Is Disney starting to slack compared to other cruises?

[Sanchez]

My kids have ZERO interest in rock climbing, zip lining, etc. They LOVE the Disney clubs. I LOVE that they are not exposed to second hand smoke and I feel confident in Disney to properly vet the people that work in the clubs. There are different markets for a reason. If you want all that other stuff don't sail Disney. Don't say Disney is "slacking" because it doesn't have what you personally want. For my family it's perfect.

Your signature indicates that you have been on one Disney cruise. Not doubting that you had a great time but is that really enough to make these comparisons? What lines are you comparing? Have they tried rock climbing? Clubs on other lines? Are you aware of the allegations and arrests on DCL for sexual assault? Are you aware that many ships on other lines do not have rock climbing and zip lines?

Someone who has never cruised a line other than DCL could read these boards and believe that every other cruise line is the same: Party atmosphere, smoke everywhere, dirty ships, terrible service. Someone upthread indicated that she could relax on DCL thereby insinuating that she could not on other lines. This attitude is what frustrates those who have experienced other lines and have found that many surpass the DCL experience. There are many choices out there from three day booze cruises to luxury cruise lines. Do not assume that all are the same.

I would day that DCL is great for children or if you like the Disney theme. If you do not care for that, there are superior options at a much lower price. As to DCL "slacking?" I would say that they are because based on my standards I can get a superior cruise (in almost every category) for less than half the price.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

So don't cruise DCL. This is a DCL forum and you are going to get pushback. Different markets for different people.

Oh my gosh, so mean!

 

[cgolf]

I am not so sure it is Disney "lagging behind" or "slacking" as much as Disney saying "This is who we are."

And I think that is what several of us are saying.

I think you and I are in a similar place is on what we like in a ship, more basic, a place to relax. I don't mind all the crazy stuff as long as I can find a place to relax and watch the ocean go by. May never do the Oasis class, because I hear those views are hard to come by. I am in the camp of one of DCLs new ships be super low tech and more basic minus slides and stuff.

Where I think we differ is that I feel that DCL doesn't do enough for loyal cruisers, over the years the service isn't as good (still very good, but not as great), massive price increases (far outpacing other lines) while decreasing perks instead of increasing them. One example of the price increase was 2014-2015 a Cat V on the Fantasy went from mid 4K to over 7k for the same week and itinerary and service. To us that wasn't a good value for our family, for some it obviously is. Those are some of the areas I think they are lagging. I obviously care enough about DCL to still monitor these boards to see what is what for when we do find a DCL cruised that works for us

 

[hanscarlet]

I do agree with the Dream pool being children soups, I much preferred the smaller ships pool layout and crowds... I have only sailed on DCL so I would assume all cruise ship pools are small so it's not a deal breaker for me but would be interested in lines that maybe are less crowded at pool time.... Oasis of the Seas, looks amazing, looks like such an inviting experience but then sometimes I look at it and I get overwhelmed or maybe intimidated by it, what if I get lost, what if I don't know how to navigate the best activities, what if their shows suck, what if my kids hate being seperated with the club experience, I don't know.... just rambling.... with no point lol...

 

[Dug720]

I think you and I are in a similar place is on what we like in a ship, more basic, a place to relax. I don't mind all the crazy stuff as long as I can find a place to relax and watch the ocean go by. May never do the Oasis class, because I hear those views are hard to come by. I am in the camp of one of DCLs new ships be super low tech and more basic minus slides and stuff.

Where I think we differ is that I feel that DCL doesn't do enough for loyal cruisers, over the years the service isn't as good (still very good, but not as great), massive price increases (far outpacing other lines) while decreasing perks instead of increasing them. One example of the price increase was 2014-2015 a Cat V on the Fantasy went from mid 4K to over 7k for the same week and itinerary and service. To us that wasn't a good value for our family, for some it obviously is. Those are some of the areas I think they are lagging. I obviously care enough about DCL to still monitor these boards to see what is what for when we do find a DCL cruised that works for us

I technically have no opinion on loyalty programs because I don't cruise for "stuff". But I am in the minority on that I know.

 

[cruiser21]

I do agree with the Dream pool being children soups, I much preferred the smaller ships pool layout and crowds... I have only sailed on DCL so I would assume all cruise ship pools are small so it's not a deal breaker for me but would be interested in lines that maybe are less crowded at pool time.... Oasis of the Seas, looks amazing, looks like such an inviting experience but then sometimes I look at it and I get overwhelmed or maybe intimidated by it, what if I get lost, what if I don't know how to navigate the best activities, what if their shows suck, what if my kids hate being seperated with the club experience, I don't know.... just rambling.... with no point lol...

Disney pools are smaller then the ships I've sailed on. On all the Dcl cruises we've been on my kids have never been in a pool. Of course we live in AZ and have a pool that's not much smaller then the DCL pool so swimming on a cruise really isn't a big deal. I guarantee you my son will be enjoying the BC pool in May. That's a great pool. It can be intimidating to try something new. It also can be exciting. You many not be at that point yet. I read somebody complaining about getting charged 20 dollars for a towel on Carnival if you lose it. When we sailed on the Breeze the towels were really nice Beach towels that you could purchase if you wanted. They are not the white towels that people on DCL take off the ship and never bring back. It's really not that hard to not lose a towel and bring it back when you go ashore. Since my Vista cruise in October is 2500 dollars less then the Fantasy. I can afford to lose a towel...just a thought. Your kids are young so you have some prime Disney years ahead, but if it becomes unattainable due to cost I would try the Oasis. I haven't sailed on that ship, but I have friends that have, and they really loved it.

 

[hanscarlet]

Thanks! I am actually really interested in the skyloft suites or Haven so someday, hoping to try one of those

 

[Minnie368]

We're new to cruising- never been on one. We're booked for our first on DCL April 2018 on the Fantasy. I did notice on pricing it out with other lines that it is A LOT more expensive, but we decided to go with it anyways. Why? Because it's Disney. Maybe that's crazy but it's the truth. We're WDW faithfuls and DL occasionals. We love all things Disney and want our first cruise to be with Disney. That being said, I was wondering about the other lines... Do any of them offer free sodas, etc 24 hrs/day or free room service, and include most every restaurant on the ship without an extra charge? And do those extras like the rock climbing walls and zip lines cost extra too? That's something I would consider when deciding our second and future cruises. If we cruise those other ships to have those things and they cost extra, then I would have to subtract that $ from what it seems like I'm saving in the cost of the cruise.

 

[perditax]

I do agree with the Dream pool being children soups, I much preferred the smaller ships pool layout and crowds... I have only sailed on DCL so I would assume all cruise ship pools are small so it's not a deal breaker for me but would be interested in lines that maybe are less crowded at pool time.... Oasis of the Seas, looks amazing, looks like such an inviting experience but then sometimes I look at it and I get overwhelmed or maybe intimidated by it, what if I get lost, what if I don't know how to navigate the best activities, what if their shows suck, what if my kids hate being seperated with the club experience, I don't know.... just rambling.... with no point lol...

I get the sense the monster RCI ships have enough pool space, but I've never been on them. But overall DCL's pools do actually seem to be smaller than average.

 

[cgolf]

We're new to cruising- never been on one. We're booked for our first on DCL April 2018 on the Fantasy. I did notice on pricing it out with other lines that it is A LOT more expensive, but we decided to go with it anyways. Why? Because it's Disney. Maybe that's crazy but it's the truth. We're WDW faithfuls and DL occasionals. We love all things Disney and want our first cruise to be with Disney. That being said, I was wondering about the other lines... Do any of them offer free sodas, etc 24 hrs/day or free room service, and include most every restaurant on the ship without an extra charge? And do those extras like the rock climbing walls and zip lines cost extra too? That's something I would consider when deciding our second and future cruises. If we cruise those other ships to have those things and they cost extra, then I would have to subtract that $ from what it seems like I'm saving in the cost of the cruise.

On RCCL the soda package was about 9$ a day but you got the freestyle machines The rock wall and flow rider weren't a charge item. They have a mixture of free and pay dining just as DCL does, but the only difference is that there are more pay options on RCCL. Honestly when we did our recent RCCL cruise all of our costs including hotels and air was in the ballpark of just getting on the cheapest DCL trip at the time. For sure it was cheaper than the Fantasy. We of course never did an up charge restaurant or got an alcohol drinking package, so you may not see the same savings as we did. It all depends on what you want. Just do lots of research before you try another line, to increase the odds you will be happy with your choice.

By the way have a great time on your cruise it should be a blast

 

[cruiser21]

Thanks! I am actually really interested in the skyloft suites or Haven so someday, hoping to try one of those

Well, Since you'll be used to paying DCL prices the Haven should be in that price range. I'd like to try it too someday.

 

[MonaMN]

We're new to cruising- never been on one. We're booked for our first on DCL April 2018 on the Fantasy. I did notice on pricing it out with other lines that it is A LOT more expensive, but we decided to go with it anyways. Why? Because it's Disney. Maybe that's crazy but it's the truth. We're WDW faithfuls and DL occasionals. We love all things Disney and want our first cruise to be with Disney. That being said, I was wondering about the other lines... Do any of them offer free sodas, etc 24 hrs/day or free room service, and include most every restaurant on the ship without an extra charge? And do those extras like the rock climbing walls and zip lines cost extra too? That's something I would consider when deciding our second and future cruises. If we cruise those other ships to have those things and they cost extra, then I would have to subtract that $ from what it seems like I'm saving in the cost of the cruise.

Similar story here. We are booked on a March 2018 Disney cruise. We are not yet sure if we are cruise people, but we are Disney people.

We have looked at similar itineraries on other lines, which would save a lot, but I think we want to try this to see if we like cruising at all - and if so, maybe we will look at others for the future.

 

[Bishoparc]

Similar story here. We are booked on a March 2018 Disney cruise. We are not yet sure if we are cruise people, but we are Disney people.

We have looked at similar itineraries on other lines, which would save a lot, but I think we want to try this to see if we like cruising at all - and if so, maybe we will look at others for the future.

That's how we were in Sept. 2015. I had always said there was no way I'd enjoy cruising, took a 3 night on the Dream and got hooked (6 cruises in now on DCL).

Reading through all the comments in this thread, I had previously said I could not see myself cruising another line. I see many comments that ask how someone who's only sailed Disney can say it's better than other cruise lines. I know for myself, first hand, all I've seen are the other ships that have been in Nassau when we have stopped there and I see how dated they are. I'm sure that some of the lines attempt to maintain their fleet but just from the outside, it's hard to say that the exteriors of many of the other ships are taken care of as much as DCL's. I've talked to numerous people who have sailed at minimum Royal Caribbean and Carnival and they have said they much prefer Disney for many reasons. I think I'm going to have to force myself to try the other lines at lease once just so I can form my own opinions first hand.

I say all that to say this, every person has their own likes and dislikes. There are people, I know this is a shock, that like Universal or Six Flags even more than they like (if they even like at all) Disney. If we all liked and did the exact same things this world would be a boring place. Enjoy your experiences no matter where they are and be thankful to be able to have those experiences with your family, friends, or even just yourself. We only get one trip around this thing called life so make the best of the moments, good and bad and just live.

#DropsMic lol

I saw this in another thread, but just look at how beautiful this ship is. I can't help but be drawn to it:

 

[GPaLarry]

My wife and I are in our mid-70s and have been on seven DCL cruises, three without grandkids. Our last trip was a b2b Med/Trans on the Magic for 18 nights. Our first trip was through the Panama Canal in 2008 on the Magic. What impresses me most about Disney ships is the creativity and imagineering that goes into each one. The Fantasy's interactive pictures (Minnie winking and fireworks in the background or the side-by-side Dumbo pictures with a motion-sensitive train running through both) are super clever. The Muppet detective agency activity is a hoot with, again, interactive pictures. Who would think to make inside staterooms desirable by putting virtual portholes in them? Then add Goofy on a surf board on the half hour as he floats past the window and waves.
And who would think of taking the lowly ship's horn and making it a musical signature for the line...no more just "blaaaaaa." 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.

 

[mevelandry]

I do agree with the Dream pool being children soups, I much preferred the smaller ships pool layout and crowds... I have only sailed on DCL so I would assume all cruise ship pools are small so it's not a deal breaker for me but would be interested in lines that maybe are less crowded at pool time.... Oasis of the Seas, looks amazing, looks like such an inviting experience but then sometimes I look at it and I get overwhelmed or maybe intimidated by it, what if I get lost, what if I don't know how to navigate the best activities, what if their shows suck, what if my kids hate being seperated with the club experience, I don't know.... just rambling.... with no point lol...

I had the same kind of fears before we tried another cruise line but if you keep an open mind, you may have a good surprise. If you do not compare and take the cruise for what it is (a new/differente experience), you could end up having just as much fun.

 

[mevelandry]

Reading through all the comments in this thread, I had previously said I could not see myself cruising another line. I see many comments that ask how someone who's only sailed Disney can say it's better than other cruise lines. I know for myself, first hand, all I've seen are the other ships that have been in Nassau when we have stopped there and I see how dated they are. I'm sure that some of the lines attempt to maintain their fleet but just from the outside, it's hard to say that the exteriors of many of the other ships are taken care of as much as DCL's.

I had the same thoughts at first when we were on the Dream and comparing with the other ships ("ours looks so much better"), but this really was judging a book by its cover.

But judging by the appearance, we were discarding all the things we did not have access to: the staff, the food, the activities, the entertainment, the shows, the comfort, the overall ambiance inside the ship.

To be honest, after I had spent one night on the Carnival Victory and went side by side with the Dream in Nassau, I did not feel as envious as I thought I would feel. Sure, the Disney Dream looked better from the exterior but the truth is we were having just as much fun (my husband now prefers Carnival, he couldn't care less about how new or old the ships look) and the service was just as good as what we had experimented on DCL.

Now, I'm open minded and am willing to try every single cruise line there is. LOL

 

[mevelandry]

Who would think to make inside staterooms desirable by putting virtual portholes in them?

Virtual portholes are present on other cruise lines as well. (I don't know if there are actual characters passing, though.)

 

[Lisa F]

This!

And "families" come in all shapes and sizes!

They do, but from a marketing standpoint I'd say a family vacation is one where the kids have a good time and are entertained but the parents don't want to simultaneously put an ice pick through their eye or feel like they are taking a big expensive one for the kids. IMO it's a very specific target audience, articulated by Walt at the very beginning of Disneyland.

"I felt that there should be something built where the parents and the children could have fun together. So that’s how Disneyland started."

No you don't have to have kids to be a family but when Disney is targeting families they are targeting people with kids who want to enjoy their vacation too, and have fun together with their kids. Without that market disney isn't disney (and yes I did give most of my money to disney before ever having kids!)

 

[AustinMommyofThree]

They do, but from a marketing standpoint I'd say a family vacation is one where the kids have a good time and are entertained but the parents don't want to simultaneously put an ice pick through their eye or feel like they are taking a big expensive one for the kids. IMO it's a very specific target audience, articulated by Walt at the very beginning of Disneyland.

"I felt that there should be something built where the parents and the children could have fun together. So that’s how Disneyland started."

No you don't have to have kids to be a family but when Disney is targeting families they are targeting people with kids who want to enjoy their vacation too, and have fun together with their kids. Without that market disney isn't disney (and yes I did give most of my money to disney before ever having kids!)

Also, purely from a business perspective, there is much greater profit margin in families than singles (even with the supplement) and doubles. When you put three or four in a room rather than one or two, and when the extras are children who eat less and use facilities that are already sunk costs (kid clubs, pools, characters), the business unit starts out thousands of dollars ahead before the ship even leaves port.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

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.