We cruised on the Harmony of the seas in a 2 bedroom grand suite and on the Disney Fantasy in a deluxe family ocean balcony. This is how I think they wrack up against each other:
Pre-Planning
RC wins this one by a mile- you can start booking excursions and restaurants as soon as you’ve booked while with Disney as a first time cruiser you have to book excursions and activities at midnight 45 days before your departure day. You also need to book a port arrival time with Disney, while with RC you can just turn up any time.
Embarkation and de-embarkation
RC has this one too. We were a little late to the Harmony of the seas but it was literally ‘walk-on’ versus standing in line on the Fantasy and having to board in a boarding group. De-embarkation was a wash. Because we were suite class on the Harmony, we were escorted off the ship, but they were late getting us from the lounge so probably took as long in total to get off the boat than just walking off the Fantasy alone.
Dining
For regular dining, Disney takes this one; better service, food and ambiance (especially Animator’s Palette). That said, I do like having specialty restaurants to pick from, which Disney doesn’t have aside from the adult only restaurants. You do get soda included on the Disney boats, but really for the money that’s the least they could throw in!
Activities
This one is a tie. Disney has the characters, mini-golf, foosball, sports simulator, mystery hunt, Aqua Duck and far superior kids club. That said, the Harmony has a rock wall, mini golf, zip lines, climbing wall, Abyss slide, water slides, wave riders and a carousel. So different, and just depends on your preference and whether your kids are really into characters or not.
Boat lay out
Harmony wins this one. While getting to the gym is a bit tricky as you do have to go down and then up, the Fantasy felt choppy and lacked a central gathering area. The Harmony has Central Park, the Promenade and the Boardwalk which feel open and not like you’re on a boat. The only central area on Disney is where the shops are but there are no windows.
Pools
RC just gets this one because they were bigger and less crowded during the day. Disney’s being heated was a nice perk however. The aqua duck was a winner on Disney, but only reasonable waits at night.
Entertainment
RC gets this one due to the variety. It had Broadway type shows, ice shows and the aquatheater shows, one which was absolutely incredible. Disney had better Broadway type shows, but not the variety that RC has.
Rooms
RC gets this too. There’s just so much variety and choice of room types from regular rooms to Owners’ suites, 2 bedroom suites, aquatheater suites. Disney has very limited concierge level rooms that are super expensive.
Concierge level
RC gets this too. You have access to a separate restaurant and bar, free drinks from 4.30-8, a dedicated suites area on Labadee with its own restaurant area and dedicated seating at the shows. On Disney there was a tiny little lounge but no restaurant, no special area on Castaway Cay and no free drinks or extra restaurant perks. For the upside in money, it really isn’t worth it.
Service
The wait staff were definitely superior on Disney, but was it night and day; definitely not. The rest of the staff like the room cleaners were a wash (although both of the ones we had made us incredible towel animals).
So overall, while I’m glad a tried out a Disney cruise, I don’t think I’d do one again given the difference in price for a regular balcony suite over RC, especially as the kids get older where character meets will be less appealing.