Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean comes down to the type of vacation you’re seeking. Disney Cruise Line is perfect for families, offering magical experiences such as character interactions, themed entertainment, and unforgettable moments aboard ships like the Disney Wish and Disney Magic.
“The best way to experience magic is to make unforgettable memories with the ones you love.”
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean is ideal for adventure seekers, with massive ships like the Allure of the Seas, offering thrilling activities and modern amenities.
This article compares destinations, staterooms, food, activities, and entertainment on both cruise lines. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation or an action-packed getaway, both options promise world-class experiences. Keep reading to find out which cruise is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Disney Cruises Vs Royal Caribbean Ships
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of ships across three main classes: Wish Class, Dream Class, and Magic Class. The Wish Class ships can accommodate up to 4,000 guests, while the Dream Class ships also have a capacity of 4,000 guests. The Magic Class ships are a bit smaller, with a capacity of 2,700 guests, providing a more intimate experience for families and cruise enthusiasts.
Royal Caribbean has a large fleet with eight ship classes, each offering unique features and capacities. The Icon Class, which is the biggest cruise ship, carries up to 7,600 guests, and the Oasis Class ships hold 6,800 guests each. Other classes, like the Quantum Class and Freedom Class, cater to guest numbers ranging from 2,400 to over 5,500. Majesty of the Seas, the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, has been a favorite since it began sailing in 1992. Each class provides exciting amenities, making Royal Caribbean a top choice for all travelers.
Below is a comparison of the Disney and Royal Caribbean cruise ships, highlighting their class, number of ships, and maximum guest capacities.
| Cruise Line | Class | Number of Ships | Maximum Capacity (Guests) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney | Wish Class | 1 | 4,000 |
| Dream Class | 2 | 4,000 | |
| Magic Class | 2 | 2,700 | |
| Royal Caribbean | Icon Class | 1 | 7,600 |
| Oasis Class | 6 | 6,800 each | |
| Quantum Ultra Class | 2 | 5,500 each | |
| Quantum Class | 3 | 4,900 each | |
| Freedom Class | 4 | 4,400–4,900 each | |
| Voyager Class | 1 | 4,000 | |
| Radiance Class | 4 | 2,500 | |
| Vision Class | 1 | 2,400–2,700 |
“For a vacation filled with magic, family fun, and a touch of nostalgia, Disney Cruises could be the perfect choice for you, offering unforgettable memories for everyone.”
Disney Cruises vs Royal Caribbean Destinations
Disney Cruise Line offers magical destinations with stops at private island resorts like Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point. With 15 key embarkation ports such as Miami, New York City, and San Diego, Disney makes it easy for families across North America to start their journey, bringing their favorite stories to life at sea in an enchanting atmosphere.
Royal Caribbean provides a wider range of destinations with 35 departure ports globally. Royal Caribbean stands out with its impressive fleet, offering thrilling activities like rock climbing and surf simulators, perfect for adventure seekers. With ports worldwide, including 14 in North America, Royal Caribbean gives millions of travelers access to diverse and exciting vacation experiences.
| Destination | Disney Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean & Bahamas | 432 | 47 |
| Europe | 107 | 107 |
| Alaska | 19 | 96 |
| Australia & New Zealand | 42 | 29 |
| Hawaii | 7 | 7 |
| Mexico & Latin America | 28 | 8 |
| South Pacific | 3 | 14 |
| East Asia | 0 | 36 |
| Middle East & South Asia | 0 | 3 |
| Bermuda | 0 | 7 |
| Canada & New England | 0 | 8 |
| Pacific Northwest | 4 | 4 |
| Panama Canal | 0 | 5 |
| Transatlantic | 2 | 22 |
| Transpacific | 0 | 5 |
Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean Food
Disney Cruise Food transforms dining into a magical experience, where every meal becomes a flavorful adventure. With its innovative rotational dining system, guests enjoy the excitement of moving from one themed restaurant to another, including the main dining restaurants, each offering a unique atmosphere and culinary delights. This thoughtful twist brings families together, creating unforgettable moments over a delicious variety of global dishes made from fresh ingredients.
Royal Caribbean Food elevates its dining experience with a signature Main Dining Room, where guests can indulge in a changing menu filled with international flavors. Alongside its exceptional food offerings, Royal Caribbean impresses with thrilling onboard amenities like rock-climbing walls and surf simulators, making every moment at sea a new adventure.
Disney vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Onboard Activities
Disney Cruise Line features the AquaMouse on its Triton-class ships, turning the waterslide experience into a magical adventure. It combines exciting twists with fun storytelling featuring Mickey Mouse and friends, creating unforgettable memories for all guests onboard.
Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of activities for all types of travelers. From thrilling zip lines for adrenaline junkies and adrenaline seekers to peaceful relaxation on deck, there’s something for every whim. Royal Caribbean offers a thrilling mix of activities, from rock climbing to surf simulators, perfect for both adventurous families and fun-loving cruisers. With exciting entertainment and a lively nightlife, there’s fun all day and night for everyone onboard.
Additional Features for Both:
- Relaxing spa and salon services
- Outdoor sports courts (Disney)
- Interactive splash areas (Disney)
- Twisting water slides (Disney)
- Thrill-packed water slides (Royal Caribbean)
- FlowRider surf sessions (Royal Caribbean)
- Zip line rides (Royal Caribbean)
- Ice skating adventures (Royal Caribbean)
- Rock climbing challenges (Royal Caribbean)
- Skydiving simulators (Royal Caribbean)
- Multi-deck dry slides (Royal Caribbean)
- Sea dodgems (Royal Caribbean)
- Bungee trampoline fun (Royal Caribbean)
- Exciting escape rooms (Royal Caribbean)
Disney vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Staterooms and Suites
Staterooms and suites on Disney Cruise Line offer a unique blend of charm, comfort, and magic at sea, making it ideal for families seeking a special cruising experience. With thoughtfully designed accommodations, Disney Cruise Line ensures a truly memorable stay.
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of staterooms and suites to cater to every traveler’s needs, from rooms with balconies to those with stunning ocean views, ensuring a peaceful cruising experience.
Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offer the following facilities:
- Rooms with Magical Portholes
- Staterooms with Split Bathrooms
- Concierge-Level Staterooms & Suites
- Deluxe Rooms for Families
- Interior Rooms with Balcony Views
- Staterooms with Virtual Balconies
- Premium Family-Friendly Accommodations
- AquaTheater Suites
1: Rooms with Magical Portholes
Rooms with magical portholes on Disney Cruise Line are thoughtfully designed to offer both comfort and convenience, providing spacious cabins for families. These rooms often feature multiple sleeping areas, making them ideal for up to five guests. Perfect for larger families, these rooms offer ample space to relax and unwind, enhancing the overall cruise experience. This feature is not available on Royal Caribbean.
2: Staterooms with Split Bathrooms
Staterooms with split bathrooms on Disney Cruise Line make family travel easy with smartly designed spaces that provide convenience for everyone onboard. These rooms come in different sizes, ensuring a smoother experience for families. The split bathroom layout allows multiple family members to use the space at once, making it ideal for families with children. Royal Caribbean does not offer this exact layout.
3: Concierge-Level Staterooms & Suites
Both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer concierge-level staterooms and suites, located in prime areas of the ship. These rooms provide breathtaking views and exclusive access to luxury amenities. Guests enjoy premium services, comfort, and tailored experiences. Ideal for those seeking a top-tier, luxury cruise experience, these suites ensure privacy and exceptional service.
4: Deluxe Rooms for Families
Deluxe family rooms provide an exceptional experience for larger groups looking for comfort and convenience in one spacious cabin. Designed to accommodate up to five guests, these well-planned spaces feature multiple sleeping areas, ensuring everyone has enough room to relax without feeling cramped. Royal Caribbean offers family-friendly accommodations, but they are not the same in layout and design.
5: Interior Rooms with Balcony Views
Interior rooms with balcony views offer the perfect mix of comfort and privacy, providing guests with a peaceful space to unwind while staying close to all the action. These rooms allow you to enjoy stunning ocean views or catch glimpses of exciting ship activities, keeping you connected to your surroundings and enhancing your cruise experience. Whether relaxing or watching the world go by, the balcony offers the ideal spot to enjoy the journey. Disney Cruise Line does not offer this type of room.
6: Staterooms with Virtual Balconies
Staterooms with virtual balconies feature high-definition LED screens that stream live ocean views and vibrant port scenes, offering guests the feel of a private balcony. This innovative design brings the beauty of the sea indoors, enhancing the cruising experience. Guests can enjoy stunning vistas without stepping outside. It’s the perfect option for those seeking the view without leaving the comfort of their cabin. Disney Cruise Line does not have virtual balconies.
7: Premium Family-Friendly Accommodations
Premium family-friendly accommodations are spacious townhouses designed for quality time and fun-filled adventures. They feature open living areas for cozy movie nights and outdoor spaces for games and barbecues. Fully equipped kitchens make meal preparation easy, while smart features ensure everything you need is right at hand. These thoughtful details enhance family togetherness and convenience. Disney Cruise Line does not have this type of accommodation.
8: AquaTheater Suites
AquaTheater suites offer stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows, directly facing the iconic AquaTheater. This unique amphitheater at sea hosts spectacular performances, including synchronized water shows and thrilling high dives. The suites provide luxury living with front-row entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience. Disney Cruise Line does not offer AquaTheater suites.
Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Entertainment
Disney Cruise Line offers exceptional entertainment with interactive deck parties, character-filled events like Pirate Night, and emotional stage productions such as Disney Dreams. These performances retell beloved stories with heart and charm, making Disney’s onboard entertainment truly magical.
Royal Caribbean brings Broadway-style entertainment to the sea with spectacular shows like Grease and Hairspray, featuring stunning choreography, vibrant visuals, and remarkable talent. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant Cozumel or the ancient ruins of Roatan, their entertainment options are crafted to offer thrilling performances and unique experiences for guests of all ages.
Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Kids’ Facilities
Disney Cruise Line creates magical experiences for kids aged 3 to 12 with vibrant youth clubs offering themed entertainment and imaginative activities. In these spaces, young minds can explore art, play, and wonder in a safe and exciting environment, bringing Disney’s magic to life for every child onboard.
Royal Caribbean offers the Adventure Ocean program, which raises the bar with dynamic facilities and age-divided groups. Children can enjoy hands-on fun such as science experiments, arts, and crafts, encouraging curiosity and growth. This program ensures that each child has the opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace, making every moment at sea a new adventure.
Disney vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Demographics
Disney Cruise Line offers unforgettable cruises, attracting a demographic that includes families with children, millennials, Gen Xers, and multigenerational families. It creates a magical experience for kids with exciting waterslides, while adults can unwind with relaxing spa treatments and moments of tranquility.
Royal Caribbean offers unforgettable cruises, appealing to a demographic of adventure-loving travelers in the 30 to 50 age range. It draws those who enjoy immersive activities, bold sightseeing, and the energy of a dynamic age group, providing a more energetic and adventurous experience.
Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean Prices
A 7-night cruise with Disney Cruise Line typically ranges from $130 to $165 per person, depending on the cabin type and travel season. Prices for entry-level inside cabins may start as low as $130, but premium upgrades will increase the cost, offering additional comfort and amenities.
Royal Caribbean’s 7-night cruises also fall within a similar price range of $130 to $165 per person, depending on factors like cabin selection and travel dates. As with Disney, premium cabin upgrades raise the price, providing a more luxurious cruise experience with enhanced service and exclusive features.
Conclusion
Choosing between Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean depends on your personal preferences and the kind of vacation experience you’re seeking.
Disney offers magical character interactions and heartwarming storytelling moments, perfect for families and those seeking cozy experiences.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean caters to thrill-seekers with exciting activities and adventurous exploration. Whether you’re looking for wonder-filled moments or action-packed excitement, both cruises promise unforgettable memories and a choice you’ll never regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cost of a 7-Day Disney Cruise?
The price of a 7-day Disney cruise can differ widely depending on factors like the season, the chosen itinerary, the type of stateroom, and any extra packages or experiences you decide to add.
Is Royal Caribbean a Top Cruise Line?
Yes, Royal Caribbean is often considered a top cruise line, as both guests and travel experts consistently praise it as the best choice for families, couples, and first-time cruisers.
What's the Difference in Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean Size?
Disney Cruise Line ships, like the Disney Wish, are around 144,000 gross tons and accommodate about 4,000 guests. Royal Caribbean ships, such as the Oasis Class, are much larger, around 226,000 gross tons, with a capacity of up to 6,780 guests. Overall, Royal Caribbean ships are significantly bigger than Disney Cruise Line ships.
Which is Better, Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean for Families?
Disney Cruise Line offers a magical, family-focused experience with character interactions and themed dining. Royal Caribbean, however, is known for its larger ships, extensive activities, and diverse dining options, including more adult-focused choices. Both cater to families, but with slightly different offerings to suit various preferences.