dcl vs everyone else

[TheLorax]

Is disney worth the extra money. Most cruise line go to the same ports, other than cc. What are the best reasons to book disney

 

[cforsythe]

My opinion is that it is well worth the money. They have things included in their price that others don't. We went on NCL a few years ago and we had to pay for every drink (non-alcoholic) that we had. They did not have sodas available in the buffet areas.

The ship was EXTREMELY run down. One of the things I LOVE about the Disney ships is that they are always cleaning.

 

[CrawfordMomof2]

When we priced out a similar cruise with Carnival, and there wasn't a huge price difference. Now keep in mind that we wanted a balcony no matter what, and the only way for us to do that with Carnival was to book a suite. We also had to factor in the fact hat all 4 of us are soda drinkers. I don't know that we would drink enough to get the "soda card" on Carnival, but I always like to pay for things ahead of time so the price was factored in. Also Disney's clubs are open from whatever time in the AM to midnight regardless. They don't close for an hour here and there to set up for other activities like Carnival does. We don't plan on leaving our kids for long periods of time, but we like to know that we can drop them off whenever we want to.

 

[JimGA]

It was worth it for us to pay the extra grand or so for a 4 night, well worth it.

 

[owensjro]

This question has been asked so many times before. I suggest you do a forum search for previous threads on why many feel DCL is worth it.

In the end though, it's a matter of personal opinion and you will find plenty of people on both sides.

Jim

 

[erocrobro]

I have only been on one cruise, ever, so I can't comment on all cruise lines, but for us Disney was definitely worth the price. I travel alone with my children and we have done both WDW and DLR and we made it work, but there were things we missed or couldn't do because one of my boys was too little/too tall/too old/too young etc. My kids were 11, 8, & 6 and they never ran out of activities and I never once heard one of them say they were bored or wanted to do something different. I really felt like Disney had tried to make family vacationing as easy as possible in every area, from shows, to activities, to clubs, to dining. I think when they are older (teenagers) we may try another line, but for now we will stick with Disney.

 

[jjgarv]

Can't get Disney magic and pixie dust on any other cruise line...

 

[deide71]

Honestly it is hard to put into words. It is things like the elegace and attention to detail on the Disney ships. Things like the Finding Nemo mosaic in Cabanas. It is a work of art, but something that can be appreciated by adults and kids alike. I like that the ships are whimsical, quirky and classy at the same time.

Another thing that is difficult to explain without sounding elitist is the difference in the clientele on the Disney ships vs the Carnival ship I sailed. Disney fans are a breed of folks I can appreciate. They are generally family oriented, kind of sapppy, maybe a little bit geeky but all and all my kind of people. Not just the adults, but the kids have been raised by people for whom family is a priority and it shows. They are generally more well behaved and respectful.

Please note that I am speaking in generalities here. I am sure plenty of people have seen examples of bad behavior on Disney ships and fantastic people on other ships. I am just happier on the Disney ship...and I am willing to pay more for the atmosphere.

 

[bigtony777]

We have cruised DCL, HAL, Celebrity and RCL. We have only taken our kids with us on DCL, but will be sailing RCL with them in March. The biggest difference, and really what you are paying for, is the service with the kids. Your children will be completely taken care of at dinner and really wherever they are on the ship.

One other big difference with DCL is the kids club. Up to the teenage years, they can go to the kids club together. So when our girls were 5, 7, and 9, they were able to be together if they wanted or split up a bit once inside the club. I think is a big deal if say your youngest is going to be in a different club than older siblings.

 

[poohluv2u]

Remember you are asking this question on a Disney forum, so the majority of answers will be that it is worth it. We've only ever cruised Disney, and based on our personal preferences, it will probably be the only cruise line we will use. That is a decision not based on the price of the cruise, or whether the food is better, or if the cabin is larger, or even the itinerary, but how we feel when we are onboard a Disney ship. We have trusted Disney for 25+ years to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for our vacations, and they have always lived up to that magical expectation we've had.

So you need to find what is the most important factor in your vacation, and see if Disney fits the bill

 

[poohluv2u]

Honestly it is hard to put into words. It is things like the elegace and attention to detail on the Disney ships. Things like the Finding Nemo mosaic in Cabanas. It is a work of art, but something that can be appreciated by adults and kids alike. I like that the ships are whimsical, quirky and classy at the same time.

Another thing that is difficult to explain without sounding elitist is the difference in the clientele on the Disney ships vs the Carnival ship I sailed. Disney fans are a breed of folks I can appreciate. They are generally family oriented, kind of sapppy, maybe a little bit geeky but all and all my kind of people. Not just the adults, but the kids have been raised by people for whom family is a priority and it shows. They are generally more well behaved and respectful.

Please note that I am speaking in generalities here. I am sure plenty of people have seen examples of bad behavior on Disney ships and fantastic people on other ships. I am just happier on the Disney ship...and I am willing to pay more for the atmosphere.

Beautifully said

 

[TheLanes]

I'm not convinced its worth THAT much more. I can avoid sodas for a week and save money on the other lines. Carnival was amazing with our kids at meals and in the kids clubs. Food is about the same.

Disney customer service is a bit better, but as in most things in life, they are what you make out of it.

I'm looking to go on a second Disney cruise, and the double the price or so is just not worth it to me.

My opinion

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I used to be quite happy with Carnival and as you can see, I cruised every year with them recently. I knew DCL had a stellar reputation but it just seemed a bit out of reach. This yrs CCL (comparing to my other CCLs, not to anyone else) fell short of good product. It was the first time I was just happy to get off the ship and go home. I thought I was cruised out but my friend mentioned I was Carnivaled out. We were constantly being reminded about the whole Triumph getting stranded thing (because we were cruising at the of Feb right after it happened.) But we thought it wouldn't happen twice. Only 1.5 weeks after we debarked, our same ship ended up stranding and flying passengers home. That was kinda the end for me. I already didn't enjoy the rude servers, pushy bingo and drink sales, and didn't need my ship to break down less than two weeks after, just too close to call.

My my mom called "isn't that the one you were on?" Dad wanted to take a cruise while they were in FL and he knew after that, there was absolutely no way mom would set foot on a CCL. She worries anyway. So he booked a 3 day DCL to surprise her and we booked it secretly as a family to surprise both of them! Well our 3 Day Dream blew us away! I realized I wasn't cruised out. The entertainment, the different restaurants, the incredible service, the super nice crew that made me feel welcome instead of guilty for being a "rich american on vacation", the character photo ops, the live pirate stunt show and fireworks, their incredible island and amenities, not having our island drinks confiscated and being able to stock our own rooms (cannot do that on a CCL!) And we were on the ship for about 2 hrs and we decided "its time to plan the next one!!!"

I didn't actually pay anymore with DCL than I did the CCL. Its true that the CCL was 7 days and my upcoming is 4 days. All that means is that I'm getting less days with just trivia contests, bingo and bean bag contests and a show a few nights a week (CCL) where as my DCL is literally magical all the time. There isn't a smokey casino they make the crowd funnel thru to get anywhere. You get a new dining room almost every night (but your staff moves with you) and not all the food was perfection but it was much more upscale (scallops, escargot, sea food, prime rib etc).offerings than CCLs more banquet style lasagna etc.

There is a reason DCL came in at number 1 for customer happiness and is also number one overall cruise on Cruise Critic.

I won't be going "cheap" again. In fact, its not that cheap with CCL! We still paid $1200 and that didn't include tips or anything else! Each pop was like $2 and you have to tip on a can of coke. Once they get you on, it's sell sell buy buy "let me take your photo", "can I get you a drink", "buy a bingo card!" They used to have nice sushi but this new ship got rid of it. It was hard to find pizza and food open. its like they are cutting back and its still not FREE. We have decided to take that $1200 and book a DCL 4 Day on the new Magic and add a few park days while we are there.

We never felt like DCL "took us" with the $$. We felt like it was a great value! They have A LOT to live up to and they exceeded it with us. This CCL VFIP Gold member has moved on to DCL. Looks like Dad's booking DCL has changed our family's vacation plans!

Seriously it was the best trip we have had in years. I hope CCL comes back but they will have to raise their prices and offer more with their product than an over crowded under staffed and miserable boat!

Try a 3-4 day.. You will see what I mean! They've created a monster in me! It's my new hobby!

 

[luv2sleep]

I've priced out RCCL cruises (only other line I've seriously priced out and considered) with similar itineraries and the price is close. DCL is great and definitely worth it. I'd like to branch out and try other lines as my son gets older. Right now DCL is worth the cost for me at his age.

 

[goofygurlie]

I used to be quite happy with Carnival and as you can see, I cruised every year with them recently. I knew DCL had a stellar reputation but it just seemed a bit out of reach. This yrs CCL (comparing to my other CCLs, not to anyone else) fell short of good product. It was the first time I was just happy to get off the ship and go home. I thought I was cruised out but my friend mentioned I was Carnivaled out. We were constantly being reminded about the whole Triumph getting stranded thing (because we were cruising at the of Feb right after it happened.) But we thought it wouldn't happen twice. Only 1.5 weeks after we debarked, our same ship ended up stranding and flying passengers home. That was kinda the end for me. I already didn't enjoy the rude servers, pushy bingo and drink sales, and didn't need my ship to break down less than two weeks after, just too close to call.

My my mom called "isn't that the one you were on?" Dad wanted to take a cruise while they were in FL and he knew after that, there was absolutely no way mom would set foot on a CCL. She worries anyway. So he booked a 3 day DCL to surprise her and we booked it secretly as a family to surprise both of them! Well our 3 Day Dream blew us away! I realized I wasn't cruised out. The entertainment, the different restaurants, the incredible service, the super nice crew that made me feel welcome instead of guilty for being a "rich american on vacation", the character photo ops, the live pirate stunt show and fireworks, their incredible island and amenities, not having our island drinks confiscated and being able to stock our own rooms (cannot do that on a CCL!) And we were on the ship for about 2 hrs and we decided "its time to plan the next one!!!"

I didn't actually pay anymore with DCL than I did the CCL. Its true that the CCL was 7 days and my upcoming is 4 days. All that means is that I'm getting less days with just trivia contests, bingo and bean bag contests and a show a few nights a week (CCL) where as my DCL is literally magical all the time. There isn't a smokey casino they make the crowd funnel thru to get anywhere. You get a new dining room almost every night (but your staff moves with you) and not all the food was perfection but it was much more upscale (scallops, escargot, sea food, prime rib etc).offerings than CCLs more banquet style lasagna etc.

There is a reason DCL came in at number 1 for customer happiness and is also number one overall cruise on Cruise Critic.

I won't be going "cheap" again. In fact, its not that cheap with CCL! We still paid $1200 and that didn't include tips or anything else! Each pop was like $2 and you have to tip on a can of coke. Once they get you on, it's sell sell buy buy "let me take your photo", "can I get you a drink", "buy a bingo card!" They used to have nice sushi but this new ship got rid of it. It was hard to find pizza and food open. its like they are cutting back and its still not FREE. We have decided to take that $1200 and book a DCL 4 Day on the new Magic and add a few park days while we are there.

We never felt like DCL "took us" with the $$. We felt like it was a great value! They have A LOT to live up to and they exceeded it with us. This CCL VFIP Gold member has moved on to DCL. Looks like Dad's booking DCL has changed our family's vacation plans!

Seriously it was the best trip we have had in years. I hope CCL comes back but they will have to raise their prices and offer more with their product than an over crowded under staffed and miserable boat!

Try a 3-4 day.. You will see what I mean! They've created a monster in me! It's my new hobby!

Ditto!! (Very well said)

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[staley98]

I agree with PP. When we decided to take a cruise to celebrate our 15th Anniversary and my 40th birthday, we started with RCCL. I had been on that line as a teenager, but found that it was only $250/pp to go on DCL. Since we were traveling with our three children, we decided that it was well worth the extra money. We weren't disappointed. The Fantasy and her crew surpassed my high expectations and now we're all hooked!
We're so excited to be sailing on the Wonder in March.

PS
If you have kids, check out the "hand washers" in the Oceaneer's Club/Lab. I've never seen my children more excited to wash their hands! LOL

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I've sailed DCL, Carnival and RCCL and enjoyed them all. I'm doing a 30 day Celebrity cruise next year (big splurge - through the Panama canal and back!).

There are things that DCL does very well but for me, that's the same on other cruise lines as well - there are things I like best about each line.

Sometimes it's worth paying the DCL premium and sometimes it's not. It really depends.

If you book a DCL cruise you'll have a wonderful time I'm sure - but I say the same thing about every cruise line. Go in with your eyes open (you know what you're getting and what you're not) and happy with what you've spent (it doesn't matter how fabulous the cruise is if you end up living in a cardboard box when you get home), and you'll be fine.