Disney Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean- Which Cruise Line is Best?

A very popular vacation option is a trip to a theme park. Especially when it comes to Disney fans. Their go to choice for a vacation is generally a visit to Disneyland or Disney World. There are, of course, other options.

The Disney magic that is felt within the theme parks can also be experienced at sea! Disney Cruise Line provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a vacation with the Disney touch, but in a completely different way. However, there are many other cruise lines that you can choose from. One of the most popular cruise lines is Royal Caribbean. How do Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean compare to each other?

In this article, I’m going to take you on a deep dive to explore both of these cruise lines. We’re going to look at what’s included with the cruises, things to do, available ships, destination options, and the price difference. This full guide will show how these popular cruise lines compare to each other and help you decide which one is right for you!

You can view the currently available dates for 2024 and 2025 along with full itineraries. After viewing the dates be sure to come back and request a FREE quote from our travel partner for your cruise. For a limited time Mickey Visit readers get up to a $400 onboard credit.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is Where Magic Meets the Sea. As I mentioned a moment ago, Disney Cruises brings the magic of Disney and incorporates it into a cruise of dreams. When sailing with Disney Cruise Line, you can enjoy all the aspects of a regular cruise, but with a Disney twist.

Disney Cruises are created with everyone in mind. Whether you’re traveling as a family, taking an adults only trip, planning a vacation for your little ones, or have teens and tweens that you are planning around, everyone in your crew is sure to have an amazing time when sailing with Disney. Onboard activities, destinations, and port adventures create special spaces for everyone to enjoy themselves.

What's Included In the Price

One of the perks of a Disney Cruise is that they are all-inclusive. The price of the cruise includes everything that you need. Once your cruise is paid for, you won’t have to worry about paying for anything else. Of course, additional add-ons are available that you are more than welcome to take advantage of.

What’s Included on a Disney Cruise:

• Spacious Staterooms – The staterooms on Disney Cruise ships are designed with families in mind. These rooms include extra space, storage, sitting areas, and a split bath. This allows multiple Guests to live comfortably together while onboard. The split bath provides the opportunity for more than one Guest to get ready at the same time and prevents backups in your schedule.
• Dining – When you’re sailing with Disney Cruise Line, you’ll never have to go hungry! Dining options range from snacks, to casual dining, eloquent restaurants, and 24-hour room service. No matter what you may be craving, or what time of day hunger strikes, options will always be available! Beverage Stations are also located on all of the ships. At these Beverage Stations, you'll find a variety of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
• Pools & Recreation – Enjoy a variety of freshwater pools, waterslides, and splash pads.
• Entertainment – Take in breathtaking Broadway-style musicals as they bring your favorite Disney stories to life. After dark, you can also enjoy fireworks at sea! (Fireworks are on most cruises.)
• Imaginative Youth Clubs – Children can spend time in themed clubs. At these clubs, kids can play and spend time with children their own age. (All youth clubs are monitored by trained Disney counselors.)
• Nightclubs & Lounges – On Disney Cruises, you’ll be able to spend time in multiple adults-only areas. This includes locations such as bars, lounges, and pubs.
• Disney’s Private Island – Enjoy beach life during your stop at Disney’s Private Island. While you’re there, you’ll be provided with beach chairs, umbrellas, and a barbeque lunch. There are also play areas that include water slides as well as other recreational activities, shopping, and dining. (Stops to Disney’s Private Island are included on most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises.)

Onboard Activities

There are plenty of activities for everyone onboard a Disney Cruise. For the little ones, there are fun, interactive, and imaginative activities. “Cooler” more mature activities are in place specifically for the teens and tweens who are finding themselves too old for the younger activities, yet not quite old enough for the adult activities. Adults can enjoy activities that are designed for the whole family or take time to themselves with adults-only activities.

There are activities planned out for each and every Guest who’s onboard a Disney Cruise. No one will have to wait their turn for fun, sacrifice their time, or have to sit out. When you’re sailing with Disney, everyone will have something to do.

Character Experiences

Characters are around every corner on a Disney Cruise. Favorite Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters can be found in Youth Clubs, dining rooms, on Disney’s Private Island, throughout the ship, and during special events. You can even meet characters in their holiday best during Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises!

Currently, you can specifically enjoy character experiences at/during:

• Animator’s Palate (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (Disney Wish)
• Disney’s Oceaneer Club (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (Disney Magic Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Frozen Deck Party (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder)
• Halloween on the High Seas (Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Marvel Day at Sea (Disney Magic)
• Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party!… A Bon Voyage Celebration (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder)
• New Year’s Eve (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Olaf’s Royal Picnic (Disney Wish)
• Pirate Night (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Pixar Pals Party (Disney Wonder)
• Royal Court Royal Tea (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Sailing Away Deck Party (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Thanksgiving at Sea (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Very Merrytime Cruises (Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Worlds of Marvel (Disney Wish)

Deck Parties

These high-energy parties include music, characters, and dancing. Everyone on the ship is invited to the top deck to experience these open-air parties. During the deck parties, you’ll have a chance to see and interact with some of your favorite characters, enjoy a themed celebration, and have a great time with friends and family.

Spas, Fitness, and Recreational Activities

Across the Disney Cruise ships, there is a variety of spas, fitness centers, salons, and recreational activities. Whether you’re looking to exercise your body or take time to relax, Disney Cruise Line has an option for you.

Pools, Water Slides, and Splash Pads

When you’re looking for some time in the water, head to the top deck of your Disney Cruise ship. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it with Disney Cruise Line. The ships are equipped with family pools where excitement and water play are welcome. The younger cruisers can enjoy splashing around in the splash pads with other little ones in their age group. For those looking for adventure, take a splash down one of the waterslides or water coasters. If you’re looking for a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the other pools, you can head to the quiet adults-only pool that is on board.

• AquaMouse (Disney Wish)
• AquaDuck (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Nemo’s Reef (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• AquaDunk (Disney Magic)
• Quiet Cove Pool (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Goofy’s Pool (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder)
• Mickey’s Pool (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Donald’s Pool (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• AquaLab (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy)
• Funnel Puddle (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)

Sports and Recreation

For those looking for ways to be active on their Disney Cruise, there is a variety of sports and recreational activities on the ships. Fitness centers are available for those looking to workout. These centers are equipped with weights, weight machines, and cardio equipment. Enjoy your workout with fantastic views of the sea! If you’re interested in a more structured workout, you can schedule one-on-one sessions or take part in a fitness class.

Recreational fun is also onboard. Make sure to bring your A-game when you take part in sports, sport simulators, or gym-style competitions!

• Hero Zone (Disney Wish)
• Goofy’s Sports Deck (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Fitness Center (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Wide World of Sports (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder)

Salons and Spas

From spa treatments to makeovers, Disney Cruise Line has everything you need to look and feel your best. In the spas, you’ll find everything that you could possibly imagine. Besides a full menu of treatments, you can also choose to get a wrinkle softener treatment, facial fillers, skin tightening, and CoolSculpting fat reduction. With the wide variety of salon treatments, you can enjoy a manicure, pedicure, shampoo, cut, style, blow dry, style, up-do, facials, and even teeth whitening!

• Senses Spa & Salon (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish)
• Hook’s Barbery (Disney Wish)
  • Guests 21 years and older can enjoy a drink at the hidden bar located in this barbery. Specialty whisky tastings are available here, adding an extra special touch to the casual atmosphere of this location.
• Untangled Salon (Disney Wish)

Fleet and Destinations

Disney Cruise Line’s fleet is made up of seven ships – Disney Destiny, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Treasure, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder. Currently, only five of these ships have active itineraries. Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny are the newest members of the fleet. Disney Treasure’s maiden voyages will begin in December 2024. Voyages and itineraries have yet to be announced for Disney Destiny. To stay up to date on the latest news and information about these ships and all things related to Disney Cruise Line, sign up for our Disney Newsletter! You can sign up for the Mickey Visit Disney Newsletter by clicking here.

You can choose from a variety of destinations when sailing with Disney Cruise line. Current cruise itineraries and destinations include:

• Bahamas
• Western Caribbean
• Eastern Caribbean
• Southern Caribbean
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Mediterranean
• British Isles
• Bermuda
• Alaska Canada
• Mexican Riviera
• Baja
• Panama Canal
• Pacific Coast
• Transatlantic
• Hawai’i
• South Pacific
• New Zealand and Australia
• Specialty Cruises
  • Marvel Day at Sea
  • Halloween on the High Seas
  • Thanksgiving at Sea
  • Very Merrytime Cruises
  • New Year’s Eve

Cost

The cost of your Disney Cruise will vary depending on a variety of factors. This includes things such as which ship you’re sailing on, the destination, how many nights you’ll be sailing, and how many members are in your party. However, another perk that Disney Cruise Line offers is that you can pay your cruise off with their flexible payment option.

You can first book your cruise for $0 down. Your cruise will be held for three days. After those three days, you will need to confirm your reservation with a deposit. This deposit can be as little as 20% down. You can then make payments that are convenient for you! You won’t be put on a specific payment schedule. Pay whenever you want and however much you want. Your final payment will be due 120 days prior to the sail date of your cruise.

For the sake of this article, in order to properly compare Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, I will select cruises with the same specifications through both cruise lines.

Here are the specifications of the cruises that I’ll be looking at:

• Departing From: Port Canaveral, Florida
• Sailing To: Bahamas
• Date: August 2025
• Number of Guests: 4 (Two adults, Two Children [Ages 12 and 6])

With these filters applied, Disney Cruise Line has 7 cruises and dates available. The lowest price is $3,427 for an inside stateroom and the highest price is $10,838 for a concierge stateroom. These prices are the total cost for all four Guests as well as everything that’s included in the price of a Disney Cruise.

Plan Your Disney Cruise

If you’d like assistance planning your Disney Cruise, you can reach out to our trust travel partners at Get Away Today! Their experienced travel agents are able to help you with every aspect of your magical cruise. If you’re a first time cruiser, you don’t need to stress about all of the tiny details. Your agent will handle it all to make sure that you’re comfortable and your cruise goes smoothly. For those who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, Get Away Today can help you too! Sit back, relax, and get ready for the cruise that you know and love. Your Get Away Today agent has it covered.

To start planning your magical vacation at sea, call 877-510-2929 or reach out via email at cruise@getawaytoday.com.

Royal Caribbean

If you’re interested in cruising, but you’re not necessarily needing the extra magic and charm that comes along with a Disney Cruise, then Royal Caribbean may be the right cruise line for you! Royal Caribbean is another cruise line that has something for everyone to enjoy. Little tykes, teens, adults, and families can all have a great time when sailing with Royal Caribbean.

What's Included in the Price

Just like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean provides cruises that are essentially all-inclusive. However, Royal Caribbean’s Cruises do seem to be slightly less inclusive than Disney Cruises. Simply meaning that their offerings are a little more strict. Overall though, the inclusiveness of both cruise lines is fairly similar.

With Royal Caribbean, there are many opportunities to upgrade your experience for an additional fee. There are select activities, dining and beverage options, treatments, and more that you can choose to add onto your cruise. Since your basic needs are already paid for, why not splurge on yourself? Afterall, you are on vacation!

What's Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise:

• Stateroom – There are staterooms for every budget and preference on Royal Caribbean. Whether you choose a stateroom that is inside, has an ocean view, access to a private balcony, or is a full suite, you’ll be pleased with your home at sea.
• Complimentary Restaurants – Complimentary food ranges from snacks, to quick bites, casual dining, and more sophisticated meals. Enjoy complimentary water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and juices at no additional cost to you. (Soda is not included.)
• Continental Breakfast Delivery – For breakfast, you can head to one of the dining locations onboard or you can choose to stay in your stateroom! A continental breakfast will be delivered directly to your stateroom every day of your cruise.
• Onboard Entertainment – With a variety of shows and live music, you’ll never have to go far for entertainment on your Royal Caribbean Cruise! Besides live music, you can also enjoy Broadway shows, ice shows, and even AquaTheater shows!
• Pools and Hot Tubs – When you’re on vacation, you of course want to relax and have a great time. What better way to do that than by scheduling pool time in your day? You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy time in the pool, relax in a hot tub, or speed down waterslides!
• Adventure Ocean Kids Program and Teen Clubs – Children ages 3-17 can enjoy innovative areas with activities designed specifically for their age groups. While they spend time here, adults can take this opportunity to go do things that they like!
• Perfect Day at CocoCay – Vacation your way during your Perfect Day at CocoCay. Your time on the tropical oasis can be spent on a quiet relaxing beach, at the water park, on a hot air balloon, or speeding down a zipline. There are also multiple dining locations where you can grab your favorite beachside foods.

Onboard Activities

There is SO much to do on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. It’s hard to believe that they can pack this many activities onto their cruise ships. Take a look at all they have to offer their cruisers.

Activities for All

Royal Caribbean goes above and beyond when it comes to activities. Everyone in your party will have something to enjoy during your cruise. Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Escape Rooms – Who would have thought that activities like this would be available onboard a cruise ship? Take a look at all of the activities that the whole family can enjoy!

• Skydiving Simulator
• Escape Rooms
• Once Upon a Bedtime Story
• North Star (360° views from a capsule that’s lifted 300 feet above sea level)
• Zip Line
• Game Shows
• Outdoor Movie Nights
• Arcade
• Carousel
• Trapeze School
• Wonder Playscape (Playground)
• Mini Golf
• Bumper Cars
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Ice Skating
• Steel Pan Family Jam
• Absolute Zero (Ice Arena)
• Larger Than Life Festival (Supersized family-friendly games)
• Card Room
• Star Moment (Karaoke)
• Up and Away (Glow in the Dark Puppet Show)
• Laser Tag
• Piano Singalongs
• Cupcake Class

Something for the Adults

We know that Royal Caribbean does a tremendous job making sure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the smallest cruisers, to teens, and families, no one is ever left out. However, sometimes adults enjoy time alone. Or perhaps they’re not traveling with children at all! There are multiple locations where adults can go and enjoy their cruise away from the family and children activities. Here are some activities that adults can enjoy during their cruise.

• Mystery Dinner Theater
• Dance Classes
• All Access Tour
• Hideaway Pool (Adults-only Pool)
• Swim & Tonic (Pool and Bar)
• Casino
• Art Auctions
• Sip, Tour, Brunch
• Sushi Making Class
• Latin Dance Classes
• Spanish Classes

Parties

Dance and enjoy the music during these great parties!

• The Big Shark Block Party
• Totally Awesome 90s Street Party
• Pool Parties
• The Greatest 80s Party Ever!
• 70s Disco Party
• Dancing Under the Stars
• Latin Fiesta

Water Recreation

There is a wide variety of water activities onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Not only can you enjoy regular pools and whirlpools, you can also take on the challenge of conquering some pretty impressive water slides! Are you willing to stretch out over the ocean in a clear tube while sliding down on the Riptide?

If you’re looking for an activity you’ve never tried before, perhaps the surf simulator is a good choice for you. Check out the variety of water recreation that you can take part in during your cruise.

• Tidal Wave (Waterslide)
• Surf Simulator
• Whirlpools
• Ultimate Abyss (Waterslide)
• The Perfect Storm (Waterslide)
• Pools
• Splashaway Bay (Aqua Park)
• Category 6 Water Park
• Typhoon & Cyclone (Twin Waterslides)
• The Blaster (Waterslide)
• Riptide (Waterslide)
• Scuba Certification

Recreation

For the active cruisers, there are plenty of activities to choose from. From standard games, to physical challenges, you’re sure to find an activity that keeps your adrenaline pumping!

• Seaplex (Indoor sports complex)
• Sports Court
• Pickleball
• Adrenaline Peak (Rock Climbing)
• Archery
• Fencing
• Table Tennis

Fleet

Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships far outweighs the Disney Cruise Line fleet. While Disney Cruise Line has seven ships, Royal Caribbean has a total of 29 ships in their fleet! These ships are:

• Adventure of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Star of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

The newest ships of the fleet are Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Star of the Seas. Icon of the Seas made its maiden voyage in January of this year. Utopia of the Seas is set to start sailing in mid-July of this year. This ship will have an amazing lineup of weekend cruises, giving everyone the perfect escape this summer. Star of the Seas will make its debut next summer in 2025.

Destinations

With such a large fleet, it’s no surprise that Royal Caribbean sails to over 300 destinations. These cruises set sail to locations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, North America, and also includes Specialty Cruises.

Cost

Again, as with Disney Cruise Line, the price of your Royal Caribbean Cruise will vary depending on when you’re sailing, what destination(s) you’re going to, which ship you’re on, and how many members are in your party. Once you’ve found the cruise that’s right for you, Royal Caribbean will hold it for 5 days – no payment necessary. After the 5 days, you can then decide which payment method you’d like to use. If you’re wondering if your Royal Caribbean cruise can be paid over time as well – it can!

There are two ways of splitting your Royal Caribbean cruise into multiple payments. You can use a credit card and set up automatic payments or you can use Affirm. When using a credit card, you will need to book your cruise with a deposit. Afterwards, the rest of your balance will be split into payments that will be taken out automatically prior to your sail date.

If you choose to use Affirm, you will be able to pay over time until the balance is paid off. Your balance will be split into monthly payments and you will have a due date for these payments. However, you can decide whether these payments come out automatically or if you’d like to make them yourself. Furthermore, with Affirm, your balance won’t need to be paid off prior to sailing. When confirming your order, you will select how many months you’d like to have to pay off your cruise.

To see how Royal Caribbean’s pricing compares to Disney Cruise Line’s, I will be using the same specifications as earlier to price check the cruises. While both cruise lines do often have deals and discounts available, Royal Caribbean has some amazing offers at times such as “Kids Sail Free” dates.

Here are the specifications of the cruises that I’ll be looking at:

• Departing From: Port Canaveral, Florida
• Sailing To: Bahamas
• Date: August 2025
• Number of Guests: 4 (Two adults, Two Children [Ages 12 and 6])

After applying these filters, Royal Caribbean had four available itineraries and dates for me to choose from. The lowest price is $1,812 for an interior stateroom and the highest price is $5,900 for the Royal Suite Class. As a reminder, for those same dates and specifications, Disney Cruise Line’s lowest price was $3,427 for an inside stateroom and the highest price was $10,838 for a concierge stateroom.

Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean – Which one is best for you?

By comparison, we can see that both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have something to offer for Guests of all ages. The cruise that is right for you will depend entirely on what you’re looking for. Disney Cruise Line obviously holds something that Royal Caribbean cruises will never be able to offer, and that is the Disney aspect of it all. If you’re sincerely looking for the sentiment and magic of all things Disney, then perhaps straying away from a Disney Cruise isn’t the right idea for you. If you have little cruisers along with you, the Disney theming and especially the characters may be something that you don’t want to skip out on just yet.

However, even though they aren’t inspired and themed by Disney, Royal Caribbean cruises have so much to offer. It’s very evident that they have a wider selection of activities onboard. Royal Caribbean also has a much larger fleet. This gives their cruisers a much longer list of destination options. There’s also the fact that Royal Caribbean cruises don’t have a Disney price tag attached to them. These cruises are incredibly cheap in comparison to Disney Cruise Line.

While there are pros to both cruise lines, neither one has many cons. Both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer exceptional cruises and leave their Guests extremely happy. No matter which cruise you choose, you're sure to have an amazing vacation at sea!

Plan Your Disney Vacation Today!

For the best resource and helpful information for planning your Disney vacation, make sure to subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter​. We’ll provide you with the most helpful planning information, breaking news, exclusive deals, and access to the best prices on tickets out there.

Frequently Asked Questions