Is Disney smoking crack or what???

[Maza]

Some people have tried to say that the economy is not in issue for the Europeans--WRONG! QUOTE]


As a European...I can assure you the economy is very much a problem for us! Unemployment is higher in the UK than it has been for over 10 years...and we apparently still have a strong economy compared with most other European countries. Things are BAD over here! DH and i reaconed the Med/Baltic cruises where aimed at the US market...because it would still be cheaper for us to go to the US on holiday , with airfare for 4, hotels, car etc etc...and , if next year is an example, still go on a 7 day cruise with two cat.6 cabins, for the price of the cheapest cabin on the Med. We really wanted to do the Med with DCL, despite having done most of the countries its sailing to before, as we loved the disney experience. But we wont be now! RCCL will probably get our business in 2010!

 

[Maza]

DCL have also pitched the sailing days very badly for the european holiday market

 

[pillow]

Okay... I see your point but honestly if you want to see more of the port I definitely think you should do a land based tour. I don't think you'll be happy.

Also, in case you weren't aware... DCL was not strict on the dining times. So, if you stayed late in port and arrived to the dining room hungry they found you a table to sit at. It might not have been with your server or table mates but you did get to eat. Also, they were not strict on the dress code either.

Also, on the days the ship was in port longer into the evenings they did not show the main headerliners shows. Mostly they did movies if I remember correctly. Most of the headliner shows were done on days we were definitely back in port and everyone could see the shows.

This was my experience on the Med. cruise. Disney was VERY accomadating when we were in port late. The servers would practically beg you to come back and dine after an excursion. In fact on some days, we just ate at Plutos and swam in the pool before going to the show.

I think this all depends on your expectations and the REASON you cruise DCL. We learned a lot on the Med trip. We had a wonderful time but realized that we're not destination cruise people. We LOVE spending time on the ship, and we LOVE travelling to all these exciting places. But for us, it was hard to put the 2 things together. With all the port intensive days, I left the cruise feeling like I hadn't spent enough time on the ship. Also, I felt incredibly rushed in the ports. We booked shore excursions (which were incredibly expensive I might add) in most places, and I learned that I didn't really like being ushered around on a tour. I felt that we didn't have much choice though - since we only had 1 day in each place, we felt we would see more on the excursions. I feel that if I spend over $1,000 pp on airfare, then I should be able to experience more land time in Europe. I think if we travel overseas again, it will be to travel via land. We enjoy DCL for the DCL cruise experience and will definitely be cruising them again, just closer to home. That said, if the cat 12 discount is offered, and IF I can find a decent airfare, then I would be up for the Baltic trip if we could spend some travel time on our own in England beforehand. Thats a lot of "ifs"!!

Jodie

 

[Lori2202]

I totally agree. We did the June 16th Med trip last summer. A couple months before our cruise, a cat 12 discount rate appeared. We switched to that category and paid $4,100 for a family of 4 for 11 nights - a great deal! We got lucky and were upgraded to a cat 9. I think that there will definitely be some of these prices for the 2010 trips, given the economy.

Where or how do you find out about a rate discount? Where would one look and how will they know if it is a discounted rate?

 

[JsMom2]

I think this all depends on your expectations and the REASON you cruise DCL. We learned a lot on the Med trip. We had a wonderful time but realized that we're not destination cruise people. We LOVE spending time on the ship, and we LOVE travelling to all these exciting places. But for us, it was hard to put the 2 things together. With all the port intensive days, I left the cruise feeling like I hadn't spent enough time on the ship. Also, I felt incredibly rushed in the ports. We booked shore excursions (which were incredibly expensive I might add) in most places, and I learned that I didn't really like being ushered around on a tour. I felt that we didn't have much choice though - since we only had 1 day in each place, we felt we would see more on the excursions. I feel that if I spend over $1,000 pp on airfare, then I should be able to experience more land time in Europe. I think if we travel overseas again, it will be to travel via land. We enjoy DCL for the DCL cruise experience and will definitely be cruising them again, just closer to home. That said, if the cat 12 discount is offered, and IF I can find a decent airfare, then I would be up for the Baltic trip if we could spend some travel time on our own in England beforehand. Thats a lot of "ifs"!!

Jodie

Jodie,
Definitely look at the ABD trips. They are wonderful! I lived in Germany for 3 years, but felt more connected to the country during our ABD Germany trip than when I lived there.

And one great thing about the Baltics - if you can get a decent cruise fare - is that the most of the ports are VERY easily done on your own. We did Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Tallinn on our own just walking and/or using public transportation. In Russia we did a private tour with 7 people for less than the cost of a ship's tour. In Warnemunde we did the "Berlin on your own" which just included the transfer to/from Berlin. We had more then enough time to walk around Berlin and see all the sites. We did use a ship's tour in Gdansk, because I'd heard the traffic could be bad. Being on a group tour after doing the other ports on our own was not fun at all! We've been going the private tour route ever since.

As long as you research the ports ahead of time, you can really get a lot out of a day of touring. But I definitely agree with you that trying to enjoy the ship AND the ports is very frustrating.

 

[JsMom2]

Where or how do you find out about a rate discount? Where would one look and how will they know if it is a discounted rate?

Just check the DCL website. They do not normally market the Category 12 cabins. If you see a Cat 12 GTY, you'll notice that it's significantly lower than a Cat 11. Start checking around the time that final payment is due and then keep checking.

You can tell by how many available cabins are on the ship if its likely that they'll offer a discount.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Depending on the type of traveler you are.... you might not like the do it on your own thing. When we did the Med. cruise, I loved having a tour guide. Yes... they slow you down a little but the information they provide about what you are looking at is invaluable. I know, that I'm the type of person that needs to describe to me what I'm looking at. So, yes.. there will be times when you will feel like cattle but you have decide what is right for you. I'm a total history buff and love to learn more about anything. Also, many of the Disney tours were exclusive. For example, we got into the Sistene Chapel in a PRIVATE tour of 300 people. The guide I talked to said that is RARELY done. She said that if it was a normal tour you would be packed in with many people and would not be able to walk around at all. We were able to take many pictures. Also, she said that we would have waited in lines hours to get in. So, whether you use a guide with Disney or private guide understand the wait involved. We just walked right in to the chapel. Good luck decidiing...

 

[pillow]

Jodie,
Definitely look at the ABD trips. They are wonderful! I lived in Germany for 3 years, but felt more connected to the country during our ABD Germany trip than when I lived there.

You know, I've read so many good things about ABD, and I would really like to try one, but I just can't justify the cost (and I do like the freedom of being on my own). I'm willing to pay more $ for the cruise because its the ONLY way to get that experience, but I have a hard time forking over so much money for ABD when I can do almost the exact same itinerary for THOUSANDS less! I know, I know, Disney adds special touches and lots of extras. I still have a hard time justifying it. For example, I priced the ABD Grand Canyon tour - over $8,000 for a family of 4, and it does not include all meals or airfare. We're planning a similar trip - not as extravagant in terms of hotels and fewer activities, but it is costing us $3,500 ($4K max) for hotel, meals, rental car, and a few activities. Since we like to take several trips/year, I probably won't be doing ABD unless we win the lottery!

J

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay... I see your point but honestly if you want to see more of the port I definitely think you should do a land based tour. I don't think you'll be happy.

Also, in case you weren't aware... DCL was not strict on the dining times. So, if you stayed late in port and arrived to the dining room hungry they found you a table to sit at. It might not have been with your server or table mates but you did get to eat. Also, they were not strict on the dress code either.

Also, on the days the ship was in port longer into the evenings they did not show the main headerliners shows. Mostly they did movies if I remember correctly. Most of the headliner shows were done on days we were definitely back in port and everyone could see the shows.

This was my experience on the Med. cruise. Disney was VERY accomadating when we were in port late. The servers would practically beg you to come back and dine after an excursion. In fact on some days, we just ate at Plutos and swam in the pool before going to the show.

I don't think you understood what I was saying AT ALL. LOL
In fact I'm confused by your reply quoting me because it's not about anything I said!

I did not say I wanted to see more of the ports- in fact I said that I think a lot of people do not think it's worth the really expensive prices on the PORT INTENSIVE (that means port after port, day after day) cruises since they won't be on the ship that much anyway. But that we're excited about the trans atlantic because not only is it less expensive but it's really getting your money's worth on the cruise price because you're spending so much MORE time on the ship. Not less. I'm not sure where you got that I wanted to see more of the ports.

And I was responding to the person that was talking about eating, show, then going to bed- and I was saying that not everyone wants to pay the high prices JUST for that (eat/show/bed- the rest of the time spent at the port of call that day).

I also know that they aren't strict on dining times and have other places to eat and I'm aware of the dress code lack of strictness (although I'm not sure why you brought that up). but I wasn't saying I'd want to spend more time at the port- I was saying that there are many that don't want to pay a really high price, to cruse with DCL, on cruises where they are in a port almost every single day not really spending much time on the ship itself the majority of that cruise.


I think you totally misunderstood my post. Or perhaps you quoted me by mistake and meant to quote someone else? not sure....

 

[JsMom2]

Depending on the type of traveler you are.... you might not like the do it on your own thing. When we did the Med. cruise, I loved having a tour guide. Yes... they slow you down a little but the information they provide about what you are looking at is invaluable. I know, that I'm the type of person that needs to describe to me what I'm looking at. So, yes.. there will be times when you will feel like cattle but you have decide what is right for you. I'm a total history buff and love to learn more about anything. Also, many of the Disney tours were exclusive. For example, we got into the Sistene Chapel in a PRIVATE tour of 300 people. The guide I talked to said that is RARELY done. She said that if it was a normal tour you would be packed in with many people and would not be able to walk around at all. We were able to take many pictures. Also, she said that we would have waited in lines hours to get in. So, whether you use a guide with Disney or private guide understand the wait involved. We just walked right in to the chapel. Good luck decidiing...

We've done 5 European cruises in the past 2 years, and the BEST way to prepare is to do research on the ports ahead of time. Between, movies, books, and the internet this is so easy to do! That way you have an idea of what you want to see, and you'll understand what you're looking at when you get there. That'll also let you know if you need a guide when you're there.

The difference between a private guide and a large group is that with the private guide you get a more personal experience. With the large groups it can be difficult to hear your guide, and there are always other people talking about different things. Plus with a private tour you are usually leaving the sites right when all the busses pull up.

 

[pillow]

The difference between a private guide and a large group is that with the private guide you get a more personal experience. With the large groups it can be difficult to hear your guide, and there are always other people talking about different things. Plus with a private tour you are usually leaving the sites right when all the busses pull up.

I'll second that. One of our favorite days was with a private guide. We split the cost with another family since the guide had a minivan for 8 available. It ended up costing about the same for the 4 of us as the Disney shore excursion would have cost, but it was a much better experience! I should add that its still not cheap though. Its good news for those doing the Baltic that the towns are close to the ports so that its easy to travel on your own. On the Med trip, we spent almost as much in excursions as the total cruise fare!

Jodie

 

[OurDogCisco]

The difference between a private guide and a large group is that with the private guide you get a more personal experience. With the large groups it can be difficult to hear your guide, and there are always other people talking about different things. Plus with a private tour you are usually leaving the sites right when all the busses pull up.

Actually... we did a private guide on our Med trip in Villefrenche and they were of the same quality as a group guide. They came highly recommended from somebody at cruisecritic. The problem I had they were just as restrictive as a group guide but it might have been the places we wanted to see. I didn't think they were any more better and not for the price. They were double the price as a group tour.

Another reason we like group tours is that there is usually another kid for our kids to hang out with. In a private tour our kids would get bored more easily.

 

[OurDogCisco]

I don't think you understood what I was saying AT ALL. LOL
In fact I'm confused by your reply quoting me because it's not about anything I said!

I did not say I wanted to see more of the ports- in fact I said that I think a lot of people do not think it's worth the really expensive prices on the PORT INTENSIVE (that means port after port, day after day) cruises since they won't be on the ship that much anyway. But that we're excited about the trans atlantic because not only is it less expensive but it's really getting your money's worth on the cruise price because you're spending so much MORE time on the ship. Not less. I'm not sure where you got that I wanted to see more of the ports.

And I was responding to the person that was talking about eating, show, then going to bed- and I was saying that not everyone wants to pay the high prices JUST for that (eat/show/bed- the rest of the time spent at the port of call that day).

I also know that they aren't strict on dining times and have other places to eat and I'm aware of the dress code lack of strictness (although I'm not sure why you brought that up). but I wasn't saying I'd want to spend more time at the port- I was saying that there are many that don't want to pay a really high price, to cruse with DCL, on cruises where they are in a port almost every single day not really spending much time on the ship itself the majority of that cruise.


I think you totally misunderstood my post. Or perhaps you quoted me by mistake and meant to quote someone else? not sure....

I guess.. I misunderstood your quote. Sorry...

 

[pillow]

Actually... we did a private guide on our Med trip in Villefrenche and they were of the same quality as a group guide. They came highly recommended from somebody at cruisecritic. The problem I had they were just as restrictive as a group guide but it might have been the places we wanted to see. I didn't think they were any more better and not for the price. They were double the price as a group tour.

Another reason we like group tours is that there is usually another kid for our kids to hang out with. In a private tour our kids would get bored more easily.

I think the pricing depends on how many people you have. We used a guide when we docked in Marseilles. We could customize with him. We spent a while in Aix en Provence, and when we were ready to go, we didn't have to wait on anyone else. It was based on our preferences only. When we got to Cassis, he had lunch with us at a cafe, and helped us order (which was quite helpful). Then we wanted to do a boat tour, so he hopped to the front of the line (he knew the ticket agent) and purchased tickets for us very quickly. He was also very interesting to talk with; whereas with a large group, the guide doesn't have as much time to talk individually with everyone. I'm comparing this day with our Capri/Sorrento/Pompeii shore excursion. There were several hundred folks doing this itinerary, and although we were broken down into smaller groups, several groups boarded the same boats. Due to the amount of people, we did have to wait for quite a while on several locations. Generally, we found ourselves waiting around quite a bit on the group tours. We enjoyed it, but overall we like the private tour better.

Jodie

 

[OurDogCisco]

I think the pricing depends on how many people you have. We used a guide when we docked in Marseilles. We could customize with him. We spent a while in Aix en Provence, and when we were ready to go, we didn't have to wait on anyone else. It was based on our preferences only. When we got to Cassis, he had lunch with us at a cafe, and helped us order (which was quite helpful). Then we wanted to do a boat tour, so he hopped to the front of the line (he knew the ticket agent) and purchased tickets for us very quickly. He was also very interesting to talk with; whereas with a large group, the guide doesn't have as much time to talk individually with everyone. I'm comparing this day with our Capri/Sorrento/Pompeii shore excursion. There were several hundred folks doing this itinerary, and although we were broken down into smaller groups, several groups boarded the same boats. Due to the amount of people, we did have to wait for quite a while on several locations. Generally, we found ourselves waiting around quite a bit on the group tours. We enjoyed it, but overall we like the private tour better.

Jodie

We meet another family on the cruise and did the tour with them. There was 12 in our party. I think, it might have been the port. I did research all private tours on all the ports and I didn't find them cheaper. In fact, I found them more expensive or the same price as Disney.

We had the opposite on the group tours. If you weren't at your spot at the destinated time the bus left. And, it did. We left 2 people behind in Rome. Luckily we were not leaving for the day so, they could call the guide to catch up with us. Our group guides were very personalble and answered all kinds of questions about their personal lives, etc... I asked all kinds of questions. On the flip side, I thought with the private we had to talk to her the whole time. I don't love to talk all the time and make small talk.

We did the Sistene Chapel tour Rome. The guide I'd talked to said that you would never have gotten this level of entrance with a private guide. Disney definitely pulled some strings in getting us in. Basically, they closed down the museum for 2 hours and we got a private tour of the musuem and chapel. Since, the chapel and musuem does not have a/c it would have been very hot and crowded with the others in there. We were able to take a lot of good pictures. It was the highlight of the tour. Even the guides were in awe because they said that they don't normally get to see it in with hardly any people in it.

I'm sure we could go back and forth comparing and debating so, this will be my last post on this thread.

Thanks for everyone's insights...