DCL vs other cruise lines

[luckyman_apd]

I've been on only one cruise in my life and it was last month. We are going to WDW for a week next summer (DVC) and I was considering adding a cruise after our week. I need to hear from people who have done cruises on other cruise lines (not carnival!) and DCL. After watching a TV show last night about the DCL we got the bug to start pricing it out, and it appears I need to start selling drugs to afford one! I am able to get a balcony room on other cruise lines for a similar cruise for almost half of what it costs to get an inside stateroom on DCL! Other than the kids club, what could possibly be worth it for me to spend double?

I really would love to do the WDW/DCL back to back, but the price just seems outrageous to me.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I've been on only one cruise in my life and it was last month. We are going to WDW for a week next summer (DVC) and I was considering adding a cruise after our week. I need to hear from people who have done cruises on other cruise lines (not carnival!) and DCL. After watching a TV show last night about the DCL we got the bug to start pricing it out, and it appears I need to start selling drugs to afford one! I am able to get a balcony room on other cruise lines for a similar cruise for almost half of what it costs to get an inside stateroom on DCL! Other than the kids club, what could possibly be worth it for me to spend double?

I really would love to do the WDW/DCL back to back, but the price just seems outrageous to me.

It's all supply and demand. Summer months, and any time most kids are out of school are the highest-priced. It's fun to sail with the "Mouse" but you have to pay the mouse's salary.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

It's all supply and demand. Summer months, and any time most kids are out of school are the highest-priced. It's fun to sail with the "Mouse" but you have to pay the mouse's salary.

YEAP.......this is the long and short of it!

 

[PWammy]

All cruise lines are different; and even within a fleet, there can be major differences. I'd try to do a quick one and figure it out for yourself. Maybe not do it with a trip to WDW, off season when they aren't so expensive and crowded. I just can't see doing a family cruise in an inside cabin, but I have a friend who always sails inside b/c she spends a lot of time on the ship.

I enjoyed DCL, but RCCL is my favorite line to sail on; everyone is going to have different impressions; not all kids like the kids activities, but I assure you that everyone will find something they enjoy. I'd even do Carnival in the future, a newer ship, but if the price and itinerary were want I'd wanted, I'd go for it.

 

[Rogillio]

I'd rather get an inside room on DCL than a verandah room on most other lines.

 

[luckyman_apd]

I'd rather get an inside room on DCL than a verandah room on most other lines.

Can you explain that for me? We just traveled on the norweigian epic and had a veranda room. I believe the DCL veranda rooms are slightly larger than what we had, but an Inside stateroom are still way to small for a family of 4 I think. The norweigian epic was a fantastic time, along with the fact that it was a gift from a family member who works on the ship. Offseason is a no go for me. I'm a teacher, and even if I COULD get the time off, it's far more work to be out of work that long than in work. I prefer to use my personal days for a few 3 day weekends (like our dec WDW trip).

I'm considering a cruise on another line like RC after the WDW trip (we hit the parks hard and a 7 day cruise is forced relaxation) and it would be far less expensive. I guess I just really want to know why the huge price difference. Is it just because it has the name disney?

After comparing a few other cruise lines for the same time frame, it's not quite the price jump I first compared, but its still about $2000 more. I just want to know what the mouse does with his boat to make it worth the extra $

 

[myxdvz]

I've sailed on both RC and DCL...

• If you book really early (a year or so), you will probably find that the price will be the same. DCL prices go up as it nears the sailing date - unless it's not selling then promotions/discounts might be offered
• DCL is truly all inclusive - food, room service, you can bring your own alcohol, kids entertainment, theatre, etc.
• RC charges extra for a lot of other stuff: Unlimited soda for example
• Supply and Demand - if no one is booking, it will be cheap : look at the Galveston prices
• Brand, Characters, etc - where else will you see all princesses, all characters without falling in line for hours (like in the parks) in the shade?

At the end of the day, if you just want to cruise and want more adult activities (wall climbing, flow rider, casino, adult entertainment) - go somewhere else - you'll get them for cheaper.

If you want a truly family oriented, very kid (and kids at heart) focused entertainment, "Disney-fied" cruising style - no one can beat Disney.

 

[NurseDave]

I guess I just really want to know why the huge price difference. Is it just because it has the name disney?

We were docked across from a Royal Caribbean last week and saw things you wouldn't even think about. Our veranda chairs were a nice fabric, theirs were the plastic webbing. Our deck chairs are either fabric or nice wood, theirs were plastic webbing. Our ship was cleaned and painted the entire time it was in port, theirs had orange rust running down major white areas. The top of our ship included a water slide and a huge screen for movies and entertainment. They had a pool. The Disney running track was half way up the ship, theirs appeared to be on the top level where everyone was milling around. Their shuffle board equipment was stored in a outdoor plastic cabinet you can find at Home Depot. Disney has custom wood racks for theirs.

Many of these things you might not feel were lacking if you didn't know how other ships were, but there is a "Disney Difference" and that comes with a spare no expense attitude when designing spaces, so of course that get passed on.

 

[Rogillio]

Can you explain that for me? We just traveled on the norweigian epic and had a veranda room. I believe the DCL veranda rooms are slightly larger than what we had, but an Inside stateroom are still way to small for a family of 4 I think. The norweigian epic was a fantastic time, along with the fact that it was a gift from a family member who works on the ship. Offseason is a no go for me. I'm a teacher, and even if I COULD get the time off, it's far more work to be out of work that long than in work. I prefer to use my personal days for a few 3 day weekends (like our dec WDW trip).

I'm considering a cruise on another line like RC after the WDW trip (we hit the parks hard and a 7 day cruise is forced relaxation) and it would be far less expensive. I guess I just really want to know why the huge price difference. Is it just because it has the name disney?

After comparing a few other cruise lines for the same time frame, it's not quite the price jump I first compared, but its still about $2000 more. I just want to know what the mouse does with his boat to make it worth the extra $

A Disney cruise is unique....unlike any other cruise line. People cruise with Disney for the Disney Experience. If you are fans of Disney movies, Disney characters like Tarzan and Belle and Simba and Buzz Lightyear you are only gonna experience them on DCL. You can cruise cheaper on other lines.....just like you can go to Universal Studios or Six Flag instead of WDW....but it's a different experience. No necessarily better or worse, but different. My family grew up watching Disney movies like Pocohantis, Toy Story, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast.....so cruise on Disney is like 'going home'. Hope that helps, I'm sorry but I can't explain it any better than that.

 

[TempusFugit]

There's nothing wrong with other cruise lines. It's just a matter of taste. DCL is structured different for lack of a better word. Just as with their parks, the guests' experience is paramount and service is top notch. It's an immersive atmosphere. If you can suspend disbelief, you'll love it. If you're too pragmatic you may not get as much out of it. The cost is higher up front, but I prefer that than being nickeled-and-dimed to death down the line. Also, the online quotes from most other lines do not include taxes and fees that DCL tells you upfront. That may account for some perceived cost difference as well.


I know that's not heavy with details but may give you a rough sketch of the "feel" of a Disney cruise.

 

[MaryJ]

We were docked across from a Royal Caribbean last week and saw things you wouldn't even think about. Our veranda chairs were a nice fabric, theirs were the plastic webbing. Our deck chairs are either fabric or nice wood, theirs were plastic webbing. Our ship was cleaned and painted the entire time it was in port, theirs had orange rust running down major white areas. The top of our ship included a water slide and a huge screen for movies and entertainment. They had a pool. The Disney running track was half way up the ship, theirs appeared to be on the top level where everyone was milling around. Their shuffle board equipment was stored in a outdoor plastic cabinet you can find at Home Depot. Disney has custom wood racks for theirs.

Many of these things you might not feel were lacking if you didn't know how other ships were, but there is a "Disney Difference" and that comes with a spare no expense attitude when designing spaces, so of course that get passed on.

And unless things have changed, the pool on RCCL is salt water, while the pools on DCL are fresh water. If I want to swim in salt water, I'll go to the beach!

 

[Jillscabanastories]

I have sailed on many different cruise lines, Carnival, Royal Carribean, Holland America, Norwegian, and finally Disney.

Disney is more expensive than some others, but looking that everything is included, when I subtract my booking discounts, my Disney visa rewards dollars, and OBC which are going to help pay for trip, then the cost becomes quite comparable.

Then I start looking at the experience, Disney experience A++++,

Food is better deal, much more choices are included in the price, on other cruise lines you had to pay extra for any variety. Even a burger on Norwegian was extra money. Their freestyle dining is not free, most of those "specialty" restaurants are extra. How can a burger and fries be specialty?

Disney entertainment is much better, more family friendly A+production shows,

staterooms are nicer IMO. We spent a 7 night cruise in a standard room on Disney it was roomy compared to, on both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian it was like spending a week in a broom closet.

Self Serve laundry is a major plus.

Beverage station

Fresh water pools

Castaway Cay is the ultimate beach day, and I love Pirates Night. Both unique to Disney

Also, No casinos, that for us is a plus. More room some something different.

Disney is not pushing the alcohol as much, Carnival was the worst at that. I couldn't go 2 feet without alcohol for purchase being offered. If I want a glass of wine I know where to go.

That's just my opinion why it's Disney for me.

 

[MaryJ]

We were docked across from a Royal Caribbean last week and saw things you wouldn't even think about. Our veranda chairs were a nice fabric, theirs were the plastic webbing. Our deck chairs are either fabric or nice wood, theirs were plastic webbing. Our ship was cleaned and painted the entire time it was in port, theirs had orange rust running down major white areas. The top of our ship included a water slide and a huge screen for movies and entertainment. They had a pool. The Disney running track was half way up the ship, theirs appeared to be on the top level where everyone was milling around. Their shuffle board equipment was stored in a outdoor plastic cabinet you can find at Home Depot. Disney has custom wood racks for theirs.

Many of these things you might not feel were lacking if you didn't know how other ships were, but there is a "Disney Difference" and that comes with a spare no expense attitude when designing spaces, so of course that get passed on.

And unless things have changed, the pool on RCCL is salt water, while the pools on DCL are fresh water. If I want to swim in salt water, I'll go to the beach!

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

For exceptional family entertainment and magic literally in the air, in the carpet, on the walls, just every where you look, or what you hear, or eat, I'd rather cruise DCL for a shorter time then spend the same money for a longer cruise on a cliche line. Cruised RCCL for 10 yrs, a Renaissance, Carn for the last 10 yrs, and now I don't know that I can spend one dime, not one penny, if it is my choice with ANYONE ELSE. I just can't believe those 3 days could blow a way a week with someone else, but I really do feel that way. We had 1 WDW day and 3 day DCL and it filled 20 fully typed size 12 pages! It's up to you, and as we have posted, there isn't one single thing we can say that makes it soo much better. It's some entertainment, really nice friendly service, Castaway Cay which is like a 5th Disney park out to sea! If you enjoy WDW, I can't imagine you not falling head over heals for DCL. We did get a veranda, we just did a 3 day at the time, looking for 4-5 days next. i would like to do a week, sure. But a few park days with a 4 or 5 would be ok too. Regardless, it would make me very very very unhappy to book a cruise with anyone else right now. I would rather save my money and wait a yr or two to cruise DCL than waste it with anyone else. My friends cannot understand it. I really feel strongly about it. My amazing photo album and journal are a testament to it. It's not for everyone, but if you like really genuinely fun family activities, not having to walk through smokey casinos or see thong dancers, etc. it just is the most fun on a cruise i have ever had. I can't comment about Norwegian. I just know that I want to put all my money in the DCL bank. Lemme put it this way, Husband said "Ok let's use that Disney card and get as many points as we can," so we have completely changed cards over so we can earn it towards the next one. Also the card provides 6 months interest free financing, which I have never seen offered for other cruise lines.

I don't even want to go on a different cruise, and THAT'S saying a lot!

 

[abdgeek]

I've been on 1 RCCL cruise, 2 Carnival cruises and 4 DCL cruises(Med, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Western Caribbean). I'm going on DCL cruises number 5 & 6 this summer. As a DVC member, I use my points to cruise. After my first cruise on RCCL, I thought they were the best until I cruised DCL. DCL does customer service and entertainment better than anyone. That's why I keep coming back. Yes they are more expensive, but the more I travel the more I've learned that you get what you pay for. For me, DCL has the types of activities I want to do. I actually have trouble fitting everything in. As a PP said, determine what you want from a cruise and find a cruise line that gives that to you. For me, that's Disney.

 

[olsen3334]

I've been on only one cruise in my life and it was last month. We are going to WDW for a week next summer (DVC) and I was considering adding a cruise after our week. I need to hear from people who have done cruises on other cruise lines (not carnival!) and DCL. After watching a TV show last night about the DCL we got the bug to start pricing it out, and it appears I need to start selling drugs to afford one! I am able to get a balcony room on other cruise lines for a similar cruise for almost half of what it costs to get an inside stateroom on DCL! Other than the kids club, what could possibly be worth it for me to spend double?

I really would love to do the WDW/DCL back to back, but the price just seems outrageous to me.

I have been on 4 disney cruises and am going on my 5th next week! Disney cruises are unlike any other cruise line. I went on a royal Caribbean cruise two years ago and was extremely disappointed. I would compare the cruises and automatically know that if I was on disney the service would be better and the mood would be happier. I love disney and can't get myself to switch to another cruise line. It's definitely worth the money and extra hours of work to pay for it!!

 

[darkwing818]

I've been on 1 RCCL cruise, 2 Carnival cruises and 4 DCL cruises(Med, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Western Caribbean). I'm going on DCL cruises number 5 & 6 this summer. As a DVC member, I use my points to cruise. After my first cruise on RCCL, I thought they were the best until I cruised DCL. DCL does customer service and entertainment better than anyone. That's why I keep coming back. Yes they are more expensive, but the more I travel the more I've learned that you get what you pay for. For me, DCL has the types of activities I want to do. I actually have trouble fitting everything in. As a PP said, determine what you want from a cruise and find a cruise line that gives that to you. For me, that's Disney.

For us abdgeek has summed it up the best. We've sailed RCCL Celebrity & HAL & have enjoyed those cruise lines very much, each brought something different to the party. But for us DCL seems hit on all cylinders. We are also DVC members, but of late have paid cash for our cruises & used our points to extend our cruise vacations with visits to WDW. Bottom line we feel DCL provides us an excellent value for our cruise $$$s..

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Don't forget, DCL includes all the soft drinks, don't know other cruise lines that do (or you have to buy a card) and they added gratuity to a can of coke zero on my last non DCL cruise. You can bring your own alcohol on board (we had stocked ourselves a nice cabinet coming on board, that something we have never seen on other lines) and you can bring new purchases onto the ship (like rum) and DCL doesn't confiscate it (like other cruise lines do) and they aren't pushy with the drink sales (like other karaoke or shows where the waiter keeps coming by asking 'what can I get you?') also Castaway Cay, they include the food, ice cream, snorkeling (if you have your own mask), sports like vollyball, transportation, fresh fruit stand, dance parties and activities, child care, on and on. My husband and I decided that Castaway was like worth at least $100 excursion per person.

When you combine all that, your 'savings' starts to diminish a little bit. But do what you want to do. In Feb, we did 2 base WDW days, embarked on the Carn Dream, loved our ports but were definitely ready to get off the ship and did another hopping day after embarkation. Nothing says you have to cruise DCL with WDW. But when I came back home, I was SOOOO CRUISED OUT, I told my friend. Her immediate response? You are just Carnivaled out. She was right. The 3 days DCL was incredible fun to me.

Do you want to see the waiters have to keep doing the stupid 'shake shake shake' dances or do you want to see amazing Crush come and talk to you at your table, the next day eat at a palace, watch fireworks and a live action pirate adventure on the main deck, photo ops with the characters... Do you want to see cliche country western shows, or jugglers dropping stuff and laughing at themselves or do you want to see Pocahontas sing live, Lion King broadway segments, Tarzan swinging in a loin cloth, take your pic with Ariel and have her ask what color mermaid you are...someone stop me...

So pick what you like, but if you haven't tried a DCL, a 3 day is NOT A WASTE OF MONEY at ALL and will allow you to see what you think of Disney cruising... A WDW land and sea is my new very very favorite vacay...

I sound like a broken record...

 

[Jillscabanastories]

Don't forget, DCL includes all the soft drinks, don't know other cruise lines that do (or you have to buy a card) and they added gratuity to a can of coke zero on my last non DCL cruise. You can bring your own alcohol on board (we had stocked ourselves a nice cabinet coming on board, that something we have never seen on other lines) and you can bring new purchases onto the ship (like rum) and DCL doesn't confiscate it (like other cruise lines do) and they aren't pushy with the drink sales (like other karaoke or shows where the waiter keeps coming by asking 'what can I get you?') also Castaway Cay, they include the food, ice cream, snorkeling (if you have your own mask), sports like vollyball, transportation, fresh fruit stand, dance parties and activities, child care, on and on. My husband and I decided that Castaway was like worth at least $100 excursion per person.

When you combine all that, your 'savings' starts to diminish a little bit. But do what you want to do. In Feb, we did 2 base WDW days, embarked on the Carn Dream, loved our ports but were definitely ready to get off the ship and did another hopping day after embarkation. Nothing says you have to cruise DCL with WDW. But when I came back home, I was SOOOO CRUISED OUT, I told my friend. Her immediate response? You are just Carnivaled out. She was right. The 3 days DCL was incredible fun to me.

Do you want to see the waiters have to keep doing the stupid 'shake shake shake' dances or do you want to see amazing Crush come and talk to you at your table, the next day eat at a palace, watch fireworks and a live action pirate adventure on the main deck, photo ops with the characters... Do you want to see cliche country western shows, or jugglers dropping stuff and laughing at themselves or do you want to see Pocahontas sing live, Lion King broadway segments, Tarzan swinging in a loin cloth, take your pic with Ariel and have her ask what color mermaid you are...someone stop me...

So pick what you like, but if you haven't tried a DCL, a 3 day is NOT A WASTE OF MONEY at ALL and will allow you to see what you think of Disney cruising... A WDW land and sea is my new very very favorite vacay...

I sound like a broken record...

This is why it is Disney Crusie Line for me

 

[declansdad]

A cruise is just like any other vacation, it is what you make it. Since you asked this question on a Disney board you are going to get answers extremely favourable to Disney. Ask it in a more neutral site and you may get better variety of opinons.