meals in your cruise fare. it doesn’t matter that cruise fare is lower on the other lines, either. It’s just a mindset that’s hard to break.

Day 2. Castaway Cay was great. Very typhoon Lagoon. the Island is beautiful.Food and service was great.
Dinner at L was good and the little character show was cute. Highlight of the day was Tangled show. It was fantastic.
Funny that my wife came over on the tram later in the day and spoke with a person that sailed like 10 times on DCL and was bashing RCL on up charges. Where does this RCL is up charge city and Disney isn’t. Can someone explain this to me? It seems to be a thing in DLC fans heads about RCL but I don’t see it.
Up next tomorrow is MDAS.

Castaway Cay, especially Serenity Bay, is one of my favorite parts of DCL. movies in Buena Vista theater, Disney-quality stage shows, comedians who aren‘t doing “adult” material, and free Coke. I like the simplicity of Castaway Cay.

I‘m glad you had a great time on the island. For your sake, not that you need to be drawn to the mouse side for cruising.

We are enjoying this cruise. I just don’t see how people think this warrants a 50% premium over other cruises. And yes we still prefer Oasis class ships on RCL. Staying on deck 8 and walking through Central Park to dinner every night is amazing. We still crave the food at Jamie’s Italian. Water show, skating show, laser tag, surf simulator, zip line, rock wall, carousel and mini golf all on the same ship. The activities don’t even compare.

I really don’t like the high price of anything Disney. We started cruising in 2007. Disney was more expensive, but not excessively so. Their prices have outpaced wage increases and have become a luxury item. I don’t know if casinos really keep prices down on other cruise lines or if Disney is just raking in bigger profits.

I’d love to hear what you thought of your vacation, overall, compared to what you were expecting. I am intrigued that your DCL experience seems like a surprise. So far, you have had a pretty typical cruise, based on what I have had 18 times; although many reviews on these forums say everything is supercalifragilistic.

 

[elsawasajedi]

Here are some pics of Virgin Voyages food:View attachment 652722View attachment 652723View attachment 652724View attachment 652725View attachment 652726View attachment 652727View attachment 652728View attachment 652729View attachment 652730View attachment 652731

the visceral reaction i had to the roasted garlic on this was real.

 

[hrhdhd]

Let us know how your cruise is! Celebrity is a brand we have yet to try, but hope to!

I love Celebrity. I was on the Constellation (one of their older, smaller ships) in Dec./Jan., usually sail the Solstice-class ships, and am trying the Apex. Aside from a couple of small things (e.g., my suitcase this cruise arrived in my stateroom with a broken handle [it's already been fixed]), I have enjoyed each cruise. Food is great, drinks/tips/wifi included, itineraries are as interesting as I want . . . heading to the Future Cruise desk today to book another!

 

[daisyx3]

I am trying Celebrity for my first non-DCL in July (6 nights on the Equinox). Was able to get a suite with premium drinks, tips, and $700 stateroom credit I plan to use on shore excursions and a spa day pass for $1000 less than a 7 night DCL (yes, one less night). Looks promising. Also have the Wish booked in November so I can have my "fab 5". But with adult kids it is time to try some new things!

 

[tidefan]

I love Celebrity. I was on the Constellation (one of their older, smaller ships) in Dec./Jan., usually sail the Solstice-class ships, and am trying the Apex. Aside from a couple of small things (e.g., my suitcase this cruise arrived in my stateroom with a broken handle [it's already been fixed]), I have enjoyed each cruise. Food is great, drinks/tips/wifi included, itineraries are as interesting as I want . . . heading to the Future Cruise desk today to book another!

We hope to try it one day. It does seem, however, that it is a bit pricier than Princess on similar itineraries (and since we are Elite with Princess, we get the free minibar, free laundry, etc.), but hopefully we will find one that works in the not-too-distant future.

I'd like to try HAL as well...

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

I am not 100 % a fan of the food on disney cruises however I can’t compare between other cruise lines as I’ve always cruised disney. Some MDR menus are better then others. I am not a fan of the menu at animators palette. And I enjoyed the quick services on deck 9 on the magic then the quick service on the dream.

 

[TeamRiley]

Probably the thing I like best about Disney vs other cruise lines is that the 'hard sell' is virtually non-existent. (except for maybe in the spa).
I will gladly pay more to have staff leave me alone unless I request something.

 

[beckicnm]

Wrong thread

 

[Farro]

I love Celebrity. I was on the Constellation (one of their older, smaller ships) in Dec./Jan., usually sail the Solstice-class ships, and am trying the Apex. Aside from a couple of small things (e.g., my suitcase this cruise arrived in my stateroom with a broken handle [it's already been fixed]), I have enjoyed each cruise. Food is great, drinks/tips/wifi included, itineraries are as interesting as I want . . . heading to the Future Cruise desk today to book another!

We are looking at Celebrity , either Apex or Beyond. The outdoor space on these ships looks GORGEOUS! We are looking at the sunset veranda rooms, not sure about the infinite verandas? What are you booking as far as room?

 

[hrhdhd]

We are looking at Celebrity , either Apex or Beyond. The outdoor space on these ships looks GORGEOUS! We are looking at the sunset veranda rooms, not sure about the infinite verandas? What are you booking as far as room?

I was upgraded to an Infinite Veranda on Apex and while I was happy for the upgrade (I booked an OV), I probably wouldn't book one on purpose. Go Sunset Veranda or Sky Suite if you can.

 

[Farro]

I was upgraded to an Infinite Veranda on Apex and while I was happy for the upgrade (I booked an OV), I probably wouldn't book one on purpose. Go Sunset Veranda or Sky Suite if you can.

Thank you!

 

[Sykes]

We are looking at Celebrity , either Apex or Beyond. The outdoor space on these ships looks GORGEOUS! We are looking at the sunset veranda rooms, not sure about the infinite verandas? What are you booking as far as room?

Sunset Verandas are probably the nicest standard balcony rooms on the ship and they're in pretty high demand. The balconies are large and the wake view is great. The only real downside is that you're as far aft as you can go so it can be a hike to get places, but we never minded much because for whatever reason the walk to the front or mid of the ship never felt all that long, and most of the venues we visited frequently were either mid or aft anyway.

The infinite verandas are pretty controversial. It seems to be a love-it or hate-it kind of thing based on personal preference. They effectively expand the size of the room into the balcony but you lose a lot of the separation, and importantly you lose climate control in the room if you want to open the window. Personally I like them, but I often cruise alone so the separation isn't important to me at all.

 

[Dug720]

Sunset Verandas are probably the nicest standard balcony rooms on the ship and they're in pretty high demand. The balconies are large and the wake view is great. The only real downside is that you're as far aft as you can go so it can be a hike to get places, but we never minded much because for whatever reason the walk to the front or mid of the ship never felt all that long, and most of the venues we visited frequently were either mid or aft anyway.

The infinite verandas are pretty controversial. It seems to be a love-it or hate-it kind of thing based on personal preference. They effectively expand the size of the room into the balcony but you lose a lot of the separation, and importantly you lose climate control in the room if you want to open the window. Personally I like them, but I often cruise alone so the separation isn't important to me at all.

As a solo cruiser I love that they made their solo cabins with the infinite veranda as opposed to the other line that notoriously touts their solo studios which are all inside and look like padded rehab rooms.

 

[luvincruising]

As a solo cruiser I love that they made their solo cabins with the infinite veranda as opposed to the other line that notoriously touts their solo studios which are all inside and look like padded rehab rooms.

Are you referring to NCL?

 

[Dug720]

Are you referring to NCL?

Yep. They make a big deal about their studios, but I would be so claustrophobic in there.

 

[mullysisters]

Speaking of Royal I was watching a video of their newest ships and saw Wonder of the Seas
has 7K passenger limit. I thought the vlogger was mistaken and looked it up. Yup 6,988.

Yikes! What is next? A Ship built for 8 9 10k? There has to be some kind of legal limit right?

Oh, oh .........the Poseidon Adventure just went thru my head. I mean, I envision a ship with so many decks just rolling over!

 

[luvincruising]

Yep. They make a big deal about their studios, but I would be so claustrophobic in there.

They are small but the Solo's do have their own group living room - very comfy. I always utilize the drink package to ease my claustrophobia.

 

[Dug720]

They are small but the Solo's do have their own group living room - very comfy. I always utilize the drink package to ease my claustrophobia.

That's assuming you WANT to socialize. Not all of us cruise to make new BFFs. I hate forced socialization.

 

[mlayton14]

I can’t shake the idea of Las Vegas when I think of Royal Caribbean. Casino, unlimited drink packages, hairy chest contest, shopping mall, hairspray as entertainment , etc. Add $25 if you lose track of your ship issued pool towel, not the vibe we are looking for with a family vacation.