??s for those who say DCL is more $$$

marley

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Nov 29, 2001
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Latley, I've been reading several posts on how DCL is more money than most cruise lines. Just curious if those who have found this to be true are booking without early booking savings or those who travel in the high season?

I decided to start researching this a little and have found that the way I usually book the DCL cruise: about 1 1/2 to 2 years out, an oceanview room (not balcony), and going in October so off-season.

I looked into RCL and so far came up with almost the exact cost I would pay for an October 2005 cruise. Just curious how everyone else compares.

thanks!
 
I have only went DCL in October and "off season" and found that the prices are comparable to other cruises and I also feel that you get what you pay for w/DCL!

Unfortunately, in the summer, holiday and major school breaks Disney is quite expensive. I find it to be more expensive at these times even w/the early booking savings.

Hope this helps!
 
We could have had 2 weeks on the Carnival Glory (same Ports of call) for the same price as 1 week on the Magic. As DD is a CM, the Magic wins EVERY time! Besides, it's WAY more fun, and Carnival DONT HAVE MICKEY AND CO! Nat:Pinkbounc
 
We sailed on the Wonder last October and had every intention of booking a Magic cruise for October 2005. We started looking to book this past April - that was 18 months out.

For just over half the cost of Disney, we were able to book a 7 day Eastern Carribean on Mariner of the Seas. This is for a family of 4 in a balcony cabin.

We'll miss Castaway Cay, and some of the special Disney stuff, but for the price difference, we're really excited about trying RCCL.

Have fun cruise shopping. I think any cruise is going to be fun if you have the right attitude about it!
 

Just booked the Magic for next June in California....$6100 for 4 in a catagory 9 stateroom. Had booked Carnival out of NYC next June for 8 days, 4 people in a balcony stateroom for $4600 which we cancelled.

Is Disney more expensive? Yes!!
Is it worth it? Yes!!

Beth:teacher:
 
You can get more with RCCL but always compare apples to apples, Ie same itinerary, balcony to balcony. You pay a premium on Disney. Some of the best deals out there are 30-60 days out.
I have never payed over $799 for my Balconies on RCCL Voyager class ships. and I upgrated one time to the owners suite for $400 total. Upgrades are cheaper on RCCL then Disney. One reason it is somewhat cheaper on another cruise line is because of the casino. So in General Disney is always going to be somewhat more. I do love castaway beach.
Thats my opinion and that is what matters. LOL :hyper:
 
When we cruise other lines we generally can get 2 rooms (sometimes connecting and other times not) for my family of 5 for about $3600.00 with balconies almost any time of the year. When we did the DCL cruise on the E. Carrib with 2 connecting Cat 8's we paid over $5100.00 so to us Disney is MUCH more expensive. We checked going on the DCL on the W. Coast and for my family of 5 in a Cat 4 room it was over 7000.00 where I can go on any other line for about $3400-$4000.00 for the same itinerary.

Is Disney worth it to us? not anymore. We experienced it, the kids hated most of it and we can do it a lot cheaper on other lines that the kids like and that we know they like.

Heidi
*donning the flame retardant suit now*
 
Hi Heidi! They can't flame you for the truth!;) You are not being anti-DCL just making an educated response to a question. I for one, have never cruised any cruise line, so I am looking forward to my expensive first time experience, and will probably do a return trip too, but I know I too will look for other cruise experiences too, especially as my daughter gets older... Hang in there, I 'm here to help extinguish any flames, you've been so helpful to me in the past!:D
 
Bobsuzla---thanks! I just know that it will probably ruffle some feathers but for our family DCL is not worth it. We've done it twice and decided that our family prefers less crowded kid clubs and a casino for me and dh! We are glad we did it but also glad that we have other choices that work for our family. I'm excited for you that you are going to go though! Everyone should try it at least once. Our kids are just so spoiled on other lines when there are only 50 kids in the clubs instead of 977. Thanks for the flame extinguisher offer should I need it!

Heidi
 
Originally posted by hydster
Is Disney worth it to us? not anymore. We experienced it, the kids hated most of it and we can do it a lot cheaper on other lines that the kids like and that we know they like.

Heidi
*donning the flame retardant suit now*

Heidi,

The kids look happy in the picture. What did you give them before they took the picture? :D

Just kidding. Cruising is fun no matter which line you choose. Or should I say reputable line. I just happen to like the magic of Disney when I cruise.

JJ
 
Originally posted by marley
Latley, I've been reading several posts on how DCL is more money than most cruise lines. Just curious if those who have found this to be true are booking without early booking savings or those who travel in the high season?

I decided to start researching this a little and have found that the way I usually book the DCL cruise: about 1 1/2 to 2 years out, an oceanview room (not balcony), and going in October so off-season.

I looked into RCL and so far came up with almost the exact cost I would pay for an October 2005 cruise. Just curious how everyone else compares.

thanks!

Just a quick reply...but the 7 day RCCL cruise I just booked cost me $40 more than the 4 day Wonder would have. Same exact week in January.
 
JJ---I threatened them with their lives if they didn't smile for that picture I'd throw them overboard! ;) There were good times on the cruise but we had just as good of times on other lines as we did on Disney for a lot less money. I think the Disney experience for our kids on the cruise was too overwhelming to them because they hadn't experienced that many kids in one place EVER. The first time we cruised with DCL we did a land/sea with my inlaws so the kids never really had time or desire to go to the clubs because my inlaws were there with them and we stopped at a different port each day. This time was harder without grandparents and with so many kids and really nothing to do during the day if the kids didn't go to the clubs or didn't want to fight it out for a spot in the pools. I'm definitely glad we experienced it and I don't regret it...I just doubt we'd spend the extra 2 grand to do it again. Maybe we are just the oddballs or we expected way too much but we didnt' experience much Disney Magic on board. We love Disneyland and go yearly so we know what to expect with Disney but this just wasn't what we thought it would be. I'm very happy it fills a need for others! (Then we can have the RCCL and CCL ships to ourselves! LOL):p

Heidi
 
Heidi,

Also my DW and I have no chillins so we can avoid the overcrowded pools and enjoy the time all to ourselves. I think Disney may have to rethink their pricing points here in the next 2 years, prob around 2006. Lots of competetion out there.

JJ
 
As stated above, be sure that you are comparing "apples to apples." Check things like the square footage of the cabins--DCL cabins are larger than many in the cruise industry.

Also, look at how/where you purchased your DCL cruise. I don't pay the "full" listed price any more since I learned about discount TAs, booking on board, etc.

Finally, despite my statement above, it really isn't possible to compare "apples to apples." The lines are different. DCL has a relatively smoke free atmosphere--this correlates to lower alcohol sales in most places. Also, there is no casino--again, a source of revenue on most ships. DCL has more designated kid space than most lines. It is the only line showing first run movies that I'm aware of. And, it has the mouse.

Each of us has to decide for ourselves whether the differences are "worth it." Having done 2 other cruises before DCL, my DD only likes DCL. So, for us at this time in her life (ages 7 - 13), the DCL difference is definitely worth it. But then, we feel that the Magic is the destination, not the ports of call.
 
On a regular basis I'm getting emails from travel agents/brokers and cruise lines offering 7-8 day Mexican Riveria Cruises for this summer for under $400 per person, some are well under $400 pp. I'm sure DCL will do well for awhile here, even with their current prices :rolleyes: , but unless they plan on building a pretty white sand island and warming up the water & weather, IMO the bloom will be off the rose soon. There is a good reason the other lines have to offer those discount prices, even in peak travel seasons.
 
Thank you for all your responses.

I guess I will just keep comparing but so far my comparisons for what class cabin and what time of year I travel DCL has come up almost the exact same price as RCL Voyager Class ships. With this being the case, I can't see why anyone would choose another cruise line over Disney, (unless they want the casino or more space for the kids around the pool or less crowded kids clubs).

I just thought based on everyone's price comparisons posted lately that I would find a big enough price difference to persuade me from not re-booking on my upcoming October cruise, but for now, I'm sticking with Disney :earsgirl:
 
When my parents were trying to decide which cruise to book for them I did a comparison of cabin sizes with comparable categories or as comparable as I could come up with based on descriptions and here is what I sent them...

Cabins comparisons

Category 1 Suites *the winner of the highest end suites is the Norwegian Dawn by a landslide* These are the highest end suites each company has..the most expensive ones if you will*

Disney Royal Suite (or the Roy Disney) 1029 sq feet
Carnival doesn’t have suites like this
Celebrity – Constellation –Penthouse - 1432 sq feet in room + 1098 balcony = 2530 s/f
Norwegian Dawn – Garden Villa Suite – 5802 sq ft. including balcony
Princess – Caribbean Princess – Grand Suite – 1279 sq. feet including balcony
RCCL- Jewel of the Seas – Royal Suite – 1001 in room + 106 balcony = 1107 sq feet

Category 2 Suites *Disney wins this one*

Disney - Category 2 – 2 bedroom suites – 945 sq. feet
Carnival – Doesn’t have 2 bedroom suites
Celebrity – Constellation – Royal Suite – 538 inside + 195 balcony = 733 sq ft
Norwegian Dawn – Owners Suite – 900 sq feet
Princess – Caribbean Princess – Owners Suite – 689 sq feet
RCCL- Jewel of the Seas – Owners Suite – 512 inside + 106 balcony = 618 sq feet

Category 3 Suites *RCCL wins this one*

Disney – 1 bedroom suite – 614 sq feet
Carnival Conquest – Lg. Balcony Suite – 345 inside + 85 outside = 430 sq feet
Celebrity – Constellation – Celebrity Suite – 467 sq. feet
Norwegian Dawn – Penthouse Suite – 360 inside + 254 balcony = 614 sq feet
Princess – Caribbean Princess – Penthouse Suite – 534 sq feet
RCCL – Jewel of the Seas – Royal Family Suite – 584 inside + 151 balcony = 735 sq ft

Family Suites *Celebrity wins this one*

Disney Cat 4 – 304 sq feet
Carnival Conquest – Doesn’t have family suites
Celebrity – Constellation – Family Verandah – 271 inside + 242 balcony = 513 sq. ft
Norwegian – Dawn – No family suites listed
Princess – Caribbean Princess – 428 sq. feet
RCCL – Jewel of the Seas – 319 sq. feet

Balcony Staterooms *Princess wins this one*

Disney – 268 sq. feet
Carnival Conquest – 220 sq. feet
Celebrity Constellation – 232 sq. feet
Norwegian Dawn – 220 sq. feet
Princess – Caribbean Princess – 273 sq. feet
RCCL – Jewel of the Seas – 245 Sq. feet

Ocean View Staterooms *Carnival wins this one*

Disney 214 sq. feet
Carnival Conquest – 220 sq. feet
Celebrity Constellation – 170 sq. feet
Norwegian Dawn – 159 sq. feet
Princess- Caribbean Princess – 179 Sq. feet
RCCL – Jewel of the Seas – 170 sq. feet

Inside Staterooms *Carnival wins this one*
Disney 184 sq. feet
Carnival Conquest – 185 sq. feet
Celebrity Constellation – 170 sq. feet
Norwegian Dawn – 142 sq. feet
Princess Caribbean Princess – 163 sq. feet
RCCL Jewel of the Seas – 165 sq. feet


Heidi
 
Also as the perks of suites here is what I found about them as well:

Also to note…

On Disney in the Cat 1 you get Royal Suites with Verandah 1 are 1,029 square feet and feature two bedrooms -- one with a queen-sized bed, one with two twin beds and two pull-down upper berths -- a dining salon, wet bar, living room with media library with Murphy bed, TV and VCR, safe, hairdryer, phone with voicemail messaging, individual climate control, two and a half bathrooms, private verandah, whirlpool tub, pantry, walk-in closet, and concierge service

On Celebrity high end suites you get Penthouse Suites PS feature a master bedroom with two lower beds that convert to one queen-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a private veranda, separate living room and dining room, foyer, baby grand piano, butler's pantry, exercise equipment, two interactive audio/visual entertainment centers with DVDs and plasma-screen TVs, two VCRs, music center, Internet station, outbound fax machine, private marble master bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower, powder room with shower, dressing room with vanity, motorized draperies, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, complimentary use of Frette bathrobes, minibar, direct-dial telephone and voicemail, thermostat-controlled air-conditioning, individual safe, hairdryer, and 24-hour room service. Private veranda features a whirlpool tub, wet bar, and lounge seating. Celebrity's Suite Indulgences include welcome champagne, priority embarkation/disembarkation, personalized stationery, express luggage delivery, dining room seating preference, private portrait seating, opportunity to book in-suite massage, complimentary use of Thalassotherapy pool, 100% Egyptian cotton oversized bath towels, duvet with cover, personal computer and printer, and a Celebrity tote bag. Celebrity's Butler Service offers assistance with unpacking/packing, in-suite lunch and dinner service, full breakfast, daily evening hors d'oeuvres, in-suite afternoon tea service, complimentary espresso and cappuccino, daily news delivery, shoeshine service, and board games delivered upon request.

On Norwegian in the Garden Villa Suite (the highest end suite on Celebrity) you get - Garden Villas A1 are multiroom accommodations offering panoramic ocean views, each with a roof terrace and private Japanese- or Thai-style garden, open-air dining, whirlpool, and totally private sunning and relaxation areas. In addition to a living room and dining room, the villas also offer three separate bedrooms, each with a private luxury bath. The master bedroom features a full bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Also in the villa are a baby grand piano, minibar, TV, CD/DVD player, safe, refrigerator, personal computer, and printer. Butler and concierge
service.

And in the next biggest suite you get Owner's Suites AA feature a large balcony; a bedroom with king-sized bed and walk-in closet; a living room with minibar, refrigerator, CD library, DVD/CD player, TV, personal computer, and printer; a dining room; safe; and luxury bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool tub. Butler service and concierge available.

On Princess you get Grand Suite GS features a queen-sized bed, large private balcony, separate sitting room with convertible double sofa bed and dining area, private bathroom with corner whirlpool tub and multi-directional brass-fitting shower, walk-in closet, refrigerator and wet bar, two televisions, personal computer, radio, safe, phone, and a hairdryer.

On RCCL you get Royal Suite with Balcony RS includes a separate bedroom with king-sized bed, private balcony, private bathroom with whirlpool tub, double showers, bidet, vanity area, two closed-circuit TVs, living room with queen-sized sofa bed, baby grand piano, wet bar, dining table, entertainment center, mini bar, hair dryer, radio, phone, and concierge service. Suite guests also have access to the Concierge Club lounge, which offers a number of exclusive amenities, including: preferred appointments for the salon and spa; movies and CDs for onboard usage; an honor bar in the lounge; continental breakfast, hors d'oeuvres, and petit fours served in the lounge; reservations for the Portofino Restaurant and Explorations Tours; and reserved time for rock climbing. Personalized stationery, pre-ordering of dinner wine, faxing and copying services, use of a portable ship phone, and private party arrangements are also available.

I thought some of you might find this interesting.
Heidi
 
Looking at a RCCL cruise for me and my daughter for next year... the cost is about half what it would cost me to do another Disney cruise (booked early, not during school breaks, etc). Actually, a RCCL cruise during spring break would be far chearper than a Disney cruise when school is in session.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to do another Disney cruise. We had a fantastic time. But that's an awful lot of $$$. I'll go RCCL.
 
I keep saying I want to try Disney, and I have actually booked 2 but in the end I just cant justify the price.I thought I got a good price at 824 PP on Disneyin an inside cabin but I could get a balcony on Carnival at a little more than that.
I also Love the casinoon Carnival and I just feel as if we would definetly be bored on Disney.We have Always been happy with Carnival and I dont think that will change.We will be on the Carnival Glory January 29,2005 and I cannot wait.

Also putting on the flame retardant suit.:eek:

Misty
 

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