Disney Cruise Vs Royal Caribbean

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I’ve absolutely fallen in love with Disney cruises, but I know they come at a higher price point than other cruise lines. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to weigh the pros and cons to really decide if a Disney cruise is worth it. Now I’m going into even more detail to compare Disney cruises with other cruise lines, starting with a Disney cruise vs Royal Caribbean.

Both of these cruise lines offer good cruises for families tailored to different types of travelers. And understanding what sets them apart can help you choose the perfect getaway for your family. I will say that right off the bat, Disney cruises are better for families of 5. Most Royal Caribbean staterooms can only accommodate four people, which means I’d need to book two staterooms for my family of five. Check out my complete analysis on which cruise lines are best for families of 5.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of a Disney cruise vs Royal Caribbean, looking at what’s included, price points, and their ships.

Disney Cruise Vs Royal Caribbean: What’s Included on Each?

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruise Line is known for its exceptional focus on family-friendly experiences and magical Disney touches. Your fare includes:

• Dining: Rotational dining at unique themed restaurants (like Animator’s Palate), casual dining, and room service.
• Entertainment: Broadway-caliber Disney stage shows, first-run Disney movies, themed deck parties, and character meet-and-greets.
• Kids’ Clubs: Imaginative spaces for different age groups (from toddlers to teens), all supervised by trained staff.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Complimentary soda, coffee, tea, and water at select locations.
• Private Island Access: Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island) with activities like snorkeling, biking, and beachside barbecues.
• Special Events: Disney Cruise Line offers unique themed nights, such as Pirate Night, where guests can dress up as pirates, enjoy a themed dinner, and watch an exclusive fireworks at sea show—something Disney is known for and a highlight of their cruises.

Check out my other popular post for a complete list of what is included on a Disney cruise.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean appeals to a broader audience than a Disney Cruise, blending family fun with activities for adults. This cruise line has ships much bigger than Disney, giving you the option to travel on some of the biggest ships in the world. Included in your fare:

• Dining: A variety of complimentary options, including main dining rooms, buffet restaurants, and snack spots.
• Entertainment: High-energy shows, ice skating performances, diving shows (on select ships), and live music.
• Activities: Rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, mini-golf, and waterslides (availability depends on the ship).
• Kids’ Clubs: Adventure Ocean youth program for children ages 3-17.
• Private Island Access: Perfect Day at CocoCay (on select itineraries), featuring waterparks, beaches, and a hot air balloon ride (some attractions may cost extra).

Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean: Price Points

Disney Cruise Line tends to be more quite a bit more expensive, but it’s often justified by the quality of service, attention to detail, and inclusion of magical experiences.

• A 3-night Bahamian cruise typically starts around $2,000-$3,000 for a family of four in an inside stateroom. Pricing can go much higher for balcony cabins or concierge-level suites.
• Longer itineraries and sailings on their newer ships (like the Disney Wish) tend to cost even more.
• Rarely have sales, however sometimes there are better times to book Disney cruises than others.

Royal Caribbean is generally more budget-friendly, offering more flexibility for travelers looking to save.

• A 3-night Bahamian cruise starts around $1,200-$1,500 for a family of four in an inside stateroom. Balcony cabins or suites will increase the price, but they’re often still less expensive than Disney.
• Sales and promotions are frequent, so you can often find discounted fares or perks like onboard credits.

Ships and Onboard Experiences

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has much fewer ships vs Royal Caribbean. Its fleet consists of five ships (with more on the way): the Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish. Each ship is elegantly designed, combining Art Deco or Art Nouveau aesthetics with Disney charm. These ships tend to be smaller than a lot of the other cruise line ships, especially the Magic and the Wonder. There are also far fewer sailings to choose from. Highlights of Disney Cruise Line ships include:

• Themed Restaurants: From dining in an “enchanted” garden to enjoying interactive animations.
• Aquatic Fun: Waterslides like the AquaDuck (a water coaster) and family pools.
• Adults-Only Areas: Quiet Cove Pool, fine dining at Palo or Remy (two of the Disney extras I recommend), and chic lounges.
• Staterooms: Spacious and family-focused, with features like split bathrooms and extra storage. Disney staterooms can accommodate up to 5 people in a single room, making them ideal for larger families. The split bathroom design—with one side featuring a shower and sink and the other a toilet and sink—adds extra convenience for families getting ready.
• Pirate Night & Fireworks: Disney Cruise Line is one of the only cruise lines to offer fireworks at sea. Their famous Pirate Night transforms the ship into a swashbuckling adventure, complete with themed shows, pirate-themed dining, and a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s fleet is vast, with over 25 ships ranging from mid-sized to the largest cruise ships in the world, like Icon of the Seas. When you go to book the cruise, there are many more options, such as interior balcony rooms (overlooking common spaces of the ship). They feel like cities! Highlights of Royal Caribbean ships include:

• Innovative Activities: Skydiving simulators, zip lines, bumper cars, and escape rooms.
• Neighborhood Concepts: The Oasis-class ships feature themed neighborhoods, such as Central Park and the Boardwalk.
• Aquatic Fun: Massive waterparks, wave pools, and multi-story slides.
• Dining Variety: Beyond complimentary options, specialty restaurants like Chops Grille and Jamie’s Italian are available for an extra fee.
• Staterooms: Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of stateroom options, from affordable interior rooms to luxurious suites. Most of their staterooms can only accommodate up to four passengers. You must call to find out about the possibility of having more than 4 people in one room.

Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean: Which Cruise Line is Right for You?

Choose Disney Cruise Line if:

• You’re traveling with young kids or die-hard Disney fans.
• You value immersive storytelling, character interactions, and magical touches.
• You prefer a more intimate cruise experience (don’t get me wrong–still a lot of people, but not compared to some of the other massive ships).
• Budget isn’t a major concern, and you’re willing to pay for a premium experience.

Choose Royal Caribbean if:

• You’re looking for a mix of family-friendly and adult-focused activities.
• You want more affordable options with frequent discounts.
• You’re seeking thrilling onboard attractions and a wide range of dining choices.
• If you want a casino on board.

Ultimately, both Disney and Royal Caribbean offer incredible vacations, but the right choice depends on your family’s priorities and budget. Whether you’re setting sail with Mickey Mouse or riding the FlowRider, an unforgettable adventure awaits!

Looking at other cruise options? See if a Holland America cruise is a good fit for you.