DCL vs others?

[ldo]

thinking 'why would I want to go on that, it looks so much less appealing.' It just looked dirty and not fun.
I have been on 5 RCCL, all ships at least 5 years old, some much older. None were dirty. some had some worn out items, like putt-putt on its last leg, but all were perfectly fine. There are 2 reasons I sail RCCL--fabulous price or destination I can't get with DCL. Spring break we took an 8 day Carib. cruise in an OV room for our family of 4 for under $3K. Next summer, we want to go to Canada, East Coast and DCL doesn't sail there. We love DCL, but when we pulled up to the Fantasy, I was not jealous at all. We saved at least $4K, which was a nice chunk of change to spend on a future DCL cruise.

 

[cgolf]

I will say that one time when we were in port, and we had some sort of DCL deck 9 party going on and we heard some parties on a Carnival ship yell out I thought we were on the fun ship I will admit to seeing other lines ships and being jealous of the ropes course, or other design features they had. I think when you are looking at a cruise line you need to think about the activities your family will enjoy and pick a line will cater to them.

While I can't speak to other lines service, I can definately say DCL is not perfect, I think the boards pump up how great they are they set people's expectations so high that they expect everyone one to go above and beyond. They do appear to train them well, but not everyone can be like Fitz, or insert your favorite cm here. It is just a pet peeve of mine that these threads always turn into DCL is the best ship in the sea and nothing is close.

To the OP go with what fits your families needs, and I hope a DCL trip is in your future, they are definately enjoyable.

 

[ldo]

IMHO, the service is outstanding on DCL and every DCL cruise (4) we have been on has been awesome. Last month, we happened to be at a hotel and the desk clerk had worked 2 years on DCL at guest relations. She said it was great, but a very tough job, as they needed to respond/address everyone's issue as important.
My only disappointment ever with DCL was the kids club, ironically, where my shy 9 yr old was left to fend for himself when other kids ran to the science table and he didn't get a seat b/c he didn't run. No cast member bothered to try to include him, so he just walked away. I felt lots of times that the kids were in a bit of a free-for-all (Dream) and not getting personalized attention. My kids actually liked RCCL kids club much better at age 9.

 

[tinkerone]

Your going to get so many thoughts here, good luck!

I would say that while I love DCL I have to wonder if it is because its the only ship I have sailed. We are gong on our first RCCL cruise shortly and I can't wait, I'm so excited. However, as to your question, Disney makes it different. Its their touches that make it what it is. While we have mostly had excellent service we have had bad service so you can't blanketly say its their service. Lifeguards on board are great however what parent would not be eagle eyeing their 4 year old while they are in/near the pool. That would just be irresponsible. So not sure that would be something I would pay extra for. The shows are good, very entertaining for both adult and children. Better than what can be found on any other ship? I don't know. The cabins seem to be a bit larger but from what I have seen only by a few feet. They have a split bath, some people find this very important, others, like me, don't.

I like the food but I certainly don't find it top quality. Its good, don't get me wrong, but its not amazing IMO. As for their quick service venues, I find that almost boring and not so many choices. Something I find a minus in the DCL department is that the buffet is closed in the evenings, they serve a sit down meal. The dinning rooms are lovely and have some good entertainment but it can get a little long for small children and that is where the buffet would be so handy. They do have room service but again, not a lot of variety.

People talk about the nickle and diming of other cruise lines, I have not yet found much difference. You can spend a bunch on extras on DCL such as the BBB, the new candy store (forget the name, sorry), specialty dining. They have plenty of shops where you can drop your charge card and with little ones there is a ton that they will want. Your going to find shopping on any ship you choose.

Childrens clubs, how much time are you wanting your wee one to spend there? If its only a few hours at a time you will probably be fine with any cruise line. If your planning on dropping her off at breakfast and seeing her at bed time DCL is probably best. Not sure why anyone would do this but I hear some do.

I have sailed DCl lots, many b2b Fantasy trips. I have not noticed anyone looking at me jealously. While I have seen people looking over at our ship, I and others around me have been looking back. Not out of pity but at what that ship has that DCL doesn't. I've seen some pretty amazing water slides. No one ship has it all.

These are just my thoughts, take from it what you want and discard the rest. I certainly can't claim to be an expert.

So, your delema is in deciding if you want to pay the extra for the mouse or if your okay saving some and only getting puss and boots. Good luck with your choice and what ever you do have a great cruise.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Your going to get so many thoughts here, good luck!

I would say that while I love DCL I have to wonder if it is because its the only ship I have sailed. We are gong on our first RCCL cruise shortly and I can't wait, I'm so excited. However, as to your question, Disney makes it different. Its their touches that make it what it is. While we have mostly had excellent service we have had bad service so you can't blanketly say its their service. Lifeguards on board are great however what parent would not be eagle eyeing their 4 year old while they are in/near the pool. That would just be irresponsible. So not sure that would be something I would pay extra for. The shows are good, very entertaining for both adult and children. Better than what can be found on any other ship? I don't know. The cabins seem to be a bit larger but from what I have seen only by a few feet. They have a split bath, some people find this very important, others, like me, don't.

I like the food but I certainly don't find it top quality. Its good, don't get me wrong, but its not amazing IMO. As for their quick service venues, I find that almost boring and not so many choices. Something I find a minus in the DCL department is that the buffet is closed in the evenings, they serve a sit down meal. The dinning rooms are lovely and have some good entertainment but it can get a little long for small children and that is where the buffet would be so handy. They do have room service but again, not a lot of variety.

People talk about the nickle and diming of other cruise lines, I have not yet found much difference. You can spend a bunch on extras on DCL such as the BBB, the new candy store (forget the name, sorry), specialty dining. They have plenty of shops where you can drop your charge card and with little ones there is a ton that they will want. Your going to find shopping on any ship you choose.

Childrens clubs, how much time are you wanting your wee one to spend there? If its only a few hours at a time you will probably be fine with any cruise line. If your planning on dropping her off at breakfast and seeing her at bed time DCL is probably best. Not sure why anyone would do this but I hear some do.

I have sailed DCl lots, many b2b Fantasy trips. I have not noticed anyone looking at me jealously. While I have seen people looking over at our ship, I and others around me have been looking back. Not out of pity but at what that ship has that DCL doesn't. I've seen some pretty amazing water slides. No one ship has it all.

These are just my thoughts, take from it what you want and discard the rest. I certainly can't claim to be an expert.

So, your delema is in deciding if you want to pay the extra for the mouse or if your okay saving some and only getting puss and boots. Good luck with your choice and what ever you do have a great cruise.

Excellent post, well said. I never thought I could enjoy another cruise line, until I actually tried one. Now, I'm thrilled because I don't feel tied to one line.

 

[Ofinn]

Excellent post, well said. I never thought I could enjoy another cruise line, until I actually tried one. Now, I'm thrilled because I don't feel tied to one line.

I haven't even cruised another line and I feel liberated. The liberating factor for me was my youngest turning 12 and becoming eligible for the tween clubs on the other lines. It would have been hard going from the Edge on DCL back in with the 6 year olds. I like everybody to be happy on vacation. Now If I could just figure out a way to keep him 12 for a few more years....
DCL has been a great fit for our family the last 5 years, but I'm not worried that I won't enjoy another cruise line. I'm not that much of a Disney fan. I love to cruise and I love to travel. Cruising on other lines opens up lots of destinations around the world at affordable prices.