Why DCL?

[Ex techie]

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.

 

It is a proposition for people that want to pay less than DCL command.

But you still do not get to cruise on Disney Cruise Line, have the Disney Characters that children and adults both love, the attention to detail, classy interiors, Characters, did I mention the Characters? ;), no shopping mall "main drag" strip, less up charge restaurants.

 

 

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

 

What whole lot more cruise do you get?

You may pay less, but what more do you get activities aside?

 

ex techie

[coldflame]

 

 

What whole lot more cruise do you get?

You may pay less, but what more do you get activities aside?

 

ex techie

 

Are you being facetious? Because aside from quality of service/kids programming which I don't think can be disputed DCL has the upper hand, I'd rank DCL ships rather low for family self-directed entertainment. No ice-skating rink, bowling lanes, zip-lining, climbing wall, rope course, water park, splash park several dinner-shows to choose from (murder mystery, circus, magicians, etc.), and very, very small swimming pools (probably the smallest for a ship the size of a Dream class ship).

[Ex techie]

Are you being facetious? Because aside from quality of service/kids programming which I don't think can be disputed DCL has the upper hand, I'd rank DCL ships rather low for family self-directed entertainment. No ice-skating rink, bowling lanes, zip-lining, climbing wall, rope course, water park, splash park several dinner-shows to choose from (murder mystery, circus, magicians, etc.), and very, very small swimming pools (probably the smallest for a ship the size of a Dream class ship).

 

Not at all.

 

Sorry my punctuation was amiss.

It should have read "What whole lot more cruise do you get?

You may pay less, but what more do you get, activities aside?".

 

I say that as not all the ships have all of those amenities, so lets set them aside.

And aren't the speciality dining venues such as the circus on NCL an up charge to the cruise fare at $40pp plus grats?

 

 

ex techie

[coldflame]

Not at all.

 

Sorry my punctuation was amiss.

It should have read "What whole lot more cruise do you get?

You may pay less, but what more do you get, activities aside?".

 

I say that as not all the ships have all of those amenities, so lets set them aside.

And aren't the speciality dining venues such as the circus on NCL an up charge to the cruise fare at $40pp plus grats?

 

 

ex techie

 

Not counting Carnival because well... it's Carnival. Or Princess/Holland America because families is not their emphasis -- more like a necessary side-effect they'd rather not have. So that leaves us RCCL/NCL. Any modern ship from their fleet (say, 2008+) has some or all of the above I mentioned. And you are correct, dinner-shows are extra in NCL but those are options that do not currently exist in DCL ships. DCL ships are sorely lacking in this respect. Granted that type of enjoyment is not for every family (some families prefer to drop off the kids at the club and disconnect till it's dinner time), but for "active" or "highly motivated" families DCL has very little to offer.

 

I know I heard a blurb/rumor a while back (maybe last year while aboard the Dream, not sure) they were thinking for future ships with more physical activities and dining venues, if and when that happens maybe the value proposition for that type of family will even out -- but judging as of now I think DCL is quite happy where it is and laughing to the bank :)

[Ex techie]

I agree I think it was a mistake on the Dream class to not include a rock climbing wall in the rear of the Aft funnel.

 

What I don't get is where DCL have wasted any space on the ships in comparison to other ships even without the casino.

 

For example, the Radiance class seems to be the most comparable to the Magic class. (6,000 tons GRT heavier than the Magic originally)

"Amenities available on Radiance of the Seas include:

 

Radiance Day Spa & Fitness Centre

Beauty Salon

Solarium

Three Pools

Three Whirlpools

Half Basketball Court

Rock-climbing Wall

Nine-Hole Miniature Golf Course

Jogging Track

Shops and Boutiques

Art & Photo Gallery

Seattle’s Best Coffee

Medical Centre

Business Services

Royal Caribbean Online Internet Center.

 

And the most compatible RCL ship to the Dream class seems to be the Freedom class. (24,000 tons GWT heavier than the Dream class)

 

"Amenties available on Freedom of the Seas include:

 

Freedom Day Spa & Fitness Center

Royal Promenade Boutiques

Art & Photo Gallery

Three Pools

Six Whirlpools

Pool Bar

Adventure Ocean kids club

Florist

Medical Center

FlowRider surf simulator

Rock-climbing Wall

Sports Court

Nine-hole Miniature Golf Course

Jogging Path

Karaoke Room

Video Game Room

Ice Skating Rink

Ben & Jerry’s ice cream scoop shop"

 

ex techie

Edited May 29, 2015 by Ex techie

[Ex techie]

Forgot to say, it is rumored that the new builds will be smaller than the Dream class so unless they reduce the occupancy, or opt for a radical new design (not likely) that they will still have limited deck space (upper or lower) to include more activities.

 

ex techie

[moki'smommy]

Most other lines have far less space devoted to kid programming than DCL has. Granted, this is not open deck space, but could account for the space devoted to the casino.

 

And yes, I've also heard the rumor that the next ships will have a passenger load between that of the classics and the new ships.

[coldflame]

I agree I think it was a mistake on the Dream class to not include a rock climbing wall in the rear of the Aft funnel.

 

What I don't get is where DCL have wasted any space on the ships in comparison to other ships even without the casino.

 

ex techie

 

100% agree on this. In our last two trip aboard Dream-class ships, me and my wife went through the whole ship, deck 3, 4,5 (pubic venues) and deck 11,12 forward to aft. There are so many "missed opportunities" in these ships that I think both of them still have retrofit potential.

 

The number 1, without a single doubt, waste of rec space is the 4th deck front in the Vibe. In all the cruises aboard these two ships (~ 36 days) we have never seen a single teenager soul using that space upfront. Not in the mornings, noon, afternoons or night. They could re-purpose that for just about anything: rope course, monkey gym, maze, dinner-show venue, etc. Mind you, this would still leave the whole internal part of Vibe alone and happy.

 

The AquaLab area in the Fantasy if pretty cool for little kids, but what a waste of space in the Dream. 9/10 that bar back there is closed so double whammy no entertainment, no revenue value.

 

The back wall of the Goofy Sports could be re-purposed as a climbing wall so not necessary needing to use the back exhaust area.

 

Not sure how much revenue the art gallery brings, but it's almost always empty or people simply passing by. Make something else of it, maybe a premium dining place/bakery.

 

Host dinner-shows at the D-Lounge or The Tube (another missed opportunity with very little investment, relatively speaking).

 

Join both all-age pools in deck 11 and make a bit deeper. That could be large enough they could use for early morning swimming lessons or aqua-aerobics.

[clemsonlori98]

DCL was awesome for our family. We have a 5 year old and he had a blast. Heck, we had a blast. We also got an awesome VGT rate for January of this year. $2980 for the 3 of us. We got a deluxe family stateroom with verandah (4A) which topped everything off. To be honest, because of this great price, I don't think I could spend much more for this cruise or any cruise for that matter. So, I obviously won't be sailing during peak travel times even having a kid. I have been spoiled. So I will always be looking for the next great deal.

[clemsonlori98]

This was a 7 night, Disney Fantasy cruise by the way.

[meatloafsfan]

Not counting Carnival because well... it's Carnival.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to count out Carnival. With the newer ships or the ones that have gone through the Funship 2.0 changes, you'd be surprised what's on board.

 

Both the Carnival Magic and the Breeze have the ropes course, several waterslides, water play areas, multiple made-to-order food stations as part of their buffet (tandoori, burritos, burgers, pasta bar, deli, wok, etc.), even some of the oceanview family cabins have split baths. Plus basically every night they have both family friendly and adult comedy shows, a piano bar, fly on acts like ventriloquists, magicians, etc. Not to mention so many hot tubs placed around the ship (dream class ships have hot tubs both on the pool deck as well as on the lanai - deck 5).

 

On our last Carnival cruise, March 2015, I found the food a step above what I've experienced on DCL October 2013. I used to say that DCL had the best casual food eateries but not any more. I'll take a fresh made taco, burrito, guys burger, thin crust pizza made to order or a fresh Panini (again made to order) than the stuff offered at Flo's café.

 

DCL is good when the price is right; My 14 night cruise on the Carnival Pride cost me the same as our 7 night on the Fantasy - twice as much cruise for the same cost - that's a no brainer to me.

 

And I've not noticed much of a difference between service on most of the lines. Exceptional service and bad service can and do happen on all cruise lines.

[coldflame]

I wouldn't be so quick to count out Carnival. With the newer ships or the ones that have gone through the Funship 2.0 changes, you'd be surprised what's on board.

 

And I've not noticed much of a difference between service on most of the lines. Exceptional service and bad service can and do happen on all cruise lines.

 

Since their new president took reins, it seems, they have begun to turn the corner -- and I hope they do: more competition is better for the consumer.

 

But for us, as of now, they are not in the same league as DCL, RCCL and NCL. If we keep hearing good word-of-mouth about them, then perhaps next year we'll consider venturing on their funships.

[moki'smommy]

As above--it's going to take years for them to outlive their poor safety record. They do seem to be making progress in changing their image from ships full of drunken partiers to something that a family might want to cruise (especially on the longer cruises).

 

But having seen the Wonder rescue their passenger who "fell" overboard when Carnival's searchlights weren't adequate and they couldn't lower their own lifeboat, having seen their Costa division have a major disaster that was poorly handled...yeah, it's going to take time. I'll let them prove their abilities with other people before I toss any money their way.

[perditax]

As someone new to researching cruises (5 mos now, first cruise upcoming on DCL), I can say that the reviews I've read of the newer Carnival ships have been VERY positive, and I can believe that at this moment in time the casual food quality exceeds DCL. It was surprising, since prior to that I had the typical uninformed person's view of Carnival, e.g. "Never in a million years".

Edited May 30, 2015 by perditax

[sarbah77]

Current pricing for a summer week for 4 on the Fantasy in a balcony cabin is $8000. Of course' date=' 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.[/quote']

 

I usually sail on DCL in January, which is not a peak time, so our fares have been from reasonable to cheaper than our other options... we're planning a family cruise next summer with my husband's brother and his family and I was surprised at the HUGE cost difference - we're getting an aft balcony in January for almost half of what a regular balcony room would cost in July. It does make it harder for families to justify... and my family opted for another line!

[wimsikl]

Ok, here's my two cents. I have two kids, age 8, and we have done 3 NCL cruises in the last year, as well as Walt Disney World for nine days in September. I love cruising, and I love Disney.

 

Here is the key things you mentioned that moved me to write. "Suite" and "UBP."

 

If you scrub the boards, you will see again and again that no one does Suites like NCL. The list of perks you get is absolutely endless. There are threads under NCL listing some of the perks but there are so many little ones people forget about. You and your children are treated like royalty. It is so incredibly fun. Any my kids have loved Splash Academy, an excellent, free kids club.

 

So if you are truly booked into a Suite, and not a minisuite, then I think you HAVE to experience it.

 

The other thing is the UBP. My husband and I both enjoy drinking on cruises, but not TOO much or anything. I may have 4-5 drinks in a day, and then none for two days, etc... He drinks everyday. But even with us being careful and trying to drink cheaper in ports, etc... our bar tab was still $500. If we drank all we wanted with money being no object, I am sure it would be closer to $800, which happens to be about the cost of the UBP.

 

So I think you got in on the incredible promos of earlier this year, and if you got a great deal on a suite (3100!!!) on top of it, I think you should let it ride. You can always take a Disney Cruise another time.

[wimsikl]

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.

 

What does *GT mean?

[c-cruise]

Those of you comparing lists of features/gimmicks are totally missing the boat as far as i'm concerned on why to cruise with Disney. It's all about the onboard family atmosphere for us and we haven't found anything close to it on any other line we have sailed. What that's worth to you is of course an individual decision.

 

We don't sail Disney every time or even want to sail them every time. However, I can say the two Disney cruises we have done have been by far the best family vacations we have taken. We are doing Princess again to Alaska this summer primarily because it was going to be 5k more to do the Disney Wonder and that is more of a premium than we were will to pay for the Disney "experience".

[moki'smommy]

What does *GT mean?

 

*GT is shorthand for VGT/IGT/OGT bookings (guaranteed verandah/inside/oceanview). These are restricted fares (must be paid in full at time of booking, no changes after booked, etc. ) You really need to read the full list of restrictions before booking. The basic idea is that you get to choose your cabin type (inside, oceanview, or verandah), but no further choice. They will NOT move you just because you don't like your assigned cabin, but will move you if there is physically something not working in the cabin after boarding. In exchange for the restrictions, the cabins sell at a significant discount. They are often at or near "day 1" rates for the lowest priced cabin in the type. Can be a HUGE bargain if, for instance, you book VGT (will be priced lower than a cat 7) and get assigned a cat 4. And it does happen.

[Serendipity50]

We have done Princess twice..Carnival once... NCL once and Disney once...but also have two Disney transatlantics booked and another one on NCL.

We have enjoyed everyone of them! each have their own merits

 

Princess was for our 25th Wedding Anniversary and my 50th Birthday and it was fabulous for meeeting eveyone and really dressing up! Very Expensive price

 

Carnival was because we were doing all the theme parks in Orlando and wanted a little cruise for DGD1 to end her holiday and it was so good we all enjoyed it and had so much fun with her! Really cheap price.

 

NCL because I wanted to go to Belize and Costa Maya and they fitted the bill!

And met some lovely people also. Reasonable price.

 

And last year we done Disney with our two youngest DGDS who were 5 and 8 at the time...it was a fabulous cruise ...we all had so much fun...they were so happy and so were we...everything fell into place...so much so that we have booked two more and will be going with adults. Very Expensive ...but the Transatlantics so cheap!

 

The NCL one is for my 60th Birthday and is going to the places I want to in the Med. Really Cheap!

 

We also done a Cape Canaveral cruise in its day when I got to sit next to the Captain at dinner and we only paid buttons for that cruise and it got me to swim with dolphins in Grand Bahama!

 

At the end of the day a cruise is a cruise and any cruise is fabulous...its what you make of it and not what you pay for it and we have only ever done inside cabins:D

Edited June 2, 2015 by Serendipity50