WrittenOnYourHeart

There are reasons that DCL charges the prices they do, just like there are reasons that NCL's Pride of America is so expensive.

 

Most cruise lines do not make a profit on the cabin price, that covers the overhead. Profit is from the onboard revenue: drinks, shops, spa, excursions, and most importantly casinos. Since DCL does not have casinos, they must make up for that lost revenue by charging more for the ticket price, and then they try to make up for that with better crew attitude and amenities. Those who are willing to pay DCL's price value not having the casino atmosphere onboard.

 

DCL also makes a larger effort to meet child needs, with more North American youth counselors than other lines, better child/youth experiences, etc. Again, it is a question of value for your dollar.

 

If you don't value what exclusives DCL presents, then by all means find a line that meets your expectations. Personally, I prefer NCL and RCI, but then my kids are grown, and no next-gen ankle biters yet.

Bingo! The only benefit I saw about the casino on HAL's Westerdam this summer is that it helped me add in stair walking getting to and from the dining room. Even when not open, that space REEKED of smoke, so I'd opt to take the stairs before you got to it down a deck and then go up to the dining room once I'd managed to escape the stench. :)

I have never understood the draw of casinos, though, even without the smoke. Which probably explains why I have no desire to ever go to Las Vegas. :)

Thanks for sharing you experiences! :)

800 is pretty low for DCL - but with the combination of people who homeschool, international travelers who may have different school schedules, and people who don't think twice about pulling their kids out of school, I'm not sure it would get much lower other than MAYBE on a WBTA or EBTA or Panama Canal cruise.

Interesting note about the dress. I'm anticipating more US cruisers on my 2/14 cruise as it's Presidents' Week and lots of schools in the northeast have the week off. I'm not going to change what I've planned to wear though. (I use "planned" in the very loose sense of the word - meaning "packed to wear at some point". My only "planned" thing is my traditional all black on the 14th in protest of a Hallmark holiday that makes anyone not coupled feel unworthy. Haha!)

Glad you had such a great time!

On 7 night cruises there are series of educational events--a 3 part cooking series (one each on dessert' date=' entree, and appetizer), classes on table decoration, napkin folding, etc. As noted, there are various wine, whiskey, tequila, etc. tastings for a small fee. There are also various adult activities through out the day and the nightclub area is adult only after 9 pm. There are adult variety shows, themed dance parties, etc. every night![/quote']

 

Yeah - there are always things!

 

They also have draw-a-character classes (I kept forgetting them last February and would remember after it was halfway done. My parents went to a class in December and drew Goofy.) several times - some may even be adult only. Also, you never know what super cool stuff they will have - my parents went to 2 sessions run by an Imagineer while they were cruising in December, and a few weeks ago they had a guy who is the voice of several well-known muppets onboard (he did a special session for crew as well as at least one session for guests).

This is one of the key reasons most other lines have stopped bothering with printed cruise docs except on request...

But they make up for the paper they save by not sending those by sending mailing after mailing after mailing. And in HAL's case, they have yet to figure out that I am the SAME PERSON they have two different whatever their cruiser club is numbers for in spite of me calling and saying "I'm the same person!!" Many days I get duplicate mailings where everything on the address section is the same except that silly number. (I'd rather they stop mailing me stuff all together as I have no plans to ever cruise them again, but they can't figure that out either.)

No draw list on the Magic. You used to just take your pay check to the crew office and cash it, take the cash, put some on your crew account for purchases, arrange a money transfer. This is before you could electronically send money from the ship :) Long lines sometimes!

 

ex techie

Now Disney as a company has pretty much moved everyone to payment on a Citi Pay Card or direct deposit into a US account. I know when I worked at the Disney Store we were encouraged to get that or use direct deposit, and I'm pretty sure from what my sister and her friends said it's pretty much company-wide.

Visiting Guest staterooms is different. Also would require signed permission for you to visit her cabin.

 

ex techie

Right. She was able to get that in December for my parents to visit. Not last February for me (and she's on vacation now so won't even be on the ship when I am!).

Right is a filler word... You know (or ya know) is a filler phrase. Nonsense is probably a geographic thing and where I'm from another way to say "all that stuff" Like for example, when you're ordering at a restaurant and you want a plain omlet, you would say, I'd like a omlet without all the nonsense.

 

I know right? Who orders a plain omlet.... why now get just regular scrambled eggs.

Oh, I see. But even in that sense, nonsense is NOT a filler. It's calling everything else junk.

Just as it reads when you called the mailing "nonsense". Only in this case, it isn't. It is important information pertaining to your cruise. But if you want to pitch it and call it "nonsense" - you can just take longer at the port to deal with things they already sent you that you thought were unimportant.

I know that Disney's policies on fraternization are stricter than other lines. Maybe Techie can help me out, but at NCL, when a crew member was given "permission" from their supervisor to use guest areas, that was accompanied by a paper "chit" listing the crew's name, date, time, and venue, and was presented to the Maitre 'd or bar supervisor upon entering. This would be used to track charges. Also, the crew use their ID cards like a guest's sign and sail card, as their lives onboard are cashless as well.

Right. My sister (an officer) was also given permission to visit in my cabin, and she was given a paper indicating this signed my whoever had to sign it, and she had to have it with her at all times while visiting with me. One time she realized she forgot it and ran immediately to get it because even calling one of her co-workers to bring it to her in my cabin could have gotten both of them in trouble. She was able to text him on their wave phones and he met her somewhere public they were allowed to give it to her, but it was tense moments for a little while.

And not realizing how much easier it can make your life if you BRING that booklet to the terminal. I don't remember it happening in Port Canaveral' date=' but in Barcelona they scanned the bar code on the booklet before allowing us into the terminal. At PC, they generally just checked names and IDs (which they also did in Barcelona). You CAN do check in without it, but sometimes having it makes life easier.

 

In fairness, I guess you could miss the luggage tags in the booklet if you don't know to look for them.....maybe.....and you could miss the fact that the envelops says "Your cruise document enclosed,"....maybe....that's probably why DCL has back up systems for virtually everything except the guest who arrives without the required ID/proof of citizenship documents.[/quote']

 

Yep.

 

I know they scanned mine last year at MCO when I was checking in for the shuttle - I don't think they scanned it after that, but clearly if I was arriving on the shuttle I'd passed that checkpoint.

 

It is nice they have back-up systems in place just in case. My dad is probably THE most organized person I know, but somehow in our traveling before cruise date a couple of years ago, he misplaced the signature form and was starting to flip out, but the woman checking us in reassured him it was NO problem to print another one. (And yes, we found it later in the cruise - that "heat of the moment panic" thing you know.)

 

And yeah...it still amazes me that people do show up without the required proof of citizenship. I double and triple check everything - and go over the list that's in the booklet of "make sure to bring" multiple times while packing just to be safe! Of course, that list does require me to *gasp* actually read what is sent (or investigate online if I threw out the envelope with my "cruise documents enclosed" thinking it was junk advertising).

 

(Of course it also amazes me how many people CLEARLY on their way BACK from vacation are clueless at airport security. I always want to ask them how they GOT to their vacation since this is clearly their first time flying. Even if going down to vacation was your first time flying, you should have a clue on the way back - security is the same process.)

Hey silly' date=' did you know that the packet you got in the mail had been customized to you based on the information on your registration and on line check in? For instance, if you are cruising with a child who is not your own, the booklet contained a "minor child authorization form." If this did not apply to your family, this form was not included. If you had not done any on line registration, the booklet would have included many more pieces of information. As it is, it included only the signature forms so that if you had failed to print them, didn't have access to a printer, or whatever, the forms were provided to you. From there, it included info about your trip, any reservations YOU made, and how your family could contact you in an emergency. Many people like or need this information, some don't care.

 

And those pesky signature forms...if a guest still manages to arrive at the terminal with them missing (or lost in the luggage), DCL can easily print another copy....customized to that guest.

 

On line check in is NOT required. It just makes your life easier when you arrive at the terminal...especially if you arrive at your scheduled PAT.[/quote']

 

BRAVO! Very well said!!!

 

It really does shock me the number of people I see say they just pitched it because they thought it was some kind of advertising. Usually that happens about the time they realize they "never" got luggage tags and then come on a board to whine that "Disney never sent me luggage tags!! What do I do???" only to be asked if they got the booklet which they then admit they thought was junk and didn't bother.

 

Seriously? As much as you pay for a Disney Cruise Line Vacation and you're just going to pitch mailings that come from them ASSUMING they are advertising??

Oh OK.

New one on me. I guess everyday is a school day!

 

ex techie

You and me both! I always thought filler words were not really words at all, but things like "Um" and "Er".

Nonsense is defined as: spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense (example: he was talking nonsense) or foolish or unacceptable behavior (example: put a stop to that nonsense, will you?). But not as a "filler word". Saying that nonsense is a "filler word" is, well, nonsense.

Thats a real shame :(

You could have transferred the money into your sisters bank account though if you'd have known.

 

ex techie

I sent her a Starbucks card in a "Just Because" card once I got home. She was just as happy with that. :)

We had an early seating which we won't do again because it's too early for us, but it never seemed overly chaotic - aside from one near unfortunate incident during pirate's night in which a toy gun of some sort was discharged into the back of my young daughter's chair. The poor mother was so apologetic I couldn't get too upset. I was just glad it wasn't my child's head.

That prop should never have been allowed on board. DCL makes it very clear in their what not to bring list that things like that are not allowed.

Your dining rotation is assigned automatically and it starts the first night. You have the option of dining at Cabanas any night you choose. You just don't eat at the dining room that you have been assigned that night. You don't pick the dining room you wish to repeat. If it really matters to you as soon as you board you can try to get a different rotation. Usually people only do this when they are trying to juggle a Remy or Palo reservation and they don't want to miss dining in a particular rotation restaurant.

Not quite true. Cabanas is not open for dinner on the first or last night of the cruise. On those nights your choices are your assigned MDR, Palo or Remy if over 18 and reservations are available, or Room Service.

If you have two Classic dining times when are the Dynamic Diners going to be able to eat assuming dining takes about 90 minutes each night? Perhaps they will divide each complimentary restaurant into two sections; one for Classic Dining the other for Dynamic Dining. I can't really see that working. I'll be very interested to see how this eventually pans out.

While not exactly the same thing, when I cruised on HAL's ms Westerdam to Alaska this past summer, their dining room - which was two levels - was divided into set-time early and late seatings on the second floor of the dining room and non-set-time dining between certain hours on the first floor (you show up and are seated or wait for a table as in a regular land-based restaurant). (We were in a group and our cruise escort had arranged for us to have our tables - which WE rotated between - on the first level, but we were the exceptions to the rule on that floor in that we had set tables and servers among our group.)

I had my MMR updated a couple of years ago (my doctor said boosters were recommended), so hopefully I'll be fine if around anyone.

If they're really concerned about the spread, they should be asking about VACCINATIONS because that is really the issue. Non-vaccinated people bring it, and then those who refuse to vaccinate get it and expose everyone else.

Yes' date=' DCL has almost another "city" beneath the guest areas. There is both a crew mess and an officer's mess, a crew gym, bar, pool, etc.

 

And yes, individuals or teams can earn special privileges that include things like dinner at Palo, being able to attend pirate buffet, etc. Funny that when they earn Palo, they are specifically told how much to tip. I would expect that since it is a reward, that reward should include the tip as well.

 

If a CM is permitted to eat at Palo with family, they (or family) does pay the upcharge for them. I don't believe there is a charge if they are permitted to eat in the MDR (but I have no "hard" information on this.) We were certainly never told by either DCL or our friend that there would be a charge for him joining us. Of course, we did add a bit to the tip, but we usually do that anyhow.[/quote']

 

I think my sister did sign something each meal she ate with me in the MDR. And unless things have changed since last February, they have to pay for their own Palo meal. I know she had gotten permission to do brunch with me but opted not to do dinner there because she'd have to pay for it, and when I said I would have she said "No, they won't let you" - and they can get in trouble if money is seen changing hands to reimburse them for it.

The gratuity is added at the time you purchase the package. So for example ultimate is $55 per day, they will add gratuity (sometimes it comes up as service charge) so what you are charged works out to $63 a day.

That's what I thought, but a close reading of the fine print makes it seem like there is more added on.

I know two people who are part of the "layoff" (which I heard only affected 125 people, half or more of whom will be doing other things with the company) and they have already been hired for other positions within Disney. One doesn't even have a day off between positions, the other has a week which they are using accrued vacation time being paid out and going to go fishing in the Keys.

Thumbs up! To the degree possible, when positions are eliminated Disney as a whole is fantastic about helping those whose positions are being eliminated transition into other jobs with the company.

This is the fine print on the bottom. It appears this is new as of 9/24 and it for North American itineraries:

* Prices shown for Caribbean, Alaska, and North America itineraries; gratuities are additional. Prices for Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Dubai and South America itineraries vary and are inclusive of gratuities. All prices are subject to change without notice. Packages cannot be shared, are not transferable. Your check may reflect an additional tax for certain ports or itineraries. When ordering a beverage selectiononboard, you must present your SeaPass card bearing the package sticker to your server. Package does not include in-stateroom purchases, mini bar items, Evian water, canned sodas, bottled juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super premium category beverages. Package is subject to the terms of Royal Caribbean International’s Alcohol Policy. © 204 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registered in the Bahamas. 14040026 • 9/29/14

Wait, so even though you buy the package, you're still going to get hit with a gratuity charge on your account??

Never mind. Just saw the answer above. Sucks that you pay for a beverage package but can't actually use it in all cases.

Please continue the door silliness. It makes it easier for those of us who got over it in college to find our cabins (not that a number isn't sufficient for that anyway...)

Please note that you are permitted to bring beverages of any sort in your CARRY ON luggage only. It is not permitted to be in checked luggage in any form' date=' whether bubble wrapped, in plastic containers, or any other variety of packing.

 

If it is noted in your checked luggage it will be removed and returned to you at the end of the cruise. If it breaks in the luggage, you will be charged for any damages done to any other guests' belongings.

 

If you are flying in and using DCL transfers, do not put the DCL tags on the bags as home. Claim your bag at MCO, remove the beverages, and place them in your carry on. Take the large bag with you to the Welcome Center where it will be checked for you and you will next see it in your cabin.[/quote']

 

This!

 

Plus you should also note that DCL's rules and regs also state that alcohol brought on board in your carry-ons is to be consumed in your stateroom only. Not carried around to dinner, etc. Do they have a way of knowing? No. BUT they definitely keep track of alcohol sales, and the more they drop off because people bring their own on and choose NOT to follow the rules and regs set forth, the more likely they are to cut down on the ability to bring your own on board.

Correct me if I'm wrong. Don't MDRs have more than one menu, meaning you won't be offered the same menu the second night in Animator's Palate as on the first night in that location? I know on longer cruises menus are repeated eventually.

Exactly. Each dining room has its primary menu - you get that your first time in that MDR. On the specialty nights (Pirate Night, Prince and Princess, Captain's Gala, Til We Meet Again, etc.) the MDRs will have the same menu. The exception being your second (possibly third if your rotation puts you in there three nights - the middle one will be Pirate Night) night in Animator's Palate on the Fantasy when you have the Animation show - that night it is a set appetizer trio and soup, but I believe the rest of the menu will be whatever the night's theme is across the board.

I've only been on DCL as an adult - first with my all-adult family celebrating my parents' 45th anniversary and then as a solo adult traveler...and less than 3 weeks away from my third DCL cruise (second solo) - and I love it.

I cruised HAL with a running group last summer and it just didn't measure up. No adult-only area - and because either the kids' club wasn't that interesting or it had such limited hours, the "small number" of kids was soooooooo obvious all over the ship. Smoking allowed on balconies and in the casino - and no obvious way (other than going down and up stairs) to get to the MDR's main level other than walking through it, and even when it was closed the stench remained. Overall I was underwhelmed by most everything on it - even when I think my cabin stewards thought I was a DCL spy (I had my hoodie and a few other Disney things - it's just who I am) as I returned to my cabin the first morning and both of them AND their supervisor were in the cabin going over everything. Ha!

I will be on RCL with the same group this summer, so we'll see how that compares.

But overall I'm definitely a Disney girl. :)

I'm in the "weird" camp that actually loves the Pirate Night menu, so I'd personally never schedule Palo that night. I've not been on the Wonder yet, so I can't help with which one to skip there.

My personal preference is to kick off the cruise by eating at Palo the first night. Just a fun way to kick things off. I am making an exception for my upcoming cruise as departure day is Feb 14 and the LAST thing I want to deal with is a restaurant full of couples - so I'm hoping I get my requested rotation and assuming I do will be missing Enchanted Garden (least favorite on the Dream and Fantasy) on Night 2.