DCL or Royal for proposal

[Chrisbud14]

We just got off the Dream for the second time (just us 2 adults) and are looking into Royal’s Harmony of the Seas from their Oasis class. We are stuck between that and the Fantasy, both 7 nights with same itinerary. Anyone have insight on how they compare? I’m particularly interested in Royal’s Cococay which looks amazing and also their rooms have a more modern feel. Not to mention the nightlife and clubs aboard Royal.

Not to mention for the same destinations and number nights Harmony is nearly $1000 cheaper, and the extra $ could be used on a drink package etc.

I want to propose on this trip and thought it would be nice on Disney being that we’re huge Disney freaks and have so many beautiful memories at their parks and ships, but Royal is looking really nice right now. I appreciate all of the help!

 

[Cheburashka]

If you're truly huge Disney fans I would stick with Disney for such a special occasion. You don't know yet if you'll like Royal or not. It is a different line.

But if you just like Disney and are very open-minded, then why not give Royal a try? You seem excited about it so it might work out great.

 

[Flying Fish]

I have not been on Royal yet (going in April), so I take that into consideration when you read this. My wife remembers when/where I proposed to her, so it is something special that people tend to remember. That being said, the event itself is special enough that even if done in the middle of a traffic jam it will be wonderful and memorable. BUT, if you know that you both love Disney and that's your special/happy place, then that might be the best place do propose. You could easily map it out in your brain and really have a good idea of what you want to do/say. The Fantasy is very similar to the Dream, so you might already have a spot in mind. Of course, you'll probably also totally forget your prepared script when the time comes to do it. I know I did fumble quite a bit that night.

But, I do agree with what Cheburashka said above, that you seem excited about the Royal cruise. The $1000 is also a nice chunk of change to have for other expenses.

My gut does tell me Disney, just because of how special that is to you both. It would be nice to have memories/photos from that cruise versus a random RC cruise. Keep us posted on what you decide and congratulations on your impending engagement.

 

[gscott8075]

We have been on many cruises - DCL, RCCL, NCL, Princess - and I remember much more about the Disney cruises. I think the Disney ships are beautiful and more elegant with amazing attention to detail. The characters certainly add to it - I am always overwhelmed when we embark on a Disney ship - it still gives me goosebumps!

Like other major events - what matters more is that you have made the decision to commit your life to another person. We did so 32 years ago; we have two daughters and our first grandchild was born in October.

Congratulations - whichever venue you choose, it will be one of the most important moments of your lives.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've been on many DCL and RCL cruises. We are Platinum on DCL and Diamond+ on Royal. We especially like the Oasis class Royal ships for their multiple dining choices and the casino.

Both DCL & RCL 7-night cruises sail a similar itinerary so you can price out the difference. You'll likely find that RCL will be significantly cheaper than DCL.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

$1k is a lot toward a wedding or a ring.

 

[Karin1984]

A proposal can be done two ways:
1. Choose a setting that is important to you as a couple and/or to the proposee.
2. Choose a new setting that will be important to you after marriage. This is a gamble to me.

To me, the place where is not that important, a proposal has to show that he knows me, our relationship. He has to put me/us at the center of the proposal and it has to show he has put some thought into it. Showing that you know the other is key in a good proposal, to me.

A generic romantic spot, say a tropical beach, wouldn't do it for me. As chances we return to that same spot are probably slim. I am not a beach person on top of that.

A proposal in front of a Disney castle would fit me better, however it would lack imagination for me. As if he had googled 'disney proposal' and went with the first search result. The castle isn't my favourite thing in the park, and a public proposal would give me nightmares. So, proposing at Disney is one step in the right direction. Next would be to know what my/our favourite places/rides/characters/restaurants are and go from there.

Is there a place in a Disney park or on a cruise where you have created a special memory together? Is there an amazing memory of you two watching a favourite movie under the stars, on deck, both under a comfy blanket with a drink of the day? Do you both love the animation classes or ever won at Bingo together?

If you go with whatever has a special place in both your hearts, you can hardly go wrong. Regardless of the place and the amount of money spent. It will always be special and most likely very appreciated.

If done well, a proposal can be done while doing the dishes together. If that's something that means something to the both of you.

 

[OKW Lover]

Good points above about the proposal being in front of the castle. How about a variation though - at the wishing well next to the castle?

 

[Flying Fish]

The more I think about this, the more the DCL cruise makes the most sense (if you are intent on doing it on a cruise). The others are right, you need do it in a place that is special to you both and your relationship. If you love Disney, there is a good chance you will continue to do trips involving Disney. What if you go on the RC cruise and hate it, but you have that ring burning a hole in your pocket? You will still propose, but it will be on a ship/line that doesn't mean as much to you. If you do Disney, you'll always have that special connection. It stinks to have to spend that extra $1000, though. Then again, $1000 over a lifetime is a pretty small amount.

 

[auntlynne]

How about proposing soon before the cruise in a place meaningful to you both (as @Karin1984 talked about). Then he/she can talk, text, show off the ring (assumption here) to friends.

And then try that Royal cruise. You really sound like you would like to try it.

The proposal and the cruise each get their own excitement - hopefully multiplied.

Best wishes and happy cruising.

 

[Flying Fish]

How about proposing soon before the cruise in a place meaningful to you both (as @Karin1984 talked about). Then he/she can talk, text, show off the ring (assumption here) to friends.

And then try that Royal cruise. You really sound like you would like to try it.

The proposal and the cruise each get their own excitement - hopefully multiplied.

This is probably the best advice you'll get. I was going to propose on a Transatlantic cruise, but life happened and we didn't go. I did it somewhere else and at a time that was much more significant than a place we would never be again. I'm glad I did that, and I think if you find a place that's special to you it will be much more meaningful. Plus, it will allow you to enjoy that cruise that much more. No matter how sure you are that a "yes" is coming, there is still something nerve racking about popping the question. I'm not sure why, but it is real.

 

[John VN]

This is probably the best advice you'll get. I was going to propose on a Transatlantic cruise, but life happened and we didn't go. I did it somewhere else and at a time that was much more significant than a place we would never be again. I'm glad I did that, and I think if you find a place that's special to you it will be much more meaningful. Plus, it will allow you to enjoy that cruise that much more. No matter how sure you are that a "yes" is coming, there is still something nerve racking about popping the question. I'm not sure why, but it is real.

bold ^^^ +1

Propose at the most meaningful spot in WDW then go on Harmony. DW and I have enjoyed the Disney ambiance on our Wonder and Dream cruises; however, while our Oasis of the Seas cruises lacked the Disney touch the vibe and offerings of the ship more than made up for the lack of the Mouse.

 

[Garyjames220]

I wish I could find a cruise that’s only 1000 more for our family of for 4. Cheapest I see as at least 2000 more