DCL or Princess: Help Us Decide

[kehonuamemano]

True confession: No judgment please. I am looking for your help to make a tough decision.

First of all I want to say that I am incredibly grateful and know that we are lucky that this is our most difficult decision right now. There are some families and people whose lives are so difficult right now and I am eternally grateful that we are in a position to worry about vacations and not food, shelter, job security, home, health, etc issues.

Also I know there are no bad choices but we are struggling to decide what to do. Help!

Details: We (Me, DH, DD 6) are currently booked on two cruises for the same time period, one on DCL and one on Princess (GASP!). Since we can’t be in two places at one time, we need to make a decision.

Background: We have been on 4 DCL cruises: MED 2010, S. Caribbean XMAS 2010, FANTASY 2012, and CANADA 2012. We have never cruised on another line. I should also note my DH and I have very different ideas on what constitutes a vacation. He requires a beach, sand, and warm weather. I am more high maintenance and require history, excursions, exciting ports of call etc. Instead of trying to find a trip to compromise we tend to switch off as you can probably see just from looking at our DCL cruise history.

Details Cruise 1: The DCL cruise is for 7/13-7/25 leaving Barcelona and traveling to: Villefranche, France; La Spezia, Italy (Florence, Pisa); Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome); Piraeus, Greece (Athens); Kusadasi, Turkey (Ephesus); Mykonos, Greece; Valletta, Malta.

PROS: Kids Club. Our DD 6 loves the kid club on the “old mickey boat” as she calls it. To the point where we literally have to force her to come to dinner, go on excursions with us, go to bed at night etc. (a big PRO but a slight CON sometimes).

Sea Days: Four sea days means lots of much needed rest and relaxation especially between the intensive port schedules.

DISNEY MAGIC-this needs no explanation on this cruise forum. The little touches to the grand gestures, the characters, the shows, and the staff, it's just MAGIC, pun intended.

CONS: Itinerary. The May 2010 MED cruise had a similar itinerary and we really overworked ourselves trying to do as much as possible. Consequently, for the 2013 MED itinerary we are excited to go to Greece, it’s a bucket list item for me, but not for much else. I know I want to shop in Villfranche, maybe go to Gozo in Malta, possibly go to Florence (we went to Cinque Terre last time) and probably stay on the ship for Rome. But the itinerary doesn’t wow us to be honest.

Price: Ouch! My husband will never get over the sticker shock of this cruise. We are booked in one of the cheapest categories, 11B and the total cost for the cruise with airfare is over 11K! Even with finding airfare on our own, the cost will still be over 10, 500. And this doesn’t even count excursions, expenses, onboard charges, etc.

Details Cruise 2: The Princess cruise is for 7/11-7/23 leaving from Venice and traveling to: Overnight in Venice; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Piraeus, Greece (Athens); Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey (Ephesus); Santorini, Greece; Naples, Italy; and disembarking at Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome).

PROS: Itinerary. I want to see Greece and with the Princess itinerary I can see the varied parts of Greece from the city to the country mainland and a couple of the islands. Also, we have never been to Venice or Croatia so those would be new places to explore.

Price: We are booked in a similar sized cabin, minus of course the split bathrooms and the extra space Disney cabins have. However, Princess will pay for a large portion of our flights. So the total cost for the trip with airfare will be around 7500. That amounts to an almost 4K savings over DCL and 3K if we selected our own airfare. (Side note: We are traveling from Boston; airfare is around 1300 per person for both itineraries and 1100 is we were to fly from NYC).

Ship: The Ruby Princess is 10 years newer then DCL Magic. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful, well maintained ship. While people have been reporting the DCL Magic has been showing its age an assessment I didn’t see on our September 2012 CANDNA cruise. But I can agree it’s very creaky.

CONS: Kids Club. I don’t know much about Princess but I can see from their website the hours of the kids club, the activities for our daughter’s age group, etc are of course will be a considerable downgrade from DCL. Also, I trust DCL with my child. We have left her on the ship all day for excursions and not only was she safe we had to beg her to leave the kids club so we could have dinner together. I don’t trust Princess, yet.

THE UNKNOWN. When we decided to first cruise on DCL we had strong recommendations with pictures, videos, souvenirs, etc from friends who had cruised before. The DIS Boards and all of you convinced us that DCL was the right choice. For Princess I don’t have the same. I know people who have been on the cruise but not people with children. I am not sure what to expect. Is there a Passporter for Princess cruise line j/k All this leaves me with is a sense of angst.

Decision timeframe: To take advantage of the Princess deal we have to pay in full by March 15, 2013, when the flight promotion ends (are they trying to lure people away from DCL)? However we can cancel by April 27, 2013 for a full refund. (Does anyone here have any feedback on canceling a Princess cruise)?

DCL final payment date is March 15, 2013 and we have a substantial amount in deposit, plus DCL reward points applied to this cruise. Assuming that the price of this cruise doesn’t go up, and it could (which I cannot imagine who is making up these prices at DCL), we can move our current ressie to our planned Alaska 2014 (we were going to book this onboard) or something else. Then move it back or book a new ressie for DCL MED 2013 and find flights on our own if we decide against Princess.

Okay, now that I have given you my entire life story. What do you think we should do?

BOTTOM LINE: Is DCL worth the additional 4K? Am I being realistic or do I need to break the emotional attachment to DCL.

P.S. We are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on this trip

 

[mmouse37]

29 DCL cruises so I LOVE DCL (and the Magic is my favorite ship) but I could not justify an extra $4K to cruise DCL to the Med. But, if money is no object then book DCL.

Check out www.cruisecritic.com for info on Princess. they have boards for each cruise line so I am sure you can get much more info on things specifically Princess there.


MJ

 

[kehonuamemano]

29 DCL cruises so I LOVE DCL (and the Magic is my favorite ship) but I could not justify an extra $4K to cruise DCL to the Med. But, if money is no object then book DCL.

Check out www.cruisecritic.com for info on Princess. they have boards for each cruise line so I am sure you can get much more info on things specifically Princess there.


MJ

WOW! That's so cool. I take it you like DCL

Thank you for your honest opinion about cost. It's hard to justify the amount when that would pay for another full DCL cruise.

 

[luv2sleep]

29 DCL cruises so I LOVE DCL (and the Magic is my favorite ship) but I could not justify an extra $4K to cruise DCL to the Med. But, if money is no object then book DCL.

Check out www.cruisecritic.com for info on Princess. they have boards for each cruise line so I am sure you can get much more info on things specifically Princess there.

MJ

Cruise critic is great for everything cruise related except for stuff in regards to kids and the nitty gritty details in regards to traveling with kids. Even the family board isn't great. I think we get spoiled by Disney and all it entails when traveling with kids. It's bizarre but either people just don't care as much about things when it comes to cruising with their kids. I know that sounds judgemental but all I've ever gotten over there is "X cruise line is just fine, my kids had a blast IN the clubs, I'd never pay Disney prices!" All they care about is what happens for the kids in the clubs. They don't seem to care much about what else there is to do outside of the clubs besides swimming. Sure there's flow riders and rock walls but little kids can't do that stuff. Just letting people know that cruise critic isn't always that helpful. It's pretty frustrating actually.

 

[woody73]

. . . CONS: Kids Club. I don’t know much about Princess but I can see from their website the hours of the kids club, the activities for our daughter’s age group, etc are of course will be a considerable downgrade from DCL. Also, I trust DCL with my child. We have left her on the ship all day for excursions and not only was she safe we had to beg her to leave the kids club so we could have dinner together. I don’t trust Princess, yet.

I love DCL (Platinum) and have sailed on Princess as recently as last month.

Normally I would say the kids club on another cruise line is less of an issue on a port-intensive itinerary, such as the Princess cruise you describe. Families are often off the ship when it is in port.

But if you intend to leave your DD on the ship all day while you go on excursions, I would go with Disney. DCL is well known for its child care.

Woody

 

[IrenicMom]

I agree, luv2sleep. They're usually not so great on the actual details. And kids? Fuggeddaboutit.

To the OP -

We were faced with a similar dilemma (though a slightly smaller price difference) on our Alaska 2014 trip.

In the end, we chose to stay with DCL, despite the price difference.

The reason? Our kids. Plain and simple. We're willing to sacrifice a few things here and there if it means they will have a better trip. And like you, I trust DCL with the kids (though some will argue that it's a misguided trust).

When it's just dh and myself - I'm less concerned about the cruise line/ship, and more concerned about the itinerary.

With the whole family, though, I need specific details to commit. Honestly? The reason I trust DCL is because I have access to discuss issues with a varying and extremely active community. Not something they control, but something I, for one, appreciate.

The other cruise lines simply don't have that type of community - so my trust level is less.

Long winded way of saying "there's a price I'm willing to pay to lessen my stress" - especially when my kids are involved.

 

[kehonuamemano]

I love DCL (Platinum) and have sailed on Princess as recently as last month.

Normally I would say the kids club on another cruise line is less of an issue on a port-intensive itinerary, such as the Princess cruise you describe. Families are often off the ship when it is in port.

But if you intend to leave your DD on the ship all day while you go on excursions, I would go with Disney. DCL is well known for its child care.

Woody

We defintely hope that she will go on more excursions with us. She will be almost 7 on the cruise, August 3rd is her birthday. But she tends to act older and is taller so can pass for a 9-10 year old.
With that being said, I realize she will have very little interest looking at 3000 year old artificats, musuem, etc with us. So she will probably want to stay on the ship.

 

[kehonuamemano]

Cruise critic is great for everything cruise related except for stuff in regards to kids and the nitty gritty details in regards to traveling with kids. Even the family board isn't great. I think we get spoiled by Disney and all it entails when traveling with kids. It's bizarre but either people just don't care as much about things when it comes to cruising with their kids. I know that sounds judgemental but all I've ever gotten over there is "X cruise line is just fine, my kids had a blast IN the clubs, I'd never pay Disney prices!" All they care about is what happens for the kids in the clubs. They don't seem to care much about what else there is to do outside of the clubs besides swimming. Sure there's flow riders and rock walls but little kids can't do that stuff. Just letting people know that cruise critic isn't always that helpful. It's pretty frustrating actually.

I have to admit that I find it harder to navigate cruise critic but I thought it's because I am so used to DIS boards. I was thinking I must be missing a million posts since the information on kids stuff was not apparent. Thank you for saving me some time.

 

[luv2sleep]

I agree, luv2sleep. They're usually not so great on the actual details. And kids? Fuggeddaboutit.

To the OP -

We were faced with a similar dilemma (though a slightly smaller price difference) on our Alaska 2014 trip.

In the end, we chose to stay with DCL, despite the price difference.

The reason? Our kids. Plain and simple. We're willing to sacrifice a few things here and there if it means they will have a better trip. And like you, I trust DCL with the kids (though some will argue that it's a misguided trust).

When it's just dh and myself - I'm less concerned about the cruise line/ship, and more concerned about the itinerary.

With the whole family, though, I need specific details to commit. Honestly? The reason I trust DCL is because I have access to discuss issues with a varying and extremely active community. Not something they control, but something I, for one, appreciate.

The other cruise lines simply don't have that type of community - so my trust level is less.

Long winded way of saying "there's a price I'm willing to pay to lessen my stress" - especially when my kids are involved.

Exactly the way I feel too. If its just an adult location itinerary and price are the most important factors. With kids thrown in the decisions can be much harder. I think if I had never sailed Disney I wouldn't care that much because I wouldn't understand all if the little extras DCL provides when it comes to kids.

 

[kehonuamemano]

The reason I trust DCL is because I have access to discuss issues with a varying and extremely active community. Not something they control, but something I, for one, appreciate.[/B]

Long winded way of saying "there's a price I'm willing to pay to lessen my stress" - especially when my kids are involved.

That's is exactly what I was thinking but couldn't articulate. It's really the past DCL cruising community that has increased my "trust" of DCL. I just don't see it for Princess and I am having a hard time with the decision.

My DH says to do whatever is going to make me happy. After 15 years of marriage he has learned a thing or two. Which, I forgot to add we will celebrate our 15th anniversary on this cruise.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

There's no way DCL is worth an extra $4,000. Heck for that just hire a babysitter and get another cabin for the babysitter on Princess LOL!

Not to mention the ports are dramatically better on the Princess. Overnight in Venice is worth a LOT it's just amazing if you can go in the evening.

Looking at those ports for Princess I think your daughter could enjoy most of them. These aren't "museum" intensive but "Sight" intensive. YOu can do most of them without ever doing a museum unless you want to and there will be a lot I expect she will enjoy. We did lots of them several years ago on the old Olympic Curise line (a line most DCL fans would run screaming from but ....) and the kids on our ship did great (and this ship did not bother with "kids clubs" LOL!)

I had a friend whose DH scheduled them on Princess. There weren't as many kids as on DCL (that's true of most lines LOL!) and as a result her son was treated like a royal prince by the staff. They loved him and took great care of him. She said he basically could have anything he wanted from that staff with just a smile. We saw that same experience on Olympic. Fewer kids and while there was not a "kids club" staff members would stop what they were doing to play with the kids, teach them Greek dancing etc...


My reaction to the DCL cruising community is a little different then yours. I feel like it's almost a 'defensive" posture. "we have to pump it up because we are paying more" Even when the comparison doesn't come out in Disney's favor, the DIS and places like it tend to chant "Disney Disney Disney" Some posters are unbiased but some people develop more an "emotional" committment to Disney. (Even when Disney screws up.. After my Dream cruise which had horrible issues I was told "but it's OK because it's Disney." In other words, we would have trashed another line for the service you got and the issues with your room but "it's OK to expect less from Disney"? ???_)

 

[Bear3412]

I will add Princess does not allow smoking on balconies like DCL currently, if that is a consideration.

 

[MCBWHITE]

I would lean toward sticking with DCL, mainly because of your DD. If it was me in your situation, knowing how much my DD LOVED the kids clubs on DCL (which I can relate to...our kids are huge fans, too), I would hate for her to risk going on the Princess cruise with the same expectation or hopes regarding the kids clubs and then find out that they're not even close. For me, dealing with a potentially miserable daughter would really put a damper on the cruise. Now, maybe your daughter is more resilient than any of mine are. And if (in your situation) I could find good information about the kids activities on the Princess, I might feel more comfortable giving them a try. But since you're not really finding much about what to expect on Princess and your DD has such high expectations based on experience with DCL, I think I would stick with DCL. (If it was just you and DH, I would totally try Princess, as the cost and the itinerary sound a bit better to me and my past experience with them (pre-kids) was good.). Good luck!

 

[IrenicMom]

My reaction to the DCL cruising community is a little different then yours. I feel like it's almost a 'defensive" posture. "we have to pump it up because we are paying more" Even when the comparison doesn't come out in Disney's favor, the DIS and places like it tend to chant "Disney Disney Disney" Some posters are unbiased but some people develop more an "emotional" committment to Disney.

This is a very valid point. To put another twist on it - I'm definitely someone who has an "emotional" commitment to Disney. But for me, that doesn't serve as a Get Out of Jail Free card for them - it means I hold them to a higher standard, and if they don't maintain that standard (which I believe is the standard THEY set, advertise, etc), I will be more likely to step up and voice a concern.

I'm more likely to give a pass to other corporations (hotels, theme parks, cruise lines) because I feel that they, themselves, don't hold themselves to that standard, so it's unfair that I should do so. But Disney? They advertise it, they market it, and they make us (well, me, at least) come to expect it. They darn well better uphold it - because I am willing to pay a premium for it.

 

[kehonuamemano]

There's no way DCL is worth an extra $4,000. Heck for that just hire a babysitter and get another cabin for the babysitter on Princess LOL!

Not to mention the ports are dramatically better on the Princess. Overnight in Venice is worth a LOT it's just amazing if you can go in the evening.

Looking at those ports for Princess I think your daughter could enjoy most of them. These aren't "museum" intensive but "Sight" intensive. YOu can do most of them without ever doing a museum unless you want to and there will be a lot I expect she will enjoy. We did lots of them several years ago on the old Olympic Curise line (a line most DCL fans would run screaming from but ....) and the kids on our ship did great (and this ship did not bother with "kids clubs" LOL!)

I had a friend whose DH scheduled them on Princess. There weren't as many kids as on DCL (that's true of most lines LOL!) and as a result her son was treated like a royal prince by the staff. They loved him and took great care of him. She said he basically could have anything he wanted from that staff with just a smile. We saw that same experience on Olympic. Fewer kids and while there was not a "kids club" staff members would stop what they were doing to play with the kids, teach them Greek dancing etc...


My reaction to the DCL cruising community is a little different then yours. I feel like it's almost a 'defensive" posture. "we have to pump it up because we are paying more" Even when the comparison doesn't come out in Disney's favor, the DIS and places like it tend to chant "Disney Disney Disney" Some posters are unbiased but some people develop more an "emotional" committment to Disney. (Even when Disney screws up.. After my Dream cruise which had horrible issues I was told "but it's OK because it's Disney." In other words, we would have trashed another line for the service you got and the issues with your room but "it's OK to expect less from Disney"? ???_)

Great post! A lot of great information and thoughtful opinion. I was looking exactly for the alternate opinion. Thank you!

Particularly, thanking you for pointing out the museum vs sight. I didn't think of it that way and I can see the difference in the way you explained it. Also, I didn't think that it would be a possibility that she may have more attention on Princess. That's another great counter point.

Disney loyalty is near cult status and I am definitely questioning the wisdom of my membership for this cruise.

What happened on your Dream cruise? We had a lack luster experience on the Fantasy last year so I’m curious.

Thanks again,
RRC

 

[stsomewhere]

We love DCL. But, we sail other lines.

For $4000, we would be sailing on Princess. It could cover private excursions that your daughter would enjoy.

I thought that my kids 13 and 11 would be bored on a HAL cruise last year. The kids clubs did not compare to DCl but they liked it.

There were only 30 kids on the 10 night sailing. They found kids their age and hung out,even when the clubs were closed.

They told me that they enjoyed having a smaller group because they got to be great friends with other kids and staff.

The thing about sailing other lines is you can not compare them to DCL. ( maybe when you get home) Just enjoy the memories you are making .

 

[kehonuamemano]

I will add Princess does not allow smoking on balconies like DCL currently, if that is a consideration.

Non-smokers here so it's actually a plus.

 

[kehonuamemano]

I would lean toward sticking with DCL, mainly because of your DD. If it was me in your situation, knowing how much my DD LOVED the kids clubs on DCL (which I can relate to...our kids are huge fans, too), I would hate for her to risk going on the Princess cruise with the same expectation or hopes regarding the kids clubs and then find out that they're not even close. For me, dealing with a potentially miserable daughter would really put a damper on the cruise. Now, maybe your daughter is more resilient than any of mine are. And if (in your situation) I could find good information about the kids activities on the Princess, I might feel more comfortable giving them a try. But since you're not really finding much about what to expect on Princess and your DD has such high expectations based on experience with DCL, I think I would stick with DCL. (If it was just you and DH, I would totally try Princess, as the cost and the itinerary sound a bit better to me and my past experience with them (pre-kids) was good.). Good luck!

Her disappointment is one of the major factors. We asked her and she just said flat out No, she wants to go on Disney. She is resilent so she would come around to the Princess cruise but I am worried about her experience while on the ship.

 

[kehonuamemano]

The thing about sailing other lines is you can not compare them to DCL. ( maybe when you get home) Just enjoy the memories you are making .

Well spoken!

 

[corbett744]

We have gone on both. THese are the bid differences from my perspective.
1 Same "category" rooms are smaller on princess.
2 Shows in the evening are frequently not family friendly.
3 There is a casino on Princess, and they use that a s a form of entertainment.

That said, we did like Princess and elected to go on it again when we went to ALaska. But I have to say, my first choice is DCL.