Spoiled by Disney Cruise Line

[sunryzez]

I am a huge fan of Disney and LOVE sailing Disney. However, the price increases are just getting to the point that with a family of 6 we need to find other lines as well unless we are okay with cruising only once every two years or so to go on Disney.( We do Disney now every 18-24 months now when we used to do it twice a year) This past March we sailed on the MSC Divina. The price was literally 1/4 of the price of the Fantasy for a similar 7 night itinerary. We booked it because we were doing Disney Alaska in June and figured why not try it for the price. I went with really low expectations but the whole family loved it! I think it is because we went saying we are just going to relax and enjoy ourselves and we totally did. It was SO different from Disney but not in a bad way. On Disney I feel like we don't get a second to breathe because there is always something going on ( which I love) but on the MSC everything is so laid back I actually had time to attend art auctions, dance classes, time in the relaxation room to just read a book. We are booked with them again for Spring break 2016.
So my answer is make a decision and commit to it. If you go into something thinking you are going to hate it, you will. Just enjoy the fact that you are on vacation and not at work or school. You will have a great time =)

 

[emilymad]

I find that all cruise lines we have tried have their positive and negatives. It is more about what you are looking for on a particular trip.

We have sailed the most with RCL. We love My Time Dining and the drink packages. These are the two biggest negatives to DCL for us. The pools are much better on RCL but DCL's adult areas are better. We actually go to some shows on RCL where we skip almost all of them on DCL. Cabins are nicer on DCL but services is about the same on both lines. Our worst service on any cruise was actually on the Dream. Both the MDR staff and our stateroom host were awful.

We did not care for Princess or Celebrity. We had a good time on both cruises but we didn't love either. Celebrity was boring, we didn't like the food, and the service especially in the MDR was so slow.

I wouldn't mind trying the Carnival Vista when it starts sailing.

We are debating between DCL and RCL for our next cruise. Since the prices are similar we will are leaning towards DCL but it is not a slam dunk decision. If we do go on DCL we will probably skip the MDR the entire trip. We don't like set dining times and DCL doesn't give you many other options. We also think DCL's "snacks" are lacking. RCL gives you many more options.

 

[Debbie]

I might be in the minority here (and FULL disclosure I've never even cruised on Disney yet, I'm going on my first one this April), but I think that almost every experience is really what you make of it. I've been on Princess and RCCL, and both times I had a great time! They were completely different experiences (one Alaska, one Bahamas) and I didn't spend a lot of time comparing. If you make up your mind to have a great time, then you'll have a great time. If you make up your mind that nothing will ever compare to Disney and you are going to be miserable....well, that will just naturally follow. There are exceptions (norovirus comes to mind) where your attitude is irrelevant, but most things in life are really mind over matter.

I really think any trip is a disappointment when your expectations are out of alignment. If you expect another line to be like Disney, then you will be disappointed. Read up and inform yourself so that your expectations conform to reality, and you won't be disappointed. If you are on this site, then you are likely a researcher so this won't be a problem.

I love Disney, but when I want a relaxing week away with privacy, I have another particular harbor- that is not their product.

I think that expectations and attitude goes a long way to a positive experience in life, so it follows that cruising is the same. Go in with a open mind and you'll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whatever your decision, have a wonderful time!

 

[Jerseymomof2]

It's down to what you like, I was disappointed with the down market RCCL, the poor entertainment, the poor cruise director the seaside holiday camp entertainment, fat man jumping in a pool to cause a wake.

The shops are nice, they have ice rinks and shopping malls but nickel and dime you, your just a wallet to them.

Some may like the casino, and the bars but I didn't like it.

I have to agree. I went into the Royal cruise knowing that it wasn't going to be the same as Disney but I was truly disappointed.
We chose the Dreamworks cruise feeling that it would be the closest to a Disney feel. Boy were we wrong!
The characters are almost never out and their were only 6 on the cruise anyway. I thought there would be more.
The character breakfast (which you had to pay for) only had 3 characters. But This was be far the best food that we had on the whole cruise.
At the MDR they were just another person. They did not get served first (my kids were the only 2 for our waiter) my son fell asleep while waiting for his dinner to arrive so the waiter woke him when it got there. (I was going to let him sleep). They never had ketchup. and we had to just about attack the bar service guy to get the children soda's for dinner. They had a service to take the kids to the kids club 40 minutes after dinner started but our kids never made it since it took so long for the dinner to get there. I asked that it be brought out 1st but it never did. We eventually just went to the buffet every night.

If your bringing small kids RCL is not able to handle them outside of the kids club. They also put the kids club through the arcade so that they beg you every time they go through to play the games (just another way to suck money out of you) they kids clubs were great and my kids were begging to go in them (since they are closed for many hours throughout the day) you have to keep an eye on the time since they closed at all different times.

We had no use for the casino, bar and ice skating rink. We did try to use the rock climbing wall but you only get one try and the minute you fall off they unhook you and send you on your way. You also are NOT allowed to get back in line. My 9 yr old had never done it before. he got up there and pretty quickly let go. they got him down and unhooked him. They would not allow him to try again (after waiting over 10 minutes in line in the blazing sun) then he tried to get back in line to wait again but they would not let him do that either. They need more small children friendly employees.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I've sailed on 4 lines (Disney, Royal, Celebrity, and Carnival) and enjoy them all. In fact, I have 4 cruises booked now - 1 with each line. There are things I prefer on each cruise line - no one line is the end all, be all of cruising for me.

That being said, I think there are two kinds of people who cruise Disney -

a) people who enjoy Disney cruises because they love Disney
b) people who enjoy Disney cruises because they love cruising.

We are Bs. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney - the movies, the parks, the hotels, the cruises. However, at the very heart of the matter - I love cruising. Being out on the ocean in a floating resort with entertainment, food and fun just steps away from a comfortable cabin is what, well, floats my boat.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I've sailed on 4 lines (Disney, Royal, Celebrity, and Carnival) and enjoy them all. In fact, I have 4 cruises booked now - 1 with each line. There are things I prefer on each cruise line - no one line is the end all, be all of cruising for me.

That being said, I think there are two kinds of people who cruise Disney -

a) people who enjoy Disney cruises because they love Disney
b) people who enjoy Disney cruises because they love cruising.

We are Bs. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney - the movies, the parks, the hotels, the cruises. However, at the very heart of the matter - I love cruising. Being out on the ocean in a floating resort with entertainment, food and fun just steps away from a comfortable cabin is what, well, floats my boat.

• Disney is an Entertainment company doing cruising.
• The other cruise lines are cruises that do Entertainment. -Big difference.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

• Disney is an Entertainment company doing cruising.
• The other cruise lines are cruises that do Entertainment. -Big difference.

It's why other cruise lines have more ships and better and more varied itineraries. I haven't been stuck going to Nassau since my last DCL cruise in 2013 and I've been able to sail from Bayonne NJ and Baltimore MD (a day's drive). Other cruise lines can focus on the cruises themselves.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

It's why other cruise lines have more ships and better and more varied itineraries. I haven't been stuck going to Nassau since my last DCL cruise in 2013 and I've been able to sail from Bayonne NJ and Baltimore MD (a day's drive). Other cruise lines can focus on the cruises themselves.

Yes the big boys have been around a long time have more ships and more port options and port times all sown up. DCL does get squeezed out on that.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

I know what you mean, except for the Big Red Boat back in 1987 DCL is the only cruise line we have sailed (six to date). We do have another booked for Alaska for next year but more likely than not we will be cancelling it for another line so we can sail with two other couples. When each couple saw what it would cost them to join us for the same cruise we have booked; they all had sticker shock (to say the least). We will probably be sailing Celebrity. I know I will miss the Disney touch but as long as I still get the good customer service that I am use to from all the wonderful Disney Cast Members I believe I will be just as happy. And I must admit I am a little excited to see what the competition has to offer. Even going to the shows in the Walt Disney Theater was hit or miss for the last couple DCL cruises, not because we didn't enjoy them we just enjoyed being out and about the ship more.

 

[wide awake]

We tried Carnival, first ever cruise. It was a lot of fun because we'd never been on a cruise and we had many family members with us. Since then it has been DCL seven times, and Holland America once. The Holland America had a couple of great things going for it... the library and different itineraries. But we felt nickel and dimed, and the ship was so tacky... and it was a lot newer than the Magic or Wonder. You cannot beat the beauty of the Disney ships, the quality of the furnishings, the split bath...the embarkation buffet was truly HORRIBLE on HA, as was the entertainment. I don't care that DCL is more expensive. I don't want to sail on a ship that looks like a floating tennis shoe (think about, several lines resemble one when you see them on the open sea), that charges me for soda, that has ugly bathrooms...
I would go HA or Carnival again for a new non-DCL itinerary, and I would probably pick HA because of the library. DCL could take a page from their book. I always take 6-8 new books w/ me on a trip, but it was wonderful having MORE books available, as well as the jigsaw puzzles.
So, is DCL worth the money? Yep. Always my family's first choice.

 

[Skywalker]

I see this type of thread frequently, how will I ever enjoy anything else now that I have been on Disney!! lol. I just don't get it. We did a Disney cruise and sure it was fun, but we honestly had as much or more fun on other ships. Going back on Disney wouldn't be our first choice, or even second actually. It didn't set the bar too high, or raise my expectations, or spoil me for anything else. Every line, and every ship within each line, has its own personality and its own experience. Some lines are more sedate, some have a more party atmosphere; there are older and newer ships in every line, etc. You can start researching to see what would be a good fit.

Disney didn't invent cruising, it was awesome before Disney decided to get in the game and will still be awesome if they ever leave it.

Look, if what you want is a cruise vacation, the other lines provide great experiences too. But if what you really want is a Disney vacation then yes you need to go to the theme parks or on a Disney ship.

 

[Melissa S]

Great thread. We are considering saiing Royal Carribbean next year. We loved our Southern Carribbean cruise on DCL but felt we were more on a floating hotel because we loved the islands so much we were off the ship all day each day. Royal has several different S. carribbean itineraries that include islands DCL doesn't travel to. And for about $300 more we can sail in a grand suite and get the concierge perks. DD will be 6 and DS will be 1 at the time of sailing. We would miss the "Disney Magic" but think the other benefits out weigh it.

 

[canadiandisneyfamof4]

We love DCL. We were drawn to the NCL Getaway last year so cancelled a trip on the Wonder to try it. We loved it.

We have another DCL cruise booked for this year.

In January we have a 7 night cruise booked on the NCL Escape. It's a suite for the same price we'd pay on DCL for a verandah. When we booked we also go an unlimited alcohol package, unlimited speciality dining, OBC and prepaid gratuities covered so it's an amazing deal and we are excited for that trip as much as our upcoming DCL cruise

 

[Dramatic Muffin]

I haven't cruised in a number of years, but the only cruises I have been on were onboard the Wonder and the Magic. I was told by friends at the time that if I ever cruised with another cruise line I would regret it, that by cruising with Disney my standards were being set high.

I'm considering a cruise and find there is not a Disney cruise available on the dates I want with an itinerary I want. I'm looking at other cruise lines, but I am worried I will be disappointed and regret the trip.

What are the thought of those of you who have experienced other cruise lines?

I'm with you, PlutoFan! I've been on three cruises, all with Disney. I have thought about trying another cruise line but I feel like I'd be taking a risk. My favorite things about DCL are the themed restaurants and the character shows. I think I could have fun on any cruise, but if I'm going to bother, I'd rather take one I know I'm going to love.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We choose a cruise more by the itinerary than the cruise line, so if you limit yourself to DCL, there are lots of great places you'll miss. As much as we enjoy Disney, there are lots of other amazing options out there.

 

[NancyIL]

Disney was my 4th cruise line - after Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Princess. I have enjoyed my Disney cruises, but they haven't spoiled me to go back to other cruise lines. My last cruise was on the Disney Magic's Transatlantic in May, and my next 3 cruises are on Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity.