Price comparison DCL vs. other lines

[mikewdw]

just thinking of trying a different line than DCL if we could find one for a good savings
our situation is 5 people, 2 adults, 3kids (14, 12, 12) . We really can only go for about 7-10 days in late may or early june(both teachers) its difficult trying to price it on other websites with 5 (have to call)
We love DCL but we have already done their western & eastern carribean itinerary.
are other lines an option for us or is that time about the same price wise? especially considering the size of rooms, we have always done balcony on DCL

any info appreciated
mikewdw

 

[FigmentSpark]

Any time I've priced other lines, I've found their suites to be smaller, unless you book a concierge type.

 

[aggiedog]

There are several threads here regarding this question. Many people like NCL, RCCL. I can't speak to them. I think it's NCL that has the Haven, which is their concierge level and which many posters seem to like for the size of the rooms, etc. We are trying MSC in 2 weeks (!!) for the Med. We got a fantastic deal for their Yacht Club, their "ship within a ship" concierge section. Here's my post from another thread:

How about 1/3 the cost? You can't quite compare apples to apples, as the dates and ports are a bit different. Also, the MSC concierge seems to have, IMHO, a bit more to offer. But, if you compare peak time 2018, 7 night med cruise (because comparing for 2017 would inflate the price of DCL I think) it breaks out like this for 1 adults, 2 kids per room which is how we travel with our 4 kids. The first two MSC prices are for this summer and is their "fantastica" experience which includes dining, free room service, beverage coupons, cooking and language classes for the kids along with the kids clubs, all shows, plus other stuff. The prices aren't exact since each sailing is a bit different in price. Most of their summer 2018 itinerary is not out yet, as far as I can tell, so I can't directly compare 2018 DCL to MSC.

Balcony DCL $7500, MSC $3000
Oceanview DCL $6000, MSC $2000
Concierge (not a suite) DCL $14,000, MSC Yacht Club $4,800

Yes, the DCL rooms are a bit larger, Yes, MSC has a casino. For that price difference, I can handle it. And since we really cruise for the ports, I am hoping we'll be happy to appreciate the difference to the two lines and enjoy our vacation.

For MSC, if you want to do interior rooms, or a slightly more basic package that is just dining, it's even cheaper, but I can't compare prices because they're basically all sold out.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Room may be somewhat smaller but likely packed with storage. You'd be surprised how livable even a smaller space can be. Husband & I spent 14 nights in a room on NCL Escape with both my 18+ sons. It was a full 100 sq ft smaller than the room we spent 14 nights in with them on the Disney Wonder the previous year. No split bath. I actually prefer the single bathrooms. We had no issues with the smaller room. Pros & cons to both. I find square footage isn't a deal breaker for us.

Look after family size rooms on other lines. Seek videos of them on YouTube.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've literally never noticed a difference in the size of rooms. What's important is livability, and cruise ship designers (ship designers for that matter!) excel at that.

So go for the balcony, but don't worry so much about square footage. Find an itinerary you like at a time that works, and shipboard fun that you like, get your balcony, and go from there!

 

[Pens Fan]

One thing to be aware of when comparing square footage is that some cruise lines include the balcony and others list it separately. I may be wrong about this (if I am, someone will be along to correct me!! ), but I'm pretty sure that Disney includes the balcony in their sf. If you are stressing over the room size, I'd definitely recommend taking the time to find out how the cruise lines you are considering calculate it.

I also have always wondered how much difference the split bath on Disney affects the sf. If you take that out of the equation, then your actual living space may be very similar. Of course, giving up the split bath can be very important to some. We are a family of 3, so while it's nice it's really not that big of a deal. I'm actually looking forward to our cruise in a couple of weeks without the split bath. There is only one bathroom, but it's really big. Disney's are almost claustrophobic to me, especially the shower room.

 

[bumbershoot]

I also have always wondered how much difference the split bath on Disney affects the sf. If you take that out of the equation, then your actual living space may be very similar. Of course, giving up the split bath can be very important to some. We are a family of 3, so while it's nice it's really not that big of a deal. I'm actually looking forward to our cruise in a couple of weeks without the split bath. There is only one bathroom, but it's really big. Disney's are almost claustrophobic to me, especially the shower room.

Another family of 3 here. Split bath does very little for us! And I end up confused about which room is which and where my stuff is.

Bigger families or more diverse groups of people sharing a stateroom often will have an eligible person or two go to the locker rooms in the gym on Royal to shower. We haven't needed to do that, but it's a nice option!

 

[cgolf]

We generally do insides, but can attest to the functionality of the storage on other lines. The closet on the Freedom of the seas was very functional and better thought out then our walk in closet at home. They had shelves so that we kept all of our clothes in this closet instead of drawers.

They also had small storage built in on the sides of mirror that was close able for small items, and a medicine cabinet type storage as well.

I have also noticed that the rooms on other lines newer ships are as big if not bigger than DCLs rooms. I think the older ships had smaller rooms. If you really need space, the Celebrity Edge has some rooms/suites that are ridiculously sized

 

[Dug720]

One thing to be aware of when comparing square footage is that some cruise lines include the balcony and others list it separately. I may be wrong about this (if I am, someone will be along to correct me!! ), but I'm pretty sure that Disney includes the balcony in their sf. If you are stressing over the room size, I'd definitely recommend taking the time to find out how the cruise lines you are considering calculate it.

I also have always wondered how much difference the split bath on Disney affects the sf. If you take that out of the equation, then your actual living space may be very similar. Of course, giving up the split bath can be very important to some. We are a family of 3, so while it's nice it's really not that big of a deal. I'm actually looking forward to our cruise in a couple of weeks without the split bath. There is only one bathroom, but it's really big. Disney's are almost claustrophobic to me, especially the shower room.

Another family of 3 here. Split bath does very little for us! And I end up confused about which room is which and where my stuff is.

Bigger families or more diverse groups of people sharing a stateroom often will have an eligible person or two go to the locker rooms in the gym on Royal to shower. We haven't needed to do that, but it's a nice option!

Solo cruiser here who LOVES the split baths for the primary reason that I've got an extra steam/humidity-free space to get ready after a shower - or use the facilities or whatever. I hate having to go back into the single bath before the steam/humidity has had time to clear out. And I don't take STEAMING hot showers!

 

[trvlgirlmq]

Carnival Dream, Magic, Breeze, Vista & Horizon have OV cabins that sleep 5. You can book them online no need to call to check prices.

 

[mevelandry]

I only have tried Carnival in between DCL cruises. I did not feel like the room was smaller and the layout of the storage was excellent. And it was much more affordable than DCL.

 

[bumbershoot]

I hate having to go back into the single bath before the steam/humidity has had time to clear out. And I don't take STEAMING hot showers!

Not doubting your experience; I wasn't there. But I've never had that issue in our rooms on royal.

That said, I tend to do makeup at the big mirror in the living space, not in the bathroom.

 

[xlxo]

It's not just price.... it's also different ports and itineraries that are available to you with other cruise lines that have much more than 4 ships.

 

[cmwade77]

Honestly, we just priced out Carnival (generally considered one of the cheapest lines there is) and they were about $1,000 for a three night cruise for the two of us and that doesn't count the extra $150 or so for the soda package. Nor does it count the added cost of steakhouse selections that would be included on Disney or the cost of the theaters that have an upcharge (IMAX and Thrill) that would also be included on Disney. This means our real total would be around $1,300 for the Carnival Cruise given what we would tend to eat and drink and do for entertainment while on board.

For Disney a similar cruise on the same dates would be about $1,500 for the two of us, meaning a difference of only about $200 to get the Disney cruise. And that doesn't factor in taxes in the drinks while in U.S. waters on Carnival.

 

[cruiser21]

One thing to be aware of when comparing square footage is that some cruise lines include the balcony and others list it separately. I may be wrong about this (if I am, someone will be along to correct me!! ), but I'm pretty sure that Disney includes the balcony in their sf. If you are stressing over the room size, I'd definitely recommend taking the time to find out how the cruise lines you are considering calculate it.

I also have always wondered how much difference the split bath on Disney affects the sf. If you take that out of the equation, then your actual living space may be very similar. Of course, giving up the split bath can be very important to some. We are a family of 3, so while it's nice it's really not that big of a deal. I'm actually looking forward to our cruise in a couple of weeks without the split bath. There is only one bathroom, but it's really big. Disney's are almost claustrophobic to me, especially the shower room.

The oceanviews on DCL seem larger then the verandahs...you may be right.
Carnival has staterooms that are bigger or comparable to DCL. Their new ships have some oceanview rooms with the split bath. I've priced out the Haven on Ncl, and if you can find a cruise on the Escape or Getaway with the 3rd and 4th passenger free the price is comparable to a standard DCL verandah room. .

 

[Dug720]

Not doubting your experience; I wasn't there. But I've never had that issue in our rooms on royal.

That said, I tend to do makeup at the big mirror in the living space, not in the bathroom.

It's not just make-up (which I don't really do). It's even having to go back in to pee.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Honestly, we just priced out Carnival (generally considered one of the cheapest lines there is) and they were about $1,000 for a three night cruise for the two of us and that doesn't count the extra $150 or so for the soda package. Nor does it count the added cost of steakhouse selections that would be included on Disney or the cost of the theaters that have an upcharge (IMAX and Thrill) that would also be included on Disney. This means our real total would be around $1,300 for the Carnival Cruise given what we would tend to eat and drink and do for entertainment while on board.

For Disney a similar cruise on the same dates would be about $1,500 for the two of us, meaning a difference of only about $200 to get the Disney cruise. And that doesn't factor in taxes in the drinks while in U.S. waters on Carnival.

A couple of things:

1. Soda package for 2 people on a 3 night cruise would be $59 including gratuities;
2. Disney doesn't have anything equal to the $20 steakhouse selections on Carnival (Carnival also offers and everyday steak included in your cruise fare - the Steakhouse Selections are way above any "normal" MDR steak);
3. Both the IMAX and Thrill Theatre are only on 2 newest ships - the Vista and the upcoming Horizon (Breeze only has the Thrill Theatre). On a 3 day cruise, what makes you think you'll have time to do both of these add on experiences. Disney doesn't have an IMAX theatre or the Thrill Theatre on board their ships - just a regular movie theatre.
4. I can't find a 3 night Vista or Horizon cruise.

 

[mevelandry]

Honestly, we just priced out Carnival (generally considered one of the cheapest lines there is) and they were about $1,000 for a three night cruise for the two of us and that doesn't count the extra $150 or so for the soda package. Nor does it count the added cost of steakhouse selections that would be included on Disney or the cost of the theaters that have an upcharge (IMAX and Thrill) that would also be included on Disney. This means our real total would be around $1,300 for the Carnival Cruise given what we would tend to eat and drink and do for entertainment while on board.

For Disney a similar cruise on the same dates would be about $1,500 for the two of us, meaning a difference of only about $200 to get the Disney cruise. And that doesn't factor in taxes in the drinks while in U.S. waters on Carnival.

1000$ for a 3 nights on a Carnival ship? Which ship? Which itinerary? That is strange.

Disney doesn't have steakhouse selections... Carnival does have steaks that are not an extra fee, just like Disney does.

The soda package is just 7$/pp per night on Carnival. I don't know where you get that 150$ price from...

You'll pay taxes on a Disney ship as well.

 

[samily]

I recently priced out cruises for next year for mid June for our family of 5. We like to stay in 2 cabins (at least one being a balcony) unless it is a large enough suite. The Fantasy was 12,800 for a balcony and inside room or 11,600 for a family balcony (I won't smoosh into this cabin though, was just pricing out of curiosity).

The Oasis of the Seas was 6400 for 2 boardwalk balconies - each cabin included a soda package for 2 and a complimentary meal at Johnny Rockets for everyone.

MSC Seaside was 5300 for 2 connecting balconies. If I am remembering correctly it also included 12 coupons each for free drinks (including alcoholic for the adults), free drinks at mealtimes, and free wifi.

So all that to say yes, we have found significant price differences for that time of year

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Carnival Dream, Magic, Breeze, Vista & Horizon have OV cabins that sleep 5. You can book them online no need to call to check prices.

These staterooms also have a better bathroom, 1 is a full bathroom with shower, toilet and sink and the other is a tub/shower combo with a sink.