Royal Caribbean??

[ToDisney]

Has anyone been on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, specifically Freedom of the Seas?
We are planning a cruise with the In Laws and it's between Disney and RC. I don't get the final vote, or it would probably be Disney.
I'm looking for information from intercotees on RC.
What kind of entertainment do they have each evening. I have two teens. We don't drink or gamble, so I was wondering about the shows?
Thanks!

[dale88fan]

I have been on two Royal Caribbean cruises and the last one was the Freedom of the Seas...and I am booked to go back on the Freedom in February. It is amazing! My teenage son and nephew have been on both cruises and they love them! My son doesn't ask when are we going back to Disney (I know, I don't get it), but he asks when is our next cruise!! The cruise for the teenagers is great, they have independence and everyone gets to enjoy themselves. There is a teen room for the kids and lots of activities. I've never ever been bored on a cruise. The shows are great and a lot of fun. There are Broadway type shows along with comedy things like Love and Marriage game and the scavenger hunt game (can't remember name) but you have to go to it! On the last cruise Nelson performed one night (Rickey Nelson's boys). Honestly I love Disney, but I also love going on a cruise. You gotta try it!!! :marg:

[Disney Lynn]

We haven't cruised on the FOTS, but we have cruised several times with RCCL & once on the Disney Magic (plus many cruises on other cruise lines). I suggest that you look at a cruising message board (similar to INTERCOT) at www dot cruisecritic dot com. Just be advised that some people on those boards can be rather brusque (or even nasty at times).

Both lines are similar in many areas (set meal times, good kid's programs, pools, etc). RCCL has gambling and more late night adult activities & entertainment. RCCL's regular evening shows, while maybe not as elaborate as Disney's, are still very good for all ages. RCCL has better food (the one area that's disappointing on Disney). Disney does more to limit smoking; plus the adult pool on Disney is better controlled as only adults.

I think you (or whoever is the decider) should choose your cruise by the itinerary and the price, rather than by cruiseline. The two ships (FOTS or Magic) will be very similar.

[ToDisney]

Thanks for the honest input, I don't feel so drawn by "Disney" now.
Is there a lot of extra's to plan for? You know spending money other than tips onboard??
Thanks again!

[Tick-Tock]

Thanks for the honest input, I don't feel so drawn by "Disney" now.
Is there a lot of extra's to plan for? You know spending money other than tips onboard??
Thanks again!

I hear that RCCL has been at the forefront of adding some fees for things that used to be included (like a fee for late-night room service, a fee for a certain steak in the main dining room). But those costs (and stuff like pictures, purchases in the shops, etc.) are within your control. Our biggest costs are usually shore excursions.

[Tink1]

I was invited on the inaugural sailing of Freedom of the Seas when they rolled her out. ( we do a lot of RCCL bookings as well)

She is a huge, beautiful ship with tons to do. The waterpark area is a HUGE hit with the kids. Lots of activities for every age. Cabins were very nice. Food was as good if not better than DCL.

Nanc

[Cinderelley]

I don't drink or gamble, but I love Royal Caribbean. We're going on Radiance of the Seas to Alaska this summer. You'll have a great time!!!

[Spaceship Tigger]

Haven't been on FOTS yet, but we just booked a cruise on it for next year. Last year we sailed on a smaller RCCL ship and loved it.

For next year's trip I did a cost comparison just for fun. For very similar 7 night cruises on FOTS and the Disney Wonder (similar ports, similar balcony rooms) on the same dates, I found that that the FOTS was $1399 pp while the DCL was almost $2500 pp. That is pretty unbelievable to me.

[DeniseMB]

I have sailed on both ships, FOTS & Dosney Magic. The magic is a very elegant ship. The staterooms also have a bath and a half. The children have an entire deck dedicated just to them & parents get pagers. There isnt a casino on this ship. Also tends to be a quiet ship after 10pm. They have rotating dining with 3 separate dining rooms. Your waiter rotates with you. They also have Palo, an adults only restaurant for a fee. Reservations necessary. The Animators Palate Dining Room is awesome. The room starts off black & white colors & by dessert the room has changed to be full color. Only Disney could do this. I loved the meals. We went during December & at one point, it was snowing inside the ship. Disney tends to be pricier than other cruiselines, because they only have 2 ships & dont have trouble filling them.

RCCL Freedom of the Seas. Since you will be travelling with teens, this may be the better choice. Lots of things to do for all ages. A very large ship with a rock climbing wall, ice skating, flowrider, mini golf, etc..The food is avaerage to good. The entertainment is Broadway style & very good. They also have an alternative restauarant thet:secret: charge a small fee for. The Johnny Rocket Restauarant is about $4.00 pp, but quite fun.

Hope this helps