DCL vs. All The Others?

[Trollingforthimbles]

Hey guys, so we've went to Disney World for the last three years, each time right after Thanksgiving. This year we decided to change it up a bit and add a cruise but I'd just like a little help, if anyone could lend some insight into these questions.

-I know on DCL all food is covered in the cost of the trip, could anyone tell me if the same applys to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, ect..

-What are the big differences in Disney vs. the others?

-Why is DCL more expensive?

Again, we would like to right after thanksgiving, to either the Bahamas or the Eastern Caribbean, but not Western Caribbean as we want to avoid Mexico. It seems that if we go with Disney Cruise Line we wouldn't be able to afford any days at Disney World, but if we choose Carnival or one of the others we could do both.

Any help?

 

[keaster]

Oh boy you are going to open up a can of worms with this one.

You will get an array of answers as to why DCL is more expensive (that extra disney magic and service, no casino, etc.). Also some people say it's not really more expensive because of some of the things included in the price (soda, you can carry on your own booze, no extra charges for late kids club hours, etc.)

In my humble opinion, it's simple supply and demand. DCL has four ships while Carnival and RCL have 20+ ships to bring in revenue and keep prices lower. As long as people are willing to pay the prices DCL charges, they will keep charging it.

We have sailed DCL 5 times and we love the service, the atmosphere of the ships, the shows, the food and the kids clubs. We have always sailed with some kind of promotion:

1st cruise: 25% off for Canadians
2nd cruise: $99/person bounce back
3rd cruise: 20% plus $400 room credit for booking Med cruise onboard
4th cruise: Kids Sail Free to Mexico
5th cruise: 10% off & $100 room credit for booking onboard

So as you can see, deals can be had if you are able and willing to sail when they come up!

 

[elliefusmom]

We've done two different cruises. We were on the Wonder in '07 and the Carnival Ecstasy in '10. We had a great time on both. We had friends that went with us on the Ecstasy - they are not in the habit of spending as much $ on vacation and their child is a teenager so we didn't even look into Disney. I definitely went in with lower expectations on the Carnival so I wouldn't be so disappointed.

I would do a cheaper cruise and DW. But there are some things to consider - how old are your kids? Are they really into characters? Characters actually come into the clubs to do activities with the kids and the lines on the boat might be long for character greetings but they're definitely not like the parks.

My daughter and I are doing a girl's only cruise this year. I had DVC points to use and my husband and son are a little burnt out on our Disney obsession. If it was my whole family, we'd be on a cheaper cruise - not Disney.

No matter what you'll have a great time!

 

[Alsobrook]

It's all about Revenue. I don't know whether they sell less alcohol on Disney or not. I do know they don't have a casino. They have to make a buck in every way they can.

IMHO, they are pricing themselves in the affordable luxury level now and the "deals" are few and far between. It's a good value for a vacation if it's what you want. If you don't need the Disney stuff, you'll find less expensive and equally enjoyable experiences on other lines.

I also say that the 3-4 day cruises must be freaking huge money makers for Disney. They price those things so incredibly high. And I think they in the end, there is zero comparison with the experience you get on a 7 day cruise. But I understand that the short ones appeal to folks for a wide variety of reasons.

I still think RCI is a pretty good value from a service, food, accommodation standpoint. I don't like them as much with little kids. But then again, I think it can be a pain in the **** to cruise with little ones, yes, even on Disney, although Disney is still head and shoulders above everyone else in this department, for obvious reasons.

To each his own is still the best motto for cruising.

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

Well, we have no kids, it's a few guys (mid 20's) just doing a yearly thing. We have picked Disney World for the last few years because we love the parks/food/rides and so on...

 

[Niebz]

I believe that if you love Disney you will love DCL. To me that's where the extra value lies. Not in free soda, bringing alcohol on board or free kids clubs but in disney shows, disney characters, disney themed parties, restaurants and decor. The Disney ships are so beautiful and classic. Castaway Cay is amazing. For us it's easy to justify the extra cost of DCL because it's all the extra added Disney touches that draw us to cruising in the first place.

 

[Who's your Mickey?]

Hey guys, so we've went to Disney World for the last three years, each time right after Thanksgiving. This year we decided to change it up a bit and add a cruise but I'd just like a little help, if anyone could lend some insight into these questions.

-I know on DCL all food is covered in the cost of the trip, could anyone tell me if the same applys to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, ect..

-What are the big differences in Disney vs. the others?

-Why is DCL more expensive?

Again, we would like to right after thanksgiving, to either the Bahamas or the Eastern Caribbean, but not Western Caribbean as we want to avoid Mexico. It seems that if we go with Disney Cruise Line we wouldn't be able to afford any days at Disney World, but if we choose Carnival or one of the others we could do both.

Any help?

This is not true... Palo (on all 4 ships) and Remy (on Dream-class ships) are extra fee restaurants on DCL ships. Almost all ships sailing for (Royal Caribbean / Carnival / Disney - pick one/all) have extra fee restaurants on board. The main dining rooms / casual buffet restaurants on the ships are included on all ships for all 3 lines. AFAIK they all offer pizza/softserve ice cream etc all free.

All cruise lines have their pros & cons:

Carnival:

Pros - Inexpensive, varied itineraries
Cons - cheesy neon decor, reputation for a drunken crowd

Royal Caribbean:

Pros - Inexpensive, varied itineraries, great pool decks, very innovative new ships
Cons - newer ships are very large & can feel crowded

Disney:

Pros - Disney "magic", family friendly reputation
Cons - inadequate pool decks, no casino, expensive

This is not a comprehensive list, so feel free to add to it. People will be quick to point out "free" sodas on DCL vs RCCL & Carnival, but you can say those are built into the cruise fare (and don't even come close to justifying the difference).

Castaway Cay (Bahamas/DCL) is superior to Coco Cay(Bahamas/RCCL) / Labadee(Haiti/RCCL) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas/Carnival).

DCL is more expensive based simply on economics. DCL has to fill 4 ships with a total passenger capacity that is less than that of RCCL's 3 newest vessels combined. RCCL still has 19 other ships to fill. Carnival also boasts 20+ ships under its flagship brand. RCCL and Carnival would never be able to fill 40+ ships at DCL prices.

Bottom line, there's nothing wrong with either Carnival or RCCL. They both boast highly regarded children's programs, great itineraries and reasonable prices. If one of those is your best bet to do both a cruise and WDW, then go for it. You will have a great time.

 

[DLW8]

Hey guys, so we've went to Disney World for the last three years, each time right after Thanksgiving. This year we decided to change it up a bit and add a cruise but I'd just like a little help, if anyone could lend some insight into these questions.

-I know on DCL all food is covered in the cost of the trip, could anyone tell me if the same applys to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, ect..

-What are the big differences in Disney vs. the others?

-Why is DCL more expensive?

Again, we would like to right after thanksgiving, to either the Bahamas or the Eastern Caribbean, but not Western Caribbean as we want to avoid Mexico. It seems that if we go with Disney Cruise Line we wouldn't be able to afford any days at Disney World, but if we choose Carnival or one of the others we could do both.

Any help?

We have sailed right after Thanksgiving (sailing the saturday after Turkey Day) and the first week in December. These were great trips, but unfortunately, we didn't have the best weather. I had also wanted an Eastern for the week after Thanksgiving, but the year we went (2011) it was a Western. Just be prepared that if you are focusing on a specific week, you may not get the Eastern.

I have priced out the same week/same cruise in similar catergories on RCL to compare to Disney and found them pretty much the same price. RCL was cheaper by maybe a couple hundred dollars.

From my research, on RCL, they have the main dining room that is included in your cruise price. If you want any of the specialty restaurants or even Johnny Rockets, that is an additional fee. On Disney, you have 3 restaurants that you rotate through on the cruise, they are all included. Palo and Remy are the 2 "premium" restaurants on Disney that are an additional fee.

RCL charges for soda (you can buy a "pass" for the length of the cruise) and Disney had the beverage stations.

I'd take a look at both lines, for that week adn determine which one fits your needs best. You guys may like the other activities on RCL over Disney (zip line, flow rider, etc).

Whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[dvc deernut]

WE ARE DISNEY FANATICS. WE DO 4 to 7 DAY CRUISES ON DCL AND 10 TO 14 DAY CRUISES ON PRINCESS OE CELEBRITY. THEY BASICALLY BRING DISNEY WORLD SERVICE ETC AND PUT IT ON A SHIP. WE FIND THEY ALSO HANDLE PROBLEMS BETTER. BETTER CUSTOMER RELATIONS. NOT ALL LINES HAVE SOMETHING FOR KIDS TO DO. IF YOUR DOING ISLANDS AT LEAST ON THE DISNEY SHIP THERE IS SOMETHING FOR KIDS TO DO. JUST MY DW AND I GO AND WE LOVE DCL. THERE iS AN ADULTS ONLY AREA. THE MORE KIDS ON THE SHIP THE LESS BUSY THE ADULT AREA CAN BE. YOU CANT BEAT PALO AND REMI FOR SPECIAL DINING. WE JUST DID 14 DAYS ON CARIBBEAN PRINCESS, WHICH WAS GREAT. SINCE WE ARE NON SMOKERS WE HAD PROBLEMS IN THE CASINO EVERY OTHER NIGHT AND THE ONE SIDE OF THE POOL DECK IS ENTIRELY SMOKING. SOME OF THE WAIT STAFF COULDNT SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL. THEY CHARGED YOU FOR POP AND FRESH JUICE. WE FELT LIKE THEY WERE NICKEL AND DIMING US. WE WOULD DO DISNEY IN A HEARTBEAT BUT ARE VERY SELECTIVE FOR NON DISNEY. BY THE WAY OUR LIQUOR BILL ON THE SHIP WAS APROX. $700 FOR THE 2 OF US FOR 14 DAYS ON PRINCESS.

 

[goofymama]

If you are looking for a Disney type experience to do in place of WDW, then DCL is he way to go ... And that fact coupled with only 4 ships is why they are so much more expensive. If you are just looking for an alernative family vacation, other lines are great too. I personally prefer RCCL over Carnival but that is due primarily to timing. I haven't sailed Carnival since I was in my 20's. It was great for that young single partying crowd. RCCL has great kid programming like DCL and in my opinion, is better suited to families. But perhaps Carnival is now more family friendly too. I don't know.

 

[NancyIL]

Well, we have no kids, it's a few guys (mid 20's) just doing a yearly thing. We have picked Disney World for the last few years because we love the parks/food/rides and so on...

DCL wouldn't be my top recommendation for guys in their mid-twenties. I'd pick Freedom of the Seas or Carnival Dream (though I haven't sailed on Carnival) out of Port Canaveral for several hundred dollars less per person than the Fantasy. If you choose Monarch of the Seas to go to the Bahamas - you'll have very small cabins, but lots of money left for WDW.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

DCL charges more because they can. There are enough people willing to pay the premium, especially during periods when many school districts have their vacations. DCL offers an excellent product, and there are plenty of people who want the Disney experience -- and very few DCL ships.

All cruise lines price their cruises at what the market will pay. It's not a matter of charging a specific markup above the underlying cost structure. It doesn't cost more to provide a cruise during peak season compared to off-season, but the cruise lines charge more.

The underlying cost structure comes into play in that unprofitable cruise lines eventually go out of business. Highly profitable ones thrive and grow.

 

[kcashner]

Horace has it right--DCL charges more because they can. When a particular date is priced too high, the ship won't fill up...and there will be promotions offered.

Booking as soon as possible is a good idea--prices increase as the ship fills.

Most lines include food at some restaurants and have some that have an upcharge. On DCL, only adult dining has an upcharge. On some lines, "kid attractive" locations can also incur a fee, but there is always someplace you can eat without an extra fee. My friend reported that there were 14 restaurants on their Norwegian ship--4 were included and "the good ones" were extra.

Soda on DCL is free if you use the fountain service available in all restaurants and at the beverage station (24/7). If you buy soda in cans, you'll pay for it. Most cruise lines sell a "soda card" with a price that varies based on the length of the cruise...but a $30-$50 card is a lot less than the price difference DCL usually charges in cruise fare.

Some lines charge for various activities--on DCL nearly all are included. ALL activities in the kid programming are included, even those that would have a cost if done out of the programming. For instance, when there is a "Smoothie Party" on the schedule or "Into the Blender" game, each kid participating at that time gets a free smoothie. If they do "Invade the Arcade," all the machines are set to free play for that hour. There are adult activities that have a small charge--wine, tequila, etc. tastings for instance. There is very expensive bingo on the ship.

DCL allows you to bring your own alcohol or other beverages on board--this can be a major revenue loss for them. When my kid "HAD TO" have Diet Dr. Pepper, we would bring one carton. When I made her lug it, suddenly Diet Coke was fine.

IMHO, DCL has better entertainment, better service, and a better family atmosphere than the other lines I've experienced. In fairness, since I became a total DCL freak, I haven't done other lines. Also, I tend to do longer cruises which do seem to attract a different crowd than the 3 night cruises.

Early December is a great time to cruise--low fares, and all the Christmas decorations/activities are up.

 

[com_op_2000]

IMHO:
Carnival - think college spring break all the time.
RCL - OK but can be rough on the new ships with the crowds. Not enough room for the amount of people on the ship if most of the people decide to do the same thing all at once.
DCL - the only way we will sail from now on.

 

[TXDCLfan]

IMHO:
Carnival - think college spring break all the time.
RCL - OK but can be rough on the new ships with the crowds. Not enough room for the amount of people on the ship if most of the people decide to do the same thing all at once.
DCL - the only way we will sail from now on.

Have been on Carnival 7 times now and never had this experience.

 

[chateau]

.

 

[Milio99]

Have been on Carnival 7 times now and never had this experience.

IMHO:
Carnival - think college spring break all the time.
RCL - OK but can be rough on the new ships with the crowds. Not enough room for the amount of people on the ship if most of the people decide to do the same thing all at once.
DCL - the only way we will sail from now on.

We didn't have that experience either though I read about it all the time. We had a blast on Carnival, so did our boys

 

[ilovetexas]

IMHO:
Carnival - think college spring break all the time.
RCL - OK but can be rough on the new ships with the crowds. Not enough room for the amount of people on the ship if most of the people decide to do the same thing all at once.
DCL - the only way we will sail from now on.

I've sailed Carnival 5 times and only experienced this....ON SPRING BREAK!

OP - As others have said, different lines, different feels. If you aren't into the Disney thing but want elegant ships and can't afford Seabourne, sail with Celebrity. Their ships are lovely and I found the food to be roughly similar to Disney.

Carnival differs by which ship you are on, what itinerary you are sailing, and how long the cruise is. I promise you that a 7 day on the Legend is WAY different than a 3 day on the Sensation.

Royal Caribbean (Monarch) was the only truly disgusting food I've had. And I'd still be willing to try them again if the timing/price was right. Carnival's MDR food has been consistently great and the buffets good, Celebrity's food good, Disney's MDR food mostly good to great but buffet food on Wonder was not so great.

As far as private islands go, Coco Cay was great and Half Moon Cay was truly outstanding!! We missed Castaway on our one Disney cruise but will hopefully see it in May.

Disney was the only bad service I've had and I'm booked with them again on a 7 day Fantasy in a couple of months. Making a blanket statement that DCL's service is better than CCL's is just factually inaccurate. I'm sure that on some cruises, CCL is better and vice versa.

It is all truly a matter of opinion but the one thing you will probably get everyone on the DCL Cruise Board to agree on is that cruising is a fantastic vacation. If you want to try it out just to see, try the most inexpensive cruise you can find. You'll either be hooked on cruising or not. Then you can start building up cruising preferences!

 

[wmharley]

I've been on 2 Carnivals and neither was a super party ship. Although the 1st Carnival was for a LAtin girl group's Quinceanera party. like 30 girls and their family have a Quince party.

We are taking a DCL trip for our two youngest kids (and neice) to experience a DCL ship. More than likely the next cruise we make will be another line, opting in that case for cheaper and the itinerary I prefer out of San Juan, NOT the bahamas or Mexico.

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

Thanks for all the info. I think based on your replies I might try Carnival.