When planning a cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Disney Cruise Line (DCL) are two of the top contenders for families.
Both are industry leaders in creating memorable experiences, but they differ significantly in pricing, onboard offerings, and target audiences.
Whether you’re a Disney loyalist or an adventure-seeker, this guide will help you understand the strengths of each cruise line so you can choose the best one for your next trip.
How Do the Prices Compare?
The most immediate difference between Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line is the cost.
Disney cruises are famously expensive, often 2-3 times costlier than comparable trips on Royal Caribbean.
The premium pricing is usually attributed to Disney’s exceptional service, immersive entertainment, and family-focused amenities.
For example, a 4-night Disney cruise might cost as much as a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise with a similar itinerary.
However, Royal Caribbean’s lower base fares can be misleading.
While the upfront cost is typically less, Royal Caribbean charges extra for many popular amenities, such as soda, specialty dining, and onboard activities like escape rooms or zip lines.
Disney, on the other hand, includes soda, soft-serve ice cream, and its rotational dining in the base fare, which helps families avoid unexpected costs.
Key Takeaway on Pricing:
- Disney Cruise Line is ideal for travelers seeking a premium, all-inclusive experience.
- Royal Caribbean offers more affordable options, but additional costs for extras can add up.
Ship Size and Design
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is famous for its enormous, feature-packed ships.
Their Oasis and Icon-class vessels are among the largest in the world, accommodating over 7,000 passengers and boasting attractions like FlowRider surf simulators, zip lines, and massive water parks.
Themed neighborhoods like Central Park (a lush outdoor garden) and the Boardwalk (with family-friendly games and dining) create a sense of variety onboard.
Their smaller ships, like those in the Vision and Radiance classes, are more traditional in design and cater to cruisers who prefer quieter, less crowded experiences. These ships sacrifice some of the larger attractions but are still family-friendly.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s ships are smaller in scale but meticulously designed for elegance and immersion.
With a fleet of six ships (soon to be eight with the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure in 2025), Disney emphasizes a timeless, classic style inspired by ocean liners of the 1950s.
Even on smaller ships like the Disney Magic, passengers will find waterslides, themed restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to meet their favorite Disney characters.
Despite their size, Disney ships feel spacious and never overcrowded, thanks to excellent crowd flow and thoughtful layout.
Key Takeaway on Ships:
- Royal Caribbean offers massive, innovative ships with abundant attractions for adventure-seekers.
- Disney Cruise Line provides smaller, elegant ships with a focus on storytelling and immersive design.
Cabins and Suites: Which Line Is More Family-Friendly?
Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s cabins are designed with families in mind.
Most staterooms feature split bathrooms (a sink and toilet in one room, and a shower/tub combo and sink in another), making it easier for families to get ready simultaneously.
Room-dividing curtains and additional sleeping options, like pull-down bunks, make these cabins exceptionally comfortable for families of four or more.
Disney also offers Concierge-level suites, which include access to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, and premium amenities. You can even stay in one of the Tower Suites on the newer Disney ships.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean provides a much broader variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly interior rooms to extravagant suites.
Their Ultimate Family Suite and Ultimate Family Townhouse (available on Icon and Oasis-class ships) are dreamlike spaces for families, featuring colorful slides and private game rooms.
Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas image Royal Caribbean
Quirky options like neighborhood-view balconies overlooking the Boardwalk or Central Park provide unique alternatives to traditional ocean-view rooms. However, many standard cabins don’t cater as specifically to families as Disney’s do.
Key Takeaway on Cabins:
- Disney excels in thoughtful, family-oriented cabin design.
- Royal Caribbean offers a wider range of options, including ultra-luxurious suites.
Dining: Themed Magic vs. Variety
Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s rotational dining system is one of its standout features. Guests rotate between three themed restaurants, such as Animator’s Palate, where the walls come alive with Disney animations, and Tiana’s Place, featuring live jazz performances.
The same waitstaff follows you to each restaurant, offering personalized service. Soda and room service are also included in the fare.
Adults can enjoy fine dining at Palo (Italian) or Remy/Enchante (French), with impeccable service and gourmet cuisine.
Related: What You Need to Order from Room Service
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean impresses with its variety of dining options. Complimentary meals are available in the main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace buffet, but the real magic lies in their specialty restaurants.
Venues like Wonderland (molecular gastronomy) and Jamie’s Italian offer unique culinary experiences, though they come with added fees. Soda and room service are not included in the base fare, requiring the purchase of drink or dining packages.
Key Takeaway on Dining:
- Disney offers an immersive, inclusive dining experience, perfect for families.
- Royal Caribbean provides more variety, appealing to foodies who don’t mind paying extra.
Entertainment: Magic or High-Tech Spectacles?
Disney Cruise Line
Disney sets the gold standard for family entertainment. Each ship offers Broadway-style musicals, like Frozen or The Little Mermaid, that rival productions found in New York or London.
Deck parties like Pirate Night, complete with fireworks and appearances by Disney characters, add to the magic. Movies from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel play in indoor theaters and poolside screens.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean delivers a different kind of wow-factor entertainment. Their AquaTheaters host jaw-dropping acrobatic and diving performances, while ice rinks feature figure skating shows.
Broadway hits like Mama Mia and high-tech productions with robotics enhance the entertainment lineup. Live music, comedy clubs, and dance parties cater to adults looking for nightlife options.
Key Takeaway on Entertainment:
- Disney is best for families who love Disney storytelling and character-driven shows.
- Royal Caribbean is ideal for those seeking variety and cutting-edge performances.
Kids’ Activities and Clubs: Tailored Fun for All Ages
Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab is a haven for kids, offering themed play spaces like Andy’s Room (Toy Story) and the Star Wars Millennium Falcon.
Teens and tweens have their own areas, with video games, dance floors, and chill zones. Family-friendly activities like character meet-and-greets and trivia ensure no one feels left out.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program caters to kids of all ages, with science labs, art studios, and multipurpose spaces for sports and games. Teens and tweens have their own hangouts, but RC’s standout attractions—like bumper cars, water slides, and escape rooms—are what make it a hit with older kids.
Key Takeaway on Kids’ Activities:
- Disney is perfect for younger children and families who want immersive, Disney-themed fun.
- Royal Caribbean is better for tweens, teens, and kids who love adventure.
Private Islands: Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point vs. CocoCay
- Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point (Disney): Both are family-friendly retreat with beaches, snorkeling, and Disney character photo ops.
- The adults-only Serenity Bay offers peace and quiet for parents.
- CocoCay (Royal Caribbean): A thrill-seeker’s paradise featuring the tallest waterslide in North America, zip lines, and a wave pool. Private cabanas and an infinity pool cater to those seeking relaxation.
Related: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point vs Castaway Cay – Which is Right for You
Who’s On Board?
- Disney Cruise Line: Appeals to families with young children, multigenerational groups, and Disney enthusiasts. It also attracts a surprising number of adults cruising without children.
- Royal Caribbean: Attracts a more diverse mix of passengers, including families with older kids, couples, and groups of friends.
Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?
- Choose Disney Cruise Line if:
- You’re traveling with young kids or Disney fans.
- You want a premium, all-inclusive experience.
- You love Disney magic and immersive storytelling.
- Choose Royal Caribbean if:
- You’re traveling with older kids, teens, or adventure-seekers.
- You want more budget-friendly options.
- You value variety in dining, entertainment, and activities.
Both cruise lines offer unforgettable experiences, but your choice ultimately depends on your family’s preferences, budget, and vacation goals. Whether you sail with Mickey or conquer the surf simulator, you’re in for a trip to remember.
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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.