Cruising into Summer: Our Royal Caribbean Adventure
It’s been a little over two months since my last blog post—and for good reason! We’ve been deep in planning mode for a series of exciting events and summer trips. It felt like we blinked and our whole summer was already booked! But I’m finally back and thrilled to share all about one of our recent adventures.
Just a few days ago, we returned from a 6-night cruise celebrating my uncle’s 60th birthday! Out of our big family of 70, 26 of us were able to make the trip—and it was an unforgettable experience. My uncle chose Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, which was a shift for us since we’ve done quite a few Disney cruises in the past. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first—especially since our last experience on Carnival wasn’t great—but I ended up pleasantly surprised and excited to share what made this cruise so enjoyable.
Onboarding Experience: Surprisingly Smooth!
Royal Caribbean really nailed the boarding process, even with our large group.
🚗 Parking: Everything is connected—drop-off and garage are in the same building! My husband easily dropped us off with our tagged luggage, parked, and found us again quickly. It was a breeze compared to Disney, where you either drop everyone at the curb or park and haul your luggage (and kids) across the road.
✅ Winner: Royal Caribbean
🛂 Security: Security is necessary, of course—but this was the first pleasant surprise! The process was quick, efficient, and the staff were genuinely friendly. We even had an air-conditioned waiting area to gather while waiting for our group. Compared to Disney, where you wait longer and only get to a seated area after everything is verified, this felt more relaxed and organized.
✅ Winner: Royal Caribbean
🛳️ Check-In & Boarding: We had a check-in time of 11:15 AM, and once through all steps, we walked right onto the ship. No long waits, no fanfare—just easy entry. While Disney offers a magical welcome moment, it can also come with more waiting and crowding. If you’re looking for efficiency, Royal Caribbean gets you on board faster.
✨ Disney has the magic, but Royal wins for ease.
Entertainment & Activities: Fun for All Ages
With 10 kids under 15 in our group, activities were a must! While nothing quite compares to Disney’s character meet-and-greets and Broadway-style shows, Royal Caribbean held its own.
🎉 Onboard Fun: Adventure of the Seas had 3 pools (including an adults-only one), 4 whirlpools, water slides for all ages, and a splash pad for the little ones. There was also mini-golf and more to explore if you preferred staying dry.
🎭 Night Shows: We caught one ice skating show (yes—on a cruise ship!) and it was incredible. Other family members went to different shows each night and came back raving. Even though we missed most due to sensory needs, we had our own fun enjoying live music around the ship. The musicians were top-notch and the ambiance was lovely.
🎲 Late Night: There’s a casino onboard (with smoking allowed), which was lively but may not be for everyone.
✅ Verdict: Both cruise lines are wins, depending on what you're looking for. Disney delivers magic and nostalgia. Royal Caribbean offers variety, great shows, and just as much fun—minus Mickey.
Food & Beverages: You Won’t Go Hungry
Let’s talk about one of the best parts of cruising—the food!
🍽️ Food Quality: Honestly? Both Disney and Royal Caribbean offer great food. On our Disney Wish cruise last year, I found the dinner menus a little underwhelming, but this time on Royal Caribbean, the food hit the spot every night.
🥤 Beverages: Here’s a key difference—
On Disney, soda is included.
On Royal Caribbean, you need a beverage package for soda, specialty coffee, or alcohol.
So depending on your drink preferences, this could factor into your budget.
✅ Winner depends on your preferences—but both ships feed you well and often!
Final Thoughts
I went into this trip with low expectations and came back pleasantly surprised. From efficient boarding, to delicious meals, to exciting entertainment for both kids and adults—Royal Caribbean really delivered.
For anyone on the fence between cruise lines, I’d say this:
If you’re looking for Disney magic, Disney Cruise will always be a favorite. But if you want solid value, variety, and an easy onboarding experience, don’t sleep on Royal Caribbean. We had a fantastic time and would absolutely do it again.
Have questions about either cruise line? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to share more tips!
