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

[lookingforward]

We had a royal suite on Century's Millenium in March. It was amazing, including the jacuzzi on the deck. The real selling point was the butler, who brought us snacks, served full meals for us, provided all kinds of ammenities including special beach towels, etc. The flat screen televisions were amazing too. It was magical.

 

[1stNoel]

Thanks for posting that suite info Heidi. I'm on a quest to find pictures of that Garden Suite. I can feel those little plastic cards in my purse melting as I type.

Noel

 

[1stNoel]

No DCL on here, but great for comparisons. I think my plastic is safe. That NCL Garden Villa Suite is a little to busy for me. But that patio is amazing!

www.virtualtoursusa.com/galleryships.htm

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by lookingforward
We had a royal suite on Century's Millenium in March. It was amazing, including the jacuzzi on the deck. The real selling point was the butler, who brought us snacks, served full meals for us, provided all kinds of ammenities including special beach towels, etc. The flat screen televisions were amazing too. It was magical.

Now THAT sounds amazing!!!!

 

[CRB#33]

I booked my Eastern, the absolute first day the rates came out. I had a $150 instant rebate on my room-catagory 6 with DU. I cruised on June 26.

I am pricing a mini-suite with verandah on Princess for Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers next summer, also 7 night, premium season. I have received several quotes that are lower, not by much, but there are no rebates involved and it's two years later.

(Not going til 06 however)

I also looked at Royal Caribbean and they are even less expensive, as is Holland Amercan.

 

[vossjemi]

I paid $1553pp (just DH & I going) for a 10 day Panama Canal Cruise with RC next Jan. Although, I did get an aft balcony cabin D1 category.

In comparison, I got my 4 day Disney Cruise next sept for $1447 total for our family of 4 in a category 10 SPR!

Of course, this is comparing apples and oranges, but I really feel like I got a good deal on both cruises!

 

[Mjasp]

Originally posted by lookingforward
We had a royal suite on Century's Millenium in March. It was amazing, including the jacuzzi on the deck. The real selling point was the butler, who brought us snacks, served full meals for us, provided all kinds of ammenities including special beach towels, etc. The flat screen televisions were amazing too. It was magical.

That sounds great! Did you travel with kids? If so, how were the clubs.

TIA

 

[bigjim]

This is going to be our first cruise. We are a family of 4. We booked the Magic in California for week of July 23. Including insurance and in a Category 4 deluxe family stateroom it is over 9K. I hope it is worth the price. We are very excited about the cruise. Here is a link to our countdown page for the cruise
http://members.cox.net/jiminiecricket
You can sign the guestbook if you like

 

[wide awake]

I think DCL can be a great deal if you can go off season. There are many perks included in DCL prices that you pay extra for on other lines...some lines charge extra for first run movies in the room, all charge for soda except DCL, you can get some free exercise classes on DCL...I've read quite a few reviews on Cruise Critic and it just seems that many of the other lines nickel and dime you to death. That is not to say I wouldn't try other lines...we enjoyed Carnival on our first cruise, and plan on taking Holland America once we finish our DCL repo cruise next year. Speaking of the CA cruises...we got a great price on our repo cruise, cat 7 for 3, $5602...have checked other lines, would pay that on any other nice line. I would not pay the premium price for the Mexican cruises though...every other line does them and you can get great prices almost any time of year.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

My wife and I will gladly pay more for a Disney cruise.

We will pay extra for a larger state room. We do not gamble (or smoke) and are glad Disney is Casinoless. We did a cruise with a casino. On the first cruise we were on. Unless you went out of your way to go one deck above or below the casino, had to go through the smoke filled and noisy casino to get to many things we wanted to do. Probably a good thing with all we ate, walk a few calories off.

Casinos are fine for those who like them, we don't.

And our son had a great time on the Disney cruise. We could not get him out of the kids club. He was not with us on our first, our honeymoon.

And we love the Disney theme. That is why we will be going again this August on the Wonder, over my wifes birthday. She specifically asked to do the Disney cruise and that is fine with my DS and me.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by marley
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

Same here. I know I've seen many "specials" for other cruise lines advertising terrific rates, but when I look for the specific weeks that I want to go I don't find anything for much less than DCL. Slightly less, but not enough to make me want to switch. I only started looking at other lines because I kept reading about how $$$ DCL is compared to them. I must not be looking in the right places, because I'm not seeing it, LOL.

 

[global-mouse]

I just have to chime in here. Yes, most people compare apples to oranges. I just took a look at Disney compared to RCCL Monarch of the Seas. Same date: October 3rd. Same port same length, 7 night cruise. And here is where people go wrong in their comparisons - CATEGORY.

The closest comparison is Disney's Category 6 (balcony) with RCCL's JS (balcony mini suite). RCCL's "mini suite" is actually a little smaller than Disney's standard "outside balcony." They are extreemly close in set up, but Disney winning out with the split bathroom and a little more sitting room. (I used cruisestateroom.com and they have great stats, pictures and 3-D layouts so you can get a good idea of what you are getting)

SURPRISE.... for 2 Adults:

Disney = $3.318
RCCL = $3,498

I first noticed this kind of difference when I went on my first non-Disney cruise. It was NCL's Norwegian Dawn out of NYC. I was soooo excited because a friend of mine asked me you join him as a third in his cabin. Said space would be no problem because they had a suite. I was sooooo excited to stay in a suite. When I got there it was NCL's "mini-suite" which again was almost identical to all of Disney's staterooms. Had a great time, but just learned that what other's consider a "mini suite" Disney considers a regular cabin.

If you don't mind smaller cabins, yes, you can save a bit on another line. But if you want 268 sq ft you will pay the same. Of course YMMV.

Remember Disney's smallest cabin is 184 sq ft (standard Inside) where as Monarch of the Seas is 119 sq ft (Interior stateroom) quite a big difference but that is how their entry level price can be so much lower than Disney. Their largest cabin without a balcony is 157 sq ft.

APPLES and ORANGES

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.

 

[music777.com]

wow, nice post. I went to that website and compared some of the rooms on other ships. The prices really are comparable to DCL. I have to agree with others on the no casino and less smoking thoughts. My wife and I hate smoke and do not gamble so DCL is most likely be the only one for us.

JJ

 

[Mike Wolfe]

I do have to say that you people are awesome out there.

I really appriciate all the research everyone has done and shared. I love sliding onto this board for my cruise fix to chase away the problems of the day

Thanks again, You have saved me so much time...... but you are costing me more money......




Mike

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by kcashner
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.

HAL has movie theathers on their ships - with buttered popcorn! (Are you listening Disney?)

RCCL offers the ice rink, roller blading, climbing wall, golf simulators, and Johnny Rockets (mmmmm).

I've cruised twice - both on DCL - and am going one more time before I try another line. My wife and I will likely try RCCL and Princess, HAL, or Celebrity. Then we'll decide whether the other lines are right for us or not.

Sam

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by global-mouse

The closest comparison is Disney's Category 6 (balcony) with RCCL's JS (balcony mini suite). RCCL's "mini suite" is actually a little smaller than Disney's standard "outside balcony." They are extreemly close in set up, but Disney winning out with the split bathroom and a little more sitting room. (I used cruisestateroom.com and they have great stats, pictures and 3-D layouts so you can get a good idea of what you are getting)

SURPRISE.... for 2 Adults:

Disney = $3.318
RCCL = $3,498

You didn't specify the source of your quotes, so I just checked on the 10/02 sailing for Mariner of the Seas (goes out of Port Canaveral just like DCL) and the 10/01 sailing of the Magic - both 7 day itineraries. I don't know why the other RCCL ship you selected was more expensive - perhaps it's newer or nearly sold out.

2 adults:
RCCL Junior Suite (w/ taxes included) - $2655.90
DCL cat. 6 (w/ taxes included) - $3419.70

Travelocity was my source for the quotes.

The MotS JS is advertised as 299 sq ft, 65 sq ft balcony. It's not clear to me whether the 299 sq ft include the balcony or not but judging from the layout picture, I suspect it doesn't - which would possibly put it in the realm of a cat 4 room on DCL (which brings the DCL price up another $1,000 if so). But for the benefit of the doubt, I'll compare to a cat 6 which has 268 sq ft, so in this instance RCCL offers 31 sq ft more for almost $800 less. The cat 4 room on DCL has 304 sq ft including verandah.

I'm sure there are other scenarios where one might "prove" DCL to be inline pricewise. But generally speaking, there are less expensive options on other cruise lines. I think the bottom line is inventory. DCL has all of 2 ships and the other lines have as many as a dozen or more- never mind that the larger ships also carry more passengers. I think DCL prices will have to come down once they have more ships online. To see an example, look at the deep cuts in WDW room costs. Disney has lots of room inventory to sell. If it were still just the Contemporary and the Poly, I'm sure that wouldn't be the case.

Someone nailed it when they said DCL and other lines are "different". I agree that different lines offer difference services and different experiences and value - that's why I look forward to trying new experiences and new services from other travel providers. I won't limit my view to the mouse.

Sam

 

[antmaril]

I have not cruised DCL = yet. We did the Big Red Boat when our now 17 year old son was four. I would like to take a cruise next year for his "senior trip." We want to take a three or four day cruise and I think DCL is a good choice for us. Does anyone know of any other line that offers ships comparable to the Disney Wonder for a 3 or 4 day cruise? It looks to me like most of the other lines use older/smaller ships for the shorter cruises.

Any thoughts?

 

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

We were on a Carnival Cruise last year and it didn't come close to the quality that Disney provides. The kids clubs weren't impressive at all and my children didn't participate the whole time we were on the ship. Whereas on Disney cruises, they're in and out the kids clubs throughout our cruise. The Carnival Victory had more of an adult crowd too and it didn't have the family atmosphere that Disney ships have. We hated smelling smoke in the bar and casino floors. The food didn't compare to DCL cuisine either. It made us appreciate our DCL cruises so much more.

 

[GenieDana]

Disney Cruise Florida Residents (Source AllSeas)

This is what is running now: (Stateroom totals, including all port charges and government fees)


SOURCE:ALLSEAS

Category 9 Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom Florida Residents Fall 2004
$1505 (2 adults)
$1957(2 adults, 1 child age 3 -12)
$2410 (2 adults, 2 children age 3 -12)
Note: Children under 3 count toward cabin capacity, but pay only port charges



For comparison I on-line priced Royal Caribbean and Carnival for a similar cruise/ ocean view stateroom (as compare to a Disney Cat 9): departing from Port Canaveral.

SOURCE: MYCRUISE VALUE.COM

Carnival Glory – May 28th, 2005 – Eastern Itinerary
Ocean View Stateroom
Cost per Passenger: (3rd and 4th) passengers are children age 3 – 12)
Fare Taxes/Fees Total
1) 859.90 46.01 905.91 USD
2) 859.90 46.01 905.91 USD
3) 619.60 46.01 665.61 USD
4) 619.60 46.01 665.61 USD

Total: 2959.00 184.04 3143.04 USD

Grand Total: 3143.04 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes.


Carnival Glory – June 4th, 2005 – Western Itinerary
Ocean view stateroom:
Cost per Passenger: (3rd and 4th) passengers are children age 3 – 12)
Fare Taxes/Fees Total
1) 931.10 48.14 979.24 USD
2) 931.10 48.14 979.24 USD
3) 664.10 48.14 712.24 USD
4) 664.10 48.14 712.24 USD

Total: 3190.40 192.56 3382.96 USD

Grand Total: 3382.96 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes


Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas – May 29th, 2005 – Eastern Itinerary
Ocean View Stateroom
Cost per Passenger: (3rd and 4th) passengers are children age 3 – 12)
Fare Taxes/Fees Total
1) 939.80 28.95 968.75 USD
2) 939.80 28.95 968.75 USD
3) 631.80 28.95 660.75 USD
4) 631.80 28.95 660.75 USD

Total: 3143.20 115.80 3259.00 USD

Grand Total: 3259.00 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes.


Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas – June 5th,2005 – Western Itinerary
Ocean View Stateroom
Cost per Passenger: (3rd and 4th) passengers are children age 3 – 12)
Fare Taxes/Fees Total
1) 1054.20 23.15 1077.35 USD
2) 1054.20 23.15 1077.35 USD
3) 807.80 23.15 830.95 USD
4) 807.80 23.15 830.95 USD

Total: 3724.00 92.60 3816.60 USD

Grand Total: 3816.60 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes

As you can see, Disney (at $2410 by comparison) is hard to beat during Florida Residents specials.


For additioanal comparison, I also used Allseas quotes for some Spring cruises in 2005 (and I estimated the Florida Residents rates *IF* they will be offered for those cruises)

April 23, 2005 - Western Caribbean Sailing - Disney Magic®
(Stateroom totals, including all port charges and government fees)
Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview
2 adults - $2825 ($1415 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3477 ($1740 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $4130 ($2065 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Category 10 Deluxe Inside
2 adults - $2625 ($1315 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3277 ($1640 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $3930 ($1965 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Category 11 Standard Inside
2 adults - $2525 ($1265 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3177($1590 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $3830 ($1915 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Prices assume 3rd/4th/5th passengers are 3-12 years old at time of sailing. Children under 3 count toward cabin capacity but pay only port charges.


April 30, 2005 - Eastern Caribbean Sailing - Disney Magic®
(Stateroom totals, including all port charges and government fees)

Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview
2 adults - $2815 ($1410 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3462 ($1730 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $4109 ($2055 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Category 10 Deluxe Inside
2 adults - $2655 ($1330 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3262 ($1630 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $3909 ($1955 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Category 11 Standard Inside
2 adults - $2515 ($1260 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3162 ($1580 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $3809 ($1910 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Prices assume 3rd/4th/5th passengers are 3-12 years old at time of sailing. Children under 3 count toward cabin capacity but pay only port charges.


May 7, 2005 - Western Caribbean Sailing - Disney Magic® LAST SAILING BEFORE MAGIC REPOSITIONS TO WEST COAST
(Stateroom totals, including all port charges and government fees)

Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview
2 adults - $2825 ($1415 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3477 ($1740 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $4130 ($2065 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Category 10 Deluxe Inside
2 adults - $2625 ($1315 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3277 ($1640 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $3930 ($1965 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Category 11 Standard Inside
2 adults - $2525 ($1265 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 1 child - $3177($1590 estimated Florida Residents rate*)
2 adults, 2 children - $3830 ($1915 estimated Florida Residents rate*)

Prices assume 3rd/4th/5th passengers are 3-12 years old at time of sailing. Children under 3 count toward cabin capacity but pay only port charges.

My conclusion - DCL pricing is very competitive to the pricing of the other lines for similar cruises, not withstanding finding a great deal on another line - or DCL. We've cruised twice on DCL during Florida Residents - very hard to beat those prices !

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by GenieDana
Disney Cruise Florida Residents (Source AllSeas)

This is what is running now: (Stateroom totals, including all port charges and government fees)


SOURCE:ALLSEAS

Category 9 Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom Florida Residents Fall 2004
$1505 (2 adults)
$1957(2 adults, 1 child age 3 -12)
$2410 (2 adults, 2 children age 3 -12)
Note: Children under 3 count toward cabin capacity, but pay only port charges



For comparison I on-line priced Royal Caribbean and Carnival for a similar cruise/ ocean view stateroom (as compare to a Disney Cat 9): departing from Port Canaveral.

SOURCE: MYCRUISE VALUE.COM

Carnival Glory – May 28th, 2005 – Eastern Itinerary
Total: 2959.00 184.04 3143.04 USD
Grand Total: 3143.04 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes.


Carnival Glory – June 4th, 2005 – Western Itinerary
Total: 3190.40 192.56 3382.96 USD
Grand Total: 3382.96 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes


Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas – May 29th, 2005 – Eastern Itinerary
Total: 3143.20 115.80 3259.00 USD
Grand Total: 3259.00 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes.


Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas – June 5th,2005 – Western Itinerary
Total: 3724.00 92.60 3816.60 USD
Grand Total: 3816.60 USD
Totals include all charges and taxes

As you can see, Disney (at $2410 by comparison) is hard to beat during Florida Residents specials.

My conclusion - DCL pricing is very competitive to the pricing of the other lines for similar cruises, not withstanding finding a great deal on another line - or DCL. We've cruised twice on DCL during Florida Residents - very hard to beat those prices !

Whoa there! You just compared Disney's fall Florida resident rates against everyone else's regular summer rates. Isn't that way tilted in Disney's favor?

Most of us here don't qualify for DCL's FL resident rates and, even if we did, they are only offered for limited periods of time.

Please post the summer rates for DCL against the scenarios above and see how they stack up. (At $5,000-$6,000 for 2 adults and 2 children in a cat 9 on a 7 day cruise, it doesn't compare very well.)

It's very misleading to compare off-season, FL resident rates against the high-season, "everybody" rates of other cruise lines. I presume you work in marketing.

Sam