Priced out

[Club Disney Chandler]

We sailed on a 7 day western caribbean cruise (cozumel, grand cayman and jamaica) last March on Liberty of the Seas and including the premium drink package for my wife and I our total was about $2500 for an interior stateroom (daughter is terrified of a room with a balcony).

I would put the ship itself above The Disney Fantasy without question. The service was far below Disney, but the food was comparable and the price was almost half. We're going back the DCL next year but can only afford a 4 night because of the cost.

I'm so bummed we had to cancel our Liberty cruise we were supposed to take this October! I scored one of the Family Panarama suites for the first week of October. We had to pay for 5 people to book the room but the total price was only $3200 and we would have been able to have this view everyday I really enjoyed your video, I need to be on a ship soon!

 

[ldo]

we have definitely been priced out of Spring Break, even for just a quad OV cabin, there's not much left to downgrade, as inside is about the same cost. We just can't cruise off season b/c of school. We did an 8 day RCCL last Easter for $2500 for quad OV. Great deal and very good cruise, but my teens would still rather take a 4 day DCL that goes to Nassau or even nowhere over a 7 day on another line. I also feel RCCL is a downgrade for us. My teens like the DCL shows, themed dining and pm entertainment. They don't use the RCCL sports facilities, so there is not much for them to do. We actually took board games, which worked out well, as we had 2 hours each sea day of a family game. But, we will probably cruise less in the future if DCL prices us out next Spring break.

 

[tinkerone]

Who says it's downgrading or sacrificing? An oceanview room with a massive porthole that has its own built-in seating is awesome. So are the beautiful Disney classic ships, with their classy ocean liner style, plethora of activities and excellent service. I also don't happen to be interested in a long Caribbean cruise, as the ports are relatively repetitive. In Europe I'd happily sail for a week, given the variety of ports, but there's only so much sandy beach I want to lay on during a trip, especially if I'm combining the cruise with a WDW visit.

The people "downgrading" are the ones switching to lines that offer lesser service, fewer family activities/entertainment and less attractive ships, to save money. Nothing wrong with downgrading to save money, of course- it's a logical response when money is tight. I just thought I'd clarify since the term was used towards me in a negative way.

If a person complains about being "priced out" of DCL's most overpriced offering: a 7-day cruise in a mid-ship balcony stateroom on the Fantasy in summer season, yet could afford many other great DCL options but chooses not to, then they're throwing a pity party that I'll choose not to attend.

That's a bit harsh. I don't think anyone is asking you to attend what you feel is their pity party.
You may feel that people are 'downgrading' if they cruise other lines, I don't. Doesn't make me right or wrong. Same goes for you, doesn't make you right or wrong.
Money for us is not tight. I could cruise however I want however I choose not to spend on DCL for a week what I can spend for two weeks on another ship. That other ship may not have the same family activities/entertainment but from what I have seen and booked it seems to have more. Less attractive ship? Not Disney designed but not less attractive. Lesser service? Don't know yet but I doubt it would be $2000 worth of lesser service.
Some people choose not to sail less than 7 days. For us, we have to drive 26 hours or fly at a high cost so doing this for a 3/4 day cruise is pouring salt in the wound so to speak. Also, while you seem to feel that sailing anytime is okay, for those with children in school it is not always a possibility so that option is not valid for some.
Don't discount others feelings because you don't see the same way. No one has requested or wants your pity. They want to voice their thoughts and feelings which are every bit as valid as yours. I get what your saying but please understand that others don't have to be saying the same thing or else be wrong.

 

[Shanti]

I get what your saying but please understand that others don't have to be saying the same thing or else be wrong.

Read the post I was responding to. It was quite harsh towards me- telling me I was "downgrading & sacrificing for the sake of Disney", just because I'd suggested some more affordable DCL options, so I defended myself.

Like I said, there's nothing wrong with downgrading, economizing, sailing different lines like RCL or Carnival, or making different choices other than a 7-night summer mid-ship balcony cruise on the Disney Fantasy (which I myself neither could afford nor want). But this "Priced Out" thread is based on the OPs anger that he can't afford only DCL's most overpriced cruise option, & he wants sympathy/commiseration, instead of other options. So in that case, I don't think it's out of line to call it a pity party.

 

[ldo]

If you have teens that like sports/adventure, I would consider the Freedom and Voyager class ships (on which you can get really good deals) an "upgrade" for teen/adult activities with flow rider, ice skating, rock walls. Those activities are all free and can make for a great family cruise.

 

[tinkerone]

Like I said, there's nothing wrong with downgrading, economizing, sailing different lines like RCL or Carnival, or making different choices than a summer mid-ship balcony cruise on the Disney Fantasy (which I myself neither could afford nor want). But this "Priced Out" thread is based on the OPs anger that he can't afford only DCL's most overpriced cruise option, & he wants sympathy/comisseration, instead of other options. So in that case, I don't think it's out of line to call it a pity party.

I do.

 

[Shanti]

I do.

Then we'll have to agree to disagree. That's characteristic of a forum: different viewpoints. I wish you happy cruises.

 

[keaster]

That's a bit harsh. I don't think anyone is asking you to attend what you feel is their pity party.
You may feel that people are 'downgrading' if they cruise other lines, I don't. Doesn't make me right or wrong. Same goes for you, doesn't make you right or wrong.
Money for us is not tight. I could cruise however I want however I choose not to spend on DCL for a week what I can spend for two weeks on another ship. That other ship may not have the same family activities/entertainment but from what I have seen and booked it seems to have more. Less attractive ship? Not Disney designed but not less attractive. Lesser service? Don't know yet but I doubt it would be $2000 worth of lesser service.
Some people choose not to sail less than 7 days. For us, we have to drive 26 hours or fly at a high cost so doing this for a 3/4 day cruise is pouring salt in the wound so to speak. Also, while you seem to feel that sailing anytime is okay, for those with children in school it is not always a possibility so that option is not valid for some.
Don't discount others feelings because you don't see the same way. No one has requested or wants your pity. They want to voice their thoughts and feelings which are every bit as valid as yours. I get what your saying but please understand that others don't have to be saying the same thing or else be wrong.

I agree with you! We have done only two 3 & 4 night cruises (one DVC member to try it out, the other was an awesome bounce back offer) but we definitely prefer 7 day or longer because we have to fly. Short cruises just don't have enough value for us as it seems we just get there and next thing we know it's over!

Also as our daughter is getting closer to high school, pulling her out during off peak sailing times just isn't going to work. In our Canadian school district there is no "fall break" as I see many American schools seem to have.

 

[Shanti]

As our daughter is getting closer to high school, pulling her out during off peak sailing times just isn't going to work. In our Canadian school district there is no "fall break" as I see many American schools seem to have.

Yes, I won't pull my son out of school either, even for one day, for any trip. We don't get fall break in my Texas school district, just summer vacation, a 2 week winter break, & a 1-week spring break. The time the OP wanted, summer vacation, is DCL's most expensive time. Both spring break & winter break are more affordable than summer. Both of my family's cruises are winter break cruises. Cheaper than summer, not as cheap as fall (hurricane season), but we can't sail in fall anyway, & wouldn't even want to.

 

[Ofinn]

Who says it's downgrading or sacrificing? An oceanview room with a massive porthole that has its own built-in seating is awesome. So are the beautiful Disney classic ships, with their classy ocean liner style, plethora of activities and excellent service. I also don't happen to be interested in a long Caribbean cruise, as the ports are relatively repetitive. In Europe I'd happily sail for a week, given the variety of ports, but there's only so much sandy beach I want to lay on during a trip, especially if I'm combining the cruise with a WDW visit.

The people "downgrading" are the ones switching to lines that offer lesser service, fewer family activities/entertainment and less attractive ships, to save money. Nothing wrong with downgrading to save money, of course- it's a logical response when money is tight. I just thought I'd clarify since the term was used towards me in a negative way.

If a person complains about being "priced out" of DCL's most overpriced offering: a 7-day cruise in a mid-ship balcony stateroom on the Fantasy in summer season, yet could afford many other great DCL options but chooses not to, then they're throwing a pity party that I'll choose not to attend.

Pity party? A little condescending huh? Or are you just a Disney obsessed. Not everyone can cruise in the offseason. Some people have kids in school, and some people teach kids in school. A porthole room on the Fantasy or dream is not much less than a verandah. Good luck saving thousands on that. Plethora of activities? All cruise lines have this. Excellent service? I've had excellent and bad service on DCL. So you don't want to go to Europe? Well some of us want to go Europe, and don't care about going to WDW. If your happy with your 3 day Bahamas cruises and WDW every year then have it. It's not for everyone. I don't feel like I'm downgrading sailing on the new Carnival Vista. I feel like I'm upgrading from the old Magic. I'm also going on a fantastic Med itinerary on a brand new ship.

I would love to know what your cruise experience is....to make such judgements.

I don't think anywhere on here is looking for pity just stating the facts.

 

[Shanti]

Not everyone can cruise in the offseason. Some people have kids in school, and some people teach kids in school... So you don't want to go to Europe? Well some of us want to go Europe.

Did you even read my post? I wrote that "In Europe I'd happily sail for a week". Calm down & read before responding next time.

In another post, I also mentioned that I have a child in school with no fall break, so we cruise during winter vacation, not offseason. I'm a teacher of children, as well, btw, so no offseason discount cruises are available for me.

Since you don't want to read or genuinely communicate, but rather just want to argue, I'm checking out. I hope you have a great cruise on whatever line you choose, just as I said in my prior post on this thread.

 

[Ofinn]

Did you even read my post? I wrote that "In Europe I'd happily sail for a week". Calm down & read before responding next time.

In another post, I also mentioned that I have a child in school with no fall break, so we cruise during winter vacation, not offseason. I'm a teacher of children, as well, btw, so no offseason discount cruises are available for me.

Since you don't want to read or genuinely communicate, but rather just want to argue, I'm checking out. I hope you have a great cruise on whatever line you choose, just as I said in my prior post on this thread.

Excuse me but what does "In Europe I'd happily sail for a week" mean. I can't tell by your post. Instead of accusing me of poor reading comprehension. Maybe your should explain yourself better. Anyway I'm not going to get baited into a trivial debate with you...so not worth my time. Enjoy your WDW vacations and DCL cruises. I apologize for misunderstanding what you wrote, but don't come to a thread and accuse people of having a pity party.. or downgrading because they choose other vacations besides Disney....as my kids would say... not cool.

 

[BigredNole]

If you cant afford the itinerary you want, the time of year you want, and the type room you want then I consider that to be priced out. I wouldnt spend 3k on a 3 day cruise just to sail on Disney nor would I stay in a value resort just to stay on Disney property. I want a certain level of comfort wnen I vacation, and Im not willing to sacrafice that for the Disney name. You may be happy downgrading your room and shortening your vacation to sail on dcl, but not everyone is.

I am right there with (except Value resorts...I love them). I will put my last 3 1-week trips to WDW against almost anyone's and see who got the better deal. There are much better deals and if you look you can save a ton. The only way I am going to start cruising is by taking my wife and daughter on a Disney cruise. The simple fact is if they don't like cruising, at least the Disney experience will cover it. If they do like cruising, I will save $2k-$3k on other cruise lines.

 

[brewcrew]

Prices are determined by demand. Higher demand (for examples summer and holidays) = higher prices. Lower demand = lower prices. It all comes down to this. If Disney can still fill their ships even with higher prices, they will (like any other cruise line).

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

If you have teens that like sports/adventure, I would consider the Freedom and Voyager class ships (on which you can get really good deals) an "upgrade" for teen/adult activities with flow rider, ice skating, rock walls. Those activities are all free and can make for a great family cruise.

When you look at their website it sounds all great until you're actually on the ship. lol.
We tried RCCL when our kids were 12 & 9 on Explorer of the Seas to Bermuda. The rock climbing wall was only open 1 day of a 5 night cruise, so of course the line was an hour long.
We did take them ice skating once but their ice skating show coincided with main dining so one must choose one or the other. Also they include 12 yr olds with the teen group so ds was in with mostly older kids up to age 17. It didn't offer many organized activities. A curved sofa around a little dance floor and some pay-for-internet computers. A lot of "hanging in the teen club" time. Can you see that passing for kids entertainment for a 12 yr old on DCL? Even by the time he was 15 and we were planning an Alaskan cruise and I briefly considered other lines, he heard us talking from the other end of the house & came running in to beg for DCL.
Also this is my "favorite" picture that I snapped as we walked past a bar. It's just beyond tacky.

 

[bcwife76]

@ruadisneyfan2 yikes! Tacky for sure. Jeepers! My girls are younger so climbing walls and flow riders hold no appeal. While my oldest loves to ice skate, my youngest is terrified of it (and we're Canadian lol isn't it supposed to be in our blood?!) DCL offers something for everyone in my family so for now, we're good with paying more for the Mouse.

 

[Mich408]

The grandparents so graciously offered to take our family of 5 on a Alaskan Disney Cruise next summer. Fantastic! Pricing out a 1 bedroom room for us (we need to be able to close off room for sleeping toddler naps) and 1 bedroom for my parents, departing in July has left us with a grand total of $48,000. Thats for TWO rooms, 4 adults and 3 littles. Before airfare, alcohol and excursions. WHAT THE WHAT? Who in the world can afford to go on Disney Cruise? What am I missing? Someone tell me that my sticker shock is valid.

 

[Ofinn]

The grandparents so graciously offered to take our family of 5 on a Alaskan Disney Cruise next summer. Fantastic! Pricing out a 1 bedroom room for us (we need to be able to close off room for sleeping toddler naps) and 1 bedroom for my parents, departing in July has left us with a grand total of $48,000. Thats for TWO rooms, 4 adults and 3 littles. Before airfare, alcohol and excursions. WHAT THE WHAT? Who in the world can afford to go on Disney Cruise? What am I missing? Someone tell me that my sticker shock is valid.

Concierge on DCL is for the rich. Some millionaire will book those rooms.

 

[Hundredacre]

Oh no I was just on carnival's site. Spring break 2018 eastern Caribbean. 7 night eastern Caribbean with 4 ports. $4200 two rooms with balcony. We were planning on dcl... but their lousy schedule is not out yet. Same cruise on dcl 2017 $12000 ( 2 rooms inside not balcony). I have it on hold. What should we do?

 

[cmph]

Also this is my "favorite" picture that I snapped as we walked past a bar. It's just beyond tacky.

What on earth?? What was the theme in that area, may I ask? My mind is all over the place, and nothing is vaguely appropriate...