Disney changes alcohol policy and raises corkage fee

[Shmoo here]

But still far, far worse than others.

 

For example?

[NancyIL]

They changed the policy once before....due to guest outcry' date=' the "change" lasted less than 6 weeks.

 

Wonder what caused this one. The last policy change came right after a group of young adults had a major "drunk and disorderly" by the Quiet Cove pool. DCL finds it easier to change "policy" than to deal specifically with inappropriate behavior. To me, this sounds like a financial move rather than a behavioral one though.[/quote']

 

If I recall correctly, the previous attempt to change the alcohol policy was reversed within a day or two.

[pthjudy]

One of the reasons speculated for the change has to do with just this "getting around" mindset. DCL has always said that alcohol brought onboard is not for consumption in public areas, except for bringing a bottle of wine/champagne to the MDRs (subject to corkage fee).

 

People pouring drinks in their rooms, and then carrying them around the ship, and to the dining rooms was disregarding DCLs requested policy.

On other cruise lines we requested wine glasses be brought to our cabin every day. We would pour a glass and bring it into the dining room. Yes, it is disregarding ship policy but no one knew if it came from a bar or cared if it came from our cabin. We are going on the Fantasy in a few days. I may not buy wine because we will be with our grandchildren but then again I may buy a bottle if I find a convenient store near our pre cruise hotel. RC in San Juan actually sold wine right in the terminal!

[moki'smommy]

On other cruise lines we requested wine glasses be brought to our cabin every day. We would pour a glass and bring it into the dining room. Yes, it is disregarding ship policy but no one knew if it came from a bar or cared if it came from our cabin. We are going on the Fantasy in a few days. I may not buy wine because we will be with our grandchildren but then again I may buy a bottle if I find a convenient store near our pre cruise hotel. RC in San Juan actually sold wine right in the terminal!

 

Well, if you are cruising in a few days, you're under the "old" policy of bringing on board anything you wish in any quantity you wish.

 

I've never seen anyone stopped from bringing a single glass of wine into the dining room. First, they don't know whether you bought it from a bar on board, poured it from a bottle obtained on board (example, you chose wine as a platinum CC gift or took your bottle from last evening's dinner back to the cabin with you), or whether you brought it from home. And honestly, I don't think missing the sale of a single glass of wine is going to make or break DCL. It will be interesting to see whether the policy of servers responding to requests for glasses changes. Currently, they will happily supply wine glasses and a corkscrew if requested.

 

But all good things seem to come to an end, whether the increased OBC for gold and platinum rebooking on board, the exclusion of some cruises from rebooking discounts, the "Mickey mail" signings, and now the unlimited alcohol. This one really seems to have a financial motivation from where I'm sitting. But again, who knows?

[Shmoo here]

On other cruise lines we requested wine glasses be brought to our cabin every day. We would pour a glass and bring it into the dining room. Yes, it is disregarding ship policy but no one knew if it came from a bar or cared if it came from our cabin. We are going on the Fantasy in a few days. I may not buy wine because we will be with our grandchildren but then again I may buy a bottle if I find a convenient store near our pre cruise hotel. RC in San Juan actually sold wine right in the terminal!

 

Just a thought, but, possibly someone cared. While the majority reasoning for this policy change is most likely monetary (for DCL), such attitudes would seem to play into the decision, also.

[Emperor Norton]

For example?

 

Unless things have changed: SilverSea, Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream and I *think* Oceania.

 

The one I'm most familiar with, Seabourn allows as much as you want of whatever you want.

[Shmoo here]

Unless things have changed: SilverSea, Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream and I *think* Oceania.

 

The one I'm most familiar with, Seabourn allows as much as you want of whatever you want.

 

Yeah, well, OK. Seems to me you're paying more for those cruiselines, so I'd expect a little more in perks.

[Emperor Norton]

I posted this in another thread - DCL isn't too far off those lines imo -

 

This is somewhat apples to oranges but a 2017 Seabourn Caribbean cruise for 2 adults plus a child over 6 months is ~ $7273.84 for a 295 sq foot ocean view suite. 7 day cruise.

 

A week long cruise on Disney in 2016 for the same number of passengers is ~$5900 for an oceanview thats 91 square feet smaller than the room on Seabourn. If you want to size match thats about $6700.

 

In the end they're relatively close in price (more so if you enjoy adult beverages or other drink types that Disney may charge for that are included on Seabourn).

 

A Crystal 7 day Caribbean cruise in a 226 square foot room with window is $6800. (and like Seabourn, Crystal is all inclusive with the beverages and specialty restaurants).

[Shmoo here]

I posted this in another thread - DCL isn't too far off those lines imo -

 

This is somewhat apples to oranges but a 2017 Seabourn Caribbean cruise for 2 adults plus a child over 6 months is ~ $7273.84 for a 295 sq foot ocean view suite. 7 day cruise.

 

A week long cruise on Disney in 2016 for the same number of passengers is ~$5900 for an oceanview thats 91 square feet smaller than the room on Seabourn. If you want to size match thats about $6700.

 

In the end they're relatively close in price (more so if you enjoy adult beverages or other drink types that Disney may charge for that are included on Seabourn).

 

A Crystal 7 day Caribbean cruise in a 226 square foot room with window is $6800. (and like Seabourn, Crystal is all inclusive with the beverages and specialty restaurants).

 

Cost-wise, I'd agree with you. But, IMO, the actual "luxury" classification is more in keeping with those other cruiselines. DCL, while I love cruising them, really isn't a "luxury" line. I'd probably put them more around Princess in class.

 

Which just means that DCL is costing more for a lesser product. Especially with the change in the alcohol policy.

[pthjudy]

Well' date=' if you are cruising in a few days, you're under the "old" policy of bringing on board anything you wish in any quantity you wish.

 

I've never seen anyone stopped from bringing a single glass of wine into the dining room. First, they don't know whether you bought it from a bar on board, poured it from a bottle obtained on board (example, you chose wine as a platinum CC gift or took your bottle from last evening's dinner back to the cabin with you), or whether you brought it from home. And honestly, I don't think missing the sale of a single glass of wine is going to make or break DCL. It will be interesting to see whether the policy of servers responding to requests for glasses changes. Currently, they will happily supply wine glasses and a corkscrew if requested.

 

But all good things seem to come to an end, whether the increased OBC for gold and platinum rebooking on board, the exclusion of some cruises from rebooking discounts, the "Mickey mail" signings, and now the unlimited alcohol. This one really seems to have a financial motivation from where I'm sitting. But again, who knows?[/quote']

I agree with all that you said. I'm sure the motivation IS financial. Since they don't have casino revenue, liquor (and tours) bring in the profits. I also believe a secondary reason has to do with too much liquor brought onboard equals too much consumed because who wants to bring a bottle back on a plane? Disney is a family cruise line and not a party ship. Drunken behavior is not a Disney characteristic. That being said, bringing my glass of wine into the dining room could also add revenue. Being asked if you'd like another glass of wine may result in a yes once the first glass is downed.

[pthjudy]

Just a thought, but, possibly someone cared. While the majority reasoning for this policy change is most likely monetary (for DCL), such attitudes would seem to play into the decision, also.

 

I was talking about a single glass of wine a day, a bottle or possibly 2 for my husband and myself for the entire cruise. But I do agree that abuse of a privilege can result in loss of the privilege. We are elite on Princess and when we became platinum, we each got unlimited internet. Because some people abused this perk, it is now a limited amount of minutes depending on the length of the cruise. Yes, as other posters have said, Disney is not cheap. However, their cruises sell out more frequently than other lines. As long as that holds true, Disney can do whatever they want.

[Emperor Norton]

Cost-wise, I'd agree with you. But, IMO, the actual "luxury" classification is more in keeping with those other cruiselines. DCL, while I love cruising them, really isn't a "luxury" line. I'd probably put them more around Princess in class.

 

Which just means that DCL is costing more for a lesser product. Especially with the change in the alcohol policy.

 

 

Sadly this seems to be the case. The changes after final payment are also a less than wonderful way to be treated (re: signature policy as well).

[LoveThoseSeaDays]

Many interesting points of view here as I have considered the impact on our family. We are among those who always brought alcohol onboard with us, usually bought the wine package and occasionally the beer mug ... and who used this feature as a way to persuade friends and family to join us.

 

Truthfully, I don't think the changes would affect our cruising decision. We could still bring four bottles of wine with us, and that's pretty good. If we wanted the autographs, we could line up for them. It's really not that big a deal.

 

But what's done us in is price. Not only has our same favourite ocean view stateroom steadily climbed in price, but we're being crushed by currency exchange as well. I've cancelled one cruise and am still sitting on a future cruise certificate that may well expire unused.

 

We've been confined to peak school vacation times for cruising. I'm hoping that once we're into the college years we'll be able to find some less expensive times to cruise. Meanwhile, we're trying other lines.

[ducklite]

Please excuse my total ignorance - what was the policy, in a nutshell, before the change? Were you allowed to carry on hard liquor as well?

 

 

 

The fact that you can still bring two bottles of wine PER PERSON onboard is pretty darn good, especially if it's a 6-day cruise or shorter. Plus, you can get around that corkage fee by pouring yourselves a glass of wine in your stateroom right before dinner then carrying it into the MDR.

 

 

We have no problem paying a corkage fee and feel it was the cheapos who tried to sidestep it who caused much of this new policy.

[ducklite]

I didn't think that there were any cellars in Central Florida, I always thought that the water table was too high.

 

 

Substitute collection if it makes you feel better.

 

By the way, there are some cellars in Florida. The Wine Room in Winter Park has one.

[ducklite]

For example?

 

 

I carried 2-4 bottles of wine onto the ship after port calls at least half a dozen times on Windstar. It was never taken or held until the end of the cruise. They didn't blink an eye.

[ducklite]

Yeah, well, OK. Seems to me you're paying more for those cruiselines, so I'd expect a little more in perks.

 

 

Actually you aren't. DCL is no bargain.

[Shmoo here]

I carried 2-4 bottles of wine onto the ship after port calls at least half a dozen times on Windstar. It was never taken or held until the end of the cruise. They didn't blink an eye.

 

And you can do this under the new DCL policy. The 2 bottles of wine per person can be brought onboard on embarkation as well as from ports of call.

 

Actually you aren't. DCL is no bargain.

 

That was my point. You are most likely paying the higher cost of the more upscale lines (on DCL), but the product is really a lesser quality.

[ducklite]

And you can do this under the new DCL policy. The 2 bottles of wine per person can be brought onboard on embarkation as well as from ports of call.

 

.

 

 

I swore the new policy said they would hold wine carried on at ports of call until the end of the cruise. Might want to recheck that one.

[Shmoo here]

I swore the new policy said they would hold wine carried on at ports of call until the end of the cruise. Might want to recheck that one.

 

Direct from the DCL website:

 

Q: May Guests bring alcohol onboard?

A: Effective for cruises embarking on or after September 30, 2015, Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call.

 

Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $25.00 per bottle. Please note:

 

These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Any alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the end of the cruise.

Any wine or champagne in excess of 2 bottles or beer in excess of 6 beers will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Bringing liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) on board is prohibited. These items will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Guest MUST retrieve any stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Items not retrieved will be destroyed, and no compensation will be offered.

Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

Please note that the Disney Cruise Line alcohol policy is subject to change without notice.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/faqs/preparing-for-your-cruise/alcohol-onboard-policy/

[gismo1554]

My thoughts exactly! I've cruised another line and purchased their drink program. When added up, DCL was comparably priced since passengers could BYOB. However, the higher fares coupled with this change in alcohol policy makes a DCL cruise MUCH more expensive. I'm glad I squeaked by on this change, but I will NOT be booking another cruise while onboard, as I'd planned.

 

I have noticed that the adults only clubs and bars on DCL have fairly low attendance, so perhaps this change is an attempt to drive people into those areas (The District, etc.)? As stated above, I have never seen anyone behaving badly due to too much imbibing. The worst behavior I've witnessed on a Disney cruise is parents screaming at their children....but that's another topic.

 

Well said! I am very disappointed in this change! I'm a solo traveller and for me I like the freedom of having a glass of rum (which is usually a brand that isn't even available on the ship if I can get it in port) at night without having to go to a bar on my own.

 

With regards to people disregarding the policy on alcohol I don't think realistically that many people do or that it has that much impact on profits. If I'm sat in a bar area with a drink from the soda fountain (in a lovely paper cup) surely what this actually reminds people is that they can too do this and therefore may not actually order a drink, whereas if I'm sat with a normal glass with rum and coke in it then people might think I fancy a drink too. Also if I take one drink with me it might entice me to pay for another where as there is no way I'd buy two drinks during an activity or event as I would think this was a waste of money. Perception is an amazing thing and I think Disney's very strict new policy will actually work against profits as I for one will be less likely to buy any drinks now whereas previously I would have purchased something. I think a much better policy would have been 1 litre of spirits per cabin especially on the longer cruises. I have an 11 night cruise with only 1 effective stop (and castaway) so 2 bottles of wine (even if I did drink it) would not last very well (and personally I don't like leaving wine open for more than a day anyway).

[ducklite]

Direct from the DCL website:

 

 

 

Q: May Guests bring alcohol onboard?

 

A: Effective for cruises embarking on or after September 30, 2015, Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call.

 

 

 

Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $25.00 per bottle. Please note:

 

 

 

These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Any alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the end of the cruise.

 

Any wine or champagne in excess of 2 bottles or beer in excess of 6 beers will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Bringing liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) on board is prohibited. These items will be stored until the end of the cruise.

 

Guest MUST retrieve any stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Items not retrieved will be destroyed, and no compensation will be offered.

Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

 

Please note that the Disney Cruise Line alcohol policy is subject to change without notice.

 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/faqs/preparing-for-your-cruise/alcohol-onboard-policy/

 

 

Thanks for clarifying.

[Loonbeam]

I made a few phone calls to people in the industry who would at least have an idea (not AT Disney, but the lines do chat amongst themselves). Of course, this is all off the record, take it with a grain of salt.

 

Their take is that there were a bunch of factors but the three big ones were liability, revenue and security in that order...

 

Apparently on many lines there have been an uptick of issues with legal drinkers bringing on alcohol and providing to underage drinkers resulting in minor incidents and confrontations (not enough to be a major problem but heading that way). Disney's prior policy made them especially vulnerable to this. That may have been the driving force for a policy revision - remember that policies are also in place to give the Cruise line a leg to stand on when dealing with issues of liability.

 

Revenue was a factor, they are sure, in how the final policy was determined but of course have no details.

 

Security was in line with the first one, there's a feeling its just a matter of time before there's a big incident with an underage drinker getting taken advantage of and it making the news.

 

They also reminded me of 2 things. One, this policy is still far more liberal than most lines. Two, a lot will depend on how strictly its enforced. That's when you'll know if its more revenue driven or more legal cover driver (hey, you snuck that alcohol on board - not our fault what happened!)

[chictravel227]

My biggest beef with DCL is this, they knew when they were dropping this policy a long time ago. This was not a decision made last week and announced within 7 days. For this reason, I think the policy should not be implemented until AFTER all PIF cruises. I am upset by this new policy, I did some math and on a longer cruise, we are looking at an additional cost of about 1,000 (3-4 drinks per day, 2 people). This is why I am upset, it is well past my PIF date and I cannot cancel the cruise without losing the monies I paid to DCL not to mention airfare and hotel.

 

Even my DM, who is not quite as, shall we say, animated about issues, was like, well, we can go stay in San Diego for 2 weeks!

 

And DCL is NOT a luxury line. I will be looking at switching my next 2 DCL cruises to a luxury line for around the same cost now. It may not happen, as this is not a 100% deal breaker for me, I had just started looking around anyhow. DCL does not provide a luxury service in line with their prices, imho. It is better than Princess and Carnival, but again, that is my opinion.

[crzndeb]

I am going with my daughters and grandkids on our first Disney cruise in Jan. I have been cruising since 1980 and this will probably be my only Disney cruise. We got a really good price on 2 10A, and now insides are a lot more expensive.

 

That being said, I was looking forward to bringing my own alcohol, but it's not a deal breaker. Both of my daughters prefer wine, and I like my martinis. I'm not a daily drinker, but I do like a nice cold beer on a hot day. I will have no problem ordering a pre dinner martini on a few nights. Since my daughters are usually a glass or 2 of wine pre dinner, I think we will be fine.

 

Yes, Disney is more expensive, but they also only have 4 ships, unlike the other mainstream cruise lines that have many more. I would never choose Disney as my go to cruise line, since I can have just as much fun on other lines. This one is for the grandkids and I am more excited for them. They will be almost 3 and 4 when we sail, and they talk about it all the time.