Disney vs. Other Cruise lines?

[DC Mouse]

Greetings! What a great board you have. I wanted to throw out a question-

My wife and I want to do a 4-day cruise at the end of this year. This will be a first cruise for both of us. We are certified Disney nuts and from day one we started pricing the DCL.

DCL is certainly within our budget, but after looking around a little, some of the other cruise lines appear to offer comparable cruises (at least for the accomodations and destinations) at a savings of $200-$400. My questions-

1. Is there a "main" reason that DCL is higher?

2. For those who have been on both a DCL cruise and another company, is the "Disney" way worth the extra bucks? Why? (I think I know the answer, I just need some back-up. )

3. We are Disney club members but understand that the DCL doesn't offer discounts to club members. The quotes I am getting back are currently $994 for a Category 6 and $844 for a Category 8, per person, 4 days, without airfare.

What are some examples of the fall deals on DCL? Do we have any hope of the rates above getting ANY lower?

We're not cheap, but I just want to get the best deal and the quotes I have seemed a little high when compared with other lines.

Any thoughts or insights would be most welcome.

 

[Mjasp]

I know you said you were looking at a 4 day cruise. But a for instance in price is, right now they are offering a spring time magic price for a seven day cruise starting at $799 per person for an inside cabin, and it goes up accordingly by category.

 

[ruvidu]

We went on our two 3 day Magic cruises and then decided to try another cruise line for a 7 day. While talking to the Travel Agent, he asked if we had ever cruised and if so who with. When I told him about our Magical cruises he said that we would be disappointed with any other ship. He said that the room sizes alone make Disney the best bang for the bucks. We did not use this TA but we heeded his advice. We went on a 7 day Magic cruise last May and have another booked for this Sept.
Seeing Disney's island, Castaway Cay, is worth any extra $ you may be saving with another line. It is my wife's idea of heaven.
Let me also say that we have met other cruisers who have cruised on other lines and they say Disney is the best.
Note that Disney does not offfer a topless deck, Las Vegas style shows or casinos but there is plenty for us adults (50s) to do.
Again, thats just our personal opinion.

Best of luck with who ever you cruise with,

 

[BeanoC]

We sailed on NCL 3 times prior to our first Disney Cruise. We were always satisfied with their service. Now, having sailed on the Disney Magic, I cannot possibly see myself back on NCL!!

The elegance of the ship, the outstanding personal service, and MUCH better quality of food on Disney is worth any price difference there is. Also, the staterooms on Disney's ships are much roomier than most cruise lines. You may not spend that much time there, but who wants to sleep in a broom closet?

Castaway Cay is by far the nicest private island I've been to. It can't even be compared to NCL's smaller and less developed private island. CC is heaven!

Although most, if not all, cruise ship personnel treat their passengers very well, we really felt like royalty on the Magic. It was far and away our best cruise ever, and we are counting the days until we sail on her again (10/12/2002!!)

I personally missed the casino a bit, but I can drive to Reno in a few hours for that! It's hardly a main consideration for a cruise, especially with the kids! Other than the lack of a casino, I felt that the Magic had nicer facilities in every aspect - Much nicer dining rooms, better food, bigger staterooms, a better theater and, being the Disney nuts that we are, the shows were much better too. I'd much rather see a quality Peter Pan and Wendy fantasy show than a cheesy Vegas-style revue.


These are just my opinions, and I am only comparing to NCL. I understand that Princess rivals Disney in the food category, on the other hand I have heard that Carnival's cuisine stinks.
Personally, I am in no hurry to experience any cruise line other than Disney, since I know we will be more than satisfied!



'Beano'

 

[atigeg]

As a veteran of 19 Disney cruises (we're flying out tomorrow for #20), you can guess which cruise line we prefer! We've done 4 on Royal Caribbean too (2 on their newer ships Radiance & Voyager and 2 on older ships Sov. of the Seas & Viking Serenade). Those were nice trips, but I prefer several things about Disney, including:
-The adults-only areas. There were supposedly adults-only areas on two of the RCCL ships, but there was NO enforcement. At Disney, we know that we can enjoy "big kids" time.
-The Disney ambiance. It is like paying more to stay at a WDW hotel. It is worth it for the pixie dust.
-"Disney Dreams." The only show I've seen on a ship that is as good is the ice show on Voyager.
-Castaway Cay, a true island paradise!
-Larger than average staterooms.
The food and service were very good on RCCL, and we did enjoy our trips. But in my opinion, Disney has a premium product and I am willing to pay a little more to get my preferred "brand."
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[howardk613]

In addition to all the comments about Disney's better service, terrific accomodations, friendly crew, great food and most of all those amazing 2 ships themselves, another reason that Disney is more expensive is because they do not have a casino on board. Casinos are a very large profit center on cruise ships ( and since they are PROFIT centers , guess where they get the extra profit from - the passengers !! ) and since your chances of winning are not good, your overall expense on a Disney cruise will probably be less than on the other cruise lines with casinos. I would not even consider another cruise line, but thats me.