Is Disney starting to slack compared to other cruises?

[Dug720]

Is cross-contamination a recurrent problem during cruises?

Cross-contamination can be a problem at buffets ANYWHERE because there are people who don't think twice about using the tongs in their hand from one thing on multiple things so that say tongs for a gluten-free dish like ham could be used on breaded fish and put back on the ham platter (just one example). Wham - someone getting ham inadvertently gets glutened from the remnants of the fish breeding. (And if there is a fish allergy as well you are double whammied.)

It is only an issue for pre-plated things if the kitchen is not safe and/or best practices regarding allergy prep are not followed (example: someone handles something breaded and then does not change their gloves before handling something that should be gluten-free).

BUT when a server is just grabbing things marked with a cabin number, you just don't know. I would much rather have the same servers every night so they know me and my needs.

If freestyle works for you, great. It doesn't for everyone. And I was just pointing out that the reason it doesn't is not always because people want to be BFFs with their servers.

 

[cruiser21]

The question wasn't posed to me...however, last month we took our first cruise on NCL. We have done 4 DCL cruises and 3 RCCL cruises (BTW, the kids don't want us to sail RCCL anymore since all 3 cruises included trips to the medical office). Anyway, these comparisons are, of course, always subjective and YMMV.

IMO, all 3 lines have their pros & cons. I believe I mentioned in a post much earlier in this thread that I would love to take elements from all 3 to create the ideal ship and experience. There are a lot of similarities between RCCL and NCL (such as a casino), of course. I'll try to list any differences that stand out to me.

RCCL's pros are:

• they way design and lay out the ship - particularly the public spaces. The pool areas are less crowded than the other lines'. I think the Royal Promenade areas are the best design for the interior areas that include the shops and, in their case, a cafe (open 24 hrs - a huge plus) and pizzeria, bars, guest services, future cruise desk, etc.
• the types of activities that inspired this thread - rock wall, flow riders, etc.
• price compared to DCL

NCL's pros:

• for me, I really enjoyed the "freestyle" aspect when it came to dining. I know for so many other DCL fans, the idea of not having the same server every night and becoming FB friends with them and eventually having them and their families over for the holidays...is blasphemous. However, I never cared about nor really ever understood that. I greatly value flexibility. Not having to be herded like cattle with everyone else to all eat at the same time was a pleasure.
• they also have activities on their ships similar to RCCL that DCL doesn't have
• good variety of specialty restaurants, plus we really enjoyed the large space they had (O'Sheehans) that was themed as an Irish pub, open 24 hrs, had complimentary food, and had "bar" games (though did cost extra to play) such as dart, billiards, a mini bowling alley, arcade-style basketball, and skeeball. A fun place to hang out at night if loud clubs/lounges are not your thing.
• price compared to DCL

RCCL's cons:

• too much merchandise hawking
• shows are okay, but not spectacular

NCL's cons:

• service was sub-par. whether it was the slow service in the dining rooms (we had a few 3-hr long dinners), or the room steward, the service level was a big disappointment.
• pools as small as DCL. pool deck was DCL-level crazy on sea days

One thing I don't like about both RCCL & NCL is that the kids clubs have sessions (closing from noon-2pm and then again from 5-7pm), where DCL is open continuously throughout the day.

What NCL ship were you on? My only complaint about NCL was the kids clubs hours. Also tweens not being able to check themselves in and out at will was a hassle. My son will turn 13 soon and would be in entourage. I think that would be a better fit for him. I can't say I'm crazy about the age spread of 13-17.

 

[cgolf]

Cross-contamination can be a problem at buffets ANYWHERE because there are people who don't think twice about using the tongs in their hand from one thing on multiple things so that say tongs for a gluten-free dish like ham could be used on breaded fish and put back on the ham platter (just one example). Wham - someone getting ham inadvertently gets glutened from the remnants of the fish breeding. (And if there is a fish allergy as well you are double whammied.)

It is only an issue for pre-plated things if the kitchen is not safe and/or best practices regarding allergy prep are not followed (example: someone handles something breaded and then does not change their gloves before handling something that should be gluten-free).

BUT when a server is just grabbing things marked with a cabin number, you just don't know. I would much rather have the same servers every night so they know me and my needs.

If freestyle works for you, great. It doesn't for everyone. And I was just pointing out that the reason it doesn't is not always because people want to be BFFs with their servers.

Agree with all you said, and thankfully I am not full blown celiac, but very gluten intolerant, which took forever to, well we tried the diet on our own and I felt 1000 percent better because the Drs I saw wouldn't even go there, was very frustrating, rant over.

For me I have always felt better on all my cruises which is interesting because we are very careful at home and I haven't cheated in 7 years minus some food challenges. On RCCL we did my time dining, but requested to keep the same time, table, and server and this worked out really well for us. On DCL I have had really good luck with the servers and the head waiters have been hit or miss, Fitz and Aziz were incredible.

One reason now for me to stick to these two lines is because my belly agrees with them, the GF thing was my biggest concern switching lines, it is a complication that could ruin a trip and thankfully it hasn't yet

 

[Dug720]

Agree with all you said, and thankfully I am not full blown celiac, but very gluten intolerant, which took forever to, well we tried the diet on our own and I felt 1000 percent better because the Drs I saw wouldn't even go there, was very frustrating, rant over.

For me I have always felt better on all my cruises which is interesting because we are very careful at home and I haven't cheated in 7 years minus some food challenges. On RCCL we did my time dining, but requested to keep the same time, table, and server and this worked out really well for us. On DCL I have had really good luck with the servers and the head waiters have been hit or miss, Fitz and Aziz were incredible.

One reason now for me to stick to these two lines is because my belly agrees with them, the GF thing was my biggest concern switching lines, it is a complication that could ruin a trip and thankfully it hasn't yet

Yep! I am not celiac, but intolerant that shows up in my lungs and air flow. I asked my doctor - who was never thrilled with my "low" air flow ( I have "reactive airway" - basically asthma that only acts up when I have something else respiratory going on) and could not figure out why it was low - about her thoughts on GF for belly fat loss. Her eyes lit up and she asked if I had been tested for a wheat allergy before. I had when I tested for peanuts. I know I react to them but tested negative. I did not think I reacted to wheat but tested positive. My doctor was all "Try it. If it helps with belly fat, so be it. But I think..."

And BINGO! When allergy season hit last fall I had ZERO rescue inhaler uses in Taekwondo as opposed to when I was all about my wheat. Reported in, and the trial became permanent.

So would it kill me? Probably not. But I have been off it for long enough now I kind of fear what my stomach would do if I did eat any.

Like you, I trust DCL and RCCL. Fathom to a degree - especially having a buffet option I am comfortable with because of the small size of the ship.

 

[KashasMom]

Those type of things don't draw us. Personally, I like the old style cruising back in the days when the Magic and Wonder came out. We hate the crowded mega ships that have all those attractions.

We were SO much more crowded on the Magic (twice) than on either the Allure or the Oasis. The atrium is ridiculously small for the activities they have there and the pool...yuck - it's people soup!

 

[KashasMom]

I would agree with this. Our first 3 cruises were DCL and we loved them. I then ordered a brochure for RCL and was amazed at all the places they went. It was like a whole new world opened up! I let our 7 year old son look at the brochure and he was sold on trying something new. I didn't even have to suggest it. We've done 3 non-DCL cruises now and he had an absolute blast on all of them. He's beyond excited to go on NCL Spirit to the Med in 2 weeks. We like the fact that we'll be on cruise #7 and it's ship #7 for us. We both work full-time so our vacation time is about seeing new things and spending time together. We have a fixed vacation budget so right now cruising other lines saves us money so we can cruise twice a year plus spend a couple of weekends in the mountains in the summer. I hope to someday cruise DCL again, but we'll see.

I completely agree with your comment about spending time together. That's what our vacations are for us. I just can't justify DCL for a port intensive cruise. We did a 13 night Ultimate Scandinavia/Russia last summer on RCI's Serenade. We had 1 sea day and were so busy we could have been on a tug and barely noticed. It was an amazing cruise. We had a balcony and for the 3 of us it was 1/3 the cost of a similar (and not as good) itinerary on DCL. Next year we're going on NCL Jade to Iceland, Norway, Scotland, and a few other places. I have no doubt it's going to be amazing as well. Hope you have a great cruise!

 

[KashasMom]

I like DCL or I wouldn't be going on my 15th cruise. I feel like some people on this board get really defensive about DCL. Am I Wrong? Am I imagining this? In the real world I'm not into political correctness at all. On a message board I try not to call things other people like dumb or stupid or criticize another cruise line that someone else likes that I haven't even sailed on. I find most of that unproductive to a discussion. As much money as I've given the Mouse or Carnival or NCL. I just don't have that defensive feeling others a have.

I agree. It's always been that way with many Disney cruisers and always will be. I especially love the comments from those who have never tried another cruise line. Disney is NOT perfect. There is room for improvement whether or not they add slides or rock climbing walls!

 

[cruiser21]

I agree. It's always been that way with many Disney cruisers and always will be. I especially love the comments from those who have never tried another cruise line. Disney is NOT perfect. There is room for improvement whether or not they add slides or rock climbing walls!

Just wanted to say your signature is very impressive. I will definitely look you up if I need some advice. I know your daughter is young. I travel with teens that are harder to please.

 

[cruiser21]

People keep getting hung up on the price.

Disney have 4 ships. They consistently fill them at listed pricing. Why should they bring down the price? They don't have to compete with the other cited lines on price. Basic business here. Not every company competes on price.

I don't think anybody thinks they should bring down the price. They've just decided they'll let other people pay it and they'll go elsewhere.

 

[KashasMom]

I know this is away from the thread, so, I'll try to align it with my question. I really like RCCL, but haven't cruised it with my kids. Of course, I love Disney, but I think its a different product, not that its slacking. And i will continue to sail off aeason and try other lines in peak times. I wanted to ask what you thought of NCL versus RCCL? I'm scared to try NCL

We did both the Breakaway and Getaway as family reunion cruises. Lots of kids. We've done Oasis and Allure as a family with a then 6 year old and a now 7 year old. NCL was good but for us RCI is better. Better food, MUCH better pools/pool deck, more/better family friendly shows. Depends on what you're looking for and who you're traveling with.

 

[mcd2745]

What NCL ship were you on? My only complaint about NCL was the kids clubs hours. Also tweens not being able to check themselves in and out at will was a hassle. My son will turn 13 soon and would be in entourage. I think that would be a better fit for him. I can't say I'm crazy about the age spread of 13-17.

We were just on the Getaway during President's week. My daughter is 11 and we could have allowed her to check herself in & out of the club. The kids clubs hours (not being open continuously) annoys me greatly also - and RCCL is the same. On sea days, we will not be in any hurry to get up and out. So if we don't get down to breakfast until 10-10:30am, once we're done (say, shortly after 11am) and my daughter would then want to go to the club...they are getting ready to close for 2 hours. They are actually open continuously on port days (which seems completely backwards to me) for parents who want to leave the kids behind and then get off the ship - which is something we would NEVER do.

 

[KashasMom]

What NCL ship were you on? My only complaint about NCL was the kids clubs hours. Also tweens not being able to check themselves in and out at will was a hassle. My son will turn 13 soon and would be in entourage. I think that would be a better fit for him. I can't say I'm crazy about the age spread of 13-17.

I really don't like the 3-12 on Disney. I know the clubs are are separated by a hall but my daughter had a bad experience the ONE time she was in the club for an hour! Can't get her back into a Disney club. She did spend a little time in NCL's and was okay with that. I asked why they closed on NCL and was told that some parents were leaving their kids all day and night. I understand everyone vacations differently - we just like to spend most of our time together as a family. Obviously with teens they probably want to spend most of their time with kids their own age.

 

[cruiser21]

We were just on the Getaway during President's week. My daughter is 11 and we could have allowed her to check herself in & out of the club. The kids clubs hours (not being open continuously) annoys me greatly also - and RCCL is the same. On sea days, we will not be in any hurry to get up and out. So if we don't get down to breakfast until 10-10:30am, once we're done (say, shortly after 11am) and my daughter would then want to go to the club...they are getting ready to close for 2 hours. They are actually open continuously on port days (which seems completely backwards to me) for parents who want to leave the kids behind and then get off the ship - which is something we would NEVER do.

He could check himself in and out, but he had to stay in the club for 2 hours before checking himself out. Weird rules.

I really don't like the 3-12 on Disney. I know the clubs are are separated by a hall but my daughter had a bad experience the ONE time she was in the club for an hour! Can't get her back into a Disney club. She did spend a little time in NCL's and was okay with that. I asked why they closed on NCL and was told that some parents were leaving their kids all day and night. I understand everyone vacations differently - we just like to spend most of our time together as a family. Obviously with teens they probably want to spend most of their time with kids their own age.

Yes that is the case with teens.

 

[Churchladychurchlady]

Disney has so many stories and films to draw on it is fun for us to see what their shows and characters will feature next. We lived in LA for some years and did Disneyland many times. We made our first visit to Disney World the first year it opened and have been back many times since. Ours is a Disney family. Choosing a cruise line and ship is a personal preference. For me, I enjoy dragging out my pirate outfit (with parrot), making door decorations and counting the days until we hear our name announced in the atrium and start looking for hidden Mickeys.

YES! This! I'm a story person - that's why we chose Disney. Only Disney has such amazing story that make a connection to childhood, goodness, morality, etc...

I've never felt like I was in Vegas Casino on any ship.

On Both NCL and Princess, the casinos were very much a detractor for me. I personally felt that it created an atmosphere that was not positive for me. (just an opinion, not a judgement on anyone who likes casinos)

Perhaps most importantly though, for me, the "family friendliness" of DCL was the main appeal.
My hubby is a typical "goody-two-shoes" blushes at the word "boobs", let alone the sight of them, he's actually worried about being embarrassed and uncomfortable at the adult night games on DCL! My DD (18) and I are both a little bit more "worldly" but not by much. For us, knowing that other people around the ship would also be unhappy with loud cussing, stupidly drunk people, or wet t-shirt contests, etc... makes us feel like we can relax. I know, we're in a minority, but there are folks who didn't allow their kids to use the term "stupid" because it wasn't nice, we've just always been that way. While I don't expect everyone to "behave" on a disney cruise, knowing that there will be a more "family friendly" atmosphere was very important for us.

(I'm not saying that other cruise lines allow cussing drunken sots to run topless all over the ship, but there is an expectation of "decency" that goes with Disney)

 

[_auroraborealis_]

My husband is also more willing to cruise on DCL due to the no casinos, less likely to have booze cruisers on board, etc.

 

[cruiser21]

YES! This! I'm a story person - that's why we chose Disney. Only Disney has such amazing story that make a connection to childhood, goodness, morality, etc...



On Both NCL and Princess, the casinos were very much a detractor for me. I personally felt that it created an atmosphere that was not positive for me. (just an opinion, not a judgement on anyone who likes casinos)

Perhaps most importantly though, for me, the "family friendliness" of DCL was the main appeal.
My hubby is a typical "goody-two-shoes" blushes at the word "boobs", let alone the sight of them, he's actually worried about being embarrassed and uncomfortable at the adult night games on DCL! My DD (18) and I are both a little bit more "worldly" but not by much. For us, knowing that other people around the ship would also be unhappy with loud cussing, stupidly drunk people, or wet t-shirt contests, etc... makes us feel like we can relax. I know, we're in a minority, but there are folks who didn't allow their kids to use the term "stupid" because it wasn't nice, we've just always been that way. While I don't expect everyone to "behave" on a disney cruise, knowing that there will be a more "family friendly" atmosphere was very important for us.

(I'm not saying that other cruise lines allow cussing drunken sots to run topless all over the ship, but there is an expectation of "decency" that goes with Disney)

The reason my oldest son is not cruising with us this year is because of something that happened to him in the teen club. It's had a lasting effect on him. I'm not going to go into details, but Kids on a DCL cruise or no different then kids anywhere else. Some are good and some are down right awful. Same goes for the adults. People are people. People may try to act better when they're around kids, but I haven't noticed a huge difference in people's behavior from one ship to another.

 

[hermhogwarts55]

My question is that my husband and I are expecting to go on a cruise on the Disney Fantasy (maybe?) January 2019... are there things to keep childless adults as entertained on say a Carnival cruise? I'm actually really excited for Star Wars Day- we're big Star Wars fans, but other than that is there activities? Preferrably that don't cost extra? And would we be creepers if we went to things geared children? I've been on RCC and CCL multiple times and this will be our very first trip aboard a Disney Cruise.

 

[cruiser21]

My question is that my husband and I are expecting to go on a cruise on the Disney Fantasy (maybe?) January 2019... are there things to keep childless adults as entertained on say a Carnival cruise? I'm actually really excited for Star Wars Day- we're big Star Wars fans, but other than that is there activities? Preferrably that don't cost extra? And would we be creepers if we went to things geared children? I've been on RCC and CCL multiple times and this will be our very first trip aboard a Disney Cruise.

People cruise DCL without kidsSome of us cruise DCL with kids, but the kids are off doing there own thing. You won't be alone doing kids things as an adult. I can't answer wether you'll enjoy the things geared towards kids only you know that. I can tell you the ship will be pretty dead by 11pm. Night life is pretty non existsnt. Majority of people on the cruise have kids and will be worn out by 10 pm.

 

[hermhogwarts55]

I'm a kid at heart, and also the Hubby and I aren't really nightowls. We will be going on this cruise after a week long trip to both WDW and USO, so we're probably gonna be too tired to do anything crazy. But it's ok to participate in some of the activities geared towards kids?

 

[mevelandry]

My question is that my husband and I are expecting to go on a cruise on the Disney Fantasy (maybe?) January 2019... are there things to keep childless adults as entertained on say a Carnival cruise? I'm actually really excited for Star Wars Day- we're big Star Wars fans, but other than that is there activities? Preferrably that don't cost extra? And would we be creepers if we went to things geared children? I've been on RCC and CCL multiple times and this will be our very first trip aboard a Disney Cruise.

No as much as what you'd find on Carnival ships.

There are Broadway style Disney themed shows. You'll see many adults there so you won't be creepers. LOL

I think there's a ventriloquist or magician once in a while but I haven't seen their shows.

As adults, we spend most of our time in the Quiet Cove, Cove Café (+$), Palo and Remy (+$) and the movie theater (there are always one or two "more adult" movies), we do alcohol tastings (+$), at the Spa (+$).

Dh and I are more the type of people who wake up at 5:00 AM and go to bed at 10:00 PM... Even during the week-end. And we're 36-37 yo!