Amenities and Activities for Families
Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are both viewed as premier choices for families, featuring a variety of family-oriented staterooms and onboard activities designed for young cruisers, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Both lines incorporate most family activities in the cruise fare, making them appealing options for families seeking value.
Across their fleets, you’ll discover kid-friendly waterslides, swimming pools, and water play zones. Royal Caribbean raises the stakes with unique attractions such as the FlowRider surfing simulator and ice skating rinks on several ships. Conversely, Disney Cruise Line infuses the magic of Disney into the experience with live performances, deck parties featuring beloved Disney characters, and even fireworks at sea, crafting a one-of-a-kind experience for families.
Both cruise lines provide family-oriented beach activities at their exclusive island locales. Disney’s Castaway Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay offer water play zones for children to enjoy. For an additional fee, families heading to Perfect Day at CocoCay can access a waterpark, zip line, and helium balloon experience, enhancing the thrill of their visit.
Disney Cruise Line crafts its ships specifically for families
Disney Cruise Line centers its focus on families, with vessels tailored to their requirements. Staterooms aboard Disney ships are generally larger and better equipped for family needs compared to other cruise options. Dining is another key feature, boasting whimsically themed dining rooms that provide family entertainment and interactive elements, ensuring mealtime is a memorable occasion.
Families consistently praise the quality of Disney’s Broadway-style performances, which bring beloved Disney tales to life. Character interactions and cinemas screening both new releases and classic Disney films further enrich the family-centered atmosphere onboard.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club stands out as a unique highlight, featuring engaging and themed play areas like Marvel Super Hero Academy and Andy’s Room from “Toy Story.” The children’s club is included with the cruise fare and stays open until midnight, allowing parents some well-deserved relaxation. The club welcomes kids ages three to ten, while tweens and teens have their own exclusive lounges to enjoy.
Royal Caribbean features a top-rated kids’ club
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids’ club is highly esteemed for its adventure-themed educational programs and activities catering to children aged three to 17. Teens have their own lounges, allowing them the freedom to come and go, fostering a sense of independence within a secure setting.
For families, Royal Caribbean offers My Family Time Dining, permitting kids aged three to 11 to dine early before heading to Adventure Ocean for evening activities, enabling parents to have a more relaxed dining experience. Adventure Ocean and the teen-only areas remain open late, granting adults the chance to enjoy an evening out while their children are occupied. However, it’s essential to highlight that after 10 p.m., an hourly fee applies for group babysitting for kids aged three to 11 in the Adventure Ocean center.
Cost Comparison Between Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean
In terms of pricing, the distinction between Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean is notable, with Royal Caribbean frequently coming out ahead for families aiming to optimize value. For example, a four-night Disney cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, stopping at Nassau and Disney’s Castaway Cay, starts at $504.16 for a family of four. In contrast, a comparable four-night Royal Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, with stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, begins at just $255.68 for an interior stateroom. This price reflects a significant discount due to a September sale, which features a Kids Sail Free promotion, offering savings of $332.00.
Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free initiatives are a transformative factor for families, particularly those with younger children. These promotions allow kids aged 12 and under to sail at no charge, significantly lowering the overall trip costs. For Australian families, this makes Royal Caribbean a more appealing alternative, especially when accounting for additional international travel expenses to the U.S. or other embarkation points. The cruise fare savings can help offset some of these travel costs, making family cruises more attainable.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while Royal Caribbean typically offers more competitive prices, especially with promotional offers, the costs can fluctuate based on the ship and itinerary. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest vessel, Icon of the Seas, which operates seven-day itineraries from Miami, can command higher rates than many Disney cruises. This is particularly evident during peak travel seasons, such as school holidays, when demand for family-oriented cruises peaks.
Conversely, Disney Cruise Line seldom provides substantial discounts or offers, and its pricing usually skews higher. This premium pricing reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering a distinctive, immersive Disney experience at sea, abundant with character interactions, Broadway-style performances, and exclusive access to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. For families who are devoted Disney enthusiasts, the added expense may be justified by the extra enchantment and nostalgia that Disney provides.
Ultimately, for Australian families contemplating the expense of a family cruise, Royal Caribbean’s lower initial fares and frequent promotions, such as Kids Sail Free, can present a more cost-effective choice. However, for those prepared to invest in the Disney experience, Disney Cruise Line delivers an unmatched level of family-focused entertainment and service.
