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!