Disney is a much different experience than any other cruise line. One of the biggest differences is that Disney is consistent whereas RCI and NCL can be either good or very bad, we have experienced both. First I would like to address the following comments.
"1. Hey - pop will make you fat and rot your teeth! Nothing is "free" on DCL - it's merely included in the higher price you pay. You can drink milk, water, iced tea, and lemonade on other cruise ships without paying an additional charge. No one is forcing you to buy soda. I'll bet DCL cost more than $85 more than your NCL cruise!
This is pretty much indicative of the idea that you get what you pay for. Disney costs more, so they improve the experience. For those of us that do drink soda, it is nice not to have to pay 1.75 plus tip for every glass of soda, on top of waiting for the beverage server to bring it to you.
2. DCL also suggests a certain amount for tips, and it's higher than on other cruise lines. You said on DCL you pay at the end and on NCL you pay each day. The end result is the same: they are charged to your shipboard account. I also suspect that on NCL you don't have to have the tips charged to your onboard account, but can pay in cash if you wish. If you choose to have it charged to your account, the amount is fixed. I don't have a problem with that at all.
On NCL, the only option is to have tips charged to your account, and most of the time you have no control over the amount. While the official policy is that you can adjust the tips, good luck making that happen. Also, every time you eat in one of their specialty restaurants, it is requested that you leave a tip when paying the surcharge. You are paying less in tips than on Disney, but you are also paying for less deserving service. When the crew knows that everyone is forced to tip them, they are less inclined to work hard.
3. NCL is the only cruise line that doesn't have traditional dining. Other cruise lines have both traditional fixed dining times as well as "anytime" dining. You neglected to mention that NCL ships have a number of dining rooms, and the passenger chooses when, where, and with whom to eat dinner. Some of the dining rooms have a charge - similar to paying for Palo."
First, Princess and NCL both offer this form of dining, although in there own way. Second, most NCL ships have only 1 or two free restaurants in addition to the main dining rooms and the buffet. Freestyle cruising is often a disaster. You must make reservations if you hope to eat in one of the free restaurants, and the main dining rooms take forever. Whereas Palo is 15 dollars per person, most NCL restaurants are 15, 20, or 25, and the food is nowhere near the level of Palo. Freestyle dining is an incredible hassle, although RCI's idea of eating in the same room every night is no fun.
Now, here is why DCL is worth the premium.
1. First of all the staterooms are a vast improvement, both in decor and in size. RCI's staterooms can be very depressing. An NCL cruise gives you a balcony room that is 162 square feet (not including balcony), a RCI cruise gives you a 184 square foot balcony room, and a Disney cruise gives you a 214 square foot room. RCI and NCL go as low as 148 for oceanview and interior, Disney's smallest is 184 sq. ft.
2. Castaway Cay, aside from being able to walk ashore rather than tendering, no other line's private island can compare to DCL's. From its size, to its beaches, to its beautiful theming, to the separation of the adult beach from the family beach, Castaway Cay is in a league of its own. As a side note, there is little entertainment onboard because usually 90 percent of passengers will go ashore, and also the cruise staff is busy working on the island.
3. Rotation Dining is the perfect blend of traditional and freestyle. You are able to move through different dining rooms, while still having the same servers that know your needs, the same table-mates, and no need to make a reservation. While this is mostly a personal opinion, the food on DCL always has been better than on RCI or NCL.
4. The ships are maintained to a higher degree than other cruise line's ships. Certainly newer ships may be in slightly better shape, but take a look at any other ship from 1998 or 1999 (Carnival Fantasy class or RCI Vision Class), and you will see why Disney is great.
5. Deck parties- I have never seen another cruise line bring so many passengers together and get everyone excited. The sail-away party is something I always miss on other cruise lines.
6. The service throughout the ship, from stateroom stewards to the officers, is a step above the rest. Everyone has a smile for you, and everyone is willing to go out of their way to make your vacation special. It is a feeling that you cannot find on other cruise lines.
7. Having experienced the kid's programs on RCI and NCL, I can say that Disney is certainly the best, both in facilities and in the staff. RCI and NCL will keep the kids entertained, for some of the day as they close earlier than DCL, but Disney has it down.
8. Adults only areas- First, RCI and NCL will sometimes sail with almost as many families as Disney. In one sailing of the Navigator of the Seas, 1/6 of the passengers were between the ages of 12 and 17. Also, while DCL is not consistent in their enforcement there is very little enforcement of public spaces on NCL and RCI aside from the casino and disco. I have yet to observe RCI enforcing the age limit in their adult pool area. Disney does a great job of providing everyone with their own space.
9. Entertainment- Stage shows on NCL and RCI tend to range from just ok to crappy, whereas DCL is known throughout the industry for having the best stage shows. Also, Disney's cabaret performers tend to be better at what they do than those on other cruise lines.
Essentially, Disney goes the extra mile with their cruise line, and aside from the reasons above, tends to provide those extra touches that really make the cruise something special. We have always had fun on other cruise lines, but nothing has ever been able to compare to the Disney experience.
