Convince me!

[princess22]

I have been on 4 Disney Cruises, however my last one was 6 YEARS AGO!! Since then I became loyal to Princess Cruises, but have also sailed Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and even (gasp) Carnival! I LOVE CRUISING!

My husband is trying to talk me into a 4 night Disney Cruise on the Dream this summer. My stepdaughter has never been on a Disney cruise and my daughter was 3 last time we went. They are 7 and 8, so the perfect age to enjoy a Disney Cruise. I priced it and was quickly reminded why I don't sail with Disney very often! I can't believe the price of a 4 night cruise!!!! I can find other options (including a Mediterranean cruise with flights) on other lines that are much cheaper/better value.

So... Talk me into it!! Why should I go with Disney!? I want to be talked into it!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have been on 4 Disney Cruises, however my last one was 6 YEARS AGO!! Since then I became loyal to Princess Cruises, but have also sailed Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and even (gasp) Carnival! I LOVE CRUISING!

My husband is trying to talk me into a 4 night Disney Cruise on the Dream this summer. My stepdaughter has never been on a Disney cruise and my daughter was 3 last time we went. They are 7 and 8, so the perfect age to enjoy a Disney Cruise. I priced it and was quickly reminded why I don't sail with Disney very often! I can't believe the price of a 4 night cruise!!!! I can find other options (including a Mediterranean cruise with flights) on other lines that are much cheaper/better value.

So... Talk me into it!! Why should I go with Disney!? I want to be talked into it!

I suppose it depends on how much want the Disney "magic". If you're just looking for a cruise for everyone, then there are many lines that will fit the bill. If you want Disney - it's got to be DCL.

 

[Ofinn]

At age 7 and 8 I would pull them out of school, and go when it's cheaper. I would never say Disney is worth what they charge in the Summer. You could probably do a 7 night cruise in the Fall for the same price or less than a 4 night in the Summer.

 

[princess22]

I wish I could pull them out of school! But, being a teacher myself, I hate missing school and getting a sub for my school kids. Plus in Florida, high stakes testing starts at age 8!!

 

[MunFam]

...I can convince you why you should sail on another cruise line...

 

[princess22]

...I can convince you why you should sail on another cruise line...

Why is that?

 

[surran12]

At age 7 and 8 I would pull them out of school, and go when it's cheaper. I would never say Disney is worth what they charge in the Summer. You could probably do a 7 night cruise in the Fall for the same price or less than a 4 night in the Summer.

I completely agree. The 4 night cruises can get pretty outrageous. I would definitely go during school. We sailed last April on the fantasy during the north east school break and for 4 of us it cost us just over 6000. Next year we are sailing during a non-school break week in February for 2000 less in the exact same room.

 

[MunFam]

Why is that?

Because I can not justify the rising costs of DCL coupled with all of the extra perks that used to be offered slowly going away one by one, unannounced...They are not giving fair warning to passengers about the changes.

For example, I was able to justify the cost of our WBPC cruise (with fewer stops at great ports) because of the very generous alcohol policy. Its gone now. We would have spent hundreds of dollars (maybe close to $1,000) on alcohol on that cruise.

When you really compare apples to apples, I feel DCL just fails. They used to have amazing top notch service, but Princess and Royal (with better itineraries, drink packages, etc) are putting DCL to shame for half the price.

The only reason I could even justify a DCL cruise at regular price is if you LOVE the characters so much...and its a once in a lifetime trip.

 

[princess22]

Because I can not justify the rising costs of DCL coupled with all of the extra perks that used to be offered slowly going away one by one, unannounced...They are not giving fair warning to passengers about the changes.

For example, I was able to justify the cost of our WBPC cruise (with fewer stops at great ports) because of the very generous alcohol policy. Its gone now. We would have spent hundreds of dollars (maybe close to $1,000) on alcohol on that cruise.

When you really compare apples to apples, I feel DCL just fails. They used to have amazing top notch service, but Princess and Royal (with better itineraries, drink packages, etc) are putting DCL to shame for half the price.

The only reason I could even justify a DCL cruise at regular price is if you LOVE the characters so much...and its a once in a lifetime trip.

Thank you for your honest opinion! I really do love Princess! And my 8 year old daughter loves it! We are huge Disney fans and are annual pass holders (don't get me started on the cost of that going up! They really don't appreciate their passholders!!) but I'm beginning to think maybe the Royal Caribbean Med cruise is the way to go...

 

[tinkerone]

there was a time when I would convince you (and all my friends) however those days are gone. for me, way to many strikes against them. I will say if you want to do it do it but you need to convince yourself. the price has become so outrageous I would feel bad if I did try and convince you.
i may sail dcl again one day and i may not. you know your family best and you know your budget best. unfortunately, convince you I can not/will not.
whatever you decide have a great cruise.

 

[princess22]

Wow! I thought for sure if I came to these boards I would hear a lot of reasons of why the price is justified! It makes me sad to find out it's not. I really think if I were to pay that price I would spend the 4 days worrying about the cost and trying my best to get my money's worth haha!!!

So, I'm curious. What about it has changed? Is the service not like it used to be? Or is it just the price factor?

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have been on 18 Disney cruises all of them 7 days or more except forvDVC member cruise. I never bother to compare prices because it's not about the ports or timing, it's all about the experience. We have a disabled adult daughter who still loves the characters. We always bring her best friend also disabled. It is priceless for us to watch them enjoy the characters and the shows. Within a day most of the crew know our daughter and friend because they go all over the ship enjoying everything. The crew has never been less than kind and wonderful to them. And the rest of our family enjoys Disney too especially our teenage grandchildren. As long as we can afford it and they want to come we will always do dcl.

 

[Shanti]

It's just the price that's a pill. We sailed on the Magic over New Year's 2016. Here was our experience:

*we had fantastic service
*the ship was beautiful and immaculately clean
*there were an endless amount of activities every day
*fun water slides
*our stateroom was pretty and comfortable (even though we only booked a standard inside)
*the characters were charming in their different outfits each day, lots of photo opportunities
*the deck parties were spirited but family-friendly
*Castaway Cay was drop-dead gorgeous, fun, safe, and peaceful

Agreed, that DCL is not budget travel. I wish the prices were lower, but the experience is unique, and we're planning to return next year. DCL isn't the best for those who:
*are on tight budgets
*like to drink a lot (as a mom I'm glad the liquor doesn't flow too freely on DCL)
*are indifferent to Disney theming

For those who can afford it and want a high-quality, Disney-themed cruise that the whole family will enjoy, DCL delivers.

Thank you for not taking your children out of school, btw. I teach 5th grade & we have the same high-stakes elementary school testing here in Texas. Just had a student miss an entire week for a Disney cruise. Parent expected me to put in extra hours creating and grading specialized work for her daughter to do weeks in advance, so her school-week cruise could be carefree & she would return to find no make-up work. That parent was disappointed.

 

[cgolf]

Wow! I thought for sure if I came to these boards I would hear a lot of reasons of why the price is justified! It makes me sad to find out it's not. I really think if I were to pay that price I would spend the 4 days worrying about the cost and trying my best to get my money's worth haha!!!

So, I'm curious. What about it has changed? Is the service not like it used to be? Or is it just the price factor?

It is just the price. Every year we priced out cruises and had found DCL to be in the same ballpark as others and found some good deals on DCL. But bring on 2017 and even the off season DCL cruises sky rocketed, and even the classics ran more expensive then almost all of RCCls, Princess, NCL, Celebrity, and Hollands similar cruises, even on their new ships.

Our service was still top notch last week, but like others said the perks that could be used to justify some extra cost have dried up. And like you said with the land based Disney not appreciating loyal customers, DCL as a company doesn't either. Based on my interactions with the crew and officers though, I don't feel they share the same opinion as the company, they are and have always been wonderful.

I won't try to convince you to book now, but to wait, we saw far fewer people than we ever have at the onboard future cruise desk, and with the increase of DCL commercials on TV, I am hoping that they overreached on price finally. We booked a placeholder and are hoping they adjust the prices.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Actually Disney Magic and Pixie Dust is the whole product, the superior designed, and built vessels with the classic lines and feel, the art deco and Nuevo deco feel and just enough Disney touches to bring a smile to peoples faces.

A ship crew that is excellent and the best trained and I know that for a fact, because I know all the special training they get on American Maritime schools. Add to that how they have rescued many at sea, including being able to get the rescue boat in the water and save a person who fell off another cruise ship when the other cruise ship could not even get their boat in the water.

Their own special designed terminal and Bus service where the magic begins with videos on what's coming and Disney cartoons.

The excellent service,, yes other lines may have great service, but twisting that into saying its Disney Pixie Dust, doesn't work, Add great food and good family entertainment. The DISNEY characters that bring joy to the kids, young and old. Mickey and Minnie. Things like Animators Pallet MDR, food and mixers events and that is just starters.

One of my thing was we were taken the design of the Magic tour, (which by itself is a great tour) when Belle came around the corner and a young girl on the tour with her MOM, just cried out in joy. Belle spun around, flopped down onto the deck, lifted the girl into lap and calmed her down. She finally told the child that if she was at a door down the passageway at 1830, she could walk with Belle to a greeting session. Mom nodded ok, Belle got up waved good bye and I would bet a week pay that child was at the door at 1830 and had a memory that would last a lifetime.

Yes DCL has made a few cut backs that I am not happy about, especially the signed pillow cases. Yes they did cut back on the amount of alcohol you can bring onboard,, but compared to other lines, especially NCL, thee have not be much in the way of cut backs on DCL.

If you feel DCL cruises are not world the money or your not willing to pay for it........please don't pay it, find another line your happy with and enjoy there product. (just please not Carnival)

However the bottom line is the Disney cruises are special with real Disney Magic and Pixie dust only found on their ships, other lines cannot match them.

AKK

 

[cgolf]

Actually Disney Magic and Pixie Dust is the whole product, the superior designed, and built vessels with the classic lines and feel, the art deco and Nuevo deco feel and just enough Disney touches to bring a smile to peoples faces.

A ship crew that is excellent and the best trained and I know that for a fact, because I know all the special training they get on American Maritime schools. Add to that how they have rescued many at sea, including being able to get the rescue boat in the water and save a person who fell off another cruise ship when the other cruise ship could not even get their boat in the water.

Their own special designed terminal and Bus service where the magic begins with videos on what's coming and Disney cartoons.

The excellent service,, yes other lines may have great service, but twisting that into saying its Disney Pixie Dust, doesn't work, Add great food and good family entertainment. The DISNEY characters that bring joy to the kids, young and old. Mickey and Minnie. Things like Animators Pallet MDR, food and mixers events and that is just starters.

One of my thing was we were taken the design of the Magic tour, (which by itself is a great tour) when Belle came around the corner and a young girl on the tour with her MOM, just cried out in joy. Belle spun around, flopped down onto the deck, lifted the girl into lap and calmed her down. She finally told the child that if she was at a door down the passageway at 1830, she could walk with Belle to a greeting session. Mom nodded ok, Belle got up waved good bye and I would bet a week pay that child was at the door at 1830 and had a memory that would last a lifetime.

Yes DCL has made a few cut backs that I am not happy about, especially the signed pillow cases. Yes they did cut back on the amount of alcohol you can bring onboard,, but compared to other lines, especially NCL, thee have not be much in the way of cut backs on DCL.

If you feel DCL cruises are not world the money or your not willing to pay for it........please don't pay it, find another line your happy with and enjoy there product. (just please not Carnival)

However the bottom line is the Disney cruises are special with real Disney Magic and Pixie dust only found on their ships, other lines cannot match them.

AKK

I am going to both agree and disagree with you, probably mostly agree though. If you read the report from our B2B I posted early this morning we had a great time and through interactions with the crew experienced some of the magic you mentioned and witnessed some too.

To the agreeing part, DCL does have a special product with the charecters, and most of the crew are fantastic. In talking to the crew, DCL treats them very well compared to other lines, and the quality of their service probably is better because of this, we haven't cruised another line yet to compare this theory yet. So for any families with kids that love Disney of just adults that love Disney go out and give them a try, you will enjoy the DCL brand, it is a very polished product. I think families if they can afford it would be pleased to do a few cruises on DCL for the overall experience.

Here is the part I disagree, but I think we are actually on the same page with. For frequent cruisers that want to see different itineraries and cruise more often there are other lines out there that offer that oppurtunity to do so at a lower price point. I won't be able to comment on the quality of those products personally until next year, but many others are very satisfied with their experiences. I really think DCL is set up to be a specialty cruise, not a forever line to sail the world on, others are set up to handle that niche.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Hey Buddy,

I think we do agree for the most part. This lady asked to be convinced so I pointed out why I think she should sail DCL. The only point I differ with you on is with frequent cruisers. I think that many cruisers have a favorite cruse line, but I think very few cruisers sail only line, all the time. With us the unique DCL cruise is our favorite and to us is worth every penny. However, as you pointed out if we are looking to go to a non DCL offered itinerary, we pick another line...RCCL is where we check first. In 2017 I am surprising my wife with a 40th anniversary Celebrity Silhouette cruise to Hawaii and then a week at Auluni on DVC points.

AKK

 

[cgolf]

Hey Buddy,

I think we do agree for the most part. This lady asked to be convinced so I pointed out why I think she should sail DCL. The only point I differ with you on is with frequent cruisers. I think that many cruisers have a favorite cruse line, but I think very few cruisers sail only line, all the time. With us the unique DCL cruise is our favorite and to us is worth every penny. However, as you pointed out if we are looking to go to a non DCL offered itinerary, we pick another line...RCCL is where we check first. In 2017 I am surprising my wife with a 40th anniversary Celebrity Silhouette cruise to Hawaii and then a week at Auluni on DVC points.

AKK

Wasn't trying to poke the bear I just think in a fairness that some need to point out that they do cruise other lines too not just DCL in these conversations, and that those lines aren't horrible, well maybe a couple Some of us have been truly loyal to DCL like us for 9 years and truth to be told am really nervous about branching out, but will due to the same concern the OP did price.

To the OP if you can afford it, my guess is the kids will love it and really enjoy the character interaction, heck the adults will most likely really enjoy it too. While the price is more than we want to pay, I would still highly recommend DCL to those willing to pay the price. Our last DCL cruise we just got off of was probably the best onboard experience we have ever had.

 

[cgolf]

I have been on 4 Disney Cruises, however my last one was 6 YEARS AGO!! Since then I became loyal to Princess Cruises, but have also sailed Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and even (gasp) Carnival! I LOVE CRUISING!

My husband is trying to talk me into a 4 night Disney Cruise on the Dream this summer. My stepdaughter has never been on a Disney cruise and my daughter was 3 last time we went. They are 7 and 8, so the perfect age to enjoy a Disney Cruise. I priced it and was quickly reminded why I don't sail with Disney very often! I can't believe the price of a 4 night cruise!!!! I can find other options (including a Mediterranean cruise with flights) on other lines that are much cheaper/better value.

So... Talk me into it!! Why should I go with Disney!? I want to be talked into it!

If you do go DCL, wipe your mind of the cost and what you could have saved on another line once you set foot onboard. Don't try to figure out if it is living up to what you spent and you will have a great time.

I am speaking from experience, I forgot about all our frustrations with DCL last week and had one of my best cruise experiences yet

 

[Flossbolna]

OP, have you checked if opening day prices for your cruise were less high? For summer 2016 they could have gone up already quite a bit. Summer 2017 dates should be released in spring and maybe the price will be less outrageous at opening day. So waiting another year might be an option to get the Disney experience for a better price?