4newtocruise
Minnie, R.N.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2007
We have never did any cruise but Disney. I'm nervous that RC won't live up to the standards of Disney. Plus my children they won't meet friends. My children will be 17 and 15
Love my Disney but just booked Harmony for 2017
- Thread starter Joel0917
- Start date
We have never did any cruise but Disney. I'm nervous that RC won't live up to the standards of Disney. Plus my children they won't meet friends. My children will be 17 and 15
David Hewitt-McDonald
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2016
Same here. Love Disney but just could not justify those prices. Booked Harmony for end of this year and a NCL Transatlantic next year.
David Hewitt-McDonald
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2016
I did a three night royal last week. I can safely say that are on par with Disney. Yes some things are different but different is not always bad. The buffet food I found even better than on Disney. I cant comment on children activities but from what I hear they are much better for teens than Disney. You don't have the magic by having characters around but the staff are just as good.
From our three night we have re-booked and are now a fan of RC.
Check out the Dreams Unlimited Travel pod cast about DCL vs RC. They go into details about all concerns.
Frozen2014
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2014
We just returned from Allure in April and even though it was past most spring breaks, there were still lots of kids of all ages. I'm sure they'll meet others. There is a teen age kids club. I'm Royal biased, but their ships are so beautifully and well run. And Oasis class ships (so Harmony) are really unique with the Boardwalk and Central Park areas...shows are prenominal, and if they are still into meet and greets, the ship has DreamWorks (plus shows and parades). I'm sure it's hard to change lines (which I feel going the other way), but I'm sure you'll love it. One big advantage over Disney (we were on Magic) is that there are more pools and they are bigger so they are not as crammed.
catherines_mama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2003
Never done DCL but excited to also be sailing Harmony July 2017 (7/1-7/8).
I've read a lot about the kids activities and it sounds like as long as you encourage the kids (teens) to attend the mingle the 1st night, they are sure to meet friends to hang with for the week. My 2 older ones can hang together and get along alright. It's my youngest I'll worry more about. I cannot wait for her to start sailing so I can read live reports and see actual pictures not just the virtual and renderings.
I've read a lot about the kids activities and it sounds like as long as you encourage the kids (teens) to attend the mingle the 1st night, they are sure to meet friends to hang with for the week. My 2 older ones can hang together and get along alright. It's my youngest I'll worry more about. I cannot wait for her to start sailing so I can read live reports and see actual pictures not just the virtual and renderings.
MakiraMarlena
It's a big black fish to you
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2005
that ship is huge. I am curious about it; I'm not sure I would like a ship that big. I am sure there will be plenty to do! And plenty of teens and preteens aboard.
Disney Addicted
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2011
I missed your reply a few months back. Sorry!
The 24th? Jeez, ok - that's the latest! LOL
No, not young. I was 42 in 2011 but I don't remember noticing Easter was so late then! Probably because my son was born in April and I end up busy with birthday planning.
Iheartdopey10
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2011
Just cruised on the Harmony from 9/29 - 10/6 on a Mediterranean cruise and you will love the ship. There weren't as many shows and parades scheduled but I think that had more to do with us only having one day at sea. I also cruised on the Allure 2 years ago, and even though they are similar they have just enough differences to make them both worth cruising on. Hopefully, I can do an Oasis cruise next!
I see your youngest will be 8. I just had to decide between RC and NCL for may family with kids 9 and 7. There was NOTHING on oasis that my 9 year old could do. We went with NCL because my kids were tall enough and heavy enough for all the activities. I know some kids are more flexible than mine are, but I would double check the age, weight, and height minimums.
I just booked the Harmony for March. Besides the surf rider, which activities is your 9 year old too small for? I have a small 11 year old so I thought I should ask. Thanks!
msjprincess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2010
Ziplining you have to be at least 75 pounds and 52". For the slides I think it's 48" for the water slides and 44" for the Abyss.
PoohNFriends
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2010
We're on the same one! We haven't done a DCL yet and I've only been on a short cruise on a small ship once in 2001. However, we will be in WDW the week prior to the cruise so we'll still get Disney time in (two weeks of fun because it's our Honeymoon)!!!
I have sailed DCL about 10 times on all the ships and have done Royal 4 times. We have done Freedom and Indy. To be honest, we are looking to book a cruise in the next few months and my kids really want to go on Harmony. They love Royal bc they say there is so much more to do. They love the flowerier and ice skating. My boys are 13 and 16. I on the other hand prefer Disney. To me its just a different feel. I want to go on the Wonder but they are pushing for Royal and you know they are gonna win.
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2004
I think they will have the time of their lives and you will enjoy it as well. I was on the Harmony of the Seas for it's transatlantic crossing a few months ago. The ship is phenomenal. While the shows on board are not the same as Disney shows (and I -do- love my Disney shows on board the Disney ships!), they are high energy and very professional nonetheless. Grease is on the Harmony and they really get it right. They have a wonderful show in ice as well.
I've debated taking the kids on a disney cruise, but the price is just too much to justify. Maybe once my son is 5 and enjoys Disney a bit more it will be perfect. But for a 3rd of the price we were able to sail on Norwegian Epic, and for half the price we got on Oasis of the Seas. Beautiful ship, I know the Harmony will be a ton of fun, hope you all have a wonderful trip!
KashasMom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2012
My daughter and I just got off the Allure and we LOVED it so much so that we booked the Harmony for President's Week 2018. We've already sailed the Oasis. I know some people are concerned about the number of people on board but honestly we were much more crowded on the Disney Magic! The pools are GREAT! We could actually swim in them as opposed to standing in Disney's pools! The shows were very good - loved the ice show and the aqua show is excellent. So excited to see that Grease is on the Harmony! My daughter loved CATS on the Oasis. We didn't see Mamma Mia on the Allure because RCI warned it wasn't appropriate for children. I later heard that it wouldn't have been an issue so that was very disappointing. We thought the food was good and we got such a good deal on Specialty Dining that we went to 4 of the restaurants - 2 were excellent. A couple of tips for the Oasis class ships...book all your shows and dining as soon as they become available. Don't book specialty dining online if you have children because you won't get the discounted price for kids. We had no problems getting reservations when we were on board. Also - keep an eye on the RCI website - they have sales on their excursions and internet. And if you need a character fix the Madagascar characters are on board and at a breakfast.
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Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
