Shrek Takes On Mickey: The Dreamworks Experience Aboard Allure of the Seas 9/18-25

[karajeboo]

Originally Posted by livingis2me

I know!!! I can't wait to see what we did next!!!
Ron

You sound like MY husband!

Originally Posted by MrsKP

I know!!!! I logged on 1st thing this morning to see if the next installation was in!

We are having people over the watch the Tenn vs South Carolina game tonight (Go Cocks!!! ) and my traveling girlfriends will be here. I am planning on showing her trip report to them. Must get on this ship and DH has zero interest. Sooo...... GIRLS TRIP!

Silly man!!!! Oh, and btw, Go Clemson!

[MrsKP]

Originally Posted by karajeboo

Silly man!!!! Oh, and btw, Go Clemson!

We will see how that works out Thanksgiving weekend

[MAGICFOR2]

I tried to post this the other day, but my Internet Explorer was all wonky. Anyway, I was thinking about my perception of the onboard charges on RCCL vs DCL, so I did a little tally of what we did and wanted to do on our Western cruise. Not counting the photo CD, which we just don't get many pics of just the two of us - Including excursions:
DCL = $692 RCCL = $1211 / Roughly $500 difference

***Still not $1500 - that extra $1000 would pay for our airfare to the port, or a nice suite!***

I realize that no one "has" to do any of these things, but these are the things we would choose to do on a reasonable vacation that make our time more enjoyable for us.

I guess if we need to budget, which is most of the time, we'll look for other cruiselines unless we can find a deal, but for overall experience when we splurge it will be with Disney!

Cost Comparison Disney Vs. Royal Caribbean
DCL / RCCL

1. Wine Tasting - $15 / $15
2. Cooking Class - Free / $140
3. Burgers Free/ $4.50
4. Sodas/Milk Unlimited FREE/ $4 or $6/day
5. Wine/BTL $25 / $25
6. Orange Juice FREE / $3.99
7. Kids’s Club FREE / $6.95/hr late
8. Bottled Water $2 sm/$35 / $4 Large/$24 pkg
9. Cheese & Fruit $38/no wine / $42 w/ wine
10. Calif Cab added= $55 / included
11. Bingo $46 pkg / $60 pkg
12. DOTD $6.95/plastic cup / $10.95/nice glass
13. Laundry $3.00/ld (self sv) / $2-4 item/$47 for a sm load
14. Pictures $399 digital CD / $349 digital CD
15. Signature Dinner $50 / $50
Estimated Totals $705 / $1096

Excursions $184+76+116 / $176 + 144 +144

$1091 - 399 = 692 $1560 – 349 = 1211

[livingis2me]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

I tried to post this the other day, but my Internet Explorer was all wonky. Anyway, I was thinking about my perception of the onboard charges on RCCL vs DCL, so I did a little tally of what we did and wanted to do on our Western cruise. Not counting the photo CD, which we just don't get many pics of just the two of us - Including excursions:
DCL = $692 RCCL = $1211 / Roughly $500 difference

***Still not $1500 - that extra $1000 would pay for our airfare to the port, or a nice suite!***

I realize that no one "has" to do any of these things, but these are the things we would choose to do on a reasonable vacation that make our time more enjoyable for us.

I guess if we need to budget, which is most of the time, we'll look for other cruiselines unless we can find a deal, but for overall experience when we splurge it will be with Disney!

Cost Comparison Disney Vs. Royal Caribbean
DCL / RCCL

1. Wine Tasting - $15 / $15
2. Cooking Class - Free / $140
3. Burgers Free/ $4.50
4. Sodas/Milk Unlimited FREE/ $4 or $6/day
5. Wine/BTL $25 / $25
6. Orange Juice FREE / $3.99
7. Kids’s Club FREE / $6.95/hr late
8. Bottled Water $2 sm/$35 / $4 Large/$24 pkg
9. Cheese & Fruit $38/no wine / $42 w/ wine
10. Calif Cab added= $55 included
11. Bingo $46 pkg / $60 pkg
12. DOTD $6.95/plastic cup / $10.95/nice glass
13. Laundry $3.00/ld (self sv) / $2-4 item/$47 for a sm load
14. Pictures $399 digital CD / $349 digital CD
15. Signature Dinner $50 / $50
Estimated Totals $705 / $1096

Excursions $184+76+116 / $176 + 144 +144

$1091 - 399 = 692 $1560 – 349 = 1211

Hey there!
Just to let you know the $4.95 for burgers was only if you decide to go to Johnny Rockets for burgers. There are plenty of free burgers on RC. I actually preferred the free burgers on RC to Disney (less fillers).

Also the OJ for 3.99 was the fresh squeezed glasses. I never saw anyone actually buy it. They have the usual bulk stuff that is watered down just like DCL for free. Either way neither cruise lines free options pass for good OJ.

On the Allure the DODs were served in plastic souvineer cups for 6.95 and 5.95. They also had them cheaper if you didn't get the special cup.

We didn't have to pay for milk it was always free.

Have yet to do laundry on a cruise.

Everyone's experience is different.

They also had $1200 purses and $560 sunglasses for sale... but we didn't buy them.

Ron

[karajeboo]

Originally Posted by livingis2me

They also had $1200 purses and $560 sunglasses for sale... but we didn't buy them.

Ron

Wow, Jen really IS mistreated, huh?

[loveysbydesign]

can;t wait to read your entire review!

[floydfamily4]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

I tried to post this the other day, but my Internet Explorer was all wonky. Anyway, I was thinking about my perception of the onboard charges on RCCL vs DCL, so I did a little tally of what we did and wanted to do on our Western cruise. Not counting the photo CD, which we just don't get many pics of just the two of us - Including excursions:
DCL = $692 RCCL = $1211 / Roughly $500 difference

***Still not $1500 - that extra $1000 would pay for our airfare to the port, or a nice suite!***

I realize that no one "has" to do any of these things, but these are the things we would choose to do on a reasonable vacation that make our time more enjoyable for us.

I guess if we need to budget, which is most of the time, we'll look for other cruiselines unless we can find a deal, but for overall experience when we splurge it will be with Disney!

Cost Comparison Disney Vs. Royal Caribbean
DCL / RCCL

1. Wine Tasting - $15 / $15
2. Cooking Class - Free / $140
3. Burgers Free/ $4.50
4. Sodas/Milk Unlimited FREE/ $4 or $6/day
5. Wine/BTL $25 / $25
6. Orange Juice FREE / $3.99
7. Kids’s Club FREE / $6.95/hr late
8. Bottled Water $2 sm/$35 / $4 Large/$24 pkg
9. Cheese & Fruit $38/no wine / $42 w/ wine
10. Calif Cab added= $55 included
11. Bingo $46 pkg / $60 pkg
12. DOTD $6.95/plastic cup / $10.95/nice glass
13. Laundry $3.00/ld (self sv) / $2-4 item/$47 for a sm load
14. Pictures $399 digital CD / $349 digital CD
15. Signature Dinner $50 / $50
Estimated Totals $705 / $1096

Excursions $184+76+116 / $176 + 144 +144

$1091 - 399 = 692 $1560 – 349 = 1211

Thanks for sharing! These types of quantitative and qualititative reports make our planning better! I think I would probably do the things that are in pink which are fairly comparable. We would likely do more than 1 speciality restaurant because of the options available though too. Thanks again - its very helpful

[MAGICFOR2]

Originally Posted by livingis2me

Hey there!
Just to let you know the $4.95 for burgers was only if you decide to go to Johnny Rockets for burgers. There are plenty of free burgers on RC. I actually preferred the free burgers on RC to Disney (less fillers).

Also the OJ for 3.99 was the fresh squeezed glasses. I never saw anyone actually buy it. They have the usual bulk stuff that is watered down just like DCL for free. Either way neither cruise lines free options pass for good OJ.

On the Allure the DODs were served in plastic souvineer cups for 6.95 and 5.95. They also had them cheaper if you didn't get the special cup.

We didn't have to pay for milk it was always free.

Have yet to do laundry on a cruise.

Everyone's experience is different.

They also had $1200 purses and $560 sunglasses for sale... but we didn't buy them.

Ron

Hi Ron! I wouldn't buy a $1200 purse either! ITA, and I think every cruise will be a different experience for us, too.

[MrsKP]

the anticipation is killing me.

Hi Jen-next installment pretty please!

Any more pool pictures?

Did you go to the private island? Would love to see those pics

Showed the girls your report so far and they all asked-when are we going???? I see a girls trip! Woo Hoo

[MrsKP]

This is pure torture!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

[lucas]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

I tried to post this the other day, but my Internet Explorer was all wonky. Anyway, I was thinking about my perception of the onboard charges on RCCL vs DCL, so I did a little tally of what we did and wanted to do on our Western cruise. Not counting the photo CD, which we just don't get many pics of just the two of us - Including excursions:
DCL = $692 RCCL = $1211 / Roughly $500 difference

***Still not $1500 - that extra $1000 would pay for our airfare to the port, or a nice suite!***

I realize that no one "has" to do any of these things, but these are the things we would choose to do on a reasonable vacation that make our time more enjoyable for us.

I guess if we need to budget, which is most of the time, we'll look for other cruiselines unless we can find a deal, but for overall experience when we splurge it will be with Disney!

Cost Comparison Disney Vs. Royal Caribbean
DCL / RCCL

1. Wine Tasting - $15 / $15
2. Cooking Class - Free / $140
3. Burgers Free/ $4.50
4. Sodas/Milk Unlimited FREE/ $4 or $6/day
5. Wine/BTL $25 / $25
6. Orange Juice FREE / $3.99
7. Kids’s Club FREE / $6.95/hr late
8. Bottled Water $2 sm/$35 / $4 Large/$24 pkg
9. Cheese & Fruit $38/no wine / $42 w/ wine
10. Calif Cab added= $55 / included
11. Bingo $46 pkg / $60 pkg
12. DOTD $6.95/plastic cup / $10.95/nice glass
13. Laundry $3.00/ld (self sv) / $2-4 item/$47 for a sm load
14. Pictures $399 digital CD / $349 digital CD
15. Signature Dinner $50 / $50
Estimated Totals $705 / $1096

Excursions $184+76+116 / $176 + 144 +144

$1091 - 399 = 692 $1560 – 349 = 1211

On the Disney Dream, it is $75 each for signature dining at Remy; $99 with wine pairing.

[lucas]

Waiting for the next update........

[awatt]

Originally Posted by JKSWonder

At the moment, I am having a massive vacation debate with myself.

We are booked on the Fantasy for August 2012. One Category 4C for me, Mike, my Mom, Allison and Michael.

I looked at the 9 night on RCI out of Bayonne to Bermuda, etc. after reading Ellen's trip report. I don't think we can do a 9 night (hard for Mike to get off that many days). However, Norwegian has a 7 night to Bermuda (the only port) from Bayonne. For $1300 less than DCL I can get two (count 'em TWO!) connecting balcony staterooms. Plus no airfare for us. NCL also has a sale right now offering OBC for each cabin and 1/2 off deposits. While not DCL, and not RCI with Dreamworks, NCL has Nickelodeon.

I have always wanted to see Bermuda. Plus the money thing and no flying is attractive. What to do, what to do?

Book it! We've done 4 or 5 cruises to Bermuda from NYC and Bayonne and it is just so much easier not to have to fly, and Bermuda is so lovely, well worth it. Having 2 cabins is also much nicer, more space and 2 bathrooms.

So long as you don't expect the Disney experience you should enjoy yourself. Have done a few NCL and RCCL cruises and they were alot of fun.

The money you save will cover your on board bill!

[Jathanis]

Originally Posted by lucas

On the Disney Dream, it is $75 each for signature dining at Remy; $99 with wine pairing.

Yes and no - The Dream still has Palo to dine at so the comparison is still sorta valid - but you made me think of a great question: As big as it is, does the Allure have multiple signature restaurants like the Dream in multiple price points (i.e. something comparable to Remy)?

[LuvEeyore]

Waiting for an update