Opinions on Disney Cruise price

[kpgclark]

My travel agent told me that Disney typically charges about $1000 more per family than the average cruise line for a comperable cruise. We are considering taking our first family cruise and wonder if you can fill us in on what you get for the additional money.

 

[atigeg]

For us, the big draw is three things:
1) Larger stateroom size (we have paid just as much on RCCL for a much smaller stateroom)
2) Adults-only areas
3) Those wonderful "Disney" touches...lots of pixie dust and the best crew on the ocean!
We did Sovereign of the Seas for comparison, since it does the same route, and we were miserable. It was much cheaper, but although the food and service were good, we didn't like the closet-like stateroom and the generally unkempt appearance of the ship. Even on RCCL's Radiance (a brand-new ship which I must admit is gorgeous), we were still pining for Disney. It's sort of like paying more to stay at a WDW-owned hotel. Some people would never do it, and others (myself included) wouldn't do it any other way. I am willing to pay a little more for the Disney brand, although if you watch, you can get some great deals.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[bkline]

I agree with Barb. I was on the RCCL Monarch and felt like I was in a closet. In addition to stateroom size, adults-only areas, and Disney touches (love them towel animals) I would add if you have chilldren, the amount of space and activities offered to them. Yes there are more kids, but they can get to eat with the other kids (great way to experience Palos). The lab and club space is huge. Check out the children navigators on Barb's website to get an idea of activiites for your children's age group. I'm assuming you have kids since you said family.

 

[myjeep93]

after making many,many calls and spending lots of time online---best deal for dcl was with Cruise.com. They will also match the lowest price you find. Good Luck

 

[tksbaskets]

My DS and her family just got back from a Carnival Cruise with her family of 4 during the week between Christmas and New Years. Her cruise was within $100 of the Disney cruise I was pricing for this year's cruise for the same time period. Disney seems to be right on target with Carnival.

Perhaps this will help.

 

[TnRobin]

Hubby and I are in the process of planning a vacation to Hawaii. Besides the smaller stateroom, if you have kids, they will sleep on top of you (YES on top). The bunks pull out over the parents beds. Not so with Disney they have a seperate area that can be shut off with a curtain.

In addition, on the other cruiselines, if I want my kids to spend lunch at the kids club, I have to pay an hourly fee for babysitting. There are no supervised activities at lunch. With Disney the club is open (an no additional charge for those in Club or Lab) from about 8AM to Midnight (times vary slightly based on what day)

 

[txtara]

This is DH here not the Wife..we happen to work for an air line..so we get 10% if that these days off of the reg dcl rates..this is our 3rd one..what I'm getting at is that we are not eligible for any o/b ship credit or any other perks..now they tell us that we can't even go to the return cruisers ball they throw for us..we are castaway club members, however. but now they say that was in error..I do believe we fly(all the air lines)about 90% of there cruisers..and for the amount of money most of us make..it makes it hard for the average family to indulge themselves more than the usual family..9-5 type..my point is that if a small bag waiting in your room when you board or a small o/b credit will make someone a repeat cruiser then do it..what is there to lose these days..any cruiser is better than none..but to be as rude as they are on the phone with ya..like we are criminals...I understand that "Disney" does not fully own the cruises and that some other company runs and operates it all for them, but they need to cut EVERYONE a break..We are dcl cruisers for life..Once it gets in your blood you are hooked...most of the time you can get the same if not lower prices without our little discount. but its the fact of the matter...Disney is very tight when it comes to discounting anything you buy, but the service you get is un-matched by far by any other cruise line..so that's my gripe, take it for what it is..