How come DCL isn't selling out?

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

The UK Staycation cruises in summer 2021 opened up a huge new UK market for DCL. The UK is a huge Disney market anyway, theres a whole industry for package holidays to Florida , Disney even have their own third party travel company especially for UK people. The UK is also a big market for Disneyland Paris, with both the Eurostar Train and Eurotunnel giving affordable access to North France region where Disneyland Paris is located.

In 2023 and also in 2024 the Northern Europe cruises out of Southampton have seen a huge increase in UK people, mainly people who did the summer 2021 staycation cruise who now want to experience a normal DCL. These people are then starting to try the Caribbean and Bahama cruises as add ons to their Florida Disney trips.

So while Americans who have been on multiple Caribbean and Bahama cruises over the last 20 years are at the burn out stage, the Europeans and specifically the UK and Irish market are only starting to discover DCL. Traditionally DCL has not been marketed in Europe, I only found DCL when I joined Disboards. But now with YouTube and social media, DCL is far more accessible. It gives European Disney fans a different Disney experience without the expense of transatlantic travel.

Its one of the reasons why I started DCL. The low pre and post cruise expenses offset the premium DCL cost.

 

[DCLMP]

Delta and Alaska have a hub in Seattle. Delta has a couple of non-stops into Orlando. Alaska has 3 to 4 depending on the time of the year. I'm shocked it is so many. More than even the Bay area. Still they will stick it to us and charge top dollar because they know people will pay it.

It's probably because they don't have a lot of people connecting through there like say Dallas, ATL or ORD.

 

[tidefan]

I think that DCL is OK, if bookings were below projections, you'd see that reflected in pricing.

That said, I do think that there has been a change in the Industry in that there are just more options out there that are now competing on a different level than before. It started with the Oasis class ships of RCCL. They starting drawing more families away and that has continued as they have expanded that ship class and it is continuing with the Icon (though I don't think that particular ship is much cheaper than DCL). However, in true capitalistic fashion, other companies have had to invest to keep up. I think that the best example is Carnival. If you haven't been on one of the new Excel class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee), you really should try them, they are fantastic and much different than prior CCL ships. You can argue if you like the large RCCL ships more, but the pricing on the CCL ships is generally much better (and the included food is much better, IMHO). AND, both of these now sail out of Port Canaveral. RCCL invested heavily in Coco Cay and is seeing that pay off in dividends. I suspect that Carnival's new Celebration Key (if it's anything like the advertised illustrations) will be in demand as well.

For adults, this has happened as well. First, the new ships at Celebrity (Edge class) and Princess (Sphere/Royal class) are also large improvements over their prior ships. Then, you throw in Virgin Voyages into the mix, which is a completely different animal when it comes to cruising, as it has really elevated the standard cruise dining experience (without the extra charges, I may add).

So, there are just more options for people to take. For us, we do have a cruise in August on the Magic to Lighthouse Point, but we also took Mardi Gras this year over Spring Break (great cruise, BTW), have 2 VV cruises this summer and another next Spring Break, and next Summer, we have a 12 night European Capitals cruise on Princess. Just more options...

 

[momof2n2]

Do they like the teen clubs? My kids loved those. They have activities all day long. I don't really need to be entertained. I just need to not be at work. If my kids were\are happy then I'm happy.

My youngest is 19 and still cruises with us. He had a great time in all the teen clubs and still likes meeting people in the 18-20 society. He goes to all the late night adult shows with his friends.....the shows after multiple cruises I've never stayed up to watch.

I think it depends on the kids. My kids always wanted to hang out with other kids. So DCL has been a good fit for us in that regard. We have cruised Royal and Carnival and they liked that too.

You know your kids best and what they like, but don't forget to consider what you like because kids are pretty adaptable and hopefully appreciative of whatever you decide to do.

These two have regularly loved the kids clubs for crafts and games. But this will be their first trip withOUT their older siblings whom they love spending time with. We are taking advantage of the fact only who are "home" (not in classes) and we can afford to do something special with them. So - it's all going to be a learning curve. I am leaning toward a 4/5 DCL bc it looks affordable if we hit the right dates. Thank you for these points. My kids are super grateful and happy in general. But we are all go-go-go types. ♥

 

[momof2n2]

new Excel class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee), you really should try them

I can't believe the pricing on these ships (and Vista which I want to do) for the fall dates I am considering. I do want to give DCL a whirl... but these ships are SO enticing!

 

[nancipants]

I looked up Virgin Voyages fares after watching some videos and was extremely surprised how relatively inexpensive it was, considering everything that’s included. Basically the only extras are alcohol, tasting classes, and taxes. Even tips and WiFi are included! I told my husband if we ever cruise by ourselves we’re definitely doing Virgin.

 

[mmouse37]

They’re at the usual website. There are multiple Wish, Wonder and Dream cruises available. IMO, availability has been very good lately.

Nothing for the Fantasy at all this summer

 

[dreamer17555]

Nothing for the Fantasy at all this summer

There is. 6 Night Western on Fantasy Aug 4. Also some not listed on special offers GT rates for the rest of Aug especially Sept. I picked up an OGT for two ppl Western 7 Night in Sept for $2913.

 

[DCLMP]

These two have regularly loved the kids clubs for crafts and games. But this will be their first trip withOUT their older siblings whom they love spending time with. We are taking advantage of the fact only who are "home" (not in classes) and we can afford to do something special with them. So - it's all going to be a learning curve. I am leaning toward a 4/5 DCL bc it looks affordable if we hit the right dates. Thank you for these points. My kids are super grateful and happy in general. But we are all go-go-go types. ♥

Pick a cruise where you can do some active excursion. If your kids go to Edge they do a lot of activities outside the club like scavenger hunts, ga ga ball. etc. The also invade the Vibe and Oceaneers. I don't think they would be bored.

 

[cvjw]

I will say that my last 4 cruises on the fantasy all sailed full. April 2023, November 2023, January 2024 and May 2024. All had VGT rates and all were full. Maybe some ships fill easier than others.

May be people like us that love the fantasy and have zero interest in the wish.

 

[GhostHost24]

Ive only been on one dcl cruise and it was the dream earlier this year. Was completely full.. Even with a last second itinerary change due to storms.

I've been looking at other cruises too (I've done two RC cruises in the past). But something about it being dinsey is making me want to go on another dcl instead of another line.

 

[bcwife76]

There is. 6 Night Western on Fantasy Aug 4. Also some not listed on special offers GT rates for the rest of Aug especially Sept. I picked up an OGT for two ppl Western 7 Night in Sept for $2913.

That 6 night Fantasy cruise is also being offered on a CDN residents rate.

 

[dreamer17555]

I will say that my last 4 cruises on the fantasy all sailed full. April 2023, November 2023, January 2024 and May 2024. All had VGT rates and all were full. Maybe some ships fill easier than others.

May be people like us that love the fantasy and have zero interest in the wish.

VGT rates are used to fill ships. DCL has been offering them more and more (even on the Wish) which shows they cannot sell enough cabins to fill their ships without offering a discount.

 

[cvjw]

VGT rates are used to fill ships. DCL has been offering them more and more (even on the Wish) which shows they cannot sell enough cabins to fill their ships without offering a discount.

Agree. And I love a good VGT rate on the fantasy!

 

[Chemist]

We paid our deposit with discounted cards from Costco. I'm hoping they come out with another deal like that again, it was amazing.

Just be careful... Insurance only pays for what you paid cash for, NOT gift cards! If you have to cancel your cruise using insurance money, you may end of eating a lot!

 

[DCLMP]

VGT rates are used to fill ships. DCL has been offering them more and more (even on the Wish) which shows they cannot sell enough cabins to fill their ships without offering a discount.

I booked one on the Wish, but I’m wishing I booked the 6 day fantasy. My thought process was spending a coupe of days at WDW but dang it’s going to be hot.

 

[DCLMP]

Just be careful... Insurance only pays for what you paid cash for, NOT gift cards! If you have to cancel your cruise using insurance money, you may end of eating a lot!

That doesn’t make sense

 

[dreamer17555]

That doesn’t make sense

It might not but it is true. Many have spoken to several travel insurance companies and they have said the same. Travel insurance doesn't consider gift cards as money

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

Just be careful... Insurance only pays for what you paid cash for, NOT gift cards! If you have to cancel your cruise using insurance money, you may end of eating a lot!

I had no idea... even the insurance through DCL? So far it's just the deposit.

 

[dreamer17555]

I had no idea... even the insurance through DCL? So far it's just the deposit.

I would call and double check but others have been told that is true even for the insurance through DCL