Preliminary Cruisin' ??'s

[Eeyore's Girl]

I'm busy doing some cruise pre-planning for DH, DD10, DD3 & myself. I've done one cruise (CCL) and this will be the first time for the rest of the family. I'm thinking we're going to plan far in advance and shoot for a May 2005 date. At that time DD's will be 12 and almost 5 (I will be 29 again).

We are crazy about the Disney parks/resorts. Without asking, I know that the cruises must be just as awesome, magical, etc. Tell me what makes the difference in the higher prices of DCL vs. some of the lower price cruise lines. What are some of the aspects that make it worthwhile for you and your family? Part of the reason for planning so far out is that if we decide to do DCL, we'll have plenty of time for saving for the trip.

We may like to do a land and sea trip, making a stop in Orlando. Just in glancing at some of the brochures I've picked up, it seems DCL makes the land/sea transition more convenient and easier than maybe CCL. Is this true? How do you like the land and sea trip?

Obviously CCL is cheaper, but are we going to pay for the price break in other ways? Will there be lots of non-family type partying, drinking, etc. to tolerate? Are there activities the girls will enjoy as much as DCL activities?

One stupid question - Are the ships' pools still filled with ocean water? I'm expecting a yes answer to this question, but hoping for a no.

Thanks for any help you may have!

 

[DisneyGator01]

There are several reasons why Disney is more... keep in mind a lot of this is just my opinion, and I am pretty biased.. but here's my two cents anyway:

It's more because

1), it's Disney...everyone knows you are going to spend more, and the Disney Brand has the repretation to create such a demand for their product, that they can charge more for it.. simple economics.

2) Without a Casino and less sales from alcoholic beverages, they have to make up for the lower on board revenue.

3) It's a much smaller cruise line--only two ship, so they have a smaller share of the market, less market share means you have to make up for profits somewhere.


Those are my business reasons, but reasons why I am willing to pay more for a DCL cruise, when I can cruise cheaper with other lines are:

1)It's Disney... No one creates magical and memorable experiences quite like Disney. Sure other lines are fun, and treat you well, but it's just not magical like Disney is.

2)I think the entertainment is second to none. It's broadway style, large scale musical productions--featuring my favorite stories and songs--staring great talent. I also enjoy the family theming--it's just more me. Other lines have good, vegas like entertainment--but no one tells a story like Disney. I never got goosebumps in a live performance until I saw Disney Dreams. It was truely a magical, moving experience, and I won't ever forget that show, or how it made me feel---simply wonderful, you just can't discribe the first time you see it.

3) I love the on board activities--I don't gamble, and not a big drinker and a lot of other lines depend heavily on the gambling/drinking for on board adult entertainment. I am really looking forward to the unique educational/entertainment seminars they have on the 7 day too. There always seemed like so much to do on the Disney Ship. On my CCL cruises, and my RCCL cruises, a lot of the time it seemed like the only thing to do was gamble--I can gamble for maybe as long as it takes me to loose $10 bucks in a nickel slot machine--so thats maybe 20 mins of entertainment. I I think the cruise staff on DCL is the best, and so peppy and happy and friendly and always trying to find ways to get people involved and having a good time.

4) I know some people say the food quality is just okay, but DCL food beats out all my other cruising experience. It was way better then the food on the Fantasy or the Sov. of the Seas. Those are smaller and older ships, so that might be a factor, but to me the DCL food is very very good.

5)I love the themed Dining. I love rotating to have a different and completely unique dining experience every night. The atmosphere and story of the restaurant add so much more to the meal.

6)I think the service on DCL is the best as well. Everyone is so friendly and smiling and happy to see you and be there. The bend of backwards to do things for you, and really make you feel special. Great service is a big part of cruising and a lot of lines offer good service, but there is something about Disney.

7)I love having the characters on board. I am 25 and still run and get excited to see Mickey Mouse and his pals. To walk out into the atrium and see Cinderella and Belle, and get your picture with them--it makes you feel like a kid all over again!

8) like the family atmosphere--in my experience, not a lot of partying, drinking, loud music, risque shows or activities. It's nice seeing families together, having fun--doing things together, like dancing in a club, playing bingo, kareoke, etc.

9)I really like the old, oceanliner style of ships. They are classy and always look clean and brand new. Floors polished, brass shining, all the wood freshly teaked. I haven't sailed on any newer ships, but Fantasy and Sov. of the Seas really show their age a lot. I also like all the Disney touches. Disney has sublte but amazing artwork. Everything is so detailed and well thought out. It's fun to just walk around a search out all those little details.

10)Disney Staterooms are larger then any others I have been on. I also love the split bath option on Cat 10 and up.

11)Getting to go to Castaway Cay. No other private island compares.

12)Palo's--food, service amazing.

13)Adult only activities/pools/beaches--gorgeous, quiet, relaxing. I know RCCL's larger and newer ships have adult pools, but no one else has a Serenity Bay!

14)All the first run movies that are offered, better in room channels--love turning on the tv when I am getting ready, or just waking up and watching a movie. Or seeing some new premiere at sea.

Hmm, all I can think of... but I find it definitely worth the extra money. I would rather pay more for better quality. My bargin cruising was cheap, but in the end not worth it to me!

Anyway, that's my two cents... like I said I might be biased, but I have cruised around 2 CCL cruises, 1 RCCL, and 1 Holland America. But once I went on a DCL cruise, never went back to any other lines. Won't sail CCL again, but might try another line again.. but just to see new places (South America/Hawaii/Europe), or get to go to Alaska again.

Hope that helps!

 

[DisneyGator01]

PS.. DCL's pools are fresh water.. that's another plus.. a BIG plus.. I think most other lines are saltwater.

 

[Muushka]

WOW DisneyGator01, that was a great answer! I didn't ask the question, but I am glad I read your reply.

This will be our first cruise. Being such a frugal person that I am, I really did struggle (for about 10 minutes ) with the price we are paying for our 7 night cruise next March. But we looked at it like this: a cruise is a new experience, I can't think of a more comfortable way of introducing ourselves than a Disney cruise. Everything will be familiar to us, which means a lot.

Now, if only we can avoid getting seasick .

 

[Muushka]

oops, double post

 

[jrabbit]

Family vacation time with time for the family together and apart. Your kids will love the clubs. You will love the adult activities that are provided. By adult, we mean that you leave the kids in the clubs and you go and have fun with others that are over 18, not nasty "adult" stuff.

The wait staff are great with the kids. Your DD's might just fall in love for the first time (with the exception of daddy of course).

There are the characters which the kids love (I'm in my 40's and still love the characters).

Its a safe environment. Some parents feel a litte too secure and are not as mindful of the children as they should - DCL does a good job in running a safe ship.

The movies in the theater are free as well as movies in your room (other line charge for this - three cruises never been in the movie theater for a movie)

Mostly a smoke free environment. Smoking allowed outside and in the adult clubs after 9pm.

There are some "adults only" cabarett shows in the clubs after 10pm. I wouldn't hesitate to bring my kids to them. These are the singers, commedians, magicians, jugglers, etc. I don't bring my kids because they are not allowed after 9pm. I would not bring my kids to match your mate, or bim bam boom and some of the other adult game shows.

Note: there are three types of clubs on board: the adults clubs which are for adults only after 9pm, the kids clubs (oceaneers club/lab) and the family club (studio sea). The adult and family clubs host many activities throughout the day and night.


It's a great cruise. If this is your first trip to WDW the land/sea package is convienent BUT there is way to much to do in 3 or 4 days at WDW or on the cruise. If you can swing it financially, go for a longer stay.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

I knew I'd get my answer here - you guys are the best source of information anywhere! I'm sold - DCL here we come!!

DisneyGator01, you've described some of the same reasons we continue to go back to WDW over and over again. The ships sound like a floating Magic Kingdom to me - that's perfect for us!

Oh, I'm with you - I'd pay premium for a freshwater pool.

Thanks again, I got all the answers I was really hoping to find!