Cost rising each year?

[aggiedog]

We have been looking at doing an ABD for awhile but haven't been able to pull the trigger. With 4 kids, it's a huge chunk of money!

That said, we love Disney, and are scheduled for their Baltic 7 night cruise in May. Assuming we'd love the cruise and possibly want to do another one, I was anxiously awaiting the release of next summer's cruises...which have basically all gone up astronomically. At least for where, when we can travel.

So, looking at that sort of money, some of the ABD's don't look so bad.

A lot of discussion for my ultimate question. Do the prices for the ABD trips tend to rise significantly every year? If I spend the next month or so dreaming, will I be disappointed that everything is 20+% more for next year's trips?

I understand Disney will continue to charge what the market will bear, but there is a ceiling beyond which my money is better spent (college tuition, etc.)

 

[Cousin Orville]

No. European DCL cruises are in a totally different league of % price increases. At least from what I've noticed, ABD's seem to be pretty stable year over year. I'm guessing ABD will still be more $ than DCL, but ABD is worth it. I don't know if I'd still say the same for DCL given their recent price increases. I'm a bit conflicted right now.

 

[sayhello]

No. European DCL cruises are in a totally different league of % price increases. At least from what I've noticed, ABD's seem to be pretty stable year over year. I'm guessing ABD will still be more $ than DCL, but ABD is worth it. I don't know if I'd still say the same for DCL given their recent price increases. I'm a bit conflicted right now.

I cannot believe how much they are charging for the British Isles & Norway/Iceland cruises! There is no way I'd spend that much for DCL! *Maybe* if it included your excursions & food onshore, but all that stuff is extra beyond the exorbitant prices!

Sayhello

 

[acndis]

I could not believe the DCL summer prices and it looked like Concierge was already sold out for the British Isles (so someone is paying these prices). For three of us, it was $38,000+ for a one-bedroom to the Norway/Iceland. We love DCL and we really love Concierge (tried to book non-concierge and then changed after having a Cabana at Castaway Cay) but I think we'd much rather do ABD for the more exotic locations. These prices sealed the deal. Now ABD looks like a real bargain even in Alaska!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I could not believe the DCL summer prices and it looked like Concierge was already sold out for the British Isles (so someone is paying these prices). For three of us, it was $38,000+ for a one-bedroom to the Norway/Iceland. We love DCL and we really love Concierge (tried to book non-concierge and then changed after having a Cabana at Castaway Cay) but I think we'd much rather do ABD for the more exotic locations. These prices sealed the deal. Now ABD looks like a real bargain even in Alaska!

That is outrageous. Oh my goodness. I would never pay that, especially since the ship they are sailing (Magic? I haven't looked at the itineraries) is quite old by industry standards.

 

[sayhello]

That is outrageous. Oh my goodness. I would never pay that, especially since the ship they are sailing (Magic? I haven't looked at the itineraries) is quite old by industry standards.

Yes, it's the Magic. Currently that's the only ship DCL sends to Europe. I paid $1500 as a solo for a 12-night Med cruise on the Magic in 2010. That was worth it. Over $7000 for an *inside* cabin for the British Isles? I don't think so! I'd so rather do another ABD for that kind of money!

Sayhello

 

[carpenta]

That price is unbelievable. You can sail on one of those exclusive smaller cruise lines (Crystal, Seaborn etc.) for far less and you would receive better service IMO. I guess DCL is going by the old P.T.Barnum saying "there's a sucker born every minute "......`

 

[paddles]

We're doing a 12 night Baltic cruise this summer, and I'm glad we booked it this year since next summer, it's only a 7 night trip. I agree, DCL prices have gotten a bit outrageous and luckily, I'm not at all tempted by the cruises next year - due to both the price and itineraries.

I really hope ABD offers something more exotic for 2016. If not, my heart is on Greece or Australia...but both are pretty pricey and I'll need to make sure that will work in our budget (particularly vacation time) for next year.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

We're doing a 12 night Baltic cruise this summer, and I'm glad we booked it this year since next summer, it's only a 7 night trip. I agree, DCL prices have gotten a bit outrageous and luckily, I'm not at all tempted by the cruises next year - due to both the price and itineraries.

Ditto on the not tempted. The cruise prices are pretty outrageous. I love my Disney, but at those prices I'm going to start looking at *real* luxury lines. I also love sailing concierge and the European cruise concierge prices have been exorbitant the past few years. We're doing the B2B Norway and Baltic with ABD Add-on, but this will probably be the last Disney cruise for a while. Might as well do an ABD at those prices. We're waiting on China and like OP I hope the prices don't creep up for 2016. It's already a very expensive trip for a family of 4.

 

[Bobo912]

The prices go up every year, but I don't think the percentage is consistent. And if you don't book soon after the itineraries are announced, you run the risk that the price will increase as more people book. For reference, this is what I paid for our last 3 ABD so you can compare with what the prices are now:
Ireland in 2014 - $4039
Peru in 2013 - $3339
Arizaon/Utah in 2011 - $2769

 

[aggiedog]

Thank you everyone. This gives me some hope that we might be able to do it this year. If we'd have just stopped at two kids, we could do more! I'll just have to wait and see when the new itineraries come out.

FWIW, the Dover to Barcelona 7d cruise has gone up $1700 since yesterday for a 5b room for 4 people. Crazy.

 

[Iheartdreaming]

I couldn't believe how much Disney was asking for their cruises this year? I haven't ever considered another cruise line till I saw the prices.. You will most likely be spending more for ABT, however, I guarantee you will get to see more of the country.

 

[aggiedog]

Yes, for the money, I'd rather do ABD. With the rise in DCL prices, it wasn't hard to make the switch. It's still a huge chunk of money, but I feel like it will be worth it for the more personalized service and smaller groups.