The Travel Genie Show - Disney Tips & Tricks · The Travel Genie Show

Which Cruise Is Better: Disney or Royal?

·50 min·4 clips

Shonda Rhimes and stars from Grey's Anatomy were on this Royal Caribbean cruise—what was it like?

Brandi and Corey, former Disney cast members and hosts of The Travel Genie Show, compare a recent Royal Caribbean cruise to the Disney cruise experience. Corey recounts a unique three-night repositioning cruise on the Ovation of the Seas from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. This special sailing was a trial run for the crew and featured a sweepstakes winner group from Shonda Rhimes's Shondaland company. Shonda Rhimes and several actors from her shows like *Grey's Anatomy* were onboard for activities like a music event and a Q&A session. Corey describes touring rooms, including a massive 1,600-square-foot suite with a private balcony and jacuzzi. He notes the price point for Royal Caribbean can be more accessible than Disney, offering a family-friendly alternative with many dining options and onboard activities. The ship featured amenities like bumper cars, a FlowRider surf simulator, and a North Star observation capsule. Corey found the main dining room food better than the buffet, though he ate pizza three times one day due to scheduling. He highlights that Royal Caribbean makes fresh, personal gluten-free pizzas upon request. The specialty dining steakhouse, Chops, was very good, but Corey felt the main dining room was satisfactory enough that the upcharge wasn't essential for him. He stayed in an ocean view room, having been upgraded from an inside cabin, which he felt would be too cramped for a longer voyage. Entertainment included a show called "Live Love Legs," which was more like a can-can performance than the expected cabaret, and a strange '80s-themed cabaret that felt incomplete. Corey and Brandi agree the performers are talented, but the original shows' storylines sometimes lack the polish of Disney's productions. They note Royal Caribbean clearly labels adult-only offerings, like a very explicit comedy show that is 21+. A 70s-themed dance party with light-up rings was a highlight for family fun. The tone is conversational and advice-driven, drawing from the hosts' personal experiences as travel advisors. Listeners interested in comparing cruise lines or seeking a more budget-friendly, activity-packed family vacation will appreciate this episode. Disney purists or those solely seeking a narrative-driven, fully-immersive Disney experience might find the direct comparisons less relevant.

As heard by us

A practical cruise comparison that weighs real vacation tradeoffs more than brand polish.

The episode stays in the show's Disney-heavy lane, but the Royal Caribbean detour gives it a more grounded feel than a simple brand comparison.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a Disney-to-Royal Caribbean planning talk from former cast members.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Travel Genie Show - Disney Tips & Tricks