Getting outpriced, am I the only one?

[Shanti]

I would personally not be surprised if people could afford that.

Not enough people would be willing to pay that amount for short cruises in the lower-category cabins to fill their ships on a regular basis. You are simply mistaken if you think that thousands of people each cruise would do that.

I was at the 'cheapest' 1500 dollar room in a luxury Hotel Paris per a night (nice mum) And the hotel was fully booked. There were people paying 6000 -10000 a night!!! even more.

Yes, but that was at a luxury hotel in Paris, France, not a mass-market cruise ship doing a 3-night jaunt in the Bahamas. The Disney ships are big, and the people who can pay $30,000 for a 3-night cruise are not going to settle for inside or oceanview staterooms, or even the regular verandahs that don't offer extra perks. They'll expect to get more, which is why there is a limit to what DCL can charge. DCL can't afford to just fill the concierge staterooms. They have to fill the majority of all categories of staterooms on the ships. There is a definite limit to what they can charge for the regular categories, because of the limitations on what the lower categories have to offer.

I don't think there is much of a limit to what they could charge for concierge, but that is only a very small percentage of DCL's staterooms.

 

[rawdata]

I long for the day I can rent the 2 royals and the middle room on Fantasy or Dream, and bring the extended family on the trip...

 

[Shanti]

I long for the day I can rent the 2 royals and the middle room on Fantasy or Dream, and bring the extended family on the trip...

I don't know. I'm pretty happy to snuggle in a cozy standard stateroom with only those closest to me, and leave the rest of the world behind...

 

[cadien]

I just wonder if there is enough 'luxury' to justify the price tbh, And if cruising is for me. I wish four seasons had a cruise line

Ritz Carlton is kicking one off in 2019.

 

[cadien]

Both our cruises with Disney so far have been during the low season in the Bahamas/Caribbean (no kids, so we're more flexible with schedules). We have no problems with Disney's low season prices. When we wanted to cruise the Caribbean last summer, we went with Carnival (with different expectations and had a great time) due to price; Disney's price was at least double that what we paid during the low season for the same cruise.

The following I am writing as I am doing research:

This summer, we're looking into the Mediterranean since it looks like we have to go to Europe for 'other' reasons, and we are surprised to find the following when looking for a 7-night round trip from Barcelona or Rome (visiting Italy without going to Greece [for personal reasons]) the first two weeks of June (regular inside stateroom for 2, including taxes and fees):
Disney: $3,769
Celebrity: Doesn't have a cruise available. (They do have an interesting British Isles cruise during that time frame: but costs about the same $3,664 AND it's cold there [for my standards])
Princess: Doesn't have a cruise available.
Cunard: Doesn't have a cruise available.
Carnival: Doesn't have a cruise available.
Royal Caribbean: Doesn't have a cruise available.
MSC Fantasia: $2,138 for an Ocean View (inside fully booked).
Did I forget a cruise line?

Norwegian.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

Disney owns what 9 ships. I am sure they could charge what ever and people would still go.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

@Shanti OMG I really need to write better Disney is a mass market. They are even charging more for some the deluxe then the four seasons or ritz. The problem is if Disney wants to run a more expensive cruise do that run a private yacht or boat for Alaska and charge what you want. But if you are competing for the mass market then they do not know their own market. Having said that Four Seasons does charge far too much for some of its hotels they think they are the worlds best chain and they are not

 

[cruiser21]

Also i wonder how many truly can "afford" it ...meaning they are paying it in full with disposable income.

I saw a recent article about how many american are carrying big credit card debt..or any credit card debt
and the amount was staggering.

I made the decision long ago if i can't pay the bill immediately or in full with no interest. We don't go!
I have seen people struggle with credit card debt and its not pretty.

Disney cruises are wonderful but not enough to sink under.

Maybe. Interest rates have been low for years which makes using credits cards easy and even beneficial at times. Some people carry credit card debt, but still have large 401k's and savings. I think you have to look at person overall financial health. The statistics don't really look at that. I never automatically assume because a person has a large credit card balance that they are not well off financially. I'd rather pay off a disney cruise in 6 months with the interest free offer then pull money out of my savings.

Most of the people I meet on DCL cruises seem to be college educated and have careers that would support a disney cruise. True a lot of people in this country live paycheck to paycheck, but there's just as many that don't, and there's a lot of people in this country making a lot of money. I'm astounded at the amount of money being spent onboard. I went to a DVC lecture on our last cruise and couldn't believe the number of people that were making appointments to buy DVC. I don't think Disney will ever have a problem filling their ships.

 

[Spork24]

Disney owns what 9 ships. I am sure they could charge what ever and people would still go.

Worse! they only have 4.... they will have 7 when they finish building their next class of ships in 2024.

I do think the almost doubling of the cruise line should help slow the ever rising Disney cruise rates. (Especially off season) but only time will tell.

 

[cruiser21]

Worse! they only have 4.... they will have 7 when they finish building their next class of ships in 2024.

I do think the almost doubling of the cruise line should help slow the ever rising Disney cruise rates. (Especially off season) but only time will tell.

I agree, but it depends on the what they do with the Magic and Wonder. If they keep the Magic and Wonder in the Caribbean they'll have to offer a lot of discounts to fill them up.

DCL cruise prices in Europe are ridiculous with the Magic. Can you imagine what the price will be if they send the Fantasy or Dream across the pond...YIKES!

 

[Chrissy-Mickey]

Royal Caribbean has the Symphony and Norwegian has the Epic, both round-trip out of Barcelona or Rome.

Ah, yes. Thank you, I forgot about NCL. They have an itinerary similar to that of Disney's Magic on the Epic for $2,055. Good deal! (though I'm concerned with reviews about the casino being in the center and therefore smoke traveling throughout the Atrium area).
Don't know how, but missed the Royal Caribbean Symphony cruise, that one is $3,398 though.

 

[GeneMachine]

You aren't the only one. In a post last year, I wrote this (on a thread similar to the subject you are raising);

I guess we will find out in July, if we leave our cruise with an OBB. The prices go up every year, and even though our family can shell out for an expensive vacation, we are quickly approaching our "no way" limit.

Just out of curiosity, I compared the price of our 2011 10-night Med cruise with the price of a same cabin 2017 10-night Med cruise. In 2011, we paid ~$10,000 for the four of us in one room (cat 5B); a similar cabin (which is now unavailable because they are sold out, I guess), started at ~$18,000. THat's almost double. Even factoring inflation, the price rise is nuts.

BUT, those verandahs? SOLD OUT. So even if we don't cruise, there are hundreds of others who will. Until the ships don't fill, this is the trajectory.

We did indeed reserve an onboard booking for a Baltic Cruise this summer. And just this past week, we canceled it. There are a few reasons for our decision that may not apply to others, but mainly, we got a lot more for a lot less on another cruise line for the same ports. Our kids have aged out of the "magic" of Disney at 18 and 13, and we don't use the kids clubs the way we used to. And since last July we have sailed on another cruise line (Celebrity) and found we enjoyed the food and adult spaces more than we did on our last Disney cruise.

Having said that--Disney is not worried about our defection. Up until last week, that cruise wasn't even coming up on searches because it was sold out. As of now, you can only get an inside room for a family of 4 for $14K. And Disney is building more ships to meet the demands of people who want Disney Magic, so there is no shortage of people who will take our place (and our reservations! LOL).

I get it. Our 2011 Med cruise was probably our best vacation ever. If I wanted to relive a point in time with my family, that summer was it, but it had a lot to do with how old the kids were, and having fun with them as they experienced the magic of Disney. But things change. The kids are older and their interests have changed. And we noticed on our last cruise that we wanted more adult themed entertainment that went beyond Disney Trivia in the pub.

The touch of Disney magic is truly enchanting, and it does make a cruise very special. But increasingly, these cruises are accessible only to the very wealthy, or to those who are willing to incur debt in order to sail (this is a generalization; I know there are plenty of people who scrimp and save and don't incur debt, but there is no denying that the price increases favor those of high income level households).

We haven't shut the door entirely on the Disney cruise, but with each passing year, the price increases make it less and less likely we will set sail.

 

[newdeal]

I just got back from a 7 night Western Carib yesterday. Personally I had a great time but doubt I will ever do a Disney cruise again. If I cruise again it will be with a cheaper cruise line, if I don't cruise again I will spend less money and have a better time by going back to Aulani.

 

[mevelandry]

I just wonder if there is enough 'luxury' to justify the price tbh, And if cruising is for me. I wish four seasons had a cruise line

IMHO, DCL is in no way a luxury line. Their prices may lead you to think they are but their product is more along the "popular cruises/mass market" (like Carnival, RCCL and NCL)...And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

 

[cyclenut]

We were thinking the same thing until we tried Carnival - Breeze (2 years ago) and then Norwegian last month! It is now crystal clear for us, Disney Cruises are worth every penny. We are done trying a cheaper line to see if Disney is REALLY worth it. For us, it is... Better service, better rooms, cleaner and WAY better food! Doing Disney again in January 2019 and we'll NEVER try another cruise line again!

We sailed the Breeze out of Galveston and LOVED it. To each his own I suppose. I round the Breeze offered superior options in the buffet and poolside. Guys burgers was awesome as was the Burrito place (loved the breakfast burrito too). We paid for a Jr. Suite on the Breeze for a September Western Caribbean 7 day in 2016 and then sailed the Wonder 7 day out of Galveston to the Bahamas in January 2017. This was after the Wonder refurbishment in November 2016. We loved both cruises and the Wonder definitely reminded us we were sailing Disney in all the great ways. However, the Breeze was almost half the price for what turned out to be a very wonderful experience. Given the price difference again, I'd choose Carnival, so long as it was one of their newer ships.

I have to disagree with you there. On DCL in the rooms all you are getting extra is a double bathroom, our room on RCI was just as good, we even had a kettle and the we could have twin beds. Our mini suite on Princess is bigger than DCL staterooms (and a lot cheaper) and once again we can have twin beds. The service was just the same although i must admit we are not high maintenance people and don't cause any problems. The food on our cruise with RCI was for me better than DCL. I do miss the shows but then i am a big fan of Disney but RCI do have an Ice Rink and those shows are amazing.
I can't wait for our Princess cruise, apparently they serve free popcorn and cookies and milk while you watch films on deck.

Generally agree, but I did notice a few other differences that matter to me.
1) Disney staterooms with verandah have a sliding door and not a swinging one. They ask that you not leave it open, but you can and I love to do that (not for extended periods). It's nice to get that fresh air into the cabin. The smell of the ocean is cathartic.
2) The way they arrange the rooms is better. On Disney you can pull the privacy shade and cut off the main bed from the sitting area (and door to the verandah. I like to go out on the verandah in the morning while my wife sleeps. With Disney, I just pull the privacy curtain and I can sit in the room or out on the verandah and not bother her. The other ships we've been on put the main bed next to the window, making it difficult to separate the two areas.
3) The beds are more comfortable. In every way possible.

Also i wonder how many truly can "afford" it ...meaning they are paying it in full with disposable income.

I saw a recent article about how many american are carrying big credit card debt..or any credit card debt
and the amount was staggering.

I made the decision long ago if i can't pay the bill immediately or in full with no interest. We don't go!
I have seen people struggle with credit card debt and its not pretty.

Disney cruises are wonderful but not enough to sink under.

Best advice I heard from a financial planner a few years back is that any vacation should be paid for in either cash or low interest, short term (a few months) loan. Preference is to save in advance. If you can pay off your vacation over two years on a credit card, then save for it in advance and take it after you have the money (not before). I know a lot of people that use credit cards to do things with the belief that their earnings will eventually increase to the point where they can pay them off faster in the future, failing to realize the cost of living will also go up and the interest on the credit card debt will eat them alive.

Ritz Carlton is kicking one off in 2019.

Stayed at a Ritz for the first time last month. The service reminded me a lot of the service on a Disney cruise. I even commented to the lady at the front desk when she asked me about Disney Cruises (was wearing a DCL shirt) that the service at the Hotel was a familiar experience. I don't view Disney as a luxury cruise line, but after experiencing the service at the Ritz, I can see why some do.

Maybe. Interest rates have been low for years which makes using credits cards easy and even beneficial at times. Some people carry credit card debt, but still have large 401k's and savings. I think you have to look at person overall financial health. The statistics don't really look at that. I never automatically assume because a person has a large credit card balance that they are not well off financially. I'd rather pay off a disney cruise in 6 months with the interest free offer then pull money out of my savings.

Most of the people I meet on DCL cruises seem to be college educated and have careers that would support a disney cruise. True a lot of people in this country live paycheck to paycheck, but there's just as many that don't, and there's a lot of people in this country making a lot of money. I'm astounded at the amount of money being spent onboard. I went to a DVC lecture on our last cruise and couldn't believe the number of people that were making appointments to buy DVC. I don't think Disney will ever have a problem filling their ships.

I agree. Disney won't have a problem filling their ships. What's sad though is that when Disneyland was created, it was intended to be a place where families could get together and enjoy experiences. It wasn't intended to be exclusive. With the news that park admission is increasing again, it's obvious Disney is continuing to go for the high end.

What I think a lot of people miss is that Disney will do just fine if you only sail Disney or visit Disney once every 5 years or so. Families that choose a variety of vacation experiences over time are much more common. Enjoy a cheaper vacation such as a road trip or staycation and save for the big Disney trip. Choosing the "big event" vacation every summer has always been for those that earn more.

 

[mevelandry]

Maybe this was mentioned before, but I think some of it has to do with the fact that there are only 4 DCL ships, so the inventory of cabins is very small compared to RCCL (27 ships) and Carnival (26 ships) so the demand for the DCL product will always be there for the relatively limited supply of cabins, therefore they can ask for whatever price the market allows.

However, we know that some itineraries on DCL don't sell. A friend of mine who was a TA paid less than "the price of an inside room on a 3 days nights to the Bahamas" for a 7 nights cruise in a room with a balcony out of NYC in October 2017.

 

[Shanti]

However, we know that some itineraries on DCL don't sell. A friend of mine who was a TA paid less than "the price of an inside room on a 3 days nights to the Bahamas" for a 7 nights cruise in a room with a balcony out of NYC in October 2017.

Wow, I should be a TA. I noticed recently that the administrator of my cruise's Facebook group is a TA. She's mentioned repeatedly that she and her husband are sailing concierge (which when sailing to Alaska in June via DCL costs in the $30,000 range just for two people). Can't help but wonder if she just paid the same price as I'm paying for my standard stateroom.

 

[mevelandry]

Both our cruises with Disney so far have been during the low season in the Bahamas/Caribbean (no kids, so we're more flexible with schedules). We have no problems with Disney's low season prices. When we wanted to cruise the Caribbean last summer, we went with Carnival (with different expectations and had a great time) due to price; Disney's price was at least double that what we paid during the low season for the same cruise.

The following I am writing as I am doing research:

This summer, we're looking into the Mediterranean since it looks like we have to go to Europe for 'other' reasons, and we are surprised to find the following when looking for a 7-night round trip from Barcelona or Rome (visiting Italy without going to Greece [for personal reasons]) the first two weeks of June (regular inside stateroom for 2, including taxes and fees):
Disney: $3,769
Celebrity: Doesn't have a cruise available. (They do have an interesting British Isles cruise during that time frame: but costs about the same $3,664 AND it's cold there [for my standards])
Princess: Doesn't have a cruise available.
Cunard: Doesn't have a cruise available.
Carnival: Doesn't have a cruise available.
Royal Caribbean: Doesn't have a cruise available.
MSC Fantasia: $2,138 for an Ocean View (inside fully booked).
Did I forget a cruise line?

So, Disney seems to have an itinerary that I'm looking for and most other cruise lines do not offer during the time I can cruise. Considering what I'm looking for, and it being during the summer, I'm not out priced by this. However, MSC is definitely cheaper... unfortunately, I don't know a lot about MSC (need more research) and I'm worried about inside smoking. I'll be traveling with my mother (her first cruise) and, for her health, being able to comfortably/easily avoid smoking areas is a must. Anyone experience with MSC as an adults only cruise?

I haven't sailed with MSC yet but they are definitely growing in popularity and I am keeping them on my list for a future cruise. Take a lot at their cruise ships on you tube. They look fantastic.

 

[cruiser21]

You aren't the only one. In a post last year, I wrote this (on a thread similar to the subject you are raising);


We did indeed reserve an onboard booking for a Baltic Cruise this summer. And just this past week, we canceled it. There are a few reasons for our decision that may not apply to others, but mainly, we got a lot more for a lot less on another cruise line for the same ports. Our kids have aged out of the "magic" of Disney at 18 and 13, and we don't use the kids clubs the way we used to. And since last July we have sailed on another cruise line (Celebrity) and found we enjoyed the food and adult spaces more than we did on our last Disney cruise.

Having said that--Disney is not worried about our defection. Up until last week, that cruise wasn't even coming up on searches because it was sold out. As of now, you can only get an inside room for a family of 4 for $14K. And Disney is building more ships to meet the demands of people who want Disney Magic, so there is no shortage of people who will take our place (and our reservations! LOL).

I get it. Our 2011 Med cruise was probably our best vacation ever. If I wanted to relive a point in time with my family, that summer was it, but it had a lot to do with how old the kids were, and having fun with them as they experienced the magic of Disney. But things change. The kids are older and their interests have changed. And we noticed on our last cruise that we wanted more adult themed entertainment that went beyond Disney Trivia in the pub.

The touch of Disney magic is truly enchanting, and it does make a cruise very special. But increasingly, these cruises are accessible only to the very wealthy, or to those who are willing to incur debt in order to sail (this is a generalization; I know there are plenty of people who scrimp and save and don't incur debt, but there is no denying that the price increases favor those of high income level households).

We haven't shut the door entirely on the Disney cruise, but with each passing year, the price increases make it less and less likely we will set sail.

Just curious what cruise line you decided to cruise on. I'm asking because I want to do a Baltic cruise next year, and I'm about 99% sure DCL will be out of my budget.
It's funny how kids interests change. My 15 year old is aged out the Disney stuff...kind of prefers land trips over cruises now. He used to like nature now he likes visiting the big cities. My 13 year old still loves all things Disney. Hopefully your kids like the same things mine have completely different interests.

I just got back from a 7 night Western Carib yesterday. Personally I had a great time but doubt I will ever do a Disney cruise again. If I cruise again it will be with a cheaper cruise line, if I don't cruise again I will spend less money and have a better time by going back to Aulani.

I heard this a lot on our last few cruises. On our last two cruises we were the only platinum cruisers. Most of the ship was first time cruisers. Many of the ones I talked to said this was a big splurge for them and I got the feeling they were one and done. Our table mates went all out with expensive excursions. Their kids were young teens and they were definitely one and done.
I'm not sure they enjoyed it as much as they thought they would.
I think DCL will continue to fill the ships with the first time cruises that want to give their kids a Disney cruise, but I think the number of platinum cruisers will decline. We would have never reached Gold much less platinum at these prices.

 

[mevelandry]

Wow, I should be a TA. I noticed recently that the administrator of my cruise's Facebook group is a TA. She's mentioned repeatedly that she and her husband are sailing concierge (which when sailing to Alaska in June via DCL costs in the $30,000 range just for two people). Can't help but wonder if she just paid the same price as I'm paying for my standard stateroom.

You should. TAs apparently get amazing prices on select sailings. He told me the prices he got 2 or 3 times. Those departing from NYC, Galveston or San Juan during low season or outside of Spring Break were surprisingly affordable.