Why is the prices higher than other line?

[KSDisneyDad]

FYI - DCL is often more expensive than other major cruise lines, but not always or not by as much as one would think. The biggest differences will be around holidays I believe.

RCCL is quite proud of their new ships (Allure and Oasis). Try pricing a summer 2012 7-night cruise in early June on Disney versus the Oasis. We found that Disney was over $1,100 less expensive for the same type of staterooms.

And it wasn't too much more than the 2011 7-night Freedom the Seas (about $200 more).

 

[actuarian]

Disney is functioning as a Premium Cruise line (like Celebrity or Cunard) rather than as a mainstream line (like Carnival, RCCL or NCL). Differences from the last three include: No revenue from Casino, passengers permitted to bring their own alcohol on board, more expensive entertainment, complementary soft drinks, complementary first run movies, Palo costs less at $15 than extra cost restaurants on other lines, rooms slightly larger than comparable rooms on mainstream lines. Finally, Disney has name recognition and only three ships to fill so it does not need to offer as many discounts to fill them.

 

[Edd]

You might give another cruise line a try. DCL is usually more expensive but you might find there is much more to do aboard the other lines. The entertainment is better, usually the food is better and there is much more for the kids to do if you have any. The adult area aboard the Freedom is awesome. They also have a skating rink and a surfing area. Sorry about the casinos but that is also a lot of fun. It is about the same as the bingo aboard the DCL. It is all gambling. I also enjoyed the dancing in the street and the circus parade in the Royal Promenade of the RC's. The RC's beaches don't take a back seat to the DCL beach.

You mentioned the Oasis and the Allure and they are great ships. I haven't cruised them yet, but have been aboard the Freedom, Mariner, Carnival Glory and enjoyed every minute aboard them, as well as both DCL ships. The DCL ships don't have as much to do so if you aren't looking for much to do and just want to walk around and relax the DCL may suit you.

However a 7 day cruise in early December, 2010 is costing me $1400.00 for an inside room on the 10th deck. Disney would be aobut $500.00 more.

If you think about comparing prices you might try the same week for both comparisons and out of the same port. Disney goes out of Port Canaveral and the Oasis and Allure sail out of the Fort Lauderdale port. All cruise lines charge more out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. The Freedom and the Carnival Dream also sail out of Port Canaveral.

 

[keaster]

Simple economics.

Right now DCL has only 2 ships, 4 of them by 2012. RCL has 22 ships, Carnival 24, etc. With so few rooms to fill, and no casino to bring in extra revenue, DCL charges a bit more. The other lines have more revenue coming in on more ships, so they can keep their prices in line with that.

Before having a child I sailed once on Princess and once on NCL. Did I have a good time? Sure! But since we've had our child, we've done 3 DCL cruises and will continue until she's at an age where the Disney magic has run its course...we find its a great value for what we get out of it as a family.

 

[tvguy]

Perceived value.

Exactly.

 

[lovethedream]

Disney is functioning as a Premium Cruise line (like Celebrity or Cunard) rather than as a mainstream line (like Carnival, RCCL or NCL). Differences from the last three include: No revenue from Casino, passengers permitted to bring their own alcohol on board, more expensive entertainment, complementary soft drinks, complementary first run movies, Palo costs less at $15 than extra cost restaurants on other lines, rooms slightly larger than comparable rooms on mainstream lines. Finally, Disney has name recognition and only three ships to fill so it does not need to offer as many discounts to fill them.

 

[pls5286]

I know we were looking at other cruise lines (DD saw the Nick cruise offered and wanted to go) many cruise lines start charging for their kids clubs for kids under 12 after 10p. It was $6/hour for the first child $4 per sibling. DCL does not charge except for kids under 3 in Flounders. A night out on another cruise could easily get expensive.