$2000 more for same cruise next year?

[squirk]

Agreed. No cruise line wants capacity that low. It actually DOESN'T even out at all. That's 30% less being paid out to staff in tips, for one thing. 30% fewer people buying alcohol and souvenirs, booking excursions, and paying for upcharge restaurants. A 70% sailing rate on a regular basis would be a disaster for a cruise line used to 90/95+%

Yes, I would not be at all surprised if their strategy was to stay at 95%, but try to "price out" families who might try to sail on the cheap (skipping shore excursions, bringing on their own alcohol, no Palo/Remy, etc.). In other words, try to fill the ship with as many higher-net-worth families as possible who wouldn't bat an eye at the increasing fares nor at freely dropping the $$$ on all those incidentals/upcharges.

 

[kaseyC]

Pulled out the brochure. It does in fact list Concierge Service for the Walt and Roy Suite, but not for Category 2 (2 bedroom suite) or Category 3 (1 bedroom suite). Guess I shouldn't trust the brochure.

As I posted earlier, my knowledge comes from 1st hand experience... Not from reading about it in a brochure or on the internet. All 3 Category of suites received concierge service. Of course, the Category R (1) has always had more perks than the S (2) and the T (3). Concierge service has evolved over the years but it's always been available for suites.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Yes, I would not be at all surprised if their strategy was to stay at 95%, but try to "price out" families who might try to sail on the cheap (skipping shore excursions, bringing on their own alcohol, no Palo/Remy, etc.). In other words, try to fill the ship with as many higher-net-worth families as possible who wouldn't bat an eye at the increasing fares nor at freely dropping the $$$ on all those incidentals/upcharges.

However - most "higher net worth " families will definitely do more than bat an eye at those rates. Especially with RCL's new ships, dream works experience, and pretty darn cool amenities and activities. Most people with a high net worth didn't do so by spending money stupidly or blindly.
There wouldn't be enough of those that do to even semi fill the ships.
All of that being said- I go on my first DCL cruise this year, and am super excited! But I'm waiting for the 2017 Mediterranean prices to come out..and depending on what they are I would have no hesitation to book on RCL if I think are too insane.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I love DCL, and have only sailed DCL. But the prices are getting crazy. Our last 3 cruises, 2014 was because the prices fell for the last week of August out of PC. Our kids started school later, so we were able to do it with the price drop. Last year I sailed the EBTA with just our dd18, for timing and price. Prices for repos are usually lower. We are doing the NYC to San Juan this year in Nov, but again, the price was right, only one airfare, and it is NJ week, so our son will only miss 2 days of school. As much as I want to sale again in 2017, I am sure the prices will be $$$$ and we will probably not book, unless we find one that fits our budget and schedule. If not, we might look at the new NCL/RCL ships out of NY/NJ. For the price that DCL charges, we can do concierge on the other lines.

 

[tidefan]

However - most "higher net worth " families will definitely do more than bat an eye at those rates. Especially with RCL's new ships, dream works experience, and pretty darn cool amenities and activities. Most people with a high net worth didn't do so by spending money stupidly or blindly.
There wouldn't be enough of those that do to even semi fill the ships.
All of that being said- I go on my first DCL cruise this year, and am super excited! But I'm waiting for the 2017 Mediterranean prices to come out..and depending on what they are I would have no hesitation to book on RCL if I think are too insane.

Quite honestly, we tried RCL about a year and a half ago and the 3 of us all agreed that it was our least favorite of the 15 or so cruises that we've done. We sailed on the Serenade of the Seas and there just wasn't much to do on the ship. I found a couple of things odd on RCL. First, there was no poolside grill on the ship. To this day, it's the only ship we've sailed that hasn't had one. It was an issue as the Windjammer was closed from 2 to 6 each day, so it was only a little stand called Park Cafe (which was in the adult section) that had a very limited selection of snacks during the day. Second, RCL took the luggage up to the rooms via the central elevators, causing big traffic flow issues on embarkation day. There were a number of other things we didn't like as well, but perhaps it was just the ship. That being said, we really haven't found any really great deals on RCL, especially compared to Carnival or say Princess.

Last year, we branched out and tried Carnival, all thinking that we would hate it. We loved it! Took the Sunshine out of Port Canaveral and had a great time. The Guy's burgers and Blue Iguana locations were really good. Also, there were lots of fun things going on all the time. We will be taking another Carnival cruise this year. We haven't tried NCL, but we have done a number of Princess cruises and have really enjoyed those as well (good food and really relaxed atmosphere).

I will say we definitely prefer DCL, but yes, they are getting a bit too high. However, like a few others have pointed out, if they reach a price point that the market won't bear, then they will have to make a correction. I actually don't begrudge DCL from trying to make money. They are a business, not a charity. They will have to decide what the best plan of action for the brand is. My only comment would be that I hope that they are taking the long run into consuderation as well as the short run.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I love DCL, and have only sailed DCL. But the prices are getting crazy. Our last 3 cruises, 2014 was because the prices fell for the last week of August out of PC. Our kids started school later, so we were able to do it with the price drop. Last year I sailed the EBTA with just our dd18, for timing and price. Prices for repos are usually lower. We are doing the NYC to San Juan this year in Nov, but again, the price was right, only one airfare, and it is NJ week, so our son will only miss 2 days of school. As much as I want to sale again in 2017, I am sure the prices will be $$$$ and we will probably not book, unless we find one that fits our budget and schedule. If not, we might look at the new NCL/RCL ships out of NY/NJ. For the price that DCL charges, we can do concierge on the other lines.

The Anthem of the Seas looks AMAZING..and leaves out of NJ. Like I said in a previous post, if my son was a little older..and if it would have been departing from FL since our cruise is in combo with a Disney world trip.. It would have been an EXTREMELY tough choice between that ship and the Fantasy. But I do want my son to experience DCL at least once.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Quite honestly, we tried RCL about a year and a half ago and the 3 of us all agreed that it was our least favorite of the 15 or so cruises that we've done. We sailed on the Serenade of the Seas and there just wasn't much to do on the ship. I found a couple of things odd on RCL. First, there was no poolside grill on the ship. To this day, it's the only ship we've sailed that hasn't had one. It was an issue as the Windjammer was closed from 2 to 6 each day, so it was only a little stand called Park Cafe (which was in the adult section) that had a very limited selection of snacks during the day. Second, RCL took the luggage up to the rooms via the central elevators, causing big traffic flow issues on embarkation day. There were a number of other things we didn't like as well, but perhaps it was just the ship. That being said, we really haven't found any really great deals on RCL, especially compared to Carnival or say Princess.

Last year, we branched out and tried Carnival, all thinking that we would hate it. We loved it! Took the Sunshine out of Port Canaveral and had a great time. The Guy's burgers and Blue Iguana locations were really good. Also, there were lots of fun things going on all the time. We will be taking another Carnival cruise this year. We haven't tried NCL, but we have done a number of Princess cruises and have really enjoyed those as well (good food and really relaxed atmosphere).

I will say we definitely prefer DCL, but yes, they are getting a bit too high. However, like a few others have pointed out, if they reach a price point that the market won't bear, then they will have to make a correction. I actually don't begrudge DCL from trying to make money. They are a business, not a charity. They will have to decide what the best plan of action for the brand is. My only comment would be that I hope that they are taking the long run into consuderation as well as the short run.

I'm willing to bet though that if you would have been on the Oasis or Quantum class you may have a different report

I'm actually thrilled though to hear a good report about Carnival! I have a southern Caribbean out of San Juan on Carnival this June coming up.. It was a "free" (cough cough) cruise given to me by my casino. Will be my first time on Carnival.

 

[tidefan]

I'm willing to bet though that if you would have been on the Oasis or Quantum class you may have a different report

Those classes, though, when I priced them out weren't much cheaper than DCL, but much more expensive than Carnival, Princess, or even their sister company, Celebrity. For us, I think that we have found at least Carnival and Princess to be good alternatives that work for us. We wouldn't mind trying an Oasis class ship someday (no interest in Quantum class), but the same arguments people give for RCL vs. DCL work for other lines vs. RCL. Also, I don't know why, but I have a real issue with upcharge items such as the poolside burger "Johnny Rockets", when the equivalent Guy Fieri burgers are included on Carnival. I know all lines have upcharge items ("cough", NCL, "cough"), but dang, do they bug me...

 

[tidefan]

I'm willing to bet though that if you would have been on the Oasis or Quantum class you may have a different report

I'm actually thrilled though to hear a good report about Carnival! I have a southern Caribbean out of San Juan on Carnival this June coming up.. It was a "free" (cough cough) cruise given to me by my casino. Will be my first time on Carnival.

One thing I will note, I'd aim for a Carnival ship with the Funship 2.0 upgrades. I have a feeling it may make a difference (like the Serenade vs. the Oasis) in your cruise experience...

 

[Kimberly9701]

Quite honestly, we tried RCL about a year and a half ago and the 3 of us all agreed that it was our least favorite of the 15 or so cruises that we've done. We sailed on the Serenade of the Seas and there just wasn't much to do on the ship. I found a couple of things odd on RCL. First, there was no poolside grill on the ship. To this day, it's the only ship we've sailed that hasn't had one. It was an issue as the Windjammer was closed from 2 to 6 each day, so it was only a little stand called Park Cafe (which was in the adult section) that had a very limited selection of snacks during the day. Second, RCL took the luggage up to the rooms via the central elevators, causing big traffic flow issues on embarkation day. There were a number of other things we didn't like as well, but perhaps it was just the ship. That being said, we really haven't found any really great deals on RCL, especially compared to Carnival or say Princess.

Last year, we branched out and tried Carnival, all thinking that we would hate it. We loved it! Took the Sunshine out of Port Canaveral and had a great time. The Guy's burgers and Blue Iguana locations were really good. Also, there were lots of fun things going on all the time. We will be taking another Carnival cruise this year. We haven't tried NCL, but we have done a number of Princess cruises and have really enjoyed those as well (good food and really relaxed atmosphere).

I will say we definitely prefer DCL, but yes, they are getting a bit too high. However, like a few others have pointed out, if they reach a price point that the market won't bear, then they will have to make a correction. I actually don't begrudge DCL from trying to make money. They are a business, not a charity. They will have to decide what the best plan of action for the brand is. My only comment would be that I hope that they are taking the long run into consuderation as well as the short run.

I

Those classes, though, when I priced them out weren't much cheaper than DCL, but much more expensive than Carnival, Princess, or even their sister company, Celebrity. For us, I think that we have found at least Carnival and Princess to be good alternatives that work for us. We wouldn't mind trying an Oasis class ship someday (no interest in Quantum class), but the same arguments people give for RCL vs. DCL work for other lines vs. RCL. Also, I don't know why, but I have a real issue with upcharge items such as the poolside burger "Johnny Rockets", when the equivalent Guy Fieri burgers are included on Carnival. I know all lines have upcharge items ("cough", NCL, "cough"), but dang, do they bug me...

I didn't seriously consider the Quantum class bc of the departure port. But will vs DCL for the Mediterranean.
Pricing for Oasis class ships out of Florida (verandah mid ship high) was I think $1200 less than DCL for us. But once you add in all of their "add ons" that gap does become more narrow for sure.
It's only myself and my 6 (at time of travel) son who will be going, and I don't plan on utilizing the kid's club often.. But at his age I felt like Disney was the best fit. Plus..he absolutely adores everything/anything Christmas related, so the Very Merrytime cruise seems perfect! (I hope it is!)
This sounds horrible but I've been more focused on our DCL/DW trip than I have been on my upcoming cruise lol. I love those islands though and am (or was) an avid diver so I know what a few of my excursions will be. I'm not taking my son on this one- only bc I do not think Carnival has enough to offer for a child his age outside of the kid's club. And trust me-- since this is a comped cruise..or a large portion anyway.. I would have much rather made this our 2016 family cruise and saved a ton of money!

 

[squirk]

However - most "higher net worth " families will definitely do more than bat an eye at those rates. Especially with RCL's new ships, dream works experience, and pretty darn cool amenities and activities. Most people with a high net worth didn't do so by spending money stupidly or blindly.
There wouldn't be enough of those that do to even semi fill the ships.

I need to disagree with you on a few points:

1.) RCCL has some great stuff going on for sure, but the "Dreamworks Experience" is not in the same ballpark as Disney's brand. Not even close. To suggest that a family of means with their heart set on Disney Princesses or the Fab Five could be tempted away by the Madagascar Penguins or Shrek is absurd.

2.) Paying for a Disney cruise, even at the inflated rates, doesn't make any family (HNW or otherwise) "blind" or "stupid". If you find value in what Disney offers, and have the wherewithal to pay for it, why should you be judged an idiot?

3.) DCL fares have been noticeably higher than Carnival and RCCL for quite some time, promotions have disappeared and benefits have been taken away, and the ships are still sailing full. Plus, DCL is building two more ships. Clearly, the Disney bean-counters (who one would assume have done their research) feel there is ample market to support their pricing trends.

4.) Finally, no, I don't believe families with a net household income in excess of $300,000 (the mythic "one-percenters") are generally that perturbed by DCL price hikes if the Disney brand and reputation for quality is what they are after.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

4.) Finally, no, I don't believe families with a net household income in excess of $300,000 (the mythic "one-percenters") are generally that perturbed by DCL price hikes if the Disney brand and reputation for quality is what they are after.

If people in high income situations want to sail with Disney they're going to and cost won't be a factor. I totally agree. They want to be with what is unique to Disney: brand & characters. However, other cruise lines offer a lot more extensive and luxurious accommodations in those top-of-the-line categories that would likely hold more appeal. I can tell you right now, if someone handed me $25k and told me pick a cruise, Disney would be pretty far down my list. The itineraries are all rather standard. Their suites don't come with enough services. The concierge spaces are rather sparse if not basic. The spas on Disney's ships are rather lacking. Other ships offer so much more to the top spenders. The ~only~ thing that would make booking those top-tier categories on Disney a choice over others really is the brand/characters.

Truly wealthy people would be more likely to book private yachts. They wouldn't even consider mass transit. LOL!

 

[Kimberly9701]

I need to disagree with you on a few points:

1.) RCCL has some great stuff going on for sure, but the "Dreamworks Experience" is not in the same ballpark as Disney's brand. Not even close. To suggest that a family of means with their heart set on Disney Princesses or the Fab Five could be tempted away by the Madagascar Penguins or Shrek is absurd.

2.) Paying for a Disney cruise, even at the inflated rates, doesn't make any family (HNW or otherwise) "blind" or "stupid". If you find value in what Disney offers, and have the wherewithal to pay for it, why should you be judged an idiot?

3.) DCL fares have been noticeably higher than Carnival and RCCL for quite some time, promotions have disappeared and benefits have been taken away, and the ships are still sailing full. Plus, DCL is building two more ships. Clearly, the Disney bean-counters (who one would assume have done their research) feel there is ample market to support their pricing trends.

4.) Finally, no, I don't believe families with a net household income in excess of $300,000 (the mythic "one-percenters") are generally that perturbed by DCL price hikes if the Disney brand and reputation for quality is what they are after.

I don't have a girl with her heart set on Disney princesses. I have an adventurous 5 (almost 6) year old little boy.
This year makes sense for us to do DCL, because of the characters, the theme, activities, and because I want him to experience Castaway Cay. However, as I said, depending on DCL's 2017 Med prices, I wouldn't hesitate to choose an RCL Quantum class for that itinerary..If DCL is disproportionately priced compared to their 2016 sailings. The Quantum class in general is not exactly a bargain basement cruise..and their amenities for my ( at that time 7 year old) son, would be just as, if not more attractive than Disney's amenities. I'm hoping Disney's new ships do include some of the things the RCL offers- i.e. Rock climbing..skating..something more exciting outside of the smaller children and princess activities. If that happens then maybe, but at this point - no, I don't see us becoming annual DCL people beyond the next 2 years.
We don't leave until the week of Thanksgiving though, maybe I'll fall head over heals for the Fantasy. But on paper, the Quantum offers more "fun" things to do for a little boy past age 7.

 

[Kimberly9701]

If people in high income situations want to sail with Disney they're going to and cost won't be a factor. I totally agree. They want to be with what is unique to Disney: brand & characters. However, other cruise lines offer a lot more extensive and luxurious accommodations in those top-of-the-line categories that would likely hold more appeal. I can tell you right now, if someone handed me $25k and told me pick a cruise, Disney would be pretty far down my list. The itineraries are all rather standard. Their suites don't come with enough services. The concierge spaces are rather sparse if not basic. The spas on Disney's ships are rather lacking. Other ships offer so much more to the top spenders. The ~only~ thing that would make booking those top-tier categories on Disney a choice over others really is the brand/characters.

Truly wealthy people would be more likely to book private yachts. They wouldn't even consider mass transit. LOL!

I don't know if I'll agree with you on the private yacht only part...

However I 100% agree about the "quality" portion. Our last stay, at Poly, cost more than out follow up stay for 7 nights in KW at a Waldorf.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Poly..as did my son. But in terms of Luxury? The Casa Marina blows it out of the water. I wasn't paying for luxury at the Poly. I was paying for convenience and theme...and bc my son's favorite character is Stitch.

If a disproportionate price raise happens from the prices I've seen, leaving out of Barcelona in 2016..then as I said, I don't feel like switching ships would mean I wouldn't have just as satisfactory of an experience. Although, as I said- I'd like to do Dsiney for the next two years, so we'll see.. Each has its advantage, they're just different.

I also don't agree with people will have no issues about again, disproportionate price increases. For one time, or even a few times- to satisfy the princess lover or Mickey lover, etc- yes I can see it. But an annual thing? When there is so much more and better itineraries to offer? No. But to each their own.

 

[Hundredacre]

I need to disagree with you on a few points:

1.) RCCL has some great stuff going on for sure, but the "Dreamworks Experience" is not in the same ballpark as Disney's brand. Not even close. To suggest that a family of means with their heart set on Disney Princesses or the Fab Five could be tempted away by the Madagascar Penguins or Shrek is absurd.

2.) Paying for a Disney cruise, even at the inflated rates, doesn't make any family (HNW or otherwise) "blind" or "stupid". If you find value in what Disney offers, and have the wherewithal to pay for it, why should you be judged an idiot?

3.) DCL fares have been noticeably higher than Carnival and RCCL for quite some time, promotions have disappeared and benefits have been taken away, and the ships are still sailing full. Plus, DCL is building two more ships. Clearly, the Disney bean-counters (who one would assume have done their research) feel there is ample market to support their pricing trends.

4.) Finally, no, I don't believe families with a net household income in excess of $300,000 (the mythic "one-percenters") are generally that perturbed by DCL price hikes if the Disney brand and reputation for quality is what they are after.

3. We just got off the wonder and it was not full, not even close. E.g. Plenty of front row seats at castaway cay. Almost no lines at characters.

4. In my experience, people who make in excess of $300000/ year are very tight with their money, usually much more so than people who make far less.

 

[Kimberly9701]

3. We just got off the wonder and it was not full, not even close. E.g. Plenty of front row seats at castaway cay. Almost no lines at characters.

4. In my experience, people who make in excess of $300000/ year are very tight with their money, usually much more so than people who make far less.

I hope my sailing on the Fantasy is as empty as everyone is reporting!!!
Unfortunately I don't think that's the case. I went on to look at stateroom locations on decks 9-12 and it seems to be pretty full.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I don't know if I'll agree with you on the private yacht only part...

However I 100% agree about the "quality" portion. Our last stay, at Poly, cost more than out follow up stay for 7 nights in KW at a Waldorf.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Poly..as did my son. But in terms of Luxury? The Casa Marina blows it out of the water. I wasn't paying for luxury at the Poly. I was paying for convenience and theme...and bc my son's favorite character is Stitch.

If a disproportionate price raise happens from the prices I've seen, leaving out of Barcelona in 2016..then as I said, I don't feel like switching ships would mean I wouldn't have just as satisfactory of an experience. Although, as I said- I'd like to do Dsiney for the next two years, so we'll see.. Each has its advantage, they're just different.

I also don't agree with people will have no issues about again, disproportionate price increases. For one time, or even a few times- to satisfy the princess lover or Mickey lover, etc- yes I can see it. But an annual thing? When there is so much more and better itineraries to offer? No. But to each their own.

Exactly. When you chose the Poly it was because of being at Disney, convenience, character. Disney specific purposes.

((I stayed in a Poly bungalow with friends last September for a couple nights. Whoa was that nice! I only did it because my cost was a mere 1/8 the nightly rate. I would NEVER spend that per night for my family. Never. I was there for convenience also. Pre-cruise with my girlfriends. I didn't bother with parks at all. I shopped and bar hopped with the girls. Proximity to Trader Sam's was a huge selling point. More convenience specific to the product.))

I'll be off to check out Casa Marina! We'll be in the Keys for a day or so in May. We're thinking about spending a night in KW over Miami pre-cruise. Our *baby* (18 yrs old) has requested a scenic drive down and a Cheeseburger in Paradise. I'm feelin the vibe from this guy.

Oh I'm sure even wealthy people will look at the prices compared to others and wonder WTH. I'm not wealthy by a long shot but I don't waste money either. I can easily afford Disney...but I like to get more for my money than that.

When I mention the private yachts, I'm talking the super wealth. Multi multi multi millionaires +. These people can charter large, luxurious vessels with a full crew to cater to their every whim, visit ports they choose, have private chefs to cook what they want when they want. They don't need to be bothered with mass vessels like cruise ships. They can have it all plus everything else. If I had the means that's where I'd be. LOL!

**EDIT**. That's the ultimate, actually. Buy a 160+ Viking and live on that bad boy!

 

[DnA2010]

Those classes, though, when I priced them out weren't much cheaper than DCL, but much more expensive than Carnival, Princess, or even their sister company, Celebrity. For us, I think that we have found at least Carnival and Princess to be good alternatives that work for us. We wouldn't mind trying an Oasis class ship someday (no interest in Quantum class), but the same arguments people give for RCL vs. DCL work for other lines vs. RCL. Also, I don't know why, but I have a real issue with upcharge items such as the poolside burger "Johnny Rockets", when the equivalent Guy Fieri burgers are included on Carnival. I know all lines have upcharge items ("cough", NCL, "cough"), but dang, do they bug me...

Really? When I priced out Oasis and and the same cruise on Disney, Disney was still twice as much. Our VGT May Fantasy cruise was I think over twice as much as the cruise we did after New Years on Oasis. Hubby and I have said that for 20-30% difference we would consider Dieney again, but not 50-100%

 

[Kimberly9701]

Exactly. When you chose the Poly it was because of being at Disney, convenience, character. Disney specific purposes.

((I stayed in a Poly bungalow with friends last September for a couple nights. Whoa was that nice! I only did it because my cost was a mere 1/8 the nightly rate. I would NEVER spend that per night for my family. Never. I was there for convenience also. Pre-cruise with my girlfriends. I didn't bother with parks at all. I shopped and bar hopped with the girls. Proximity to Trader Sam's was a huge selling point. More convenience specific to the product.))

I'll be off to check out Casa Marina! We'll be in the Keys for a day or so in May. We're thinking about spending a night in KW over Miami pre-cruise. Our *baby* (18 yrs old) has requested a scenic drive down and a Cheeseburger in Paradise. I'm feelin the vibe from this guy.

Oh I'm sure even wealthy people will look at the prices compared to others and wonder WTH. I'm not wealthy by a long shot but I don't waste money either. I can easily afford Disney...but I like to get more for my money than that.

When I mention the private yachts, I'm talking the super wealth. Multi multi multi millionaires +. These people can charter large, luxurious vessels with a full crew to cater to their every whim, visit ports they choose, have private chefs to cook what they want when they want. They don't need to be bothered with mass vessels like cruise ships. They can have it all plus everything else. If I had the means that's where I'd be. LOL!

**EDIT**. That's the ultimate, actually. Buy a 160+ Viking and live on that bad boy!

That had to be amazing! I will probably never see the inside of one of the bungalows..bc I can not imagine paying the outrageous price for one!! How was the little "pool" I've read it's always freezing.. Is that true?

It's staggering the amount of upkeep, fuel, staff, dock fees etc required to upkeep those. Yes, we're talking multi million incomes - not 300k ones.
The 160+ Viking.. I'd even take a 108ft!!!lol
That is my dream...Not a realistic one..but hey, we all can dream right..

YES make the drive to KW it's soooo worth it!!!!!! It's long..but beautiful. And make sure you have your son read up on the overseas railroad! It's so interesting, my 5 year old loves it - although I've told him a slightly mild down version of what actually happened during the hurricane and its destruction...
I love Key West. A lot of people assume it's all drunk people and drag shows.. And yes, that is there, but not the way people think. It is a beautiful and actually educational place. I will continue to take my son for years to come Make sure to get some conch fritters from a street vendor!!! Now I'm craving one.....lol

 

[squirk]

3. We just got off the wonder and it was not full, not even close. E.g. Plenty of front row seats at castaway cay. Almost no lines at characters.

4. In my experience, people who make in excess of $300000/ year are very tight with their money, usually much more so than people who make far less.

3. You were sailing during low season, right before Easter break. And one cruise is not indicative of how much capacity they sell overall. Again, they are building two new ships for a reason.

4. I think you will find that, in general, people who make that kind of money are not driving the cheapest car they could find on the dealer lot, and they are not living in the smallest house in their town.

Yes, everyone likes getting a good deal on something, and yes, there are far more luxurious vacations to be had for the same dollar amount as a DCL cruise. I agree 100%.

However, my point is that those who are fortunate enough to have high levels of disposable income, and find value in the Disney brand and reputation (at least at this stage in their lives, when their kids are little and "into" Disney) are not going to be deterred by these fare increases, and such people are likely going to spend much more freely when onboard.

Those are the people Disney wants to fill their ships with, I bet. And when those people "age out" of Disney and move on to RCCL (or wherever), there's another young family to take their place. That's the nice thing about Disney-loving little kids - we just keep making more and more of them every day.