Riddle me that; cruise sales everywhere...

[miller4x4]

For my information, I went and looked at the most recent booking thread. I counted (with minimal mistakes, I hope) and I have rounded the numbers in relation to Castaway Club status.

We will assume for argument, although, I'm sure it's not true, that someone that reported a price, booked the cruise.

Platinum - 70
Gold - 125
Silver - 160

Interesting that the cruisers with the youngest relationship with Disney reported the most prices.

Something to keep in mind with those numbers is the quantity of pool to pick from diminishes with the exclusivity of the status.
I would be willing to bet that the percentages relative to the total in each group is pretty close.

 

[cvjw]

Yes, we would totally have to book *GT in the future to cruise Disney. (We're silver, and we sailed on only one previous Disney cruise that we loved and one NCL one that we really didn't.) In fact, we just booked the Nov 25 Merrytime WC on the Fantasy VGT and the price seems almost too good to be true. The VGT rate is $2847 through Disney (we booked thru a cruise wholesaler for $2700 for 2 adults including taxes), which is somehow cheaper than the IGT rate of $3169!

I'm assuming that kind of discount is a real fluke? I'm not seeing anything similarly discounted (especially for verandah class) on any of the other cruises available this fall. But we would likely have to find that kind of pricing to make the vacation affordable for us. Spending $3K is about our limit for a vacation.

We paid $2700 for 2 adults for the 9/29 sailing on the fantasy. It was a vgt rate. It was wonderful!

 

[hanscarlet]

I think it's the two main target groups - families with kids and loyal, staunch DCLers. The families with kids - sure you can go to a cheaper alternative and many do, but many consider the ~$1500 price difference and suck it up and go with it because they want to spend their once a year vacation on an awesome Disney experience that will provide memories that will last a lifetime. The loyal, staunch DCLers are not the ones constantly complaining about prices and still going, they are the ones that will always go, sometimes will also sail other lines and others will never consider another line but they always go DCL at least once a year... there are a lot more of them out there than we think and I'd guess half of them don't have kids. These are the folks that contribute to why the service level is so high on these ships, they are regulars for the services provided and they are a big target market that acts like a sure thing revenue source.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am gold and called in on opening day to get pricing for March 2019 but did not book due to the pricing. However we did pull the trigger and booked a VGT on a 4-night Dream cruise next month for just DH and I, we found the pricing reasonable and we have airline credit we have to use by year's end!

I think that may be what we do now, just wait to see the *GT rates and see if they work for us.

December 11? We booked that too, because the VGT rate just called to us!! If so, please join the cruise meet thread here! I feel lonely there.

 

[Mil leech]

I have sailed Carnival, NCL and Princess. I am an avowed Disney fan, I own 4 DVC properties. I like the product they provide my family with being able to relax yet have activities when I want them. I feel comfortable with the product Disney is providing. I am not however tied to cruising, if an itinerary doesn't work out, I will most likely take a land vacation instead. I think the only way I could get DH on a ship is if it's DCL and my DD7 loves them. So if the price is right and the schedule works, we will sail DCL again. However I will probably have sticker shock, our first DCL was on a military rate and the second was on a 25% discount after a hurricane.

 

[cgolf]

Yes, I do think a huge part of other lines' pricing is about the casinos. Once you are on DCL they really aren't going to get that much money. Yes there is a bit of Bingo, specialty drinks, and souvenirs but it is also possible to go and not spend a dime and the other lines have those things in addition to the casino. Also, the fact that the other lines' have a higher percentage of people over 21 spending money.

For those of us that don't gamble, I will gladly take that deal. Whether we are on RCCL or DCL we have always had a hard time spending our onboard credit. The only time we spent a lot onboard was the first couple of cruises and the first DCL Hawaii cruise. There are really good deals out there if you are not tied to one line. I will say though that there are definitely some that are loyal to RCCL, just like there are many that loyal to DCL, we met a few on our first RCCL cruise. To be honest, we aren't even Disney fans, DCL just happened to be the line we spent our first 12 cruises on and enjoyed the trips

It also helps that we rarely drink, even if we go out around home. Used to have ties to the beer business and the markup there just irritates me. That alone saves us quite a bit of money.

To the OP, you obviously are in a situation where you can afford it, or are newer to DCL and see the value in the price. We are in the category of we can afford it, but don't see the value anymore, product is not as good as it used to be in our opinion. As I have said other places, DCL has a great product that they can market to families, and just being Disney will draw in many people that will be willing to pay for the brand.

 

[cgolf]

Also really don't think anyone needs to defend DCL, as I don't think anyone is outright bashing them on these threads. Many are encountering some disappointment that they can't sail DCL as often or at all and are coming on here for support. The pricing threads have been very tame compared to the alcohol policy threads.

 

[kaseyC]

I also have to add from the perspective of one who has been sailing DCL for a long time and a member of these boards for a long time as well, that the recent opening day waits and such were nothing compared to what it used to be like. Ask anyone who has been on these boards for a long time. We had crazy long waits plus we watched the prices increase within minutes. That happened at almost every new release. This time, I didn't even bother to call on Platinum day. I waited until bookings were opened to the public, went on line and found the sailing I wanted for Spring Break 2019, looked at the price and thought it was reasonable so I then called DCL with less than a 10 min wait transferred a booking to that sailing. I got the midship Cat T I wanted at opening day prices. There was plenty of availability. A few years ago, I could have never waited like that and got the midship T I wanted at opening day prices.

 

[John VN]

Just reviewed some rates as we have another Dream 1 BR Concierge soon and a RCL Oasis Crown Loft next year. Absolutely love the 1 BR Concierge but the Crown Loft appears that it should equal/exceed our expectations and be around $5,000 less.

 

[kaseyC]

Just reviewed some rates as we have another Dream 1 BR Concierge soon and a RCL Oasis Crown Loft next year. Absolutely love the 1 BR Concierge but the Crown Loft appears that it should equal/exceed our expectations and be around $5,000 less.

We did the Crown Loft on the Harmony last year for Spring Break. Since you are a Cat. T cruiser (like us)you will love the Crown Loft and RCCL's Royal Suite perks. Our Spring Break cruise on the Harmony was $17K less than a Cat. T on the Fantasy for the same week and basically the same Western Caribbean itinerary.

 

[BartmanLA]

Reading over this thread you'd almost think that DCL sails with half empty ships with disgruntled passengers who feel they paid too much to cruise. While I do believe that they're not having any trouble filling the ships up for the itineraries they release, comparing DCL to the some of the other cruise lines like Carnival. RCCL and NCL is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. At least in my opinion, the key demographic for Disney is obviously families with kids. That's their bread and butter, and additionally there are many adults (with out kids) that enjoy DCL because they're not into gambling or drinking. so they have a very loyal fan base that chooses to sail with DCL simply because of the experience that they get is what they expect. The continued existence of the cruise industry will always keep evolving and changing as the demands of the sailing public keep changing and growing. I think the proof in the pudding as it were, for DCL will be once they start rolling out the new ships, if the can "evolve" and add itineraries and destinations that appeal to the cruising public. I see no reason why they can't sustain the high booking capacity they have now. Bottom line is, if you're a "one and done" DCL cruiser, thanks for giving the Mouse a chance, repeat cruisers are going to sustain DCL's legacy for many years to come and keep adding to those roles potentially with every new family that boards one of their ships.

 

[cyclenut]

Those cruise sales are indeed interesting. So many ways to avoid paying "full price". That's the thing though. Those other lines are feeding off that "sale" mentality that some people have. They want to create a feeding frenzy. Act now to get the best price. We are giving you a huge, never before seen, discount if you book today. They are trying to capture the moment and everyone has their moment at a different time, so they bombard the senses with their "sales".

Rest assured, those cruise lines are doing just fine with their "sale price". They want to fill the ships and they know that some will pay more than others. That's their model. I joined Carnival casino club and spent some money pulling on that stupid handle. Now I get special "casino" offers. I have a co-worker who spends so much time in the casinos on NCL, they get free cruises (think comped rooms in Las Vegas for high rollers).

Those sales are all about trying to find a way to get people to "act now" and book. Oh, and if you've ever tried to actually book a cruise at that price, you'll realize how difficult it is. Once you start the booking process, every step of the way you are asked if you want to spend "just $10 per person per night more" for some "upgrade" or another. Those prices also never include port fees or taxes. By the time you get your final total, it is often substantially higher than that "sale price". Then, as you get closer, more "offers". Pre-pay your shore excursions and save. Upgrade to a suite. Carnival has "Faster to the Fun". Those "offers" continue once on board too. Then, when you get home, even if you did not book on board, more "offers" to get you back on the ship ASAP.

Those sales may appear to lower the value of the brand, but it's a tried and true method for getting people to book.

 

[cgolf]

Those cruise sales are indeed interesting. So many ways to avoid paying "full price". That's the thing though. Those other lines are feeding off that "sale" mentality that some people have. They want to create a feeding frenzy. Act now to get the best price. We are giving you a huge, never before seen, discount if you book today. They are trying to capture the moment and everyone has their moment at a different time, so they bombard the senses with their "sales".

Rest assured, those cruise lines are doing just fine with their "sale price". They want to fill the ships and they know that some will pay more than others. That's their model. I joined Carnival casino club and spent some money pulling on that stupid handle. Now I get special "casino" offers. I have a co-worker who spends so much time in the casinos on NCL, they get free cruises (think comped rooms in Las Vegas for high rollers).

Those sales are all about trying to find a way to get people to "act now" and book. Oh, and if you've ever tried to actually book a cruise at that price, you'll realize how difficult it is. Once you start the booking process, every step of the way you are asked if you want to spend "just $10 per person per night more" for some "upgrade" or another. Those prices also never include port fees or taxes. By the time you get your final total, it is often substantially higher than that "sale price". Then, as you get closer, more "offers". Pre-pay your shore excursions and save. Upgrade to a suite. Carnival has "Faster to the Fun". Those "offers" continue once on board too. Then, when you get home, even if you did not book on board, more "offers" to get you back on the ship ASAP.

Those sales may appear to lower the value of the brand, but it's a tried and true method for getting people to book.

The funny part is that the sales really aren't sales. When we price out each sale, the difference is always just a few dollars different than the previous sale. Kind of like a lot of store closing deals where people buy at 10 to 20% off, not realizing that they are actually spending more because the price was raised right before the discounts were set.

 

[cruiser21]

Non stop cruise sales abound, half off, free gratuities, free everything, cheap fares, free WiFi, Why? Fill the ship for the casinos?

I find it intriguing, as other cruise lines seem to have "going out of business" sales year round, DCL prices go up.

Our family has our reasons on why we just booked our third Disney cruise, I was pleased with the price I got, actuallly a little surprised it was not higher, so happy.

"Riddle me that".. DCL is in high demand, 4 to 6 hour wait tines on the first 3 days for return cruisers on opening day for sailing only the first 5 months of the year, why the demand? I know my reason for our families demand, but why in the wake of other cruise lines selling for half the price of DCL can DCL keep raising theirs?

Surely, not the majority of cruisers are one cruise and done with DCL?

We as a family have no desire to sail another line, I find it fascinating DCL smiles in the wake of other lines basically giving away their product.

Tis the season for sales. Disney's had a lot of sales too. Look at the GT/MTO/FLR thread. It's always this way in the Fall. Another factor cruiselines are experiencing this Fall is a lack of ports. I believe most cruiselines won't be returning to the Eastern Caribbean until Dec or January.

Not only do cruiselines keep adding more ships. How many ships do Royal, NCL and Carnival have compared to DCL?...just saying. The ships keep keep getting bigger and bigger. We tried to book a cruise last minute on the Carnival Vista. There were only a handful of undesirable rooms left. We ended up booking a VGT on the Magic and got a mid ship balcony...hmm.

I'm not sure what your implying, but I think the cruise industry is doing very well. I'm not too worried about any cruiseline going out of business. As far as the 3-6 hour hold time. A lot of that is TA's checking prices for clients. DCL tends to make a big deal out of new itinerary's. and then they come out and its the same itinerary's they've had for the last 5 years. Just an FYI if you wait until around 4pm on opening day you'll get right through.

 

[xlxo]

The secret is the pixie dust. As one gets older... you need more of it to get the same high.

 

[cruiser21]

I'm also not sure what you mean by other cruiseines giving their product away. If I pay 3-5k to take my family on a cruise instead of DCL's 6-10k. What I'm getting a freebie? I think not. In your mind if a cruise doesn't cost some outrageous price. It must not be a worthy?

 

[John VN]

The funny part is that the sales really aren't sales. When we price out each sale, the difference is always just a few dollars different than the previous sale. Kind of like a lot of store closing deals where people buy at 10 to 20% off, not realizing that they are actually spending more because the price was raised right before the discounts were set.

The savvy sailor has done the comparison and usually finds that those "sales that really aren't sales" are indeed maybe minimal in reduction but maximal when compared to DCL. Following our Crown Loft sailing we will be booking a STAR Class on Oasis.

 

[Tootles75]

We paid $2700 for 2 adults for the 9/29 sailing on the fantasy. It was a vgt rate. It was wonderful!

Excellent to hear there are other cruises with great VGT rates (still can't fathom how/why it's less than inside--but happy it was available). I'm going to keep an eye out for these going forward too. I'm awaiting our cabin assignment on the 11/25 one but can't imagine we'd be too disappointed in even the lowest category since we've never done the verandah before anyway and we're not particular about what part of the ship we're in.

 

[Tootles75]

That's their bread and butter, and additionally there are many adults (with out kids) that enjoy DCL because they're not into gambling or drinking. so they have a very loyal fan base that chooses to sail with DCL simply because of the experience that they get is what they expect.

That's the case (sort of) for me and my husband. While we love video slots, we don't drink much or do nightclubs, so on our one other cruise on NCL Dawn we often found ourselves bored or not sure what to do at night. The broadway-style shows on Disney were right up our alley, but Blue Man Group made us both fall asleep and the cirque dinner show, while nice, wasn't anything we hadn't seen at a bunch of other grander cirque shows. We also didn't enjoy hte freestyle dining the way we expected to, preferring the more special atmosphere of seeing/knowing your regular servers each night. We found ourselves missing Disney quite a bit, but obviously we don't have much to compare to. I'm interested to see if a second Disney cruise feels too familiar in an already been there/done that kind of way or if it tips us to becoming more frequent DCL cruisers.

 

[darnheather]

The funny part is that the sales really aren't sales. When we price out each sale, the difference is always just a few dollars different than the previous sale. Kind of like a lot of store closing deals where people buy at 10 to 20% off, not realizing that they are actually spending more because the price was raised right before the discounts were set.

Bingo. I work retail. Every week we have a different "sale". Some sales can be combined with coupons and some can't. No matter what they all average to the same savings for the costumer and same gain for the company.

The secret is the pixie dust. As one gets older... you need more of it to get the same high.

I totally agree. Most of the people complaining about the rates are those in the gold and platinum category who believe DCL has "gone down hill" or is no longer a premium product. I think they are simply burned out on DCL. Not everyone does get there. I met some lovely people on our last cruise that were on the maiden voyage of both the Magic and the Fantasy and are planning to be on at least one of the maiden voyages of the upcoming ships. They've sailed DCL 28 times. They keep coming back with and without grandchildren because they love it. I don't think I will continue to sail DCL once I cruise solo. There are many trips that I want to take on river cruises and the like that I can get elsewhere. But I'm not going to come back here and scream about it.