Disappointed with the direction DCL is heading.

[sweetpee_1993]

I used to proudly wear my Disney Cruise line and Castaway Cay shirts and hope people would ask me about them so I could brag about how much we loved DCL. Two weeks ago, I pulled one out of the closet and didn't have that same feeling, so put it back.

Yep. I feel this. The last DCL Dooney I bought over a year ago I never used. I ended up selling it. This Sept while sailing with friends I only purchased the newest DCL Dooney print for a lady from the FB group. She paid me cost + shipping. There's just something about carrying a DCL bag that doesn't set well with me right now. I can't represent with pride like I used to. That makes me sad. All isn't lost, tho. I'm happily carrying DL Dooneys and perfectly satisfied representin' the west coast!

 

[KristiMc]

I don't think anyone is bashing really. Many of us are just frustrated in the overall price hike.

 

[storknurse13]

Some people will ALWAYS complain no matter what! I am a die hard DCL fan and I would wait the extra time it would take for me to save and pay for our family to cruise DCL. This summer, the travel agency I work for did a conference at sea on another cruise line and we took 3 additional family members with us on the trip. The food and service was okay, nothing special. The ship was well cared for and there were things for our kids to do. We never complained on the ship as we didn't want to disappoint our other family members that have never cruised on the lack of attention to detail that the cruise line portrayed. Two of those same family members will cruise with us next December for a 7 day trip on the Fantasy to the Caribbean. We will let them make their own decision on how special Disney Cruise Line is. Our kids however, always LOVE the experience and special attention DCL pays to the families. The kids clubs on DCL are the bomb, as my kids say! Nothing compares to it!
We always cruise concierge and this is how we like to do it! If we can't afford it then we save for a very long time to make it happen. Our family members that are cruising with us next year are in a balcony cabin and chose not to go concierge. They can compare their experience as they had a balcony cabin this summer.
Things change as times change. Alcohol policy, no longer able to drop off items at guest services.... things change and people learn to adapt. It will not sway me away from DCL, although I'm hoping that in the future the prices don't!! But if so our family will do what we need to do!!

 

[insureman]

Some people will ALWAYS complain no matter what! I am a die hard DCL fan and I would wait the extra time it would take for me to save and pay for our family to cruise DCL. This summer, the travel agency I work for did a conference at sea on another cruise line and we took 3 additional family members with us on the trip. The food and service was okay, nothing special. The ship was well cared for and there were things for our kids to do. We never complained on the ship as we didn't want to disappoint our other family members that have never cruised on the lack of attention to detail that the cruise line portrayed. Two of those same family members will cruise with us next December for a 7 day trip on the Fantasy to the Caribbean. We will let them make their own decision on how special Disney Cruise Line is. Our kids however, always LOVE the experience and special attention DCL pays to the families. The kids clubs on DCL are the bomb, as my kids say! Nothing compares to it!
We always cruise concierge and this is how we like to do it! If we can't afford it then we save for a very long time to make it happen. Our family members that are cruising with us next year are in a balcony cabin and chose not to go concierge. They can compare their experience as they had a balcony cabin this summer.
Things change as times change. Alcohol policy, no longer able to drop off items at guest services.... things change and people learn to adapt. It will not sway me away from DCL, although I'm hoping that in the future the prices don't!! But if so our family will do what we need to do!!

Funny thing, I was you up until this year. Platinum with 17 cruises. We mostly did concierge too. Not afraid of change, however when the costs and the taking away of things that have been given to us previously start to outweigh the great experience we have had in the past that's where I have a problem.

 

[perdidobay]

After 16 cruises on DCL, we had a cruise booked for Oct 10 on the Fanatsy, but we were burned out and fed up with the changes DCL is making. Add on to that the huge price increases for the advertised quality that we weren't feeling.
We cancelled that cruise for NCL's Getaway for the same week. So glad we did. We found out that there are other cruise lines and ships where we could have every bit as much fun and have even more things to do, see and eat, and with the same good service as DCL. And guess what, cheaper too!

 

[JW9DVC]

If it were only 10$ not a big deal, we are talking thousand+ dollars here over the last few years, DCL has distanced themselves from the pack price wise over the last couple of years. While we have always sailed DCL, we had always researched other lines too during the time we sailed. Up until the 2017 prices DCL was in the pack enough that we would stick with them. 2017 though seemed like a big jump and was enough for us to switch 2017 bookings to another line. This was an apples to apples comparison and some lines we could cruise twice for 1 trip on the fantasy.

Personally I haven't seen this as bashing, nobody is saying DCL sucks, we are just pointing out the changes and increasing costs.

Apparently the increase of cost will continue as long as people are willing to pay. Where the ceiling is and where the bottom is. Will always be changing. As prices of doing business increase. So does the cost to the consumer. JW

 

[MUN]

I used to proudly wear my Disney Cruise line and Castaway Cay shirts and hope people would ask me about them so I could brag about how much we loved DCL. Two weeks ago, I pulled one out of the closet and didn't have that same feeling, so put it back.

This gave me a good chuckle. Thanks!

 

[Jestocost]

Funny thing is, if you go on the Royal Caribbean board over at Cruise Critic everyone is complaining about RCCL and planning to jump ship to Norwegian or some other line.

 

[SonicGuy]

Apparently the increase of cost will continue as long as people are willing to pay. Where the ceiling is and where the bottom is. Will always be changing. As prices of doing business increase. So does the cost to the consumer. JW

This is absolutely a correct statement. As a business owner (fast food restaurants) I can tell you the increase in our operating costs over the last 5 years has been ASTRONOMICAL. How do we attempt to stay competitive - pass on the costs in the form of price increases where we can and offer discount offers when demand starts to dip.

The kind of ironic part is that all of these "loyal" DCL customers are actually part of the reason that prices are going up and services going down - they are keeping the demand up. DCL sells their cabins for what they can. I see people complaining about $20,000 for a concierge suite, but yet most are sold. On our next cruise (Jan 2016) there are almost 200 cabins still available but all concierge suites are sold. So with that many unsold cabins, what does DCL do - offer discounts. All categories are now on GTY at prices lower than I paid. Thats just how it works. Maximizing profits is the obligation that DCL has to contribute to the organization and ultimately to the shareholders.

 

[cgolf]

This is absolutely a correct statement. As a business owner (fast food restaurants) I can tell you the increase in our operating costs over the last 5 years has been ASTRONOMICAL. How do we attempt to stay competitive - pass on the costs in the form of price increases where we can and offer discount offers when demand starts to dip.

The kind of ironic part is that all of these "loyal" DCL customers are actually part of the reason that prices are going up and services going down - they are keeping the demand up. DCL sells their cabins for what they can. I see people complaining about $20,000 for a concierge suite, but yet most are sold. On our next cruise (Jan 2016) there are almost 200 cabins still available but all concierge suites are sold. So with that many unsold cabins, what does DCL do - offer discounts. All categories are now on GTY at prices lower than I paid. Thats just how it works. Maximizing profits is the obligation that DCL has to contribute to the organization and ultimately to the shareholders.

No Disagreement here, but the risk in your business and for DCL, is that because of your price changes, consumers may try a different restaurant or cruise line and end up liking them better and never return even when you have to lower your costs. Price setting is probably the most difficult thing to do, especially in a crowded market.

DCL as a one off has its selling points to many people, they are Disney When you get to your 7th, 12th, 20th cruise you are starting to look for value too, not just the Disney. DCL is truly setting themselves up more as a once or twice cruise line not a long term cruise line. It will have taken us 12 cruises on DCL before we venture out and try a new line in 2017.

 

[SonicGuy]

No Disagreement here, but the risk in your business and for DCL, is that because of your price changes, consumers may try a different restaurant or cruise line and end up liking them better and never return even when you have to lower your costs. Price setting is probably the most difficult thing to do, especially in a crowded market.

DCL as a one off has its selling points to many people, they are Disney When you get to your 7th, 12th, 20th cruise you are starting to look for value too, not just the Disney. DCL is truly setting themselves up more as a once or twice cruise line not a long term cruise line. It will have taken us 12 cruises on DCL before we venture out and try a new line in 2017.

You are absolutely right. Every price increase we risk losing a Guest (and Im sure we do each and every time). We have a very involved process were we track what our competitors pricing is doing near all of our locations. While obviously not to the scale of DCL it is a huge process for us and a huge risk. I think its smart for consumers (in any industry) to try other options. Imagine if all your life you only ate vanilla ice cream and never discovered the wonder that is Rocky Road (my fav). I'm impressed you made it 12 cruises before trying another cruise line. As many on here have pointed out - they find something that may be better for their situation.

 

[Angie789]

Free ice cream and late night snacks in the bar are still available, they didn't take them away. The pay for goods are added extras giving more choice.

Of course they are. But the disappointment comes from the fact that many on these boards have commented on the "nickel and diming" of other cruise lines. On all the other majors, the exact same set-up is in place - there is something (like ice cream) available for free, or you can pay extra for a premium ice cream/gelato. But that perception of a cruise line that is constantly selling is something that many DCL fans try to avoid - you don't have to look very hard to find posters who claim that the nickel and diming is the main reason why they don't like/don't want to try other cruise lines. So, when Disney employs these strategies - yes, it is a disappointment to many.

Another poster said this in another thread, and it is absolutely true - DCL seems to want to have it both ways. They are asking a premium price up front for a cruise experience that is supposed to be different/better than the other majors, but at the same time, they are quickly changing many policies to be exactly like the other lines. It is not just a money difference. They are changing some of things that made them truly different from the rest.

 

[MUN]

Of course they are. But the disappointment comes from the fact that many on these boards have commented on the "nickel and diming" of other cruise lines. On all the other majors, the exact same set-up is in place - there is something (like ice cream) available for free, or you can pay extra for a premium ice cream/gelato. But that perception of a cruise line that is constantly selling is something that many DCL fans try to avoid - you don't have to look very hard to find posters who claim that the nickel and diming is the main reason why they don't like/don't want to try other cruise lines. So, when Disney employs these strategies - yes, it is a disappointment to many.

Another poster said this in another thread, and it is absolutely true - DCL seems to want to have it both ways. They are asking a premium price up front for a cruise experience that is supposed to be different/better than the other majors, but at the same time, they are quickly changing many policies to be exactly like the other lines. It is not just a money difference. They are changing some of things that made them truly different from the rest.

I don't read about people complaining about specialty coffees at Cove Café coming with a price when coffee at MDRs, buffets, and the beverage fountains is included with the price of the cruise. Also, Palo and Remy are extra, with MDR, buffet food being included. However, some people are sure griping about premium ice cream and gelato coming with a price on the Dream.

 

[Sleepyluke]

Alright, get your flame throwers ready - - -
BUT, I would like lower prices too

There are people who complain about everything, but don't realize that they are the reason for the change (not them personally, but the mentality). I am not saying DCL is a true luxury line, but it used to be a lot closer, at least seemed to be a niche in between. When we started cruising, passengers kept to the ideals that DCL was trying to portray, and told you before you got there. People dressed for dinner, had respect for other passengers, and put your fellow traveler before yourself. NOW, people demanded to wear what they want to restaurants because it is my vacation and I do what I want. DCL finally gave up and there are far fewer people that dress nice, but the ones that do now, will probably continue because it helps put you in the mentality of a nicer feel than going to Chilis for the evening. DCL tried to make it above the mainstream, but we as a whole refused to play that game. They still do their part with the servers and other areas, so is that DCLs fault? I know this is one example and is an ongoing issue on boards, but it just makes me think that we are as responsible as DCL, we demand mainstream, but they can still fill ships, I think they are playing the cards that they were dealt....There are some things I would like changed back, changed in general, but at least for us, we just have to save longer.

Bring back low prices and nice people!!!
Thought over, continue on.....

 

[Angie789]

I don't read about people complaining about specialty coffees at Cove Café coming with a price when coffee at MDRs, buffets, and the beverage fountains is included with the price of the cruise. Also, Palo and Remy are extra, with MDR, buffet food being included. However, some people are sure griping about premium ice cream and gelato coming with a price on the Dream.

That's true. I've stated in other threads that sticking other cruise lines with a "nickel and dime" label is hypocritical, since DCL does it, too (in fact, the most egregious example of upselling we've every experienced on a cruise happened on DCL in May). But there is no denying that DCL is doing more of it now. For people who are intentionally avoiding that experience on vacation, I can totally understand their disappointment with the recent changes.

 

[MUN]

(in fact, the most egregious example of upselling we've every experienced on a cruise happened on DCL in May).

What was it???

 

[Ofinn]

This is absolutely a correct statement. As a business owner (fast food restaurants) I can tell you the increase in our operating costs over the last 5 years has been ASTRONOMICAL. How do we attempt to stay competitive - pass on the costs in the form of price increases where we can and offer discount offers when demand starts to dip.

The kind of ironic part is that all of these "loyal" DCL customers are actually part of the reason that prices are going up and services going down - they are keeping the demand up. DCL sells their cabins for what they can. I see people complaining about $20,000 for a concierge suite, but yet most are sold. On our next cruise (Jan 2016) there are almost 200 cabins still available but all concierge suites are sold. So with that many unsold cabins, what does DCL do - offer discounts. All categories are now on GTY at prices lower than I paid. Thats just how it works. Maximizing profits is the obligation that DCL has to contribute to the organization and ultimately to the shareholders.

DCL's model seems to be to sell as many cabins as they can at a very high premium, and then what they don't sell they discount at 60 days out. As someone who always books GT rates I have to say I'm getting a little tired of chasing discounts. Waiting, and changing vacations dates around when I find a cruise at a price I like is getting pretty old. I'm also finding it difficult to find cruises I'm interested in doing. I can't keep spending money to go to the same places over and over. Were going to spend a week in Spain next Sept and then take the TA home. TA's are about the only DCL cruises I don't find over priced. Unfortunately I cant afford to go to Europe every year just to sail a TA on DCL. The stale itinerary's out of North America are probably going to drive me to another cruise line more than the prices. Like others have said I don't think they're interested in keeping customers if they were they would have a better loyalty programs.

 

[Angie789]

What was it???

We were at dinner on Pirate Night. My kids were served drinks in plastic cups with light up straws (my 4 year old daughter's straw had Tinkerbell and my 6 year old son's straw had Captain Hook). Our servers came over, asked the kids if they liked them, and encouraged them to play with the straws. When the servers returned to take our dinner order, they informed us that the straws were extra, and in order for the kids to keep them, we'd be charged for them. If I remember correctly, the straws were $8 or $9 each for molded plastic junk. My son's straw didn't even stay lit for the entire evening. I thought it was pretty ridiculous that my children were handed what amounted to a toy and encouraged to play with it for a while before we were informed that it was an additional charge - an extremely overpriced one. It was our first DCL cruise, so we never dreamed that the cute-but-obviously-cheap straws were anything other than a part of the "magic" of the famous DCL Pirate Night. Nope - it was a total upsell that would have involved taking a toy away from my kids during dinner service to avoid.

 

[MUN]

We were at dinner on Pirate Night. My kids were served drinks in plastic cups with light up straws (my 4 year old daughter's straw had Tinkerbell and my 6 year old son's straw had Captain Hook). Our servers came over, asked the kids if they liked them, and encouraged them to play with the straws. When the servers returned to take our dinner order, they informed us that the straws were extra, and in order for the kids to keep them, we'd be charged for them. If I remember correctly, the straws were $8 or $9 each for molded plastic junk. My son's straw didn't even stay lit for the entire evening. I thought it was pretty ridiculous that my children were handed what amounted to a toy and encouraged to play with it for a while before we were informed that it was an additional charge - an extremely overpriced one. It was our first DCL cruise, so we never dreamed that the cute-but-obviously-cheap straws were anything other than a part of the "magic" of the famous DCL Pirate Night. Nope - it was a total upsell that would have involved taking a toy away from my kids during dinner service to avoid.

Yikes! I hope you deducted those amounts from your servers tips.

MUN

 

[budamacdvcr]

One quick point to throw out there is that DCL has been putting $ back into their ships with the Magic make over and recent updates to the Dream so that is a bit of a positive.

Some people will ALWAYS complain no matter what! I am a die hard DCL fan and I would wait the extra time it would take for me to save and pay for our family to cruise DCL. This summer, the travel agency I work for did a conference at sea on another cruise line and we took 3 additional family members with us on the trip. The food and service was okay, nothing special. The ship was well cared for and there were things for our kids to do. We never complained on the ship as we didn't want to disappoint our other family members that have never cruised on the lack of attention to detail that the cruise line portrayed. Two of those same family members will cruise with us next December for a 7 day trip on the Fantasy to the Caribbean. We will let them make their own decision on how special Disney Cruise Line is. Our kids however, always LOVE the experience and special attention DCL pays to the families. The kids clubs on DCL are the bomb, as my kids say! Nothing compares to it!
We always cruise concierge and this is how we like to do it! If we can't afford it then we save for a very long time to make it happen. Our family members that are cruising with us next year are in a balcony cabin and chose not to go concierge. They can compare their experience as they had a balcony cabin this summer.
Things change as times change. Alcohol policy, no longer able to drop off items at guest services.... things change and people learn to adapt. It will not sway me away from DCL, although I'm hoping that in the future the prices don't!! But if so our family will do what we need to do!!

Funny thing, I was you up until this year. Platinum with 17 cruises. We mostly did concierge too. Not afraid of change, however when the costs and the taking away of things that have been given to us previously start to outweigh the great experience we have had in the past that's where I have a problem.

Like both of you, we are DCL fans and overall big Disney fans (DVC members). We have sailed concierge the past 4 or 5 sailings and July 2016 will be our 10th taking us to platinum status. I will likely be looking at cost & overall experience as I am more worried about the multiple changes that seem a bit more accounting related. The little things like the character signatures on items. As one who is responsible for customer service in my real world, limiting items and quantity per room, if these things were creating a problem, would be better than stopping something like this completely. I have posted on these boards before that one of my favorite enjoyments of a DCL sailing was the ability to pour my own bourbon and enjoy it with a nice cigar on my balcony while DW would get ready for dinner - not any more on both my own bourbon and the cigar on the balcony. Things change, and we will adapt but like referenced, a few too many of the little "customer touches" are going away and makes me think a little harder about what we are spending than I did say 2 or 3 years ago.

Apparently the increase of cost will continue as long as people are willing to pay. Where the ceiling is and where the bottom is. Will always be changing. As prices of doing business increase. So does the cost to the consumer. JW

Agree and supply & demand play a role as well. If DCL can fill up ships at the price points they set that's what they are gonna do.