DCL Question

[noseybuddy]

Besides the fact that most people on this board are Disney obsessed what is it that makes the Disney ship so much better than the ships from other cruise lines. Myself not had the pleasure of cruising Disney yet would really like to know what makes Disney stand out from the rest. I see a lot of the cruise lines have bigger ships so it can't be that. I have read about people cruising other cruise lines but many seem to keep coming back to Disney. What exactly is it that people love about the Disney cruise line?

 

[SeaSpray]

I haven't cruised Disney yet, but I will give you the reasons why DH and I chose Disney for our family cruise next year!

Just this summer DH and I took our very first cruise aboard a Royal Caribbean ship. It's not one of their mega ships, in fact, it was aboard the Nordic Empress, which is their smallest ship. Small, but classy. We LOVED that cruise and that's what got us hooked on cruising.

We decided that next summer we'd cruise and take DSs with us. So I began to research all the different cruise lines and ships, to see which would suit all of us the best.

*Disney has the LARGEST of cabins of all the cruise ships out there.

*Except for cat 11 and 12, ALL of Disney's cabins have the split bathroom which will be great for us, since we'll be sharing 1 cabin.

*You rotate through THREE dining rooms, not just one. AND your waitstaff rotates with you.

*You have the option of MANY adult-only areas on the ship, such as Palo's restaurant, Quiet Cove pool, and after 9pm the night clubs are 18 and over only. This is strictly enforced on the Disney ships, and NOT strictly enforced on other ships. In fact, most other ships don't have an adults only pool or restaurant. On the Nordic Empress there were always kids in the hot tubs, on the Disney ships the adults have some hot tubs just for them!

*Adults only beach on their private island, Castaway Cay.

*Beautiful ships....elegant, classy, not harsh or gaudy. Outstanding theming in all areas of the ship!

*We feel Disney will have the best programs/teen lounge for our DSs who will be ages 16 and 13 when we sail next summer. This was a BIG consideration for us, since we wanted to make sure the kids have as good of a time on the cruise as we do. I trust Disney's standards to provide a suitable atmosphere for our DSs.

*Teens-only excursions which our DSs will love. No other cruise lines provide teen-only excursions.

I could go on and on but these are the main points which made it so easy for us to decide on a Disney cruise We live near Boston and have a huge choice of other cruise lines, which would NOT require us to have to fly (between Boston and NYC ports)...but we feel so strongly about the quality of the Disney Cruise Line that we're willing to fly to cruise this line.

 

[Gina]

For me, it's that the Disney ships are so surprisingly elegant and beautiful... a stately yet whimsical, classical look and feel to everything. I love the attention to detail, and the rich materials used in the ship's decor -- from the beautiful hardwoods and tile in the staterooms to the polished railings and scrollwork in common areas. No neon, no garish color schemes, no Vegas glitz.

I tried to book with a line closer to home, but every virtual tour of the staterooms on these other two lines looked like floating Motel 6's. Bleh. No personality or charm at all.

And you can't say too much about the children's program! When I looked into the other lines, I was amazed -- either the children's clubs closed down at 10pm completely, or they stayed open past that IF you paid them extra. 7 nights of that nickel-and-diming adds up fast.

And lastly, while I can only speak from my DCL experience, I love how they treat you onboard -- every person I encountered treated me as if I were the first, last, and only passenger aboard. And they acted as if they truly enjoy their jobs.

I'm sure I could have a good time on another line... but I'm pretty spoiled by DCL.

-gina-

 

[Favorite Auntie]

The ships themselves are gorgeous! They are modeled after the ocean going vessels of the early 1900's. Yes folks, you will see similarities to the Titanic! On the newer ships the guest services area - the atrium - is more like a five star hotel, not DCL. There are also the Disney touches. I believe that Disney does not do anything unless they can do it well. And DCL is a perfect example of that! I have never seen a cranky crew member, everyone always has a smile for you. Disney has also mastered entertaining the adults, while still providing quality child entertainment. Disney RULES!!

 

[Malone]

We haven't cruised DCL yet, but will in 22 days! The reason we chose DCL was because they are so highly recommended from some friends of ours, and because we are already Disney junkies--we are hooked on the magic!

Our friends have sailed other lines before, then sailed DCL. They say that now that they have done DCL, they will never do another line! Her mother wanted to take the entire family on another line for a family reunion, and she said she didn't think she could stand being "trapped" on another line for any length of time! So she used all her DVC points for 3 years to send the family on DCL, just to save herself from going on another cheaper line.

Our friend also told us about her sister being on another line's ship in port with a DCL ship. She said that her sister was miserable on the other ship, watching the Disney passengers have a great time on deck at a Tropical deck party. She said when she met the passengers from the DCL ship in port, they all seemed so happy, and she wished she had booked DCL as well.

Now mind you, my friend is also the same person who stayed at WDW once on in non-Disney resort and cried every day, simply because she missed the Disney magic and service you get at a Disney resort. But I can identify somewhat--when my little family went to WDW 2 years ago, we were so impressed with the friendly service and pixie dust moments that we went back the next year, and now we are DVC members--we need a fix frequently!!! I've been to other theme parks and didn't feel that kind of "magic." Maybe a lot of it is mindset, but that's the reason that I would choose DCL over another line!

There is the old saying, "you get what you pay for" and that probably applies with DCL (pay more, get superior service/great experiences), but I also believe that if one has a positive attitude they can have a great time on whichever line they choose to cruise.

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by Gina


I tried to book with a line closer to home, but every virtual tour of the staterooms on these other two lines looked like floating Motel 6's. Bleh. No personality or charm at all.
-gina-

Its funny that you should say that...I was looking to go out of NYC and was looking at the website for the Norweigen Dawn and just looking a tthe pictures mad me NOT want to go on it....it looked SO cheesy and looking at one of the bottom of the line staterooms on there...it looked like a closet, long and narrow, just fit two twin beds across it! The colors on the ship were just terrible and the kids club pics left much to be desired!!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi noseybuddy.

what is it that makes the Disney ship so much better than the ships from other cruise lines.

I see a lot of the cruise lines have bigger ships so it can't be that.

(Ok, folks. Here it comes). It's not the size of the ship, but how well its crew performs...

 

[Malone]

Besides the fact that most people on this board are Disney obsessed

Sorry, noseybuddy! In my Disney obsessed mind, I missed this part! I jumped right in with my magical pixie dust response! Oh well, maybe it was helpful, nonetheless!

 

[moinab]

We actually are not Disney fanatics. My only other Disney experience before our cruise last month was one day at WDW in 1978, when I was 10.

We had talked for a couple of years about trying a cruise. The primary factor that brought us to DCL was the beauty of the ship and the staterooms.

We kept looking at the Royal Carribean ship that does the same Bahamas cruise, but I was afraid it would be on the shabby/tacky side. I'm so glad we chose DCL, because we spent a lot of time in port next to that RC ship and I was not impressed. The Wonder, however, literally took my breath away when I saw it. It is absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

And, of course, the service, food, entertainment, etc. were all very good.

 

[figment52]

In addition to those items previously discussed I have to add it is the "value system" of DCL and the other cruisers is what attracted me to cruise DCL.

The entertainment provided is appropriate for all ages (or the ages indicated). Disney has mastered the art of entertaining for all ages simultanously. The crew member and entertainment staff are sensitive to "family values" and act accordingly and so do my fellow cruisers.

It is just the feeling I get inside whenever I am "under the Disney spell" that warms me in a way that I can't put into words. That makes me feel that I am always "at home" when I am at Disney.

 

[WIcruizer]

I echo the comments from SeaSpray.

*Not only are the cabins the largest, but they have TWO bathrooms. This is unique to DCL and is a big issue with a family of 4 getting ready in the morning and before dinner.

*DCL is the only TRUE family centered cruise line. We've tried others, but children on DCL are treated with genuine respect...as customers. Both by the crew members AND fellow passengers. Often on Carnival, Royal Carribean, etc. kids are seen as a nuisance- especially by fellow passengers.

*The ship itself may not be the largest, but it is certainly one of the nicest. Elegant, classy, and fun at the same time.

*Castaway Cay.

*Finally...not to sound like I'm above anyone but the fellow cruisers on DCL tend to be more polite, dress appropriately in the restaurants, etc. than what I saw on other cruise lines. It's fun to get the kids all dressed up and go out for a special dinner...I don't want to sit next to a guy in a t-shirt, shorts, and sandles pounding down cans of beer. We experienced that on other cruise lines, even though they were called "family friendly" cruises.

Sure, there are things I don't like about DCL (no casino, ship is dead too early, and too much Disney). But the positives far outweigh the negatives.

 

[txtara]

Ok I will take a stab at this....My family and I did a cruise on rccl's
Majesty of the Seas...it was a nice ship even though our room was the size of a closet....we had an awesome time none the less...well we were in port with the Wonder....I was awestruck
by its beauty....from that moment on I could only think about
doing DCL....We took my in-laws with us....we literally had to drag
my FIL on the ship...he thought it was going to children everywhere you turn.....well...we literally had to drag him off the
last day.....he was crying the last night!!!!...so as you see something MAGICAL happens on that ship....everything about it
is spectacular....we are heading for our 4th Disney cruise next
spring....FIL would not miss it for the world....

 

[ruvidu]

We started cruising with DCL because it was Disney and we knew that meant quality. We are mid 50s and quality means a lot to us. No children so the children's programs did not come into our plans.
Once we sailed one time we were hooked especially when fellow cruisers talked about their previous cruises with other lines and how much better DCL is.

One thing that keeps us coming back to DCL now is the no smoking in the room policy. I am an ex smoker and can not stand to smell second hand smoke now. I have never had a problem in 4 sailings on the Magic. We are sailing to Alaska next year on the Coral Princess and I am dreading what I may find because The Mouse will not be in charge.

No, we are not Disney obsessed (our opinion) but we do like the values we find in the Disney Resorts and DCL.

Give it a try. You may become a Disney stockholder like us.

Russ and Miss Vivian

 

[Hygiene99]

Disney obsessed not us.................
Disney to us Means QUALITY.............. what ever the co. does they do it first class.... wether it is at the parks or on the ship they Just do your Vacation Dollars Right............
memorable expierences is what we have now...

the ship is so awesome that we just have too keep going back it will be our 6 th cruise with disney ....
and we will have 7 booked on board ...
we have been lucky they kept changing routes so we have only done same route a couple of times... peter

 

[Dreamer04]

I have been to WDW just twice. When I was looking for a vacation destination for Dm, DD and myself, I guess I thought of Disney because of my daughter age, 5.

Prior to my Jan '03 Wonder cruise, I sailed on 3 other lines; RCCL, NCL and Costa. All without our kids. The nicest ship was RCCL, the best time was on Costa (this was because we traveled with a large group of friends) Ok, so I chose Disney for my daughter. Now, I can't imagine cruising on another line. Here is why.

My DH and I don't drink alcohol. DCL is the first line that doesn't turn every pool party into a drinking contest! I am sure many people imbibe on the Magic and Wonder, but I didn't see anyone drunk. This matters to me. I do not want to spend so much of my hard earned money to watch a bunch of drunks play pool games. Not for me. Also the absence of a casino onboard is another plus. I have been to Atlantic City and have gambled on the other cruise lines, but, again, it's an atmosphere that encourages intoxication.

I agree with the other posters that the activities for children on the cruises I've been on, seemed limited. I only say that based on the number of children I saw who had nothing to do. Teens became unruly and loud. Not "fun" loud. Rude loud.

Disney entertained three generations on our cruise. I am looking forward to cruising in April with my DH (who had sworn off cruises, for the reasons stated above), DM, DS14, and DD6.

We're gonna have a ball!!!


Ursula

P.S. I wrote this under the influence of pain meds-BD please be merciful!!

 

[noseybuddy]

Originally posted by Malone
Sorry, noseybuddy! In my Disney obsessed mind, I missed this part! I jumped right in with my magical pixie dust response! Oh well, maybe it was helpful, nonetheless!

I didn't mean disney obsessed in a negative way. Look at all the Disney trips I have taken. Look at my pictures here, I even named by one dog Belle. Maybe I should have used the phrase Disney Lovers. I love Disney, and I have a cruise booked for 12/27/03. I just wanted people who really love Disney to be really honest about their opinion of the DCL. That's all that was meant by that obsessed phrase. You were very helpful, in fact, everyone who posted was helpful, well except BD (only kidding). Now I don't have any doubts about crusing with the DCL. Never really did I guess, but every once in awhile we see something negative posted and it gets you thinking. But I should know better, I have done many Disney trips and everyone has been good. Thanks again to everyone who has replied to my post.

 

[Tibbles98]

Hi, noseybuddy! I have cruised with Disney before. We did the 7 night land/sea adventure 2 yrs. ago and fell in love with DCL. They have some of the best people working for them. Our stateroom hostess 2 yrs ago, (her name was hard to pronounce because she was from Thailand so she told us to call her "pet", those were the first 3 letters in her name.) and she was absolutely amazing!!! That is why our family fell in love with DCL and can't wait to go back!!

By the way, see you in 4 mths, noseybuddy!!!

Lisa

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

I even named by one dog Belle.

Interesting, noseybuddy. My dog called me "Ruff"...

 

[Malone]

I didn't mean disney obsessed in a negative way.

I just wanted people who really love Disney to be really honest about their opinion of the DCL. That's all that was meant by that obsessed phrase.

Oh, good, Noseybuddy, I wouldn't want anyone on these boards thinking that I'm Disney obsessed!!!! LOL! (and I was joking with my reply to you about that too) It's a big joke around my house that I am obsessed with this cruise--and my mom says at least it's me and not her--she can just go on the trip and enjoy herself, while I do all the planning!

I have enjoyed reading this thread, and it verifies the excellent choice that we made for our sailing-now only 21 days away!!

 

[snwwht]

I have found this thread very interesting.For a few days I have been thinking about asking here why adults who cruise without children choose a Disney cruise?Is it because with Disney we have an idea of the level of service to expect? I have found some of the reply's here- i.e. the beauty of the ship,lack of drunken or rowdy behavior etc.. helpful in figuring it out.We don't have children and have cruised 9 times with Royal Caribbean and Princess.Being Disney junkies and living in Florida with the great Florida resident rates we have often thought of trying DCL but have held out.When you only get 2 weeks of vacation a year it's hard to commit to an unknown.Also as we know the Disney prices can be much higher than other lines.Now we are sailing on the Wonder Sept.28th as a kind of trial before joining friends who are sailing on the Magic when it does one of next years special itineraries.I'm anxious to see for myself the differences between Disney and the other cruise lines.We are not drinkers so I won't miss that atmosphere and don't use the Casino at all so thats no loss either.In pricing our 4 day cruise if we weren't Florida residents I know a person could cruise for a week on another line.So come on and enlighten me all you adults who cruise without kids- WHAT IS IT? Let me say again-we love the Mouse too and are even DVC owners so we know we won't be dissapointed in our cruise just wondering why you choose Disney!