Any Bets on the Rest of 2017?

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

Ugh, I'm stuck at work and can't call. Guess I'll have to wait for tomorrow. Not looking for anything really high demand so hopefully prices won't be too bad.

 

[NancyIL]

They may take into account the cost of flights. The European cruises haven't sold as well the last few years it could have something to do with the economy over in Europe.

I think it's more likely that some people want to stay away from Europe because of recent terrorist attacks there.

 

[MaineChapmans]

Perfect reason for us not to take the kids. "Sorry but you've got to go to school.... daddy and I will just have to go alone!"

Yeah, except our respective school districts would kill us if WE decided not to show up for a week. Lol. Gah, it's almost worth doing a week's worth of sub plans though! (I HATE making sub plans!)

 

[dclpluto]

I think it's more likely that some people want to stay away from Europe because of recent terrorist attacks there.

No it's the economy well for me anyway.

 

[Flossbolna]

No it's the economy

It's also the fact that the Euro dropped in value towards the dollar, so the DCL cruises that are priced in US$ are becoming even more expensive to most Europeans. Yes, you can book the DCL cruise in Europe paying in Euros, but the Euro price is determined by the current exchange rate.

 

[Flossbolna]

Also - shouldn't someone start the "When will the 2018 cruises be released?" thread that then can be made a sticky again???

 

[Hundredacre]

It's also the fact that the Euro dropped in value towards the dollar, so the DCL cruises that are priced in US$ are becoming even more expensive to most Europeans. Yes, you can book the DCL cruise in Europe paying in Euros, but the Euro price is determined by the current exchange rate.

But the exchange rate is a reflection of your economy. The economy is worse in Europe (hard to believe). There are negative interest rates right now in Europe!! So the question is, with the stronger dollar, why wouldn't more americans be taking advantage of "cheap" European cruises? For me personally, it is the reports we are getting that Europe has been over run by immigrants from Africa and the Middle East and that European infrastructure cannot handle it.

 

[Flossbolna]

But the exchange rate is a reflection of your economy. The economy is worse in Europe (hard to believe). There are negative interest rates right now in Europe!! So the question is, with the stronger dollar, why wouldn't more americans be taking advantage of "cheap" European cruises? For me personally, it is the reports we are getting that Europe has been over run by immigrants from Africa and the Middle East and that European infrastructure cannot handle it.

If that is your concern than you really are worried about nothing. I can tell you that a normal tourist will hardly notice any refugees here in Germany. If you go to my town hall to apply for a new passport (like a friend of mine did last year) then that might be a different story. And I am sure that most tourists won't go to the Greek/Macedonian border anyway.

All American cruise lines depend on European cruisers for their European itineraries. They market heavily everywhere. And Disney is no exception. I know that the DCL Med cruises regularly have a Spanish speaking Assistant Cruise Director (might have some other title though), because there are so many people from Spain on the ship. Our cruise to Norway had plenty of Scandinavians.

 

[NancyIL]

But the exchange rate is a reflection of your economy. The economy is worse in Europe (hard to believe). There are negative interest rates right now in Europe!! So the question is, with the stronger dollar, why wouldn't more americans be taking advantage of "cheap" European cruises? For me personally, it is the reports we are getting that Europe has been over run by immigrants from Africa and the Middle East and that European infrastructure cannot handle it.

Exactly! The Costa ship accident in 2012 resulted in fewer people cruising...at least temporarily. Whether it's the influx of refugees into Europe or the fear of terrorist attacks - it appears many Americans are vacationing closer to home. Alaska is especially popular this summer.

I can see why Europeans might be saving their vacation dollars, but there have been some really good cruise prices in Europe for this summer and fall.

 

[Hundredacre]

If that is your concern than you really are worried about nothing. I can tell you that a normal tourist will hardly notice any refugees here in Germany. If you go to my town hall to apply for a new passport (like a friend of mine did last year) then that might be a different story. And I am sure that most tourists won't go to the Greek/Macedonian border anyway.

All American cruise lines depend on European cruisers for their European itineraries. They market heavily everywhere. And Disney is no exception. I know that the DCL Med cruises regularly have a Spanish speaking Assistant Cruise Director (might have some other title though), because there are so many people from Spain on the ship. Our cruise to Norway had plenty of Scandinavians.

I have read a couple of your trip reports and they are great.

I know it probably would not impact a tourist trip at all, but it does still give me pause. We also looked at a non disney cruise that stops in Labadee- and just said no thanks wouldn't want to worry about whether or not the Haitians were going to block the ship from getting to the Island.
It doesn't mean I would not go to Europe right now, just that I would be inclined to pick another trip due to the refugee situation.
I agree that dcl markets to Europeans more heavily for European cruises.