For you, what justifies DCL?

[lilsonicfan]

I hope this doesn't seem like a stupid or horrible question.

We have tentatively booked a 6 night repositioning cruise from Vancouver to LA in Sept 2012 with DCL. The price is quite high though, for 2 adults and 2 children. I had thought it might be a good cruise b/c we live in Vancouver, so would only have to fly one way back from LA.

But other cruiselines offer, for example, a 7 night cruise from LA to Mexico and back for far less money. I priced out a Carnival one and it was $1,400 cheaper for a 7 night cruise to Mexico in Sept 2012. So, one extra night, but we'd have to fly roundtrip to LA.

I'm just curious ... I know it is super subjective, and by the way, I love Disney! So, what draws you to DCL? I have cruised on Carnival and Norwegian before, I liked Carnival and was just okay with Norwegian. My kids will be 11 months and 3.5 yo in Sept 2012.

 

[Stinkerbe11]

I love that there are amazing areas for my kids and also DH and myself. The kids clubs are wonderful, there are no casinos, we love the Disney atmosphere and "magic" that only Disney can do (IMHO). Now, if it were just DH and me, I would probably go with Princess or HAL but I wouldn't even consider another line for my kids (4 and 6) right now

 

[clten]

In one word -- Service.

The crew is just incredible. They are the reason we keep going back to DCL. Yes, occasionally, you get someone who hasn't been fully trained in the DCL way of doing things or someone who isn't going to be there more than one contract because they just don't fit. But as a whole, the crew is there to make each and every trip the best they can be. And after a few cruises, they seem like family (don't know how they remember people but they do!) So, it's because of the intangible things the crew adds that is worth the extra money.

 

[Cerberus9]

Free soda.

 

[TXDCLfan]

In one word -- Service.

The crew is just incredible. They are the reason we keep going back to DCL. Yes, occasionally, you get someone who hasn't been fully trained in the DCL way of doing things or someone who isn't going to be there more than one contract because they just don't fit. But as a whole, the crew is there to make each and every trip the best they can be. And after a few cruises, they seem like family (don't know how they remember people but they do!) So, it's because of the intangible things the crew adds that is worth the extra money.

I would have to say --service and quality It is funny how my family remembers who our servers were on our Disney cruises but can not on the Carnival and RCCL cruises that we have done.

 

[kimistry6]

I love that there are amazing areas for my kids and also DH and myself. The kids clubs are wonderful, there are no casinos, we love the Disney atmosphere and "magic" that only Disney can do (IMHO). Now, if it were just DH and me, I would probably go with Princess or HAL but I wouldn't even consider another line for my kids (4 and 6) right now

All of the above. My kids also really love the character meets. We considered another cruise line but in the end for us, Disney is what we want.

 

[Mrsjvb]

since for us the main goal is NOT itinerary we don't even really worry about that part at all.

In order:

1: they are the BEST at keeping the rugrats OUT of the 'adult only ' areas and events. and the Staff is NOT shy about reining in the little heathens in the public areas as well. This alone is worth it for us.

2: engaging and happy staff. even the pool deck guys who are there to drag the cushions under cover during rain showers do so with a big ole smile and are always willing to send a few seconds chit chatting.

3; good gravy are they anal about cleanliness. between lines of servers handing out disposable baby wipes and the always constant polishing of the brass and other common areas, the place was spotless.

4: stuff to do that engages a variety of interests. from wine/beer/martini tastings to first run movies to kids club programs that rival anything on shore the entire extended family will have something to do.

5: Castaway Cay. the adult only BBQ alone is worth leaving the ship here, even if you don't do beaches( and we don't) from what I understand the family beach is kick butt as well.

I will say this.. main DR options are sub par in our opinion. while we never starved, many of the selections were a disappointment. but Palo more than made up for it as did the choices throughout the day by the pool and I could happily move into the Cove Cafe and never leave...

we are really debating one of three different options for next September.. a B2b, a week cruise followed by a week at WDW or 10 days CL at AKL. there's really not enough of a price difference to make any one more appealing.

honestly, DCL is a very good value for the price in our opinion

 

[girl_barrie]

We love DCL and are OK with the higher prices because of the quality, service, the way that Disney "does it right" and the family fun that they provide. EVERYONE in the family has a great time!
It is amazing to be on a floating city where just about everyone is absolutely delighted by your satisfaction and happiness! Awesome! And it really feels like that.
Also, I am the kind of person that gets into researching when I get "into" something, and since we became DCL cruisers, I have educated myself on the "Events at Sea" and illnesses that occur. They seem to be much MUCH less on Disney than any other cruise lines.
Check out Cruise Junkie . com for yourself!
http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events.html

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

10. No casino
9. We have always booked over a year out so we pay less than if you wait (or are privileged to special offers), and we always feel we get our moneys worth. That is why we've been on four and have a fifth scheduled.
8. We have always had fantastic DCL Cast Members taking care of us.
7. The adult only offerings
6. Kids programs: our DS loved them when he was younger. Will be 19 in 1.5 weeks and will be very upset if we leave him behind again. DW and I did the Wonder PC by ourselves.
5. PALO
4. Did I say; we have always had fantastic DCL Cast Members taking care of us.
3. The shows are spectacular.
2. Two words: Castaway Cay - love that island
AND FINALLY THE NUMBER ONE REASON
1. Theming: I'm a Disneyholic

 

[GW45]

The atmosphere on board, the service....but the main reason is the fun the kids have. Because your kids are having such a great time in the clubs you can relax and have a holiday yourself. I imagine when our kids are older we'll try the cheaper cruise lines but I just love seeing my little girls face when she accidentally bumps into Snow White getting off the elevator and she greets her warmly and leans down for a hug. You can't put a price on that!

With your kids being so young you'll love the way they look after them(very vigilant about hygiene and allergies) - the boat is spotless, the security getting them out of the clubs is friendly but firm and the pixie dust at the shows...it's infectious!!

 

[CrystalS]

We are doing the 5-night repo from Van - LA in September THIS year
We are a family of 4 (2 adults, a 4yr old and 11mos old) and for an inside 11A cost came to around $1850 for the cruise portion. (we plan to do Disneyland after and then fly back since we are also from BC).

I'm not sure what catagory room you have booked, but if you don't mind an inside room, you can save a lot of $$ that way.

This will be our second cruise (both being with Disney) and what has brought us back to Disney over other lines is the service and kid-friendly atmosphere of the ship. With our children being so young still, I think Disney is the best line for them. They can relate to the characters and Disney-ness, and for me, Disney just feels "safe" to me.
I like that they have full production stage shows as opposed to "vegas style" shows that I hear about on other lines. I like that there is no casino, and although there is alcohol, it doesn't seem like a party boat.
Disney screams family for me, and I know we will be well taken care of.

 

[annabell08]

DCL is as close to a no smoking line as you can get.

 

[mickeyfan1]

I am booked on the Van-LA cruise for 2012, I booked the 1st day and I found the pricing to be very reasonable, even for a solo. I did the LA to Van this year and it was wonderful to have to over night in SF. That was one reason I wanted to book again. I also have a lot of friends who cruise and many times it is as a group, nothing better than cruising with a lot of people you know.

 

[bbaltes]

There are two things that make me tear up on every Disney cruise - and they may sound weird, too. (I hope they STILL say real men cry.)

First, it's the countdown at the sail away party. When they shout "You are officially on vacation!" I break down. It means for me that I am guaranteed no worries, that everything - and I mean everything - is taken care of. My family will have a great time, my wife and I will spend quality time together, and I literally have nothing to worry about. That, for me, defines why Disney is "worth it." I have never felt that way on any other vacation or cruise line. My food will always be stellar, my service will be impeccable, everything will be clean, and should I ever need anything, a staff member will always be there. Sure, the rooms are bigger, it's the best "family" cruise line, but I know people personally who still come back time after time just because they're disappointed when they try another line.

I'm not that big into Disney myself. We don't drool over the characters. I'd use this cruise line with or without Mickey steering the ship, frankly.

The second time I break down is when I pass the "see ya real soon" sign on the way out - for the same reason. Even though I've booked a new one on board, I will still miss that feeling of "no worries." I know the countdown has to start all over again until I hear those familiar words "You're officially on vacation."

Ben

 

[SLK1]

I think that because of the spread in the ages of my kids, Disney has always been worth the money. A 17-year-old can have just as much fun as a 4-year-old (if not more!). I know other ships offer kids programming but the characters and familiarity with Disney makes a huge difference. I'm very willing to try RCL but DH won't hear of it. DCL is totally family-friendly...sometimes you add in a casino and suddenly things seem a bit seedy (although I have been known to sound hours at a Blackjack table in Atlantic City and Vegas!!). It's an all-around wholesome, fun atmosphere.

 

[LAWalz23]

I'll add that DCL is wonderful with disabilities and giving and offering help. While my mother is not technically disabled a botched operation 5 years ago left her vocal chords paralyzed and she has stamina and balance problems so we have to travel with a wheelchair for her. The cms have been wonderful to us between helping get the wheelchair on and off the boat (this never happen with Carnival) helping us get an elevator when there was a crowd and the staff looking out for my mom when she is walking with one of us, my parents will not go on another cruise line. My father even brags to his friends that DCL has the best service and he is not a man who is easily impressed or gives reccomendations without being asked.

I'll agree that the food in the main dining rooms is not the best but EVERYTHING else is!!

My sister's kids have been on both DCL and Carnival and much prefer the kids programming on DCL.

 

[Noelle]

We're Disney Nuts...We pretty much go to Disneyland every other weekend and have two DVC contracts at WDW. So we automatically assumed that DCL would be the perfect fit for us.
We took our first cruise in April and really enjoyed it (just my husband and I - no kids on that trip). We booked our next cruise for the Mexican Riviera in November w/ Disney w/ our daughters (11 & 18). We always said we'd only cruise to Mexico of Disney did it.
That being said, I know we'll go on another Bahamian cruise next year so the kids can see Castaway Cay. I'm pretty sure they'll love the Pirates in Caribbean night - don't know if other cruises do something similar. But, I'm wondering if we'll continue to go on DCL after a year or two. I'd love to see Alaska or the Mediterranean. From what I've read, there are several cruise lines that go to both those places for cheaper than DCL and get a wider variety of ports. I guess I just won't know until I get up enough nerve (and $) to test out another cruise line.
But I have to say that I absolutely LOVED the whistle on the Dream!

 

[tanyaewa]

Like CrystalS I am on the Van-LA repo this Sept - 2011.
I booked early and for 4ppl inside it's under $2K for 5 nights. decent value. I don't think I could justify a larger expense when there is such a variance in cruise line pricing.

We are in what I consider *perfect* Disney timeframe - ds 6 & ds 8. They will just LOVE all the character stuff right now - and will still be able to remember it when they are older.

That being said - I don't think we will do another DCL cruise. If cruising wrks for our family (the way dh & I enjoy it) we will most likely branch out to RC or one of the more *active* sports oriented ships after this.

I am over the moon excited to take my family on this trip though - and I am happy to pay a bit of a premium for the experience and the brand. I did choose a value itinerary though - so we are adding a 5 night at DL stopover at the end.

 

[Husurdady]

Can you say; " TOP SHELF "............sure you can..........now you are talkin' DCL.

 

[woody73]

I'm just curious ... I know it is super subjective, and by the way, I love Disney! So, what draws you to DCL?

We think pretty highly of the dining room service. We have two Disney cruises booked.

Woody