Disney vs Royal Caribbean: Compare fleet size, kid-friendly amenities, dining, and onboard activities to choose the best cruise for your family's adventure.
Planning a family cruise vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when choosing between two of the most popular cruise lines: Royal Caribbean and Disney. The Royal Caribbean cruise vs Disney cruise debate often comes down to what kind of experience you're looking for. While both offer unforgettable journeys on the high seas, they cater to different types of travellers and expectations. From onboard entertainment and dining to kids’ programs and destination options, each line brings its own magic to the table. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide which cruise is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Explore our category-wise comparison below to help you decide whether Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line is the better fit for your travel plans.
When it comes to fleet size and ship variety, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line differ significantly. Royal Caribbean boasts a vast and diverse fleet, currently operating 28 ships spread across seven distinct classes: Oasis, Icon, Quantum, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision. These ships vary in size and design, offering a wide range of experiences for travellers. Passenger capacity ranges from approximately 2,400 on the smaller ships, like Rhapsody of the Seas, to nearly 7,000 on Wonder of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
In contrast, Disney Cruise Line maintains a much smaller and more uniform fleet. As of 2024, it has six ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Treasure. The fleet will expand in 2025 with two additional ships—Disney Destiny, a sister ship to Wish, and Disney Adventure, a much-anticipated Global Class ship. Disney’s vessels tend to have a consistent look and feel, with a focus on family-friendly design and storytelling. Passenger capacities generally hover around 4,000 for the newer Wish and Dream class ships, while the older Magic and Wonder class ships accommodate around 2,700 guests.
While Royal Caribbean offers greater scale and variety, Disney Cruise Line emphasises familiarity and thematic consistency across its smaller fleet. The choice between the two often comes down to whether travelers prefer the vast, high-energy atmosphere of Royal Caribbean or the intimate, immersive experience provided by Disney’s more modest fleet.
The range of destinations and itineraries offered by Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line highlights two very different approaches to cruise travel. Royal Caribbean provides a vast global reach, sailing year-round to popular regions like the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico, and seasonally to Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Asia, and Hawaii. The cruise line also includes more remote destinations such as South America and the South Pacific. Notably, it offers an extensive world cruise for travellers seeking long-haul, multi-country adventures. With more than 10 homeports across North America, Royal Caribbean offers flexible options for embarkation and varied itinerary choices.
Disney Cruise Line, in comparison, has a more limited but curated selection of itineraries. The cruise line frequently departs from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, with regular voyages to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Seasonal sailings include destinations such as Alaska (from Vancouver), as well as occasional trips to Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. The convenience of combining a Disney cruise with a visit to Walt Disney World in Florida is a unique appeal for families sailing out of Port Canaveral.
Both cruise lines feature private island experiences, enhancing their tropical itineraries. Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas is a dedicated family retreat, complete with pristine beaches, kids’ activities, character meet-and-greets, and water-based excursions. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay offers a more adventure-driven experience, featuring a water park, hot air balloon rides, beach clubs, and thrill-based activities suitable for a wide range of age groups. Both lines are expanding their private island offerings in the Bahamas.
When it comes to accommodation, both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer similar foundational stateroom categories- inside cabins, balcony cabins, oceanview rooms, and suites. However, the two cruise lines differ notably in terms of layout, capacity, and innovation within these categories.
Disney Cruise Line focuses heavily on family-friendly design. All rooms are configured to sleep at least three guests, with many accommodating four or five. Cabins come with thoughtful features like split bathrooms—one with a toilet and sink, and the other with a shower/tub combo and sink—ideal for families getting ready simultaneously. Room-dividing blackout curtains, pull-down bunk beds with whimsical Disney murals, and ample storage make these rooms both functional and charming. On select ships, Disney enhances inside cabins with Magical Portholes—screens that display real-time ocean views alongside surprise appearances from Disney characters.
Royal Caribbean offers a wider variety of accommodations, particularly on its newer and larger ships. Suite categories range from Junior Suites to extravagant Ultimate Family Suites, which feature slides, multiple bedrooms, and even private cinemas. The line also includes solo cabins for individual travellers, promenade-facing rooms, and “infinite balconies” where windows convert into open-air spaces. Royal Suite Class passengers enjoy tiered perks like concierge service, specialty dining, and complimentary beverage packages, adding a luxury hotel-like experience to the voyage.
Overall, Disney leans into themed comfort and kid-friendly layouts, while Royal Caribbean excels in variety, scale, and premium amenities.
Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both offer a variety of dining options, but their styles and structures differ significantly. Disney uses a rotational dining model, where guests are assigned a specific time, waitstaff, and tablemates, rotating among three distinct themed restaurants each night. This system ensures variety while maintaining consistency in service. Each dining venue offers unique entertainment experiences, including interactive shows and Disney character appearances. Families also enjoy complimentary quick-service eateries, room service, and soda—something not typically included on Royal Caribbean ships.
Royal Caribbean, by contrast, offers more flexibility and a greater number of specialty dining venues. Passengers can choose between traditional dining (same time and table each night) and MyTime Dining, which allows guests to dine whenever and with whomever they prefer. With options ranging from steakhouse-style venues and sushi bars to Brazilian churrascarias and teppanyaki grills, Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining is expansive, although most venues require an additional fee. Family-focused MyTime Family Dining ensures children are served promptly and picked up for youth activities, allowing parents to enjoy a relaxed meal.
While Disney’s premium restaurants, such as Palo and Remy, offer upscale Italian and French cuisine in an adults-only setting, Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants span a broader range of international cuisines. Entertainment also plays a central role in Disney’s dining, especially with themed restaurants like Animator’s Palate and experiences inspired by “Frozen” and “Avengers.” In contrast, Royal Caribbean’s strength lies in its culinary diversity and flexible dining formats that cater to a wider range of tastes and preferences.
When it comes to onboard entertainment and adventure, both Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line offer impressive options, but they cater to different preferences.
Royal Caribbean is ideal for those who enjoy large-scale, cutting-edge entertainment. Select ships feature full-length Broadway and West End-style productions such as Grease, We Will Rock You, Cats, Mamma Mia!, and The Wizard of Oz. Beyond traditional stage shows, Royal Caribbean showcases innovative performances at venues like the AquaTheater—with high diving and acrobatics—and Two70, which blends digital technology with live performance. Many ships also host ice skating shows and aerial acts, adding to the variety.
For adventure lovers, Royal Caribbean excels with adrenaline-pumping attractions. Its ships offer activities such as skydiving simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and the FlowRider surf simulator. Some classes even feature roller skating, bumper cars,and observation capsules. The sheer size of Royal Caribbean ships allows for water parks, indoor malls, and more, making them feel like amusement parks at sea.
Disney Cruise Line, on the other hand, focuses on immersive storytelling and family-friendly fun. Its theatrical performances are inspired by classic Disney films like Aladdin, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast, complete with elaborate sets and costumes. Guests can also enjoy first-run Disney movies, including premieres at sea. Entertainment options also include character meet-and-greets, animation classes, trivia, and themed events such as Pirate Night with a fireworks display.
For water-based fun, Disney ships feature attractions like the AquaDuck and AquaMouse water coasters, splash zones for toddlers, and themed water play areas. While not as thrill-focused as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line ensures younger children have plenty of options to stay entertained. Activities are designed with all age groups in mind, making it a strong choice for families with young kids.
Both cruise lines offer exceptional entertainment, but your choice will depend on what kind of experiences you want. Choose Royal Caribbean if you crave big-stage productions, innovative show formats, and adrenaline-pumping activities suitable for older children, teens, and adults. Opt for Disney Cruise Line if you're travelling with young children and looking for enchanting entertainment, character-driven experiences, and more gentle aquatic adventures.
Deciding between Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line ultimately comes down to your travel style, budget, and who you’re sailing with. Royal Caribbean is a great match for travellers seeking a high-energy, adventure-packed cruise with world-class entertainment, diverse dining, and innovative onboard activities that cater to all age groups, especially teens and adults. Its massive fleet and global itineraries provide endless options for exploration.
Disney Cruise Line, meanwhile, offers a more curated, family-centric experience with an emphasis on storytelling, character encounters, and kid-friendly design. From themed dining to Broadway-style shows rooted in beloved Disney classics, the experience is tailor-made for families with young children or Disney fans of all ages. Whichever cruise line you choose, both promise unforgettable vacations at sea- filled with memories, magic, and moments that bring families and friends closer together.
Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club Loyalty Program
If you enjoy the occasional ocean getaways, then the Captain's Club loyalty program for Celebrity Cruises offers an excellent opportunity to earn rewards just for doing what you love: cruising! [...]
May 05, 2025
What is included in Carnival Cruise Line Wedding Packages?
Planning a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and many couples are seeking unique ways to make their big day truly unforgettable. One increasingly popular option is tying the knot at sea. If [...]
May 06, 2025
Aqua Class on Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a wide range of stateroom options, going beyond simple choices like ocean view or balcony rooms. In addition to various room types, there are specialised sub-classes with [...]
May 01, 2025
Largest Cruise Ships in the World Ranked
When it comes to ocean travel, the allure of megaships is undeniable. These floating resorts are engineering marvels, packing in thrilling attractions, luxurious amenities, and record-breaking [...]
May 01, 2025
