DCL carry-on alcohol policy changing Sept. 30 2015

[ZephyrHawk]

This morning I got an email reminding me about my upcoming "paid in full" date. There at the very bottom of the email, was a note about Disney's new alcohol policy. They put it in there so they could claim they've let all upcoming cruisers know, but in a location where you'd only find it if you scrolled and scrolled and scrolled past all the other useless information first. The only reason I bothered was because I specifically wondered if they'd try to sneak something about the policy in there.

This sort of cements it for me. Disney's not going to back down on their policy change no matter how many people they anger. Well, so be it. If anyone from the company bothers reading these Boards, I hope you pass on how very, very disappointed I am about how DCL handled this situation. I'll be making my displeasure known through other means, as well. It's not even the policy change which I disagree with, it's the horrible customer service offered to those who have already paid for their cruises. I do not foresee myself booking another Disney cruise after this one. I cannot, in conscience, recommend that friends and family spend their hard earned money on a Disney cruise.

Edit: I just realized this post lacks gravitas because of the DCL themed vacation ticker beneath it. I will be removing the ticker. I am no longer happy to advertise my upcoming Disney cruise. I hope you're happy Disney.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

@ZephyrHawk, wow. I think I'm with you, no more booking onboard here. That's a first.

 

[mcocruise]

Long time lurker - first time poster. This thread has been a bit frustrating to me for days now so I decided to create an account to share my thoughts.

For context, I've been on 10+ cruises on DCL and 10+ cruises on a selection of other lines. I have a few FB friends who cruise DCL at least once a year and both of these people post photos at the very beginning of the vacation showing the 5 or more large bottles of liquor that they are bringing on for a 3 day cruise and then they will post a picture at the end of their cruise of the empty bottles and trashed area around them. I realize that this isn't what everyone on here was doing - but I have a feeling if I have two FB friends who were doing this and overindulging on every cruise there were quite a few more.

As always, a few will ruin the policy for everyone. A hard drinking and party cruise isn't the image that DCL is trying to create. The updated policy is more than enough (with most itineraries) to keep you buzzed for the cruise if you re-fill your wine at each port stop. It is more generous than most lines and frankly if you are freaking out about not having enough liquor on your cruise, you might have a larger problem you need to investigate.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

(with most itineraries)

But you agree, that there are several itineraries that won't work well with the new policy?

For one - the Westbound TransAtlantic, that only has one port stop in an 11 day cruise.

 

[tinkerone]

This morning I got an email reminding me about my upcoming "paid in full" date. There at the very bottom of the email, was a note about Disney's new alcohol policy. They put it in there so they could claim they've let all upcoming cruisers know, but in a location where you'd only find it if you scrolled and scrolled and scrolled past all the other useless information first. The only reason I bothered was because I specifically wondered if they'd try to sneak something about the policy in there.

This sort of cements it for me. Disney's not going to back down on their policy change no matter how many people they anger. Well, so be it. If anyone from the company bothers reading these Boards, I hope you pass on how very, very disappointed I am about how DCL handled this situation. I'll be making my displeasure known through other means, as well. It's not even the policy change which I disagree with, it's the horrible customer service offered to those who have already paid for their cruises. I do not foresee myself booking another Disney cruise after this one. I cannot, in conscience, recommend that friends and family spend their hard earned money on a Disney cruise.

Edit: I just realized this post lacks gravitas because of the DCL themed vacation ticker beneath it. I will be removing the ticker. I am no longer happy to advertise my upcoming Disney cruise. I hope you're happy Disney.

the one we received a few days ago did not have this on it anywhere. they must have just put it in and smart to do so.

 

[TeenaS]

Some people don't drink beer or wine and want a cocktail or two on their verandah while getting ready for dinner. One bottle for a 7 night cruise was plenty. Now we can't do that. Instead we quick get ready, have to go to a noisy bar with loud music, watch kids scream and frolick around, pay a ridiculous amount for a drink not made the way you like it.

 

[tinkerone]

Long time lurker - first time poster. This thread has been a bit frustrating to me for days now so I decided to create an account to share my thoughts.

For context, I've been on 10+ cruises on DCL and 10+ cruises on a selection of other lines. I have a few FB friends who cruise DCL at least once a year and both of these people post photos at the very beginning of the vacation showing the 5 or more large bottles of liquor that they are bringing on for a 3 day cruise and then they will post a picture at the end of their cruise of the empty bottles and trashed area around them. I realize that this isn't what everyone on here was doing - but I have a feeling if I have two FB friends who were doing this and overindulging on every cruise there were quite a few more.

As always, a few will ruin the policy for everyone. A hard drinking and party cruise isn't the image that DCL is trying to create. The updated policy is more than enough (with most itineraries) to keep you buzzed for the cruise if you re-fill your wine at each port stop. It is more generous than most lines and frankly if you are freaking out about not having enough liquor on your cruise, you might have a larger problem you need to investigate.

like a lot of posters i think you are not understanding the big picture. its not about the quantity of what is allowed, its about the product itself. some people do not like wine or beer but do enjoy some, lets say, rum. they want to be able to bring a small bottle of that instead but they can't. its not that they want to bring 5 large bottles of liquor. its that they want to bring some. their not freaking out about not having enough, they just want some.

ETA- i would think your friends would be in the minority and if they truly trashed the area they would be billed for it.

 

[tinkerone]

double post, sorry.

 

[littleblackegg]

Long time lurker - first time poster. This thread has been a bit frustrating to me for days now so I decided to create an account to share my thoughts.

For context, I've been on 10+ cruises on DCL and 10+ cruises on a selection of other lines. I have a few FB friends who cruise DCL at least once a year and both of these people post photos at the very beginning of the vacation showing the 5 or more large bottles of liquor that they are bringing on for a 3 day cruise and then they will post a picture at the end of their cruise of the empty bottles and trashed area around them. I realize that this isn't what everyone on here was doing - but I have a feeling if I have two FB friends who were doing this and overindulging on every cruise there were quite a few more.

As always, a few will ruin the policy for everyone. A hard drinking and party cruise isn't the image that DCL is trying to create. The updated policy is more than enough (with most itineraries) to keep you buzzed for the cruise if you re-fill your wine at each port stop. It is more generous than most lines and frankly if you are freaking out about not having enough liquor on your cruise, you might have a larger problem you need to investigate.

The key is to learn how to get totally blotto without losing your Italian handbag. Because that will not do. I personally am having an ostomy bag placed. This means a one-piece but a gal must make sacrifices. (clutches pearls)

 

[mcocruise]

Some people don't drink beer or wine and want a cocktail or two on their verandah while getting ready for dinner. One bottle for a 7 night cruise was plenty. Now we can't do that. Instead we quick get ready, have to go to a noisy bar with loud music, watch kids scream and frolick around, pay a ridiculous amount for a drink not made the way you like it.

You actually described how I cruise to a tee! I don't generally like wine or beer and I love to have a mixed drink on my verandah as the sun is setting. I guess I've just never had an issue walking to the closest bar to get it. A process that usually takes less than 10 minutes. In all my sailings with dcl I've never encountered a bar overrun with kids or one where I wasn't served within a minute or two.

Let's say with tip you are averaging $12 a drink. You also buy one for your cruising companion and you are on a 3 day cruise. That's $72. If that amount of money is making or breaking your decision to cruise with DCL, I think it's ok to admit that DCL isn't for you.

 

[tinkerone]

You actually described how I cruise to a tee! I don't generally like wine or beer and I love to have a mixed drink on my verandah as the sun is setting. I guess I've just never had an issue walking to the closest bar to get it. A process that usually takes less than 10 minutes. In all my sailings with dcl I've never encountered a bar overrun with kids or one where I wasn't served within a minute or two.

Let's say with tip you are averaging $12 a drink. You also buy one for your cruising companion and you are on a 3 day cruise. That's $72. If that amount of money is making or breaking your decision to cruise with DCL, I think it's ok to admit that DCL isn't for you.

lets say your traveling alone with your three year old and they are down for the night. do you leave that child to walk to the closest bar to get a drink? its less than 10 minutes?
seriously, its about being allowed to bring one form of alcohol and not another. its not about the cost of purchasing a drink. why do they allow wine and beer but not liquor? thats whats in question, not if someone can afford it or not.

 

[TheLanes]

You actually described how I cruise to a tee! I don't generally like wine or beer and I love to have a mixed drink on my verandah as the sun is setting. I guess I've just never had an issue walking to the closest bar to get it. A process that usually takes less than 10 minutes. In all my sailings with dcl I've never encountered a bar overrun with kids or one where I wasn't served within a minute or two.

Let's say with tip you are averaging $12 a drink. You also buy one for your cruising companion and you are on a 3 day cruise. That's $72. If that amount of money is making or breaking your decision to cruise with DCL, I think it's ok to admit that DCL isn't for you.

Awesome post to put down a lot of us, thanks! We save up to take our family on a Disney cruise, try to save money on things we can control, and this is what we get from people like you?

So furious at a post like yours. I'm holding back all I can to not say things that will get me an infraction.

You and the new poster above calling us alcoholics with a problem can leave your hate to yourselves.

Edit to add: just noticed your the same person. Troll alert folks, sorry for taking the bait

 

[TestingH2O]

Long time lurker - first time poster. This thread has been a bit frustrating to me for days now so I decided to create an account to share my thoughts.

I think lots of the frustration is with people feeling misunderstood when it comes to their feelings on this issue

For context, I've been on 10+ cruises on DCL and 10+ cruises on a selection of other lines. I have a few FB friends who cruise DCL at least once a year and both of these people post photos at the very beginning of the vacation showing the 5 or more large bottles of liquor that they are bringing on for a 3 day cruise and then they will post a picture at the end of their cruise of the empty bottles and trashed area around them. I realize that this isn't what everyone on here was doing - but I have a feeling if I have two FB friends who were doing this and overindulging on every cruise there were quite a few more.

Yes, I'm quite sure this happens and quite sure DCL would like to minimize any suggestions of impropriety. However, do you honestly think this behavior is COMMON?

As always, a few will ruin the policy for everyone. A hard drinking and party cruise isn't the image that DCL is trying to create. The updated policy is more than enough (with most itineraries) to keep you buzzed for the cruise if you re-fill your wine at each port stop. It is more generous than most lines and frankly if you are freaking out about not having enough liquor on your cruise, you might have a larger problem you need to investigate.

IMO, this sentiment is where most frustration is coming from. Just because people budget around bringing their own booze, it doesn't mean they are heavy alcohol users. (In context, this policy doesn't impact me. We had decided to bring 1-2 bottles for our whole room next time.) Not everyone has an extra $100+ per person to spend on a vacation, and, at $10/drink, even moderate consumption will get you to that point quickly.

Now, if a person's stance is that, with this policy change, s/he can no longer justify the price of a DCL cruise, then I support that consumer choice.

 

[mcocruise]

lets say your traveling alone with your three year old and they are down for the night. do you leave that child to walk to the closest bar to get a drink? its less than 10 minutes?
seriously, its about being allowed to bring one form of alcohol and not another. its not about the cost of purchasing a drink. why do they allow wine and beer but not liquor? thats whats in question, not if someone can afford it or not.

At the end of the day, none of us are privy to the actual conversations within DCL about this, but if I was to guess it would be both about the strength of liquor vs beer/wine (5 shots of vodka will do much more damage than an entire bottle of wine!) and also a cost analysis looking at the revenue lost in mixed drinks vs a few beers or glasses of wine.

I think what everyone is missing is this is still a very liberal policy compared to other lines. In fact - here is Cunards policy which is a line generally MORE expensive than DCL. https://ask.cunard.com/help/before-you-sail/alcohol

 

[tinkerone]

At the end of the day, none of us are privy to the actual conversations within DCL about this, but if I was to guess it would be both about the strength of liquor vs beer/wine (5 shots of vodka will do much more damage than an entire bottle of wine!) and also a cost analysis looking at the revenue lost in mixed drinks vs a few beers or glasses of wine.

I think what everyone is missing is this is still a very liberal policy compared to other lines. In fact - here is Cunards policy which is a line generally MORE expensive than DCL. https://ask.cunard.com/help/before-you-sail/alcohol

i don't understand your cunard point. i don't see a restriction on the number of bottles allowed on and the corkage fee is less than disney.
i do agree with the fact (as do many on here) that the change is due to revenue lost.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I posted this earlier and left this thread when instead of being a discussion and constructive, it became personal by a few.

Others as above have posted it was abused by fellow cruisers, then some say its not common.

I have seen abuse on two Panama canal crossings, and my recent Northern Europe Baltic cruise.

My stance is I am sorry for the honest folk who were responsible and had it in their room and didn't abuse DCL policy.

Like everything, the majority suffer due to a few who always take it too far.


We have seen it time and time again here on these boards, we have seen people say they will drink near children pools they will drink in public places, contrary to existing policy.



My last cruise there was a group who were drunk, couldn't hold their booze or not use to English and Russian alcohol, and caused disruption in the early hours in the pool deck 9 and in D lounge. The poor cleaning staff at 3am/4am in D Lounge clearing up for byob containers etc left there, no profit for DCL but extra cost of cleaning up. The officers and security called to the deck and clearing up the after effects of a few drinking Russian vodka.

They thought it was fun but other people working for DCL are not employed to clear up after people who bring on their own booze.

Other fellow cruisers and people on these boards caused DCL to take this action, it isnt a conspiracy to get greater income it was abuse of a generous policy.

When you see new threads from some here, how to now smuggle booze on board, then you know some have a problem, not only they cant go on holiday and restrict booze, but want to openly on the open internet declare they intend to breach rules.

I do feel sorry for the responsible drinkers, the ones on long cruises with few ports of call. Or young kids who cant leave their rooms as the children are asleep. But remember, Fellow cruisers abused it, took it too far, and cause mess, disruption and cost to DCL. They are the focus of some peoples annoyance and not people posting their thoughts on these boards.

 

[gismo1554]

As always, a few will ruin the policy for everyone. A hard drinking and party cruise isn't the image that DCL is trying to create. The updated policy is more than enough (with most itineraries) to keep you buzzed for the cruise if you re-fill your wine at each port stop. It is more generous than most lines and frankly if you are freaking out about not having enough liquor on your cruise, you might have a larger problem you need to investigate.

Just to say although I agree on a 3 night cruise you don't need more than 2 bottles of wine is plenty but on an 11 night cruise with 1 stop that's 4 bottles of wine so maybe 2 glasses a day which I could easily take at dinner. I don't think anyone here is actually freaking out about not having enough drink its about the extra cost that this policy is now likely to cause. I don't drink wine on holiday as a general rule I would rather have a nice after dinner drink instead. Whereas before I could bring a liqueur I liked on board I now limited to Disney's choices in this. I am also adding around $8-10 a day to my cruise bill which for an 11 night cruise works out to over $100. Now this is just for me no one else in my party. This is what concerns me and a number of people on this post not the "OMG I need drink" you seem to have read in to this. If I wanted to get blotto every night trust me Disney would gladly let me! I've seen enough people get served at the bar that should have been cut off 5 drinks earlier but no one stops them. As long as you are paying Disney will let you drink! Also do not just assume that people who drink liquor are alcoholics. A lot also drink wine and beer and you insinuating that someone wanting a liquor has a problem is ignorant. Sorry not trying to have a go just want to point out the reality of what you are insinuating.

But you agree, that there are several itineraries that won't work well with the new policy?

For one - the Westbound TransAtlantic, that only has one port stop in an 11 day cruise.

Totally with you! Even if the policy had an up for cruises over 7 days this would be better - although I'd still be bummed about not being able to take on board my baileys (and I guess according to people on here that means I'm an alcoholic!)

 

[TheLanes]

I posted this earlier and left this thread when instead of being a discussion and constructive, it became personal by a few.

Others as above have posted it was abused by fellow cruisers, then some say its not common.

I have seen abuse on two Panama canal crossings, and my recent Northern Europe Baltic cruise.

My stance is I am sorry for the honest folk who were responsible and had it in their room and didn't abuse DCL policy.

Like everything, the majority suffer due to a few who always take it too far.


We have seen it time and time again here on these boards, we have seen people say they will drink near children pools they will drink in public places, contrary to existing policy.

My last cruise there was a group who were drunk, couldn't hold their booze or not use to English and Russian alcohol, and caused disruption in the early hours in the pool deck 9 and in D lounge. The poor cleaning staff at 3am/4am in D Lounge clearing up for byob containers etc left there, no profit for DCL but extra cost of cleaning up. The officers and security called to the deck and clearing up the after effects of a few drinking Russian vodka.

They thought it was fun but other people working for DCL are not employed to clear up after people who bring on their own booze.

Other fellow cruisers and people on these boards caused DCL to take this action, it isnt a conspiracy to get greater income it was abuse of a generous policy.

Let's take a vote on whether folks believe it's Disney caring about a few drunks or if it's profit driven. I'd wager a good bet you're holier than though viewpoint is a very very small minority

 

[tinkerone]

I posted this earlier and left this thread when instead of being a discussion and constructive, it became personal by a few.

Others as above have posted it was abused by fellow cruisers, then some say its not common.

I have seen abuse on two Panama canal crossings, and my recent Northern Europe Baltic cruise.

My stance is I am sorry for the honest folk who were responsible and had it in their room and didn't abuse DCL policy.

Like everything, the majority suffer due to a few who always take it too far.


We have seen it time and time again here on these boards, we have seen people say they will drink near children pools they will drink in public places, contrary to existing policy.



My last cruise there was a group who were drunk, couldn't hold their booze or not use to English and Russian alcohol, and caused disruption in the early hours in the pool deck 9 and in D lounge. The poor cleaning staff at 3am/4am in D Lounge clearing up for byob containers etc left there, no profit for DCL but extra cost of cleaning up. The officers and security called to the deck and clearing up the after effects of a few drinking Russian vodka.

They thought it was fun but other people working for DCL are not employed to clear up after people who bring on their own booze.

Other fellow cruisers and people on these boards caused DCL to take this action, it isnt a conspiracy to get greater income it was abuse of a generous policy.

When you see new threads from some here, how to now smuggle booze on board, then you know some have a problem, not only they cant go on holiday and restrict booze, but want to openly on the open internet declare they intend to breach rules.

I do feel sorry for the responsible drinkers, the ones on long cruises with few ports of call. Or young kids who cant leave their rooms as the children are asleep. But remember, Fellow cruisers abused it, took it too far, and cause mess, disruption and cost to DCL. They are the focus of some peoples annoyance and not people posting their thoughts on these boards.

agree to disagree.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Let's take a vote on whether folks believe it's Disney caring about a few drunks or if it's profit driven. I'd wager a good bet you're holier than though viewpoint is a very very small minority

You try to prove your side of the argument with personal attacks?

I think the ones who are not bothered are actually avoiding this thread, if it was a free vote I am sure people would with open minds know that cruisers abused it.

May be best to discuss your view without the need to make personal remarks it lowers your side of the argument.