Why DCL?

[kcwiak]

We want to take a cruise with Disney but are being held back by price. Can you experts tell me all the reasons I should use to justify this to DH. We are currently booked on an NCL Cruise with a great deal but I love Disney (we go to parks every year) and I want to try the cruise!

 

TIA

[Friend100]

We want to take a cruise with Disney but are being held back by price. Can you experts tell me all the reasons I should use to justify this to DH. We are currently booked on an NCL Cruise with a great deal but I love Disney (we go to parks every year) and I want to try the cruise!

 

TIA

 

I thought you have the answer already. Right there.

[xlxo]

To clarify...

• which area you thinking of cruising?
  
• will you have children with you? You will get more value with children because the staff and cruisers understand DCL is a place where kids can be kids. As a result, DCL is a popular choice with familes... you don't need to leave your kids at home. Kids are also able to snort more of that pixie dust than you will be... especially since they don't need to pay for credit card bills in the end.
  

[YOUTUBE]-jOgVhKfLPk[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]F6mBhAkWDGg[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]O9zv6HpZizk[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]_EF4Xub6NrM[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]rSj0vjFEbW0[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]fn9VxjHpFQw[/YOUTUBE]

 

Love DCL for movies and internet. Love other cruise lines for lower prices and more port choices.

[DeltaOne]

We want to take a cruise with Disney but are being held back by price.

 

I went on the Dream three weeks ago with my son, daughter in law and their 3 year old daughter. This was my first Disney cruise, tenth cruise overall.

 

The cruise was great, my grand-daughter had a ball. She loved the pool and other water play zones. And she loved, loved, loved the nightly shows in the main theater. And she loved the many meet & greets we did with the Disney characters.

 

Was it worth the price? Yes, since we had my grand-daughter along. The meet and greets, shows and just the way they cater to children was marvelous. I don't think I'd sail Disney alone or with my wife. The adults only areas were nice and I took advantage of them -- but the price is just too high if you don't have children along too.

 

Our next cruise is an 8 day NCL cruise. Same price we paid for the 4 day Disney cruise...

[coldflame]

We want to take a cruise with Disney but are being held back by price. Can you experts tell me all the reasons I should use to justify this to DH. We are currently booked on an NCL Cruise with a great deal but I love Disney (we go to parks every year) and I want to try the cruise!

 

TIA

 

Will you and your family have fun, absolutely, no question. But you would also have fun aboard RCCL or NCL, for a fraction of the price.

 

Now the real question is are you and your kids really into Disney Pollyanna? If so, you are not going to get that with any other cruise line. If you folks are OK skipping cast members in character costumes, mostly non-smoking, completely non-gambling ship? Then any other line will be a better value.

[chipmaster]

Value is in the eye of the beholder, if all things equal these day's even with kids older I would spring for a Disney, but because I can. Even then it's a serious discussion with the CFO about "value."

 

A decade ago I'd think harder about the "value." Like the parks they are special, but if you want beaches, all you can eat, and excursion the reality is you go NCL, Carnival, etc.. then Princess, next up RCCL you get likely 90% of the fun that Disney gets you, it comes down to how much more the other 10% is worth. Unlike the parks which have little to no comparison when it comes to cruising there is a lot of value alternatives.

[moki'smommy]

Compared to NCL, you will have:

No casino

1 or 2 upcharge restaurants (depending on the ship--and both are adult only)

no charge for fountain sodas (there is a charge for cans)

no charge for pizza

no charge for room service

no charge for kid programming regardless of time of day/night (generally open 9 am to midnight)

the best looking ships on the seas

first run movies

family oriented entertainment

much less smoking and drinking than we experienced on other lines

and then you can add all the Disney touches

 

Granted, the prices of the soda packages, room service, etc. are not likely to approach the price difference between the lines. The problem comes in the value you place on the "Disney difference." No other line approaches the family friendliness and the entertainment of DCL. But "worth it" is a personal decision. Frankly, with the increased prices we are choosing to cruise less.

[kcwiak]

Thank you all (exception: Friend100)!

 

It is such a hard decision. Yes we have a 9 and 11 year old who love Disney as much as us. We all love cruising as well. I just paid $3100 for a suite on NCL with the UDP, UBP, Gratuities paid and shore excursion credit each port. It is a good deal. I can swing another $1500 to have an OV on DCL and we would save money on not having a casino but I'm just trying to figure out which would be better. I get that it is a personal choice. I'm was hoping someone would tell me something about DCL that I would be "Oh that is awesome - decision made!" LOL

 

Thanks again! I will keep thinking.

[coldflame]

Thanks again! I will keep thinking.

 

I'm not sure what you are asking, but I don't think it's fair for people to make the decision for you -- specially if for some reason there is discontent/"buyers remorse" later on.

 

It sounds like you have your mind made up, can afford DCL (with significant room downgrade) and have your heart set on it as well. Each of us gave you our take on your question, but ultimately, it boils down to what you can responsibly afford and what you and your family want.

[moki'smommy]

If I had a 9 and an 11 year old, I'd do DCL--that one would be easy. NCL will always be there for another cruise...when kids are older or no longer sailing with you. DCL kid programming is worth the extra at that age. And your 11 year old can choose between the Lab and the Edge based on maturity and interests--another plus.

[Ex techie]

If I were in your situation,. I would cruise with DCL now before the prices get even more higher.

 

The other cruise lines such as Carnival, NCL and Royal will always still be there, and with always lowering prices, (before additional costs such as more upcharge restaurants and room service) or any other way they can find to increase the revenue once aboard.

 

DCL have cottoned on to this as well with the introduction of a paid for Ice Cream venue when the Dream has her dry dock, so I wouldn't personally leave it too much longer before they also start charging even more once aboard for what was once included.

 

ex techie

[DaKa2002]

We are sort of "Disney" nuts - have visited WDW since it opened and have enjoyed the wonderful expansions over the years with our children (now grown and in their 40s), relatives, and friends. We have also been DVC members for over 20 years.

Now we tend to enjoy a more restful vacation with all things "Disney" including the Disney pix dust aboard the DCL ships, instead of the people packed parks of WDW.

[c-cruise]

If you are ever going to ever do a Disney cruise, now is the time to do it before your kids get older and maybe start outgrowing Disney. A lot of the clubs and actives on the ship are geared to the current age range of your kids.

 

Is the value there? Maybe not, if you look just at the numbers, but IMHO nobody else can touch the onboard experience that Disney can provide for families and that makes it worth it for us.

 

We've done a lot of cruises on different lines with our kids (5 and 8), but the only ones they ever talk about are Disney cruises. Other lines are "just cruises" and there's nothing at all wrong with that, but Disney cruises are a special experience.

[Tonka's Skipper]

DCL provides classic, well designed vessels, along the lines of the great liners found in the 30's, 40's and 50's with just enough Disney touch's to be noticed but not over powering. The entertainment/shows are in the Broadway style excellent, The CM's tops in the industry, always ready to help you with a question, the food (remember food is subjective) is good to great. Plenty of Adult activities and adult only areas.

 

 

Most of the other lines provide a good cruise, RCCl is our 2nd best choice, but Disney is unique and special, with the Disney Magic, class and Pixie dust that no other line can provide or come close to.

 

AKK

Edited May 26, 2015 by Tonka's Skipper

[Tonka's Skipper]

DCL provides classic, well designed vessels, along the lines of the great liners found in the 30's, 40's and 50's with just enough Disney touch's to be noticed but not over powering. The entertainment/shows are in the Broadway style excellent, The CM's tops in the industry, always ready to help you with a question, the food (remember food is subjective) is good to great. Plenty of Adult activities and adult only areas. Add Fireworks at sea, Pirate night, Spa, amazing vessel horns with Disney tunes and Disney own Castaway Cay which is plain amazing, there is plenty to *Whao* you!

 

 

Most of the other line provide a good cruise, RCCl is our 2nd best choice, but Disney is unique and special, with the Disney Magic, class and Pixie dust that no other line can provide or come close to.

 

AKK

Edited May 26, 2015 by Tonka's Skipper

[moki'smommy]

 

Most of the other line provide a good cruise' date=' RCCl is our 2nd best choice, but Disney is unique and special, with the Disney Magic, class and Pixie dust that no other line can provide or come close to.

 

AKK[/quote']

 

THis is a good summary of our experiences with other lines. On other lines, we had nice cruises--nothing special. Many of our DCL cruises HAVE been memorable, and all were at least "good."

[Dentcruiser]

I don't normally reply on boards , but as I was in your situation till yesterday , I'll share with you why I eventually chose disney . Last April I booked a disney fantasy cruise this August then I was diagnosed with cancer so between surgeries and treatment our income for the past 6 months declined a lot so on the weekend under the stress of the final payment coming soon , I decided I'll cancel and book Carnival which is $3000 less , and I already put a room on hold , but over night I discussed with DH why we stopped NCL and CCL , it was the safe environment for the kids , On DCL I would not worry about any inappropriate scene or language or entertainment , while I definitely had that problem on other cruise lines whether during a family comedy show or from CD prior to evening show . We might be too conservative , but that's us , and we pay the extra money for the safe family experience

[Tonka's Skipper]

I don't normally reply on boards , but as I was in your situation till yesterday , I'll share with you why I eventually chose disney . Last April I booked a disney fantasy cruise this August then I was diagnosed with cancer so between surgeries and treatment our income for the past 6 months declined a lot so on the weekend under the stress of the final payment coming soon , I decided I'll cancel and book Carnival which is $3000 less , and I already put a room on hold , but over night I discussed with DH why we stopped NCL and CCL , it was the safe environment for the kids , On DCL I would not worry about any inappropriate scene or language or entertainment , while I definitely had that problem on other cruise lines whether during a family comedy show or from CD prior to evening show . We might be too conservative , but that's us , and we pay the extra money for the safe family experience

 

 

 

Prayers to you and your family that you fully cover!

 

 

AKK

[BuckeyeCruiser79]

Everyone that I talk to that have been on DCL has loved them, but I just can't bite the bullet and pay $6,000-$10,000 for my family to go. I just cannot see how it could be worth it no matter what's included. I'd love to take my kids on a DCL, but that's a lot of cash. Maybe one day!

[coldflame]

but I just can't bite the bullet and pay $6,000-$10,000 for my family to go. I just cannot see how it could be worth it no matter what's included. I'd love to take my kids on a DCL, but that's a lot of cash. Maybe one day!

 

Same with us. I don't know if this an option for you, but keep your eye on the *GT fares in late September and October (which historically have the lowest fares of the year). You might be able to score a 7-nighter in a balcony cabin for a bit over $4K, possibly cheaper if you're FL resident.

 

But generally, if Disney Pollyanna is not a requirement for you, you can get a whole lot more cruise with other lines.

[GatorMomInNC]

Everyone that I talk to that have been on DCL has loved them, but I just can't bite the bullet and pay $6,000-$10,000 for my family to go. I just cannot see how it could be worth it no matter what's included. I'd love to take my kids on a DCL, but that's a lot of cash. Maybe one day!

 

Wow! How many people in your family? I've been on 5 DCL cruises (2A2C) and not even spent $6k (yet) on one. I will say my med cruise next year is set to cost over $6k, but if I go down toOV I can do it for $5k...

Edited May 28, 2015 by GatorMomInNC

[moki'smommy]

Wow! How many people in your family? I've been on 5 DCL cruises (2A2C) and not even spent $6k (yet) on one. I will say my med cruise next year is set to cost over $6k, but if I go down toOV I can do it for $5k...

 

Current pricing for a summer week for 4 on the Fantasy in a balcony cabin is $8000. Of course, an off season week is "only" $5400 and in an inside cabin for 2 people drops down to $3000.

 

THe cruise I was somewhat interested in this summer is $7400 in an inside cabin for 2 adults. Not booking at that price! My point is that the poster's comment about 6-8K is not unrealistic for a family of 4 with kids who can't or won't travel off season.

[coldflame]

My point is that the poster's comment about 6-8K is not unrealistic for a family of 4 with kids who can't or won't travel off season.

 

Well put. More so if the family is not a Disney Pollyanna uber fan. $7000+/- goes a long way (and I mean 300+ SqF junior suite, in some cases) with other premium cruise lines, even on high summer season. In essence it's a proposition for people on a realistic budget paying quite a lot more for a lot less room.

 

By the time you add excursions, tips, miscellaneous drinks here and there, premium dining you're likely looking at $9K for a family of 4 on a 7-nighter. On a NCL or RCCL you can get the same for about $5.5-6K. Leaving those extra $3K for air transport if they don't live within driveable distance. We're not talking about cheapskates, penny-pinching here. $3K is quite a significant difference.

Edited May 28, 2015 by coldflame

[Tonka's Skipper]

All true everyone, DCL is often a lot more but not always

 

The big difference is you cannot have a Disney cruise anywhere else. Not to mention the rest of the cruise in the vessels, entertainment, food, service, etc is usual better then most of the other lines.

 

Disney charges more because they put more into their cruises and usual have no problems filling their ships. Lines like Carnival Inc., RCCL and CL charge what they can for what they provide, and people are only willing to pay less for that product. So to try and make up for the lower rates, they hit up passengers by nickel and diming wherever they can. NCL had such a up roar they had to pull back on some of the new charges.

 

My wife and I have found RCCL to be our 2nd choice(not the monster vessels, I just don't like the massive size).

 

Everyone needs to decide what is better for their families.

 

AKK

Edited May 28, 2015 by Tonka's Skipper

[100Happy]

Your kids are the perfect age for Disney. Everything is geared towards them and you will never, ever hear...I am bored. Disney is safe, they have lifeguards (no other cruise line does) and you will never need to worry about inappropriate adult behavior. If my child is having a great time so am I.

 

I have taken 6 DCL cruises which typically costs my family of 3 around $4000 for a Verandah stateroom, this includes two spring break cruises. So a family of 4 can sail on Disney for less then $5000. You need to plan it at least a year out and if possible book as soon as Disney releases their schedules. Quality is more important to me then Quantity. My husband and I have very demanding careers so when we take a vacation I want to guarantee we have a great time. On Disney we will.

 

For all you who keep saying Pollyanna Disney...I am not sure why this response comes into play in the OP question of Why DCL???