DCL carry-on alcohol policy changing Sept. 30 2015

[PrincessShmoo]

Went on our first DCL cruise August 2015, booked July 2014. It's been $9/hour since we booked back then, and there was no conversation lingering on the boards at that point about nursery rates going up. In fact, this conversation is the first time I've heard they were ever $6/hour, so that had to have been a LONG time ago.

Nursery prices increased Jan 24, 2014 from $6.00 and hour to $9.00 an hour (for first child)/$8.00 an hour (for second child).

There was some discussion at that time about the big jump, but it was pointed out that nursery prices hadn't increased in some time.

 

[Bree]

I don't bring liquor onboard so it doesn't affect me. I am disgusted with the way DCL handled this though. When the new smoking policy went into place I got an email from them and my TA. I have received no communications from anyone for this new policy! I'm also wondering if DCL is heading towards beverage packages like other lines. They already use RFID cups & mugs at WDW to access the soda machines. I can easily see them installing something similar on the ships.

I have canceled two DCL cruises for 2016. Their increasing rates just aren't worth it to me. I don't find any value for the upcharge cost to cruise with them. Posters here can type to me all they want about the Disney magic & pixie dust until their fingertips bleed. That seems to be the most used argument on this board and I just don't understand the logic. I need more than a possibility of magic and dust to keep me satisfied with how I spent my vacation dollars. I cringe every time I read about the "free" soda too. I didn't find the crew on DCL to be any more accommodating or trying to go the extra mile than I did on RCCL. The worst dining room servers I have ever had were on our DCL last year!!! I moved a spring 2016 cruise from a $3000 5 night Wonder SPH to a $1900 5 night RCCL aft corner balcony. I also canceled a $5500 WC ocean view on the Fantasy the week leading up to Xmas in favor of NCL Escape in a Balcony room for $2900. I'm also getting a $75 shore excursion credit at each port.

I'll probably still book a placeholder with DCL, but will definitely be looking at the competition. I live in FL and it is so easy for me to cruise out of PC, Tampa, FLL & Miami.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

January, although my information could have been incorrect. Has it been $9 since January?

Yes @mmouse37 has a post about extras that is a couple years old. Very helpful, but if people don't read the whole thread they don't realize things have changed.

 

[UK-Simon]

I strongly believe this change to the policy is just the start. Limited the amount as phase 1, then cut it altogether in phase 2. I have been very loyal to the brand but this one is seriously testing my patience. I urge everyone to formally express their displeasure if we have any chance of them rescinding this! It happened in 2011 so it might just happen again!

 

[DisneyManFamily4]

I'm also really unhappy about the change to the alcohol policy. Does anyone have the best address or email to send a letter of complaint regarding this change?

 

[Ofinn]

Went on our first DCL cruise August 2015, booked July 2014. It's been $9/hour since we booked back then, and there was no conversation lingering on the boards at that point about nursery rates going up. In fact, this conversation is the first time I've heard they were ever $6/hour, so that had to have been a LONG time ago.

Not many people bring babies onboard, but a lot of passengers bring alcohol.

 

[RebelHawk]

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm also really unhappy about the change to the alcohol policy. Does anyone have the best address or email to send a letter of complaint regarding this change?

Just use the "Contact us" link on the Disney Cruise Website

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/email-help-center/

 

[AquaDame]

I don't bring liquor onboard so it doesn't affect me. I am disgusted with the way DCL handled this though. When the new smoking policy went into place I got an email from them and my TA. I have received no communications from anyone for this new policy! I'm also wondering if DCL is heading towards beverage packages like other lines. They already use RFID cups & mugs at WDW to access the soda machines. I can easily see them installing something similar on the ships.

Bingo. Its been a few days and honestly I'm feeling less angry about the policy itself. I think if they had actually responded quickly to our questions and concerns I would be moving on, but in no way did DCL or my TA contact me... still waiting. When this happened in 2011 I got an email before I even saw it on the boards but now in 2015 I had to contact THEM and they still haven't properly answered my questions. We still have no clue how this is going to work and in the meantime Disney just keeps chirping that there is magic in their name..? Thats... thats not an answer. 'Everyone else is doing it' isn't an answer... adults mock that kind of reasoning, don't we? Why do we expect more from our kids and less from a multibillion dollar corporation?

 

[TeenaS]

I'm also really unhappy about the change to the alcohol policy. Does anyone have the best address or email to send a letter of complaint regarding this change?

Karl.holz@disney.com

 

[JDBlair]

We are 45 days from our cruise. Just now I got an email from DCL "Some Helpful Information for the B Family"...the very first section says:

With your Disney Cruise Line® voyage on the horizon, we wanted to provide you with a few important details and encourage you to finish booking all of your cruise activities, so you can make the most of the magic!

As a previous cruiser, you probably already have a good idea on what you plan to bring with you. Click on the links to the right for some helpful reminders of items to pack and items that cannot be brought on board.

In addition, please be sure to review our recently revised alcohol policy.
​

I forwarded the email to the same people who have ignored the email I sent earlier this week and asked how they propose I adjust the budget I've saved for years for due to their 48 day notice. I'm beyond outraged. I agree with everything @Bree said above. This has taken all the excitement out of anticipating this cruise as I feel the way they handled this situation was just wrong.

 

[gkrykewy]

And don't forget the change they made to not being able to smoke on your veranda. While I am not a smoker, I still didn't like this change.

At one point or another each of these changes have impacted our family. But still the one that bites the most how much the prices have gone up over the years. I need to take out a second mortgage to cruise DCL.

Disagree strongly on the smoking point. Smoke travels. Someone in the next room smoking on their verandah ruins my experience on my verandah. Alcohol does not have any such issues.

 

[TheLanes]

Questions: Can you leave the ship and return at the port you first board? Do other cruise lines count the number of times you re-enter and count the alcohol each time towards your total allowed?

 

[C6PT7]

Disagree strongly on the smoking point. Smoke travels. Someone in the next room smoking on their verandah ruins my experience on my verandah. Alcohol does not have any such issues.

I wonder if the OP was referring to the 2 month notice given on the balcony smoking ban (within the PIF date so short notice) rather than the banning of smoking on balconies all to gether?

 

[tinkerone]

We are 45 days from our cruise. Just now I got an email from DCL "Some Helpful Information for the B Family"...the very first section says:

With your Disney Cruise Line® voyage on the horizon, we wanted to provide you with a few important details and encourage you to finish booking all of your cruise activities, so you can make the most of the magic!

As a previous cruiser, you probably already have a good idea on what you plan to bring with you. Click on the links to the right for some helpful reminders of items to pack and items that cannot be brought on board.

In addition, please be sure to review our recently revised alcohol policy.
​

I forwarded the email to the same people who have ignored the email I sent earlier this week and asked how they propose I adjust the budget I've saved for years for due to their 48 day notice. I'm beyond outraged. I agree with everything @Bree said above. This has taken all the excitement out of anticipating this cruise as I feel the way they handled this situation was just wrong.

i just got the same email, just came.

 

[tinkerone]

Questions: Can you leave the ship and return at the port you first board? Do other cruise lines count the number of times you re-enter and count the alcohol each time towards your total allowed?

lol, great question!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I don't know if this is possible or not but I like the way you think.

 

[AquaDame]

i just got the same email, just came.

Are you also sailing soon..? I don't have one yet, but we are not PIF either. I would imagine they will hit those who are first..

 

[TestingH2O]

Not many people bring babies onboard, but a lot of passengers bring alcohol.

Quantify not many vs a lot. Even so, how does that relate to the fact that, when OP booked, rates had already risen from $6 to $9 despite what she thought?

 

[tinkerone]

Are you also sailing soon..? I don't have one yet, but we are not PIF either. I would imagine they will hit those who are first..

we sail in october. we have been paid in full for a while. i don't think you will get one till 8ish weeks to your cruise.
have a great cruise, its coming fast.