Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: Which is Right for Your Vacation Dollar?
- Melissa Lenox
- 4 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Everyone wants to know: Is Disney Cruise Line worth the premium price, or does Royal Caribbean offer better overall value and adventure? You've seen the gorgeous ships, but how do they compare where it really counts: the included food, the staterooms, private islands?
I've compared these two cruise giants across 6 essential categories to show you in my opinion, who does it better. Ultimately, that should help you choose which line offers the best investment for your vacation dollar. To set the stage here are the ships I've sailed on; Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Utopia of the Seas.
Dining: The Foodie Face-Off
Both cruise lines have plenty of included options: a buffet for breakfast and lunch, quick options around the pool deck, and main dining each night which is a sit-down dinner.
However, almost all dining on Disney is included with your cruise fare; the only options that cost extra are the two adult-only specialty restaurants. Royal Caribbean, by contrast, has a huge number of specialty dining option; Hibachi, Sushi, Steak Houses, Italian, and more which you can add on for an additional cost.
Comparing strictly the included options, I thought the clear winner was Disney Cruise Line.
From rotational dining to the buffet and pool deck options, everything was better on Disney. The biggest disappointment for me was Main Dining on Royal. While I thought their buffet, Windjammer, was pretty good (and honestly, the best food may have been on their private island, Coco Cay), I was very impressed with the rotational dining on Disney Cruise Line and enjoyed the change of scenery each night. On Royal, you are in the same main dining room, so I would highly recommend adding on a specialty dining package to mix it up and experience some fine dining.
As a final note on value, because Royal offers a drink package, I felt the a la carte drinks were often not very strong. For those without the package, you end up drinking and paying for more. If you are a foodie who prioritizes quality and value in the base fare, Disney is your choice.
Entertainment: Magic vs. Mega-Adventure
You can't go wrong with either cruise line if you want great entertainment! It really just depends on the vibe you are looking for.
The Royal Caribbean Party Vibe
You walk right into a party when you step on board Royal Caribbean! The Promenade is pumping with music and you walk right past the Pesky Parrot, their themed tiki bar. There is something happening everywhere all the time: pool deck parties, music, trivia, and games. The Sexiest Man Alive contest was one of our favorites! In the evenings, you have a Comedy Club, Casino, Battle of the Sexes, the spectacular ice-skating show, and of course, what they are famous for: the Aqua Show! You cannot miss the Aqua Show! It blows my mind what they can do in such a small space. Some of the ships even feature Broadway-style shows for theater fans.
The Disney Luxurious Vibe
Disney’s vibe is more luxurious, relaxed, and all-around more family-friendly. That doesn’t mean you can't find adult-only things to do! They have fun couples' game shows like Match Your Matey, plenty of adult-only spaces like The Cove, Palo, and various lounges.
Every Disney ship features two Broadway versions of their films with top-tier talent. Disney Treasure’s feature show is Moana, Disney Destiny will be Hercules, and Disney Wish is Aladdin. These shows were the standout for me. Plus, being able to sit on the pool deck soaking up the sun, sipping a cocktail, and watching a Disney movie was just perfection. And of course, there are free character greetings ALL THE TIME, plus trivia, karaoke, a movie theater that plays films currently in theaters, and so much more.
Inclusions: Where the Budget Battle is Won
What’s included on board each cruise line (besides room, taxes, and port fees)? This is where the differences really add up.
Disney Included Perks
Dining: All dining except for the two adults-only options, specialty sweet shop, and movie theater snacks. Room service is included.
Beverages: Soda, juices, iced tea, and coffee.
Activities: Most activities are included, including longer hours for the kids club.
Extra costs include alcohol, beverage tastings, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, photos, Bingo, nursery (kids under 3), spa, and some fitness classes.
Royal Caribbean Included Perks
Dining: Windjammer buffet, Main Dining room, and casual cafes like Sorrento's pizza and El Loco Fresh. The only room service included is a continental breakfast.
Beverages: Tap water, lemonade, iced tea, some juices, milk, coffee, and hot tea.
Activities: FlowRider, water slides, rock climbing wall, ice skating, mini golf, sports courts, and kids club access for ages 3 and up.
Extra costs include soda, alcohol, specialty coffee, casino, spa services, fitness classes, arcades, escape rooms, and select ship experiences like the Northstar.
The Verdict on Inclusions: I think you get significantly more value with your cruise fare on a Disney cruise. Soda, juices, full room service, and longer kids club hours are huge perks for families. To get a similar experience on a Royal ship, you’d have to add on soda and specialty dining packages, and those charges can quickly add up.
Staterooms: Split Bath vs. Neighborhood Views
The mattresses on both lines were great—a detail not to be underappreciated when you travel a lot! There is also plenty of storage space on both, especially on the newer ships, with lots of drawers, cabinets, and under-the-bed storage.
Disney’s Game Changer: The Split Bath
The split bathrooms on Disney are such a huge perk that sets them above Royal for me. Plus, I find their newest ships to have a luxurious touch that Royal is missing; the bedding and decor are so beautiful.
All staterooms on board Disney Cruise Line (except interior) feature what they call a split bathroom: two side-by-side areas, one with a sink and toilet, and the other with a sink and shower. This is absolutely huge when cruising with more than two people!
Royal’s Innovation: Neighborhood Balconies
I love the neighborhood balconies on Royal. It's a great option to get fresh air without the full ocean view price tag. We had a Boardwalk view balcony on Utopia, and I would even consider it a partial ocean view since we could see out past the Aqua Theater!
Ship Design: Feeling Grand
I have to give design to Royal Caribbean. The Neighborhoods concept makes the ship feel even larger but also not as crowded. There are so many unique places to go! I already mentioned how much I love the interior balconies overlooking the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods.
Plus, Royal definitely wins when it comes to the variety of onboard activities for older kids and teens. The multiple waterslides, FlowRider, mini-golf, rock climbing, and a zipline offer non-stop action that is simply unmatched.
Private Island: Beach Day Showdown
I got to give this one to Royal Caribbean!
Perfect Day at CocoCay is huge and beautiful! The included food was great, and there are so many great beaches. Two ships can dock at once, but there are so many beautiful spaces to explore that it won't feel crowded. Plus, if it’s within your budget, you can add on additional experiences like Thrill Waterpark, a day pass to Coco Beach Club, or Hideaway Beach for those 18 and over. It is truly an adventure park on an island.
Castaway Cay has a more secluded, private vibe. Only one ship can dock at a time, so it truly is a private island for just your ship! Pelican's Plunge is the only water slide for the kids, but the island does have an included adults-only area. It is a perfected, classic beach day.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After sailing on both the newest ships from Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, it's clear that both cruise lines are masters of the high seas. I genuinely love them both for different, equally compelling reasons.
Royal Caribbean excels at delivering thrills, innovative ship design, and a spectacular private island experience for those who enjoy optional adventure and a vibrant, party atmosphere. Disney Cruise Line, on the other hand, is the clear winner for foodies, multi-generational families who need split bathrooms, and those who prioritize maximum luxury and value in their base fare.
Deciding which one is right for you—and where your vacation dollar is best spent—ultimately comes down to your personal priorities: Are you a foodie or an adventurer? Are you looking for included luxury or customizable thrills?
The answer is never one-size-fits-all, which is why having an expert guiding you is essential. Ready to choose the perfect ship for your next adventure? Reach out to your favorite travel advisor, and craft a trip that is perfectly tailored to your family's vibe!
Melissa Lenox specializes in concierge vacation planning. Helping busy parents plan dream vacations.
My specialties are theme parks, all inclusive resorts and ocean cruises.
Follow me on my pages below or contact me at mlenox@travelcnc.com to plan your next adventure!