Little confused about the complaints about price hiking

[homie wanna liv]

So maybe its more because we sail in the "off-season" my opinion my be skewed. But the fact of the matter is Disney Cruise Line is a business and every business is there to make money, food costs are rising, transportation costs are rising, and even every little(H2O isn't cheap ) cost could be rising plus stock holders need to make money.

Now regardless of rising costs and keeping up with inflation(~2% generally a year) if the prices stayed the same they would start earning less money year over year, most businesses earn more year over year(they set their goals accordingly). Regardless the ships are still sailing full even with prices hikes and complaints about alcohol(we enjoyed this but we drink what we bring on and what the ship has to offer, so weren't very effected).

I understand people want to voice their opinions and they are entitled to due so, it just gets frustrating when people completely avoid the fact that DCL is a business; they were created to make money. Obviously they offer exceptional service and you get what you pay for. We want to go to Alaska on DCL but they priced us out because they can, which is why GT rates exist. If they price enough people out to where they cannot reach a certain capacity they rather fill the rooms then let them go empty(this is becoming more rare in peak seasons even with rising prices). Also they are definitely raising prices around peak times more so then they were before, that is just good business and how the hospitality industry works.

Does the company you work for raise their prices year over year? If they didn't and had to lay people off to stay a float or do it because they are not meeting sales targets would you be happy?

Just needed to vent because I rarely ever see this mentioned for DCL or the parks for that matter.

 

[keaster]

As I mentioned in the other thread, I'm not concerned with the charging for bar snacks or the new alcohol policy. I also wasn't bothered when they stopped allowing items dropped off at GS to be signed as we didn't partake in that.

For our family in particular, the overall price increase for the cruises year to year coupled with the dismal exchange rate for Canadians is what is driving us to look elsewhere. We have not booked a cruise anywhere else yet...we are waiting for Summer 2017 itineraries to come out before we decide and see if our dollar has some recovery.

And I also believe the year over year increases are outpacing inflation. Can Disney charge it? Yes. Are people paying? Yes. So until a tipping point is reached, nothing will change in terms of the direction in pricing.

 

[mcd2745]

 

[homie wanna liv]

As I mentioned in the other thread, I'm not concerned with the charging for bar snacks or the new alcohol policy. I also wasn't bothered when they stopped allowing items dropped off at GS to be signed as we didn't partake in that.

For our family in particular, the overall price increase for the cruises year to year coupled with the dismal exchange rate for Canadians is what is driving us to look elsewhere. We have not booked a cruise anywhere else yet...we are waiting for Summer 2017 itineraries to come out before we decide and see if our dollar has some recovery.

And I also believe the year over year increases are outpacing inflation. Can Disney charge it? Yes. Are people paying? Yes. So until a tipping point is reached, nothing will change in terms of the direction in pricing.

I actually didn't even read your thread and concerns in there were not behind why I made this thread. I do completely agree that Disney should do some sort of satellite POS in Canada to help out with the exchange rate then use that cash for when they sail out of Canada to cover costs, it is just a trade off for them as a business. But I do completely agree that you guys are losing the most here.

 

[texas disney mom]

Capitalism= cheaper, faster, better

Thats why people do not expect 10% increases every year. That's why people expect more magic not less.

 

[perdidobay]

Everyone is different, with different pocketbooks, and consumers buy based on perceived value for their spending dollar. We don't see the value in DCL's product anymore for the price. We aren't mad, we're just saying we get a better value elsewhere now. And so we have started sailing other cruise lines.
If we sound like we're ranting, it's that some of us are calling DCL out on the fact they justify their higher than other cruise line rates by claiming they are offering a product beyond that of mainstream cruise lines, then justifying changes to their product that reduce value by claiming they are just going to what is "standard in the mainstream cruise industry". Sorry DCL, you can't be both at the same time.
All they have that others don't is Mickey and pals, and that's what you are paying extra for, in the end.

 

[homie wanna liv]

Everyone is different, with different pocketbooks, and consumers buy based on perceived value for their spending dollar. We don't see the value in DCL's product anymore for the price. We aren't mad, we're just saying we get a better value elsewhere now. And so we have started sailing other cruise lines.
If we sound like we're ranting, it's that some of us are calling DCL out on the fact they justify their higher than other cruise line rates by claiming they are offering a product beyond that of mainstream cruise lines, then justifying changes to their product that reduce value by claiming they are just going to what is "standard in the mainstream cruise industry". Sorry DCL, you can't be both at the same time.
All they have that others don't is Mickey and pals, and that's what you are paying extra for, in the end.

I agree with everyone's situation is different but I do not agree with the majorities perception for ranting. Their bottom line justifies the "higher than other cruise line rates" they don't claim they offer anything better than other lines value wise(apart from the standards you can expect). If people continue to pay then people are justifying the price hikes; if people are willing to pay the business for their services regardless of cost the business will take it. The truth of the matter is DCL can be both at the same time(their earnings proves this) and people are not seeing that, if they are still sailing full with similar included benefits as other lines why would they change it?

 

[jenmiller114]

So maybe its more because we sail in the "off-season" my opinion my be skewed. But the fact of the matter is Disney Cruise Line is a business and every business is there to make money, food costs are rising, transportation costs are rising, and even every little(H2O isn't cheap ) cost could be rising plus stock holders need to make money.

Now regardless of rising costs and keeping up with inflation(~2% generally a year) if the prices stayed the same they would start earning less money year over year, most businesses earn more year over year(they set their goals accordingly). Regardless the ships are still sailing full even with prices hikes and complaints about alcohol(we enjoyed this but we drink what we bring on and what the ship has to offer, so weren't very effected).

I understand people want to voice their opinions and they are entitled to due so, it just gets frustrating when people completely avoid the fact that DCL is a business; they were created to make money. Obviously they offer exceptional service and you get what you pay for. We want to go to Alaska on DCL but they priced us out because they can, which is why GT rates exist. If they price enough people out to where they cannot reach a certain capacity they rather fill the rooms then let them go empty(this is becoming more rare in peak seasons even with rising prices). Also they are definitely raising prices around peak times more so then they were before, that is just good business and how the hospitality industry works.

Does the company you work for raise their prices year over year? If they didn't and had to lay people off to stay a float or do it because they are not meeting sales targets would you be happy?

Just needed to vent because I rarely ever see this mentioned for DCL or the parks for that matter.

I feel the same way. I hate that something that brings families so much joy can cause so much angst. I like coming to the boards to read about suggestions for excursions or about tips to make my trip better. But there is so much negativity lately that I find it very uncomfortable and unwelcoming.

I own a very small business. I have not increased my prices in 8 years. I am lucky that I don't have to pay anyone but myself and I don't really need the income. However, it is still work and it takes me away from my family at times. And the fact is, materials and labor never get cheaper. Every year I say I am going to raise my prices because there is a point where I would rather do 75% of the work I am doing now to make the same amount of money. That is just good business. But I am so afraid of upsetting people that I never have the guts to do it. The difference is, I will be the person who has to hear the complaints and it would hurt my feelings (even if I am doing it for the best interest of my business and my family).

Disney's feelings aren't going to be hurt because there are some disgruntled customers who are complaining about the price hikes. They knew it was going to happen when they raised the prices because no one is EVER going to be happy when they are asked to pay more for something that they used to get for less. I think we should just pin a page to the top for the "official complaint thread". Every person who wants to complain can go there instead of starting thread after thread about how they are leaving Disney and going to another cruise line because they are tired of having services taken away, yet they are having to pay more. I really don't mind those conversations if they are constructive but they rarely are. And at the end of the day, Disney does not care. They have created a product that some people have decided they aren't willing to pay for but there are still plenty of people who are.

And I am with you on the Alaska cruise. I want so badly to do a DCL Alaska sailing but I can't justify the cost. I may cave one day but for now, I am having to look at other options. Perhaps that will motivate me to raise my prices.

Jennifer

 

[homie wanna liv]

I feel the same way. I hate that something that brings families so much joy can cause so much angst. I like coming to the boards to read about suggestions for excursions or about tips to make my trip better. But there is so much negativity lately that I find it very uncomfortable and unwelcoming.

I own a very small business. I have not increased my prices in 8 years. I am lucky that I don't have to pay anyone but myself and I don't really need the income. However, it is still work and it takes me away from my family at times. And the fact is, materials and labor never get cheaper. Every year I say I am going to raise my prices because there is a point where I would rather do 75% of the work I am doing now to make the same amount of money. That is just good business. But I am so afraid of upsetting people that I never have the guts to do it. The difference is, I will be the person who has to hear the complaints and it would hurt my feelings (even if I am doing it for the best interest of my business and my family).

Disney's feelings aren't going to be hurt because there are some disgruntled customers who are complaining about the price hikes. They knew it was going to happen when they raised the prices because no one is EVER going to be happy when they are asked to pay more for something that they used to get for less. I think we should just pin a page to the top for the "official complaint thread". Every person who wants to complain can go there instead of starting thread after thread about how they are leaving Disney and going to another cruise line because they are tired of having services taken away, yet they are having to pay more. I really don't mind those conversations if they are constructive but they rarely are. And at the end of the day, Disney does not care. They have created a product that some people have decided they aren't willing to pay for but there are still plenty of people who are.

And I am with you on the Alaska cruise. I want so badly to do a DCL Alaska sailing but I can't justify the cost. I may cave one day but for now, I am having to look at other options. Perhaps that will motivate me to raise my prices.

Jennifer

Could not have said it better, I used to come here to gather info for future trips and see what they are doing next. The most active threads are the ones complaining about them removing this or that and raising the prices. I also used to like the opening day pricing threads, now its just a show about who can complain the loudest. Great first hand perspective from a small business owner! Thanks for the reply.

 

[Joel0917]

If I could go off season i would. But my wife is a teacher so we can only go on breaks.
From 2012 to 2017 the rate has gone up over 100 percent. That's not just a few percent a year.
I realized dvc points cost more to use in peak times. I realize airfare costs more in peak times.
So when delta raises there prices so much I look to frontier or southwest or even spirit.
Sometimes we just et priced out and have to go another route or another cruise line.
I still come to these boards. I like reading all comments. I like feeling like some people understand and that's what these boards give us.
I still love Disney. I have a 2016 cruise and will look ahead to 2018 to Try and go a less expensive time.
So ill s till come to the boards to learn and read more and get excited fr the next crusie.
Just hearing the new horn on the dream got me all excited about Disney crusie!

 

[cruisehopeful]

And I am with you on the Alaska cruise. I want so badly to do a DCL Alaska sailing but I can't justify the cost. I may cave one day but for now, I am having to look at other options. Perhaps that will motivate me to raise my prices.

We did an Alaska sailing a few years ago and are actually planning another. We are waiting for the 2017 schedule to come out. I have been checking out other cruise lines and honestly, depending on month, the cost isn't as different as it seems. To get the same size room on Princess, for example, we have to book a mini suite, when we are used to the cheapest ocean view room on DCL. The price is almost exactly the same at that point. When I think about the excellent customer service I've had on DCL, especially by the room hosts, I get fearful of trying another line. Plus, at this point, we know the Wonder so well that it is like a vacation home and not a random cruise ship.

I know it depends on how people like to vacation. For us, knowing exactly what we are getting with DCL is good enough for us to stick it out with them. I think we are more concerned with excellent service and consistency than with cruising in general. For those who care more about cruising and who want to cruise often, DCL may not be for them.

 

[PATTERSON PARTY OF 3]

I can see where there are some upset people over the price hikes... I priced a cruise the same time as my 2014 cruise. It was significantly higher.

November 2014 - Disney Fantasy 7 day Eastern Caribbean cost me - $5,644 - booked opening day.

November 2016 - Disney Fantasy 7 day Eastern Caribbean quoted at $8,701 - quoted opening day.

That is significant... Only difference is my daughter will have aged 2 years from 11 to 13. But I am willing to pay it because I prefer the family atmosphere over the party one.

 

[SonicGuy]

So maybe its more because we sail in the "off-season" my opinion my be skewed. But the fact of the matter is Disney Cruise Line is a business and every business is there to make money, food costs are rising, transportation costs are rising, and even every little(H2O isn't cheap ) cost could be rising plus stock holders need to make money.

Now regardless of rising costs and keeping up with inflation(~2% generally a year) if the prices stayed the same they would start earning less money year over year, most businesses earn more year over year(they set their goals accordingly). Regardless the ships are still sailing full even with prices hikes and complaints about alcohol(we enjoyed this but we drink what we bring on and what the ship has to offer, so weren't very effected).

I understand people want to voice their opinions and they are entitled to due so, it just gets frustrating when people completely avoid the fact that DCL is a business; they were created to make money. Obviously they offer exceptional service and you get what you pay for. We want to go to Alaska on DCL but they priced us out because they can, which is why GT rates exist. If they price enough people out to where they cannot reach a certain capacity they rather fill the rooms then let them go empty(this is becoming more rare in peak seasons even with rising prices). Also they are definitely raising prices around peak times more so then they were before, that is just good business and how the hospitality industry works.

Does the company you work for raise their prices year over year? If they didn't and had to lay people off to stay a float or do it because they are not meeting sales targets would you be happy?

Just needed to vent because I rarely ever see this mentioned for DCL or the parks for that matter.

Thanks. Hit the nail right on the head

 

[dclpluto]

I don't blame DCL at all for what they are doing its about supply and demand. With only 4 ships they can charge more than the other cruise lines and still sail full most of the time. I would of loved to go to Europe next year but can't afford it. So I will go on a cheaper cruise with DCL. I been on rccl I know how they are. So not going back. 12 night cruise they had one good show.

 

[pjacobi]

Transportation cost should be falling as oil is way down.

The cruise industry, like airlines, are turning that into extra profit instead of lowering fares.


-Paul

 

[cgolf]

So maybe its more because we sail in the "off-season" my opinion my be skewed. But the fact of the matter is Disney Cruise Line is a business and every business is there to make money, food costs are rising, transportation costs are rising, and even every little(H2O isn't cheap ) cost could be rising plus stock holders need to make money.

Now regardless of rising costs and keeping up with inflation(~2% generally a year) if the prices stayed the same they would start earning less money year over year, most businesses earn more year over year(they set their goals accordingly). Regardless the ships are still sailing full even with prices hikes and complaints about alcohol(we enjoyed this but we drink what we bring on and what the ship has to offer, so weren't very effected).

I understand people want to voice their opinions and they are entitled to due so, it just gets frustrating when people completely avoid the fact that DCL is a business; they were created to make money. Obviously they offer exceptional service and you get what you pay for. We want to go to Alaska on DCL but they priced us out because they can, which is why GT rates exist. If they price enough people out to where they cannot reach a certain capacity they rather fill the rooms then let them go empty(this is becoming more rare in peak seasons even with rising prices). Also they are definitely raising prices around peak times more so then they were before, that is just good business and how the hospitality industry works.

Does the company you work for raise their prices year over year? If they didn't and had to lay people off to stay a float or do it because they are not meeting sales targets would you be happy?

Just needed to vent because I rarely ever see this mentioned for DCL or the parks for that matter.

I feel that we all have a right to point out that compared to other lines in their segment of the cruising market DCL seems to be raising the prices the fastest. As we do every year, we do a price comparison between say NCL, Princess, RCCL, Celebrity, and Holland. In years past DCL slotted somewhere into that mix when we cruised price wise. In 2017 that is no longer true, and we compared a Fantasy cruise to other lines with a similar itinerary, and DCL was 60-100% higher on average for an inside room. When looking at the other lines many of the trips were on their newest ships, so the prices weren't discounted because of an older ship.

I feel most realize that they are a business trying to find their price point. After our 11th and 12th DCL cruises in 2016, we are going to take our cruise business to another line in 2017 to see if we like it or not (we have only sailed DCL).

So yes, DCL is a business and some of us consumers are looking to try another product because of the actions they are taking. This point is different for everyone, many jumped ship a couple of years ago, I guess we waited until it became the thing to do

 

[cgolf]

I feel the same way. I hate that something that brings families so much joy can cause so much angst. I like coming to the boards to read about suggestions for excursions or about tips to make my trip better. But there is so much negativity lately that I find it very uncomfortable and unwelcoming.

I own a very small business. I have not increased my prices in 8 years. I am lucky that I don't have to pay anyone but myself and I don't really need the income. However, it is still work and it takes me away from my family at times. And the fact is, materials and labor never get cheaper. Every year I say I am going to raise my prices because there is a point where I would rather do 75% of the work I am doing now to make the same amount of money. That is just good business. But I am so afraid of upsetting people that I never have the guts to do it. The difference is, I will be the person who has to hear the complaints and it would hurt my feelings (even if I am doing it for the best interest of my business and my family).

Disney's feelings aren't going to be hurt because there are some disgruntled customers who are complaining about the price hikes. They knew it was going to happen when they raised the prices because no one is EVER going to be happy when they are asked to pay more for something that they used to get for less. I think we should just pin a page to the top for the "official complaint thread". Every person who wants to complain can go there instead of starting thread after thread about how they are leaving Disney and going to another cruise line because they are tired of having services taken away, yet they are having to pay more. I really don't mind those conversations if they are constructive but they rarely are. And at the end of the day, Disney does not care. They have created a product that some people have decided they aren't willing to pay for but there are still plenty of people who are.

And I am with you on the Alaska cruise. I want so badly to do a DCL Alaska sailing but I can't justify the cost. I may cave one day but for now, I am having to look at other options. Perhaps that will motivate me to raise my prices.

Jennifer

I think that the recent pricing threads have been very civil, I started one that went pretty long and it was a very good discussion, as is the other active thread right now. Some good points have been made without any argueing.

Now the alcohol threads got completely out of control...

 

[darkwing818]

I tend to agree with the OP. Bottom Line for Disney, like any other Major Company, is the Bottom Line. For the last few years, every time Disney announces the new rates & schedules, there are major complaints on this board about the rate hikes. And as such, each year it seems there more folks opting out & going to other cruise lines. Obviously it makes financial sense for them to leave DCL.
What I had a hard time with, was way DCL implemented the changes, e.g. the "Great Liquor " fiasco, where the new policy went into effect after many folks had already Paid in Full. Personally I thought these actions, greatly lacked Good Customer Care.
Just my opinion. But for us we still haven't reached the point of no return; Yet, but maybe getting close.

 

[bumbershoot]

Raising a 3 night cruise for 3 people by nearly 1k inside of 3 years is absolutely beyond just keeping up with inflation, it's insane. And to do it with the value dropping at the same time shows us they think we are stupid.

Pricing out our "same" cruises since we started with dcl in February 2013 (and we travel during off times) makes me nauseated.

 

[bumbershoot]

Now the alcohol threads got completely out of control...

IMO that was caused solely by those who chose to label the upset people as alcoholics....