Anyone Else Think Disney Cruises Are Too Expensive?

[rubbergypsy]

I have cruised on rc and princess in the past, taking first disney cruise presidents week, 4 night, am an annual passholder and the mickey monitor had an offer, 75 shipboard credit and 429 pp for cat 11. did not think that expensive at all and i get $75 on top of that!! i think that there are bargains out there, just have to find them.

 

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

In comparison to other cruises, Disney may seem more expensive right off the bat for reservations itself. However, other cruise lines make up that money very easily. From what I understand, the DCL is the only cruise line that does not have a casino on board. Casinos are huge money makers for cruise lines, and typically gambling goes hand in hand with the purchase of alcohol...another big money maker. Though DCL serves alcohol, it is not to the extent of a cruise line that has on board casinos. As a result, they are not making as much money on board as a cruise line that does have casinos (and as a result, typically serves more alcohol) and so they make up that money in other ways...in DCL's case, it's the cost of a reservation. And while perhaps anyone reading this might not gamble or gamble enough to make up the cost difference between their cruise on DCL or another line, it's a safe bet to say that there are plenty of other cruisers that make up that difference and then some that they don't need to raise their prices to what Disney is charging.

Someone else pointed this out on page 1, but NCL America does not have casinos on their ships (the state of Hawaii does not allow it). Their prices are lower than Disney's for their typical one-week cruises.

In a phone interview, Colin Veitch, N.C.L.'s president, said the company believes that the underserved Hawaiian market held great promise with or without gambling revenues. ''On-board gambling revenue amounts to between 5 to 7 percent of our total net revenue,'' he said, ''about what we make from the bar, the on-board shops or from land packages.''

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9D07E5D71F39F935A35756C0A9679C8B63

DCL certainly charges more than a 5-7% price increase over other lines. But like I mentioned earlier, DCL has huge free kids' clubs that are much bigger in scope than other lines. That's probably part of the price difference, but even so, I think Disney charges their prices because they only have two ships, lots of Disney fans who are repeat visitors, and thus they have higher demand. Me, I'm happy to pay a bit extra for my first DCL (Wonder) cruise than I would on another line, but for everyone there's a limit. If I were looking to book a Mexican cruise next year (I'm not), Disney would not be my first choice due to the high prices.

Please note that I'm saying this without having cruised with Mickey yet. I just don't know how much better or worse DCL will be compared to Celebrity, which is my #1 cruiseline so far.

 

[ivanova]

I'm a TA and think the '08 pricing is very high... and we haven't seen anything past April 08 yet. Consider though that other cruise lines have a revenue stream to offset the higher cruise costs: Gambling. There is no gambling on DCL. The gambling monies on the other cruise lines result in lower fares for all of us.

Just something to think about when we look at that pricing!

Gambling isn't the only offset that other cruiselines have that DCL doesn't have ... alcohol sales are HUGE on other cruiselines, not so much on DCL ... other cruiselines charge you for soda, even at dinner, not on DCL ... other cruiselines have less expensive entertainment options, DCL opts for Broadway style (expensive) productions ... not all cruiselines have top notch kids' areas/activities, DCL invests almost a full deck to the under age set ... on many cruise ships double occupancy is the standard which is a problem for a family of 3 or 4, with DCL all rooms are triple occupancy with many quad occupancy rooms available ... many cruise ships have SMALL staterooms (i.e. 120 square feet), whereas I think the smallest stateroom on DCL is around 184 square feet.

Yes, you pay more upfront for DCL. Part of that is because they only have two ships, limiting their inventory, but a lot of it is because they don't have the same revenue streams that other cruise lines have (gambling, alcohol, sodas, etc.).

 

[ivanova]

Someone else pointed this out on page 1, but NCL America does not have casinos on their ships (the state of Hawaii does not allow it). Their prices are lower than Disney's for their typical one-week cruises.

I don't think NCL America and DCL can really be compared on an apples to apples basis....

 

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

I don't think NCL America and DCL can really be compared on an apples to apples basis....

No, because they're different in many ways. But NCL America has several reasons to charge even higher prices like DCL. They have 3 ships, a unique itinerary (thus high demand as well) and US crews that must be paid more. And NCL America aside, consider NCL's president's assessment of his line's overall casino revenue and assume it's similar for other cruise lines. DCL charges over 5-7% more for a similar itinerary.

I wouldn't count soda as a massive cost for Disney, though. It's really an inexpensive item. Also, I'm sure we Disney nuts buy a lot of souvenirs in the onboard shops and that can make up for lost revenue in casinos and alcohol (seeing as so many DCL passengers are kids). I know other lines don't have people camping outside of shops waiting to buy pins. DCL has the giant kids' club, much larger than other lines, and for such a small line to have a private island and its own terminal is a pretty huge cost there as well. I just don't see the lack of casino being a huge reason why DCL charges more. I think some like to claim moral superiority over other lines--disapproving of gambling and all that.

It's like WDW resorts. We pay more money to stay at a Disney-owned resort. There are numerous reasons why (location, onsite perks, etc) and it's up to the visitor to assess whether the additional cost is worth it or if they want to stay at a Hilton or a Motel 6 or a villa or whatever. It's not worth it to everyone.

 

[beachblanket]

The DCL pricing strategy is increasingly removing the middle class from their client base. The average household income in the U.S. is about $45,000 - do people here actually think that allows families around that norm to blow $4,000-5,000 + (which with air and other expenses is probaby the minimum a family of four is looking at) on a DCL trip?

Bottom line: DCLs message to cruisers is simple. Those not in upper income brackets need not apply.

Interestingly, the park element at Disney decided not to follow that path, which is why they opened something called value resorts.

 

[justhat]

Please note that I'm saying this without having cruised with Mickey yet. I just don't know how much better or worse DCL will be compared to Celebrity, which is my #1 cruiseline so far.

Celebrity is our #1 cruiseline too, but it is now tied for #1 with DCL. I can't say a bad thing about Celebrity, honestly, but DCL has so many great things about it too that for us right now they're a top runner too.

DCL's rooms are a little better than Celebrity's - we've stayed in a Royal Suite and Concierge Class rooms on Celebrity and a 1 bedroom suite on DCL (and a Cat 6 next month) and DCL's suite was way nicer than Celebrity's Royal Suite. With one caveat-DCL's suites are on the highest deck of rooms, therefore right under the pools/eateries. Makes for a very noisy cabin, pretty much all the time. That's why we're going for a Cat 6 next month, just to be off of Deck 8. Celebrity's boats are designed better to put the suites on Deck 6. Of course, I don't think anyone should have a noisy room, but it really doesn't make any sense to put the most expensive rooms in the noisest location.

And like I said in an earlier post, the nursery is the deciding factor for us. Celebrity doesn't have any programs for my kids, but DCL does. So since we don't have a babysitter at home, our cruise next month will be the first time we'll eat a kid-free meal since January 2006 . And I was pregnant and sick then anyway. So in deciding between Celebrity and DCL for next month, though we liked Celebrity's itinerary a little better, Flounder's Reef sealed the deal and price wasn't even in the equation anymore.

 

[ivanova]

I wouldn't count soda as a massive cost for Disney, though. It's really an inexpensive item.

Soda isn't a big cost for any of the cruise lines, which is why it's a big money maker for them ... they don't pay much for it, yet they charge guests at every turn including in the dining rooms. So even though sodas don't cost DCL much, they are a lost revenue source.

I think we all agree that DCL is expensive. I hope that if and when new ships are added the price will go down at least a little.

As much as I'd like to see that happen, I don't think it will. The next ship or two won't be based out of Florida. I imagine DCL's ferverent hope is that they can maintain premium pricing while adding in new itinerary options, to draw in those that don't want to repeat past itineraries as well is attract those that don't want to fly to FL for a cruise.

 

["Got Disney"]

The DCL pricing strategy is increasingly removing the middle class from their client base. The average household income in the U.S. is about $45,000 - do people here actually think that allows families around that norm to blow $4,000-5,000 + (which with air and other expenses is probaby the minimum a family of four is looking at) on a DCL trip?

Bottom line: DCLs message to cruisers is simple. Those not in upper income brackets need not apply.

Interestingly, the park element at Disney decided not to follow that path, which is why they opened something called value resorts.

I have to agree to a point...$45,000 could be a good income depanding on where you live. Here in SanDiego however it could be tough.

We have a great income and have been blessed and go on DCL every year and a half , but some of our friends can not go with us because it is above there spending means. Would like to see the prices come down so they could justify spending all that $$$$ and afterwords have it just gone.

I have suggested that even if they save for a few years to go it will be so worth it, but than they could also go on other lines for less and have a great time. It wont have the Disney experiance but they will have a vacation.

It does seen that the pricing is geared Middle to upper Middle class and that is a shame. Although I don't feel that that is there intent. After all we must remember that Disney is not in the Cruise ship buisness. There income comes from the parks and other outlets like TV. The ships were built as an extra not to replace.

If Disney did decide to go into the ship buisness and build a fleet well than I'm sure that the prices would come down. But as we all know that is not probubly going to happen.

 

[gmark2000]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";16557641]It does seem that the pricing is geared Middle to upper Middle class and that is a shame. Although I don't feel that that is their intent. [/QUOTE]
That is indeed their intent. This is a premium-priced entertainment cruise and not meant for the proletariat. However, this fact does not deter the occasional "boors" that wear t-shirts and shorts to the dining room on Formal Night.

[QUOTE="Got Disney";16557641]After all we must remember that Disney is not in the Cruise ship business. Their income comes from the parks and other outlets like TV. The ships were built as an extra not to replace. [/QUOTE]
You aren't a Disney shareholder then. Disney is a publicly-listed corporation out to make maximum profits each financial quarter. They are indeed in the cruise business as well any of their other lines of business (profit).

 

[ivanova]

Disney is a publicly-listed corporation out to make maximum profits each financial quarter. They are indeed in the cruise business as well any of their other lines of business (profit).

They are in the cruise business, but they are not solely a cruise company like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others.

Overall Disney is an entertainment company, with their cruiseline being a spoke in that wheel. Unlike "typical" cruise lines Disney does not live and breath by cruising. They're profits come from the cruise line, the parks, TV, movies/videos, etc. They do not HAVE to expand the cruise line to continue making a profit.

In reality as a whole the company will look at how little they can invest in a venture versus how much profit it will make, and how long it will take to turn that profit. Sinking half a billion dollars into a ship build probably doesn't look great on paper when you look at how long it will take to recover that money and truly turn a profit compared to say making another movie for a lot less money (a la Stitch) which can be a franchising boon for them (ties in the parks and merchandising up the whazoo).

 

[tvguy]

Disney reportedly has the highest occupancy rate, and highest number of repeat cruisers, all while charging nearly the highest prices.
As long as those things remain the same, from a business perspective, Disney would be crazy to change anything.
I often wonder how people can afford these cruises, especially the folks that have gone several times with kids, and always book a cabin in one of the top 5 categories. But they find a way, and it's none of my business how they do it.

 

[birkner]

Disney reportedly has the highest occupancy rate, and highest number of repeat cruisers, all while charging nearly the highest prices.
As long as those things remain the same, from a business perspective, Disney would be crazy to change anything.
I often wonder how people can afford these cruises, especially the folks that have gone several times with kids, and always book a cabin in one of the top 5 categories. But they find a way, and it's none of my business how they do it.

Sometimes it is not the "kids" paying, it is their "parents".

 

["Got Disney"]

That is indeed their intent. This is a premium-priced entertainment cruise and not meant for the proletariat. However, this fact does not deter the occasional "boors" that wear t-shirts and shorts to the dining room on Formal Night.[quote/]


I 100% disagree with your statement...First of all you don't have to be in the catagory as you so put it "proletariat" to be the ones to go into the dinning room in t-shirts, shorts and be called an occasional boor!!

Plenty of people with $$$ have entered that way also. Second of all that is very insulting remark.

I think you can state your opinion without being so rude.

 

[PatricenPete]

That is indeed their intent. This is a premium-priced entertainment cruise and not meant for the proletariat. However, this fact does not deter the occasional "boors" that wear t-shirts and shorts to the dining room on Formal Night.

Boors? Really? My family would hardly qualify as "boors", but on our first Disney cruise, going in not knowing a thing, we most certainly did show up for dinner every night in shorts. Even now, as repeat cruisers, I would still have no problem showing up in the dining room on Formal or any other night in shorts and a t-shirt. Tell me, are you really going to enjoy your steak any less because I am sitting next to you wearing shorts?

Okay off my soapbox.....

Disney has no reason to reduce their pricing. They are going to continue raping the public with their prices (sorry to be so crass) as long as their are people that are willing to pay the prices each and every sailing.

 

[angela barklow]

I really do think they are to expensive, We sailed in 9/2006 and loved it, we rebooked before we got off the ship for that 10% discount for dec. 1 2007,
7 night western cruise. For my family of 5 it is $5131.65 And that is a baloncy room, now one of my kids are listed in my sisters room so we didn't have to get the larger room, but we will still be paying for her of course. I check with Carnival sailing out the same time western caibbean for all 5 of us it would be $2900.00, yes big diffences. I think we are going to have to change over to Carnival, I would rather spend that extra money on my kids and ourselfs. And when I really sat down and thought about it, my kids went into the kids clubs once, that was it!! The rest of the time on the ship we either went to the movies, theather, or stood in line to get pictures and autographs. So they really didn't do a whole lot on the ship our fun was when we got off of the ship. Yes you are paying for the Disney Name if they wanted autographs and pictures we will take them to Disney world again. So we will be trying a different cruise this year to really see how they add up to Dsiney cruise Lines. Just another opinion

 

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

The DCL pricing strategy is increasingly removing the middle class from their client base. The average household income in the U.S. is about $45,000 - do people here actually think that allows families around that norm to blow $4,000-5,000 + (which with air and other expenses is probaby the minimum a family of four is looking at) on a DCL trip?

Bottom line: DCLs message to cruisers is simple. Those not in upper income brackets need not apply.

Interestingly, the park element at Disney decided not to follow that path, which is why they opened something called value resorts.

Well, DCL isn't a charity. There are plenty of cruiselines that are less expensive. And there are some that charge much more. It's a matter of finding what you like for what you're willing to pay. That's why there's more than one line, really. Each line has an array of cabin prices for each ship, and you have to consider that the interior cabins are sort of cruising versions of value resorts. DCL charges for them what people are willing to pay. (I partly wonder if the Mexico cruise prices aren't typos. The starting price per person is waaaayyy more than other lines. But hey, if people are happy to pay it, the folks at DCL are smarter than me!)

Celebrity is our #1 cruiseline too, but it is now tied for #1 with DCL. I can't say a bad thing about Celebrity, honestly, but DCL has so many great things about it too that for us right now they're a top runner too.

DCL's rooms are a little better than Celebrity's - we've stayed in a Royal Suite and Concierge Class rooms on Celebrity and a 1 bedroom suite on DCL (and a Cat 6 next month) and DCL's suite was way nicer than Celebrity's Royal Suite. With one caveat-DCL's suites are on the highest deck of rooms, therefore right under the pools/eateries. Makes for a very noisy cabin, pretty much all the time. That's why we're going for a Cat 6 next month, just to be off of Deck 8. Celebrity's boats are designed better to put the suites on Deck 6. Of course, I don't think anyone should have a noisy room, but it really doesn't make any sense to put the most expensive rooms in the noisest location.

And like I said in an earlier post, the nursery is the deciding factor for us. Celebrity doesn't have any programs for my kids, but DCL does. So since we don't have a babysitter at home, our cruise next month will be the first time we'll eat a kid-free meal since January 2006 . And I was pregnant and sick then anyway. So in deciding between Celebrity and DCL for next month, though we liked Celebrity's itinerary a little better, Flounder's Reef sealed the deal and price wasn't even in the equation anymore.

Well, without kids, it makes choosing easier! One of the reasons that we chose to cruise DCL is to check out if we'd like to take a future child on a cruise with them. The other is, of course, the Big Cheese!

Thanks for your input on X vs. DCL!

 

[BigBlueMan]

Boors? Really? My family would hardly qualify as "boors", but on our first Disney cruise, going in not knowing a thing, we most certainly did show up for dinner every night in shorts. Even now, as repeat cruisers, I would still have no problem showing up in the dining room on Formal or any other night in shorts and a t-shirt. Tell me, are you really going to enjoy your steak any less because I am sitting next to you wearing shorts?

Hmmmm... actually yes, I will.

Just curious, if Disney has a suggested dress code (which they don't enforce worth a hoot), why would you purposely choose to ignore it? Some of us LIKE the concept of what DCL has laid out as a guideline.

And No, I don't think everyone has to come to formal night wearing a tuxedo, but shorts and a T-shirt and relishing in non-conformity? C'mon.

 

[birkner]

Hmmmm... actually yes, I will.

Just curious, if Disney has a suggested dress code (which they don't enforce worth a hoot), why would you purposely choose to ignore it? Some of us LIKE the concept of what DCL has laid out as a guideline.

And No, I don't think everyone has to come to formal night wearing a tuxedo, but shorts and a T-shirt and relishing in non-conformity? C'mon.

I think as long as DCL does not enforce a dress code, people will show up in whatever the feel like wearing.

 

[NancyIL]

Hmmmm... actually yes, I will.

Just curious, if Disney has a suggested dress code (which they don't enforce worth a hoot), why would you purposely choose to ignore it? Some of us LIKE the concept of what DCL has laid out as a guideline.

And No, I don't think everyone has to come to formal night wearing a tuxedo, but shorts and a T-shirt and relishing in non-conformity? C'mon.

I agree. If people don't want to dress-up for formal night - they can eat in the buffet. Otherwise - choose a line like NCL where you can leave your dress-up clothes at home.