Honest Question on Not Liking the Ships

[AquaDame]

Just because I want to try new ships and happen to like other cruise lines doesn't mean I'm deeply disappointed with DCL. It may come across that way because one constantly has to defend themselves to people that think DCL is be all end of cruise lines or the ones that constantly disparage other cruise lines to justify the cost.
The only disappointment I have with DCL is the cost and the horrible itineraries. If the price is right and the itinerary is decent I will continue to sail on DCL. You get to a point where you can't pay money to do the same thing over and over again.

Sorry for the delay responding; I wrote about why I was unhappy first but that I then enjoyed the Treasure - when I said more deeply I was trying to convey more deeply disappointed than I since the alterations to the Treasure were enough to satisfy me.

 

[Flossbolna]

Mein Schiff spas look great.

Just be aware that the sauna will be a nude sauna. As all saunas are in Germany.

 

[DCLGirlie]

The Aqua Mouse was specifically designed to be accessible.

That's cool, but one thing on the pool deck being accessible doesn't make up for the fact there are many things that limit accessibility across the ship

 

[epski]

We sailed on the Wish earlier this month. It was our first cruise, ever. We were not converts. Arendelle was loud, and yet I could not understand what performers were singing because the guests were too loud. Marvel was pretty entertaining for a first time, but it didn't have a lot of content going for it, and I can't imagine I'd be that interested in doing it a second time. The food was pretty mid, except a couple entrees, which were excellent. Full disclosure: we're vegan. The Oceaneer Club didn't do it for our kid. Lookout Cay was not worth paying for a whole cruise to go back, despite thinking it might have been more fun in nicer weather. The lines on board for characters were still pretty long for me and our kid (both AuDHD), so we skipped all of those. And without those things and Oceaneer Club, there wasn't much more to us to do. We're not into being human soup (the pools). I will say that we got away with AquaMouse once because we could see Encanto playing on the Funnel Vision screen most of the time. Personally, despite AquaMouse being mildly diverting, I wasn't willing to wait half an hour again to put myself through the loud audio at the beginning of the ride. The only thing I found diverting enough to return to a few times was trivia, but there were definitely some ringers on board that took some of the fun out of it--I was finally able to win one when most guests were in the Little Mermaid show, which I left, so there were only 5 of us at Luna for the Pixar trivia. These trivia events seemed like excuses to sell more alcoholic beverages (which I don't drink), though to be fair many people participated without a beverage, and I did have one great host 2-3 times (Sasha).

Long story short: we just weren't wowed for the money. Perhaps we're not the target audience. I could see us trying another cruise ship again for a specific destination we want to see anyway, like Alaska, but otherwise the consensus here is that we'd rather spend our Disney vacation funds into resort vacations.

 

[John VN]

So sorry that your experience seemed not up to your Disney $$$$ value standards. Since beginning in the late 1970's with our kids, we have experienced the value/$$ decline tremendously with WDW, DVC and DCL and it saddens us.

.................................

Long story short: we just weren't wowed for the money. Perhaps we're not the target audience. I could see us trying another cruise ship again for a specific destination we want to see anyway, like Alaska, but otherwise the consensus here is that we'd rather spend our Disney vacation funds into resort vacations.

r.e. bold -- Out of PC you might try checking out MSC since their $pecial$ right now also include *MSC's "Kids Sail Free" promotion allows children ages 17 and under to cruise for free on select sailings as the third or fourth guest in a cabin with two full-paying adults.*

We sail MSC YC *MSC Yacht Cub* and once even sailed this level that's HIGHER than DCL Concierge for less than a WISH Interior. BTW, they are starting to sail Alaska next year.

 

[epski]

So sorry that your experience seemed not up to your Disney $$$$ value standards. Since beginning in the late 1970's with our kids, we have experienced the value/$$ decline tremendously with WDW, DVC and DCL and it saddens us.



r.e. bold -- Out of PC you might try checking out MSC since their $pecial$ right now also include *MSC's "Kids Sail Free" promotion allows children ages 17 and under to cruise for free on select sailings as the third or fourth guest in a cabin with two full-paying adults.*

We sail MSC YC *MSC Yacht Cub* and once even sailed this level that's HIGHER than DCL Concierge for less than a WISH Interior. BTW, they are starting to sail Alaska next year.

The cost basis sounds great. Would love to try something higher than DCL Concierge for less than a Wish interior cabin. But how is MSC for kids?

 

[John VN]

The cost basis sounds great. Would love to try something higher than DCL Concierge for less than a Wish interior cabin. But how is MSC for kids?

DW mentioned that even with the activities MSC has, she felt they are likely less than most kids would want for remaining active and entertained. You might check videos on YT for actual results by parents.

 

[epski]

DW mentioned that even with the activities MSC has, she felt they are likely less than most kids would want for remaining active and entertained. You might check videos on YT for actual results by parents.

That's what I tend to do when I'm actively researching or planning a trip, which for MSC I won't be doing without a compelling reason. Right now I'm knee-deep in O'ahu/Aulani planning, lining up Paris/DLP plans, and plans in between (Poly in February, Boston in April, SoCal/DL/DCA in early summer), so I've got my hands full! Thanks for the suggestion, though.

 

[Jillpie]

Our kids are all grown now, so we are all about the all adult areas. We did just go with my son's family on the Wish and the all adult pool was simply horrific. It's almost like it was a last minute thought, like adults with no kids, don't matter. We did the Rainforest room, the hot tubs were nice, but no view of the ocean? What gives. Our favorite, is the Magic. Their adult pool is fantastic and the whole area is amazing. Also liked the Dream, but the pool is small, but much better than the Wish. So if I had my choice, won't be sailing on the Wish again, or her sister ships.

 

[SL6827]

Our kids are all grown now, so we are all about the all adult areas. We did just go with my son's family on the Wish and the all adult pool was simply horrific. It's almost like it was a last minute thought, like adults with no kids, don't matter. We did the Rainforest room, the hot tubs were nice, but no view of the ocean? What gives. Our favorite, is the Magic. Their adult pool is fantastic and the whole area is amazing. Also liked the Dream, but the pool is small, but much better than the Wish. So if I had my choice, won't be sailing on the Wish again, or her sister ships.

The main reason I chose the Fantasy. Disney threw the adult areas of the Wish under the bus, and with the other Wish class ships. But I do love the theming of the Wish.

 

[DCLGirlie]

The main reason I chose the Fantasy. Disney threw the adult areas of the Wish under the bus, and with the other Wish class ships. But I do love the theming of the Wish.

The Fantasy is hands down the best ship for adults. I love how the adult area is themed to all of Europe instead of just England like the Dream's is. The Wonder/Magic adult areas have like no theming other than generic dark hallway with electronic music playing and the Wish class just didn't even try with creating a fun bar district in a centralized location for adults.

Plus the Fantasy/Dream's Rainforest Room can't be beat. The Magic/Wonder's retrofitted ones are so small, and the Wish class's dependence on outside areas for the Rainforest Room makes its hours worse than the first four ships.

Oh and I love Satellite Falls on the Dream/Fantasy too! My family were complaining about the main adult pool and seemed shocked when I told them about the second pool two stories up for sitting in the water and maybe reading a book.

 

[Jillpie]

The Fantasy is hands down the best ship for adults. I love how the adult area is themed to all of Europe instead of just England like the Dream's is. The Wonder/Magic adult areas have like no theming other than generic dark hallway with electronic music playing and the Wish class just didn't even try with creating a fun bar district in a centralized location for adults.

Plus the Fantasy/Dream's Rainforest Room can't be beat. The Magic/Wonder's retrofitted ones are so small, and the Wish class's dependence on outside areas for the Rainforest Room makes its hours worse than the first four ships.

Oh and I love Satellite Falls on the Dream/Fantasy too! My family were complaining about the main adult pool and seemed shocked when I told them about the second pool two stories up for sitting in the water and maybe reading a book.

Thanks, you have actually cemented our decision to try the Fantasy for a Fall trip in October. We have done the Dream, but never tried Satellite Falls (I don't think the Dream has that?). But question about Satellite falls, I've seen videos of it, but I just can't imagine what to do in it. lol. Do you actually lie down in the water to enjoy it? If you sit up, is it waist deep? sorry I just don't get it, but I'm so open to it, because I love all things adult.

 

[dreamer17555]

Thanks, you have actually cemented our decision to try the Fantasy for a Fall trip in October. We have done the Dream, but never tried Satellite Falls (I don't think the Dream has that?). But question about Satellite falls, I've seen videos of it, but I just can't imagine what to do in it. lol. Do you actually lie down in the water to enjoy it? If you sit up, is it waist deep? sorry I just don't get it, but I'm so open to it, because I love all things adult.

The Dream does have satellite falls. It is not waist deep up there. It is a place to put your feet and legs into the water and it does have the rain effect every so often (I take my phone with a book loaded on to it to enjoy). The main adult pool on the Dream\Fantasy has a round area with a place to sit that is perfect for mid waist high water levels.

 

[tidefan]

The Fantasy is hands down the best ship for adults. I love how the adult area is themed to all of Europe instead of just England like the Dream's is. The Wonder/Magic adult areas have like no theming other than generic dark hallway with electronic music playing and the Wish class just didn't even try with creating a fun bar district in a centralized location for adults.

Plus the Fantasy/Dream's Rainforest Room can't be beat. The Magic/Wonder's retrofitted ones are so small, and the Wish class's dependence on outside areas for the Rainforest Room makes its hours worse than the first four ships.

Oh and I love Satellite Falls on the Dream/Fantasy too! My family were complaining about the main adult pool and seemed shocked when I told them about the second pool two stories up for sitting in the water and maybe reading a book.

We've moved on to Virgin Voyages for adult cruising. If we do DCL, then we do prefer the 4 original ships. For me, the Magic is probably my favorite, but do enjoy the Fantasy, Wonder, and Dream as well. Best thing about the Magic and Wonder are the less amount of people at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay.

 

[DCLGirlie]

Thanks, you have actually cemented our decision to try the Fantasy for a Fall trip in October. We have done the Dream, but never tried Satellite Falls (I don't think the Dream has that?). But question about Satellite falls, I've seen videos of it, but I just can't imagine what to do in it. lol. Do you actually lie down in the water to enjoy it? If you sit up, is it waist deep? sorry I just don't get it, but I'm so open to it, because I love all things adult.

For the most part I just like sitting on the inner ledge and enjoying the water spray when the waterfall/rainfall effect is on. I just find it to be a nice, relaxing, quiet spot to keep cool while getting to enjoy the views of the top deck.

I'll admit I'm a fairly boring human being though, so I just enjoy finding spots to sit and either watch the scenery and get a bit of people watching in.

This is going to sound absolutely wild, but since you want to go on the Fantasy be sure you use the bathroom in the bar district. They have some really beautiful mosaics of women dancing and men bull fighting.

 

[SL6827]

The reason I read or seen for Disney pretty much throwing adults under the bus with the Wish class ships is the fact that they realized that they could not compete with other cruise lines with adults. So they placed far more importance on kids.

 

[dreamer17555]

The reason I read or seen for Disney pretty much throwing adults under the bus with the Wish class ships is the fact that they realized that they could not compete with other cruise lines with adults. So they placed far more importance on kids.

I think DCL was trying to listen to feedback... they just did it poorly. People complained about kids walking through the adult area to get to staterooms and fwd elevators... so DCL designs a pool space with no reason for a child to be there at any point. But its smaller, less shade, and is awkward because it dead ends on one side.

People asked for an adult area where they can see the funnel vision... well it is there but its right by the kids so I don't understand the appeal

People were complaining that it was too hard to find a spot at match your mate and adult entertainment... Okay so lets make a two story space but now its in the middle of everything and kids are everywhere at night and it is taking up a floor space that could have been used for an additional lounge (like a D lounge space) because its two stories tall.

People complained about the rainforest room being crowded and not enough lounge chairs... okay so here is a much bigger space BUT no oceanview and because of the location we have to close the outdoor area early so the lights don't distract the bridge.

I will argue DCL listened too much to feedback of adult guests who complained the most and it lead to poor design choices

The adult pool deck is somewhat fixable- give the Chip and Dale pool area as adults only (add the good lounge chairs there as well). Consider it a similar move to the add on that was Satellite Falls. Add doors and shutters (and use them) on Luna/ Sarabi/ Whatever it is on the Destiny when it is adult only hours. No more kids strolling by and hearing all the fun and creative Match Your Mate answers.

I can fault DCL for not predicting these issues but I will not say that they were trying to throw adults under the bus. I think the adults complained and DCL listened and the Wish class mess is the result.

 

[Flossbolna]

I think DCL was trying to listen to feedback... they just did it poorly. People complained about kids walking through the adult area to get to staterooms and fwd elevators... so DCL designs a pool space with no reason for a child to be there at any point. But its smaller, less shade, and is awkward because it dead ends on one side.

People asked for an adult area where they can see the funnel vision... well it is there but its right by the kids so I don't understand the appeal

People were complaining that it was too hard to find a spot at match your mate and adult entertainment... Okay so lets make a two story space but now its in the middle of everything and kids are everywhere at night and it is taking up a floor space that could have been used for an additional lounge (like a D lounge space) because its two stories tall.

People complained about the rainforest room being crowded and not enough lounge chairs... okay so here is a much bigger space BUT no oceanview and because of the location we have to close the outdoor area early so the lights don't distract the bridge.

I will argue DCL listened too much to feedback of adult guests who complained the most and it lead to poor design choices

The adult pool deck is somewhat fixable- give the Chip and Dale pool area as adults only (add the good lounge chairs there as well). Consider it a similar move to the add on that was Satellite Falls. Add doors and shutters (and use them) on Luna/ Sarabi/ Whatever it is on the Destiny when it is adult only hours. No more kids strolling by and hearing all the fun and creative Match Your Mate answers.

I can fault DCL for not predicting these issues but I will not say that they were trying to throw adults under the bus. I think the adults complained and DCL listened and the Wish class mess is the result.

Those are all good points. And it makes me wonder if the shouldn’t have had more experienced cruisers in their design team. I think most of us who have cruised a bit could have seen the issues in a proposal stage when there would have been still time to change things around. Wasn’t the team leader proudly announcing that she had never been on a cruise ship?