DCL carry-on alcohol policy changing Sept. 30 2015

[elephant98]

Darn it. I was already having a hard enough time trying to justify paying over $8000 for a family balcony stateroom on the Fantasy next August (family of 4), when I can sail same itinerary on the RCCL Allure, and stay in two connecting balcony cabins for $5200. I know there is always going to be a big premium for sailing on DCL over the summer relative to other cruise lines. So, I usually resort to the little things that Disney does which (in my mind, at least) sets them apart from other cruise lines in order to "convince" me that the extra cost is "worth it": like soda being included, serving real Krispy Kreme glazed donuts (versus marginal cake donuts), being able to drop 2 items off at the front desk to be signed by characters . . . and you can bring on your alcohol of choice. Well, first I learn a couple of weeks ago that DCL is ending their "mickey mail" program. Now, you can no longer byob of liquor.

Ironically, the "little things" that I tend to point to don't nearly come close to making up for the significant price disparity. So, I guess this change actually forces me to view things in the proper perspective from now on.

 

[JERME81]

So they don't want you to consume your own alcohol in public spaces but its ok if you buy it from one of their bars and walk around public spaces?

 

[Sir William]

On the whole, I'm not totally surprised by the new policy, though I am disappointed the time has finally arrived.

However, it's not a major impact as we usually only take 4 bottles of wine onboard anyway, which will typically last us a week, and if not we can replenish in port. The bigger issue is the liquor; DW liked her rum and I liked my whisky. But, considering most other cruise lines don't allow liquor (or beer) anyways and often only 2 bottles of wine per stateroom, this is still a generous alcohol policy.

But the alcohol policy is not what determines what cruise line we sail on, so this won't have any impact on any future Disney cruises we may consider.

 

[ShellB8585]

If I was in those shoes I'd be seriously miffed, too. I'd be pitching a fit of epic proportions. But, it does say in the T&C that policies are subject to change at any time with no notice. In fact, it says anything can change at any time with no notice....

I know they can change it anytime they want but it is a little unfair to move the goalposts when someone has PIF'd! We are on the 14 night Panama Canal cruise in October. I have never bought alcohol on for shorter cruises and it is unlikely I will on the next one but I was very much hoping to take advantage of it on the 14 night! We only have 4 port days (and they didnt dock in Puerto Vallarta in May due to civil unrest so could be less) and I have full intention of buying drinks at the bars too not to mention all the tastings we are booked on!

On my recent Nagic cruise there were a number of adults who abused it and were drunk. They caused disruption and security was involved. Blame the few who abused for the loss.

Always the way a few ruin it for the masses and it's those of us who don't abuse the system that luck out

 

[Dug720]

Darn it. I was already having a hard enough time trying to justify paying over $8000 for a family balcony stateroom on the Fantasy next August (family of 4), when I can sail same itinerary on the RCCL Allure, and stay in two connecting balcony cabins for $5200. I know there is always going to be a big premium for sailing on DCL over the summer relative to other cruise lines. So, I usually resort to the little things that Disney does which (in my mind, at least) sets them apart from other cruise lines in order to "convince" me that the extra cost is "worth it": like soda being included, serving real Krispy Kreme glazed donuts (versus marginal cake donuts), being able to drop 2 items off at the front desk to be signed by characters . . . and you can bring on your alcohol of choice. Well, first I learn a couple of weeks ago that DCL is ending their "mickey mail" program. Now, you can no longer byob of liquor.

Ironically, the "little things" that I tend to point to don't nearly come close to making up for the significant price disparity. So, I guess this change actually forces me to view things in the proper perspective from now on.

What "mickey mail policy"?

 

[TifffanyD]

On my recent Magic cruise there were a number of adults who abused it and were drunk. They caused disruption and security was involved. Blame the few who abused for the loss.

This has been on the cars for a while as people continue to push the boundaries.

How do you know this was caused by people carrying their alcohol on and not just getting drunk at the bars (or in port)?

 

[Dug720]

So they don't want you to consume your own alcohol in public spaces but its ok if you buy it from one of their bars and walk around public spaces?

They do have a bit more control when you buy it as if you appear to be overly intoxicated they CAN refuse service, even on a ship. Especially if they feel that in intoxication is endangering you (Mr. MOB anyone) or others.

 

[kaseyC]

On my recent Magic cruise there were a number of adults who abused it and were drunk. They caused disruption and security was involved. Blame the few who abused for the loss.

This has been on the cars for a while as people continue to push the boundaries.

On a Disney cruise!?! From reading these boards you would think this only happens on those "other" cruise lines! LOL Like you, I'm not surprised they changed the policy. It was bound to happen either from abuse or DCL realizing they were missing out on a lot of $$$$!

 

[tidefan]

Very disappointing. I think that this was a major selling point with DCL in that it was one of the few things that helped justify a cost comparison with other lines.

As DCL continues to take things away that differentiated the brand, they will have a much harder time supporting their price points.

 

[JERME81]

If DCL did a beverage package similar to Royal Caribbean or Celebrity I would be ok with it. We bought the premium package on a Celebrity cruise once. We got a print out of each time we got a drink. We roughly figured out that if each drink was X amount then we would have spent X amount on drinks. The drink package saved us money.

 

[declansdad]

Yeah, if they are going to institute a change, it should be for cruises that are still fully refundable.

You would seriously cancel a cruise over a change like this?

 

[JimGA]

Oh well, all good things must come to an end, thank goodness I only drink wine and beer, so 4 bottles and 12 cans for me and my wife who doesn't drink

 

[lbgraves]

And the new policy specifically states that is not allowed (taking your wine or beer into lounges or public places). So, look for Disney to observe how people abuse the new policy, and if it continues they might just cut off all alcohol brought onboard.

"Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area"

There's nothing new about that part, it has always been a part of DCL's policy.

What "mickey mail policy"?

You can no longer drop items at GS to have signed and returned to your room the last night.

 

[DisUniversal]

Time to switch our "shampoo" brand before the next cruise...
http://www.amazon.com/Smuggs-Jugs-Conditioner-Self-Stick-Safe-Seals/dp/B00DPMJL82

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

On a Disney cruise!?! From reading these boards you would think this only happens on those "other" cruise lines! LOL Like you, I'm not surprised they changed the policy. It was bound to happen either from abuse or DCL realizing they were missing out on a lot of $$$$!

Yes these adults were very disruptive and whilst the cruise was from Europe let's say any assumption there is wrong but I will not name the country their from. I know security was called, they had their own booze brought on ( too much) maybe brought locally pre cruise and not use to it, and in the early hours were very drunk. It was witnessed. Teenagers on our cruise were generally very good when this occurred they were told to go to D Lounge as the only place they are allowed to go to post the club closing and complied. I am aware of an odd slightly naughty thing by teenagers but it's minor against these drunk adults.

 

[MunFam]

This change has pretty much put DCL in the grave for me. The rising costs, the customer service is going down, the food is boring, the shows are not changing, the ports of call are old, stuffy and not nearly as exciting as other itineraries on other lines for a cheaper cost. I was able to justify the costs and some of the lameness with "well, atleast we can sit and drink for X days and just have a good time"...now that its gone. I will no longer be a customer. If I am comparing apples to apples, DCL loses.

This goes along with why I pay for a Costco membership. I do not NEED to buy bulk items, but they have an incredibly generous return policy. This keeps me a loyal customer and "drinking the Kool Aid" so to speak. Same goes with Nordstrom. They have a wonderful level of customer service and they also have a great return policy and free shipping. Its how I justify the higher prices. If you take away the return policy, free shipping and the customer service, they are just your average big box store...and then the higher cost is no longer justified.

DCL used to set themselves a part by having unique services and policies that no other cruise lines had. They are quickly doing away with all of those things (liquor, Mickey Mail, etc) and raising rates on warn out itineraries. They are becoming the "average cruise line" with bad itineraries and high prices.

All I know is that I am SOOO glad we did the WBPC in 2015 because with a missed port of call and less than stellar customer service...we NEEDED that generous liquor policy!

 

[kathi]

This policy would be reasonable if DCL cruises were in the same price point as other similar lines (RCL, NCL, Celebrity). But they are NOT. We are getting ready to go on DCL cruise Number 17 - so clearly we are fans, but this is one more perk being taken away that may make us at least try some other lines. We have always justified the higher prices of a DCL cruise with the onboard wine/liquor policy. In all the years we have been cruising DCL, we have never seen drunken disorderly people milling about in the public spaces - Disney just doesn't draw that kind of crowd.

The service, food and quality on DCL is amazing, but this is not sitting well with me. Feels like a money grab when they are already charging significantly more.


Kathi

 

[OKW Lover]

So they don't want you to consume your own alcohol in public spaces but its ok if you buy it from one of their bars and walk around public spaces?

I think the difference is that a bartender will shut you off if you appear intoxicated.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

If DCL did a beverage package similar to Royal Caribbean or Celebrity I would be ok with it. We bought the premium package on a Celebrity cruise once. We got a print out of each time we got a drink. We roughly figured out that if each drink was X amount then we would have spent X amount on drinks. The drink package saved us money.

Booze packages do not work they encourage over drinking to get your money's worth. They would have to do it for all audits in a cabin as on other lines one adult gets it and then passes the drinks to others.

 

[Dug720]

You can no longer drop items at GS to have signed and returned to your room the last night.

Ah gotcha. Never something on my radar so I didn't notice.

I read "mail" as stuff delivered by the USPS and thought they were going the "arts and crafts" method of print and figure out how to attach your own tags plus print everything out on your own route that other lines are. Sadly I'm sure it's just a matter of time until we are doing arts and crafts with/for our tags.