Choosing the Best Cruise Line: A Detailed Comparison of MSC, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival
Wondering if a Disney Cruise is worth the splurge? Dive into our comprehensive comparison of top cruise lines and explore the key aspects of each cruise experience, from the kids clubs and dining to entertainment and service. This guide has all you need to plan the perfect family getaway at sea.
Top Pick
Disney Cruise Line
The Disney cruise experience offers more than just a higher price tag—it's a unique voyage, offering unmatched entertainment, dining, and service that sest it apart.
Not Recommended
MSC
Our experience revealed significant drawbacks, particularly in service and food quality, ranking it the lowest among popular family friendly cruise lines.
In the following section, we'll explore essential aspects of each cruise, showcasing our rankings. This comprehensive comparison will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each line, helping you make an informed choice for your next family adventure.
Main Dining Room & Buffets
#1 Disney Cruise Line
#2 Royal Caribbean
#3 Carnival
#4 MSC
Disney Cruise Line stands out as our top pick for the best main dining room and buffets, thanks to its exceptional and uniquely themed venues. Sailing on the Disney Fantasy, we were delighted by three distinct and captivating dining locations that we alternated between. Animator's Palate, one of these venues, offered a truly immersive experience, transforming as the meal progressed. One of its most innovative features was the interactive show that brought guests' drawings to life, adding a magical touch to the dining experience. This creative concept, combined with exceptional service and diverse culinary offerings, makes Disney Cruise Line an unforgettable dining destination.
Carnival Cruise Line offers a vibrant dining experience, with impressive choreographed dances and lots of audience participation. It's a lot of fun to watch, and you can feel the energy in the room! While Carnival's dining hall entertainment earned it the top spot for fun and energy, the food didn't quite match the standards of Disney and Royal Caribbean, placing it in the number 3 ranking. Check out the video linked in the post to see for yourself, and feel free to share your thoughts on our Instagram or Facebook pages!
Kid's Clubs
#1 Disney Cruise Line
#2 Carnival
#3 Royal Caribbean
Unfortunately we were unable to get footage of the kid's clubs as crew members prohibited any recordings.
#4 MSC
Disney's kids' clubs break the mold with their unmatched theming, setting a new standard in the cruise industry. Stepping into these clubs feels like entering a movie set with rooms so realistic and immersive that it transports children into their favorite Disney world. They're truly incredible. From Star Wars adventures to life-sized Toy Story rooms, Disney's creativity knows no limitations.
Carnival's kids' clubs were a close contender, offering comforting proximity for siblings and exceptional accommodations. Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival provided all parents with a satellite phone for immediate access to their children. Their policy also allowed parents to assist their child in transitioning to the club, a unique feature not found on other lines. If it weren't for Disney's exceptional theming and character visits, Carnival would have taken the top spot for us.
MSC's last-place position is due to several factors. While we appreciated their children's activities and escorted dinners, the kids' club had limited and inconsistent hours. The nursery didn't align with the other kids' club hours, making it challenging to enjoy adult amenities. The staff that week was also restrictive, hindering our toddler's ability to transition and become comfortable. These limitations and inconsistencies made our experience less enjoyable overall.
Entertainment & Amenities
#1 Disney Cruise Line
#2 Royal Caribbean
#2 Carnival
#3 MSC
Disney Cruise Line claimed the top spot in the entertainment and amenities category for several reasons. They are the only cruise line to include 24-hour room service, soda, and quality toiletries in the price of every cruise. Additionally, they offer a variety of ice cream flavors, and all of their shows are family-friendly. It's worth noting, however, that Disney does not offer casinos on their ships, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
When it comes to amenities and entertainment, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival are excellent choices. They are very comparable, and we would gladly sail with either line again. Our choice between them typically depends on price and itinerary. Both lines offer a full schedule of great daily activities and a wide range of exciting features on board. In our experience, the inclusions in the fare price seem to match up well between the two lines.