Talk me into DCL

[RedSox68]

We were nervous, too, when we started venturing away from Disney, but were so surprised by the staff and crew and care and maintenance that they held up very well when compared to Disney's standards. We have had terrific food and great specialty restaurants (I wish Disney would get an Asian themed one like HAL has), wonderful excursions and really great customer service both onboard and pre and post cruise via phone calls. I have resigned myself that I won't be taking many Disney cruises as I near retirement as I can't be that foot loose and fancy free with my monies.

 

[RedSox68]

Never have seen Dr. Who, but IF Hayley becomes the next Doctor, I'm IN!!

I loved her costumes in Agent Carter, The Hat, The Suits, The Attitude, etc. Classy Hot!!

Ohhhh, I didn't hear that rumor! That would be awesome since her last show just got cancelled too

 

[mevelandry]

Sad to say Disney found our ceiling. After discussing last night with the family we have ruled out spending that kind of money on a cruise. We missed the window of a Disney cruise when the kids were younger and we could take them out for a week.

Instead we have opted to go back to Disneyland Grand Californian. Coming from New Jersey, we just love California.

If you want Disney, you'll get more bang for your buck by visiting WDW and Disneyland for sure.

 

[mlayton14]

While we can afford DCL , after 3 cruises we have decided it's just not worth the money for what you get. Same old food , same old shoes, same old onboard entertainment, and our girls getting older we just think there are better options. For the price of a DCL cruise we can do WDW deluxe with Deluxe dining plan and tickets with a lot more entertainment options for a few grand less. DCL is a nice vacation, but no longer worth the price IMO

 

[mjr0483]

While we can afford DCL , after 3 cruises we have decided it's just not worth the money for what you get. Same old food , same old shoes, same old onboard entertainment, and our girls getting older we just think there are better options. For the price of a DCL cruise we can do WDW deluxe with Deluxe dining plan and tickets with a lot more entertainment options for a few grand less. DCL is a nice vacation, but no longer worth the price IMO

Yeah I am sad we never did a Disney cruise earlier. Never said it wouldn't be a good cruise just not worth the price difference. Seems like some people seem to put down other lines to justify the premium they pay for Disney. But as I read the stories and from my own experience the other lines are very good. It seems where Disney does differ greatly is No casino and dedicating that space to kids services. From what I read are incredible. But my kids probably wouldn't use it and people without kids are subsidizing the kids club cast members. So maybe that justifies the cost for parents that want to keep their smaller children entertained. And the activities on the big RC ships appeal more to my daughter. I would rather spend that 9k in better ways.

 

[pearljammer]

We My problem, is why NOT sail Disney! With prices getting so high we're considering other cruise lines, especially Alaska which we have booked on NCL on new Bliss. Honestly I'm having a hard time thinking of any other. Now we've never considered summer sailing anyway as my child is in year round. Our first DCL was a 3 nighter and I bought cried getting off! Wasn't long enough and it was just...well.....special. I now book on board and carry that discount to get me through another cruise to help offset costs. And the beds......to "Dream" for.

If you have to question if it's worth it, find a four nighter or longer that's off season and try it. I'm a firm believer everyone if able, should do it at least once. Especially when the kids are at an age when they "believe". We had our son convinced for years the beds appearing at night were magic! Mickey left him a pirate Mickey doll on his first cruise we had bought online from Disney store and he's cruised with us ever since. And to this day we refer to it as the mouse Mickey gave him. We make every trip magical in some way to keep that "fantasy" alive.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I can try to talk you out of Disney... trust me you will go once and obsess about Disney cruise #2 before even coming home... if you want to save yourself thousands $$$ every year stay away from the Mouse at Sea

Edited to add... I have never sailed other lines, maybe if you cruised with RC especially Oasis class... you will not find DCL is worth paying double for. I am pretty sure we will enjoy Oasis when we go maybe even a lot.. but for me Disney is about that "feeling" the one that us crazy Disney nuts have
And the staff just go above and beyond....

 

[Neptune's Fork]

I think it really boils down to your particular situation. If you're a family (with kids) and can only vacation once a year, then go Disney. If you're in a situation where you can cruise multiple times in a year, then you wouldn't want to go Disney because that could be costly. If you have an open mind you can have a good time on just about any cruise line. Someone put it best this year when they said DCL is like going to Disney World, whereas the others are like a typical amusement park or carnival. You can certainly have fun at the others, it just lacks that something special that seems to happen with a Disney experience. Hard to quantify that.

 

[cruiser21]

If you want Disney, you'll get more bang for your buck by visiting WDW and Disneyland for sure.

Not sure I agree with this. My upcoming trip 1 week at the Beach Club(2 peeps),,, 30% off hotel with with tickets was 3,500 throw in food at least another 1k probably more. I could have done the 15 night EBTA or the Fantasy in May for less then this. You're not the first person to say WDW is less then a cruise. I just don't get it. I guess if you stay at motel 6 aka Disney Value resort it is, but that doesn't compare to a cruise.

We are family that cruises multiple times a year. Usually one on Disney and a couple on someone else. I enjoy every cruise. Is DCL worth it? Yes. Are they other cruise lines great? Yes. You only get Disney on Disney if that makes since. I can't say DCL is better then the other cruise lines, but it's a unique experience you will only find on a DCL cruise.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

Not sure I agree with this. My upcoming trip 1 week at the Beach Club(2 peeps),,, 30% off hotel with with tickets was 3,500 throw in food at least another 1k probably more. I could have done the 15 night EBTA or the Fantasy in May for less then this. You're not the first person to say WDW is less then a cruise. I just don't get it. I guess if you stay at motel 6 aka Disney Value resort it is, but that doesn't compare to a cruise.

We are family that cruises multiple times a year. Usually one on Disney and a couple on someone else. I enjoy every cruise. Is DCL worth it? Yes. Are they other cruise lines great? Yes. You only get Disney on Disney if that makes since. I can't say DCL is better then the other cruise lines, but it's a unique experience you will only find on a DCL cruise.

For us WDW is normally about $1000 - $1300 cheaper then Disney cruise but it's not really comparing apples to apples.
Our "typical" Disney world trip we stay 6 nights at a Moderate with Free Dining.
Our typical DCL trip is 7 nights. I would say that accommodations-wise DCL ship compares to a deluxe resort and dining on DCL compares to the deluxe dining plan. If we were to purchase both at WDW, we would probably pay more than for the cruise.
However... the options at WDW are endless from resorts to dining so from that standpoint a family can definitely have a cheaper ($) vacation at WDW. Especially if there are kids under 3. You don't pay for them at WDW but you do on DCL. Or if you travel during peak periods.
DCL will be outrageously expensive then, but WDW can be decent with special discounts.
WDW can be less for sure but also less luxurious.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

While we can afford DCL , after 3 cruises we have decided it's just not worth the money for what you get. Same old food , same old shoes, same old onboard entertainment, and our girls getting older we just think there are better options. For the price of a DCL cruise we can do WDW deluxe with Deluxe dining plan and tickets with a lot more entertainment options for a few grand less. DCL is a nice vacation, but no longer worth the price IMO

This is exactly how we feel. DCL is amazing, but after 4 cruises with them I'm having a harder time justifying spending extra on the same old...everything. Almost all entertainment is same a year later.
We will still sail with them, but not as often. I have a feeling some of the other lines will offer a comparable value. Just not sure on that Disney feeling...
But OP is asking to convince her to go... I'd say they should try it. At least once, cause I really don't think there is anything else like it.

 

[CF'er]

I am about to go on my second DCL cruise in May. I will be cruising with my 19yo DD who is a Disney nut to put it mildly. SHE is the reason I cruise DCL. Her senior year of HS her class took a trip to Italy. She also wanted to do DCL. She had to choose and she picked the cruise. I am platinum on Carnival so DCL isn't my first cruise. There are differences for sure... DCL has bigger rooms and better food, Disney themes and magic. It does not have a casino so for my husband that is a deal breaker. He likes to gamble and that is part of why he cruises. Hence DCL is my DD and I. Do I cringe when I think of how many CCL cruises I could take for the price? Yes but to have the DCL experience and to have mother daughter time is worth it to me. I plan to book a placeholder while on-board because we do enjoy it. We also purchased the photo package and hit every photo op possible. One of the fun things we did. DD wants to do that again so we will. Memories. Your mileage may vary.

 

[mevelandry]

Not sure I agree with this. My upcoming trip 1 week at the Beach Club(2 peeps),,, 30% off hotel with with tickets was 3,500 throw in food at least another 1k probably more. I could have done the 15 night EBTA or the Fantasy in May for less then this. You're not the first person to say WDW is less then a cruise. I just don't get it. I guess if you stay at motel 6 aka Disney Value resort it is, but that doesn't compare to a cruise.

We are family that cruises multiple times a year. Usually one on Disney and a couple on someone else. I enjoy every cruise. Is DCL worth it? Yes. Are they other cruise lines great? Yes. You only get Disney on Disney if that makes since. I can't say DCL is better then the other cruise lines, but it's a unique experience you will only find on a DCL cruise.

I did not mean it that way. I meant that to me DCL is a toned down version of Disney. DH and I are chilfree and we can easily avoid the theme if we remain in the Quiet Cove, go watch their adult movies, eat at Palo and Remy and avoid the shows (which is pretty much what we have done during our first DCL cruise). In WDW and Disneyland, the theme is "in your face".

Now that I have tried another cruise and realize that I am more into cruising than into DCL (I love them but as an adult without kids, I do think they charge too much for what they offer) I would recommend cruising with another cruise line and keep a few days for Disney afterwards (or before the cruise if you want to relax before going home). That way you get 100% Disney (not a toned down version of it) AND you get the cruising. And it's most likely going to cost you a lot less than a DCL cruise.

 

[mevelandry]

This is exactly how we feel. DCL is amazing, but after 4 cruises with them I'm having a harder time justifying spending extra on the same old...everything. Almost all entertainment is same a year later.

I agree. We had done the Dream twice when we offered my in-laws to bring them with us and make them discover Disney and cruising. They wanted to try DCL because that is what we were used to at the time. We said yes under only one condition: we had to try a new ship, that had to have different mdr and different shows. We picked the Wonder...

Differents shows is not something that would bring me back. I am a huge fan of Broadway shows but when people compare the Disney shows to Broadway shows, I disagree. They may have the Broadway "spirit" but they don't satisfy me as much. (But that's only my opinion).

I don't exclude new ships in the future. IF they decide to lower their prices and make it closer to the prices of other cruise lines when they have more ships in 2023 (which is very unlikely) then we'll see.

Until then, I can't wait to sail with Carnival again and try NCL, RCCL, HOA, Princess, etc.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

Well we're not experts; we've only gone on Dream and Fantasy (1 each) and then we tried Carnival Breeze which was a third of the price for a comparable room. But there was NO comparison for us. Carnival did not hold a candle to Disney for food, service, cleanliness, kids clubs and entertainment. We decided that we LOVE cruising but we will stick with Disney. We rather pay the extra money for a fantastic experience then spend a third for a disappointing lackluster time. The food was so nasty we were actually hungry. The common areas were filthy; dirty tables and overflowing garbage cans. The staff were absent and just not as polished. The adult entertainment was pathetic and the kids club not in the same league at all. We almost died of thirst, unlike Disney cruises where there are non-alcoholic drink machines on the pool deck we had to stand in line for ages to get a watered down soda (we paid for the unlimited soda card) at the bar as there were never any servers anywhere. The excursions we did on Carnival were just as good as Disney but we missed Castaway Cay. Not sure if anyone can convince you to stick with Disney but NO one could ever convince me to try another cruise line after our disappointing experience with Carnival.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I don't think DCL is always worth the price difference.

It seems like many here started cruising on Disney and I think that can make a difference. I started cruising with my family and it was always based on the itinerary. I've cruised, DCL, RCCL, Celebrity, Holland America, Winstar, Princess and a few I'm probably forgetting lol.

IMO each line has their pluses and minuses. For me DCL doesn't win every category. Unless the Disney theme is worth a premium to you, then DCL isn't worth the high price.

It could be how we like to cruise also. On every other line we sail in a suite. We got a great price on an off-season (which we prefer anyway) Italy itinerary for under $6k in a suite. DCL only offers European cruises in the high season and the concierge equivalent room was $31k. I'm sorry, but for me nothing Disney has to offer is worth that price.

I do think Disney is worth the premium on weekend cruises. We prefer Disney to the more rambunctious party atmosphere of weekend cruises. CC is worth the premium to me on those cruises as well. But three days is about all I can take in those darned split bathrooms. I don't know why so many people love them lol. Two airplane size bathroom coffins.

DCL fits me best for a couple of times a year weekend getaway and I stick to other lines for the longer cruises. On a side note, I'm excited to try out the new Private Journeys offerings from RCCL.

 

[cruiser21]

Yeah I am sad we never did a Disney cruise earlier. Never said it wouldn't be a good cruise just not worth the price difference. Seems like some people seem to put down other lines to justify the premium they pay for Disney. But as I read the stories and from my own experience the other lines are very good. It seems where Disney does differ greatly is No casino and dedicating that space to kids services. From what I read are incredible. But my kids probably wouldn't use it and people without kids are subsidizing the kids club cast members. So maybe that justifies the cost for parents that want to keep their smaller children entertained. And the activities on the big RC ships appeal more to my daughter. I would rather spend that 9k in better ways.

I've enjoyed the other cruise lines. My kids favorite has always been Disney, but they like Ccl and NCL. Your kids can't miss what they've never experienced. I'd probably keep it that way.

 

[Bree]

with the summer 2018 prices out I am in sticker shock. Never sailed dcl, once each with Carnival and RC.

RC comparable 7 days Caribbean and stateroom is half. What am I going to get for my $4,500 difference?

I can also get a aqua view suite with concierge for $1,800 more than a $9,000 balcony.

From reading a Disney concierge blog it seemed like even the big diffence, Disney Characters have long waits.

I know lots of people do it so Disney knows they can charge this but really?

Help!!!! Will I be blown away?

I am in no way going to try to convince you to sail DCL. In fact, if you want to spend that kind of cash I will steer you towards the Aqua View Suite. Dreams Unlimited just did a podcast on that room. The services you receive with that class of suite is just amazing. In fact, that review has me rethinking the Oasis Class ships. Never wanted to try them, but now I do in that type of room.

 

[hanscarlet]

Not sure I agree with this. My upcoming trip 1 week at the Beach Club(2 peeps),,, 30% off hotel with with tickets was 3,500 throw in food at least another 1k probably more. I could have done the 15 night EBTA or the Fantasy in May for less then this. You're not the first person to say WDW is less then a cruise. I just don't get it. I guess if you stay at motel 6 aka Disney Value resort it is, but that doesn't compare to a cruise.

We are family that cruises multiple times a year. Usually one on Disney and a couple on someone else. I enjoy every cruise. Is DCL worth it? Yes. Are they other cruise lines great? Yes. You only get Disney on Disney if that makes since. I can't say DCL is better then the other cruise lines, but it's a unique experience you will only find on a DCL cruise.

this is how I feel too, we're not WDW people but my mom is forcing us and I am shocked at the prices.... the tickets for 2 days for 4 of us are $750! insane! and we are staying at the beach club but damn $500/night? I am paying $2500 for 2 days in WDW, I went on a cruise for that in 2013.... our cruises average $6k for 7 nights and I think it's way more worth it than WDW but we're not WDW people, I totally respect those that are as my mom is and loves the magic but we're not because our HFA kid doesn't really dig rides

 

[cruiser21]

this is how I feel too, we're not WDW people but my mom is forcing us and I am shocked at the prices.... the tickets for 2 days for 4 of us are $750! insane! and we are staying at the beach club but damn $500/night? I am paying $2500 for 2 days in WDW, I went on a cruise for that in 2013.... our cruises average $6k for 7 nights and I think it's way more worth it than WDW but we're not WDW people, I totally respect those that are as my mom is and loves the magic but we're not because our HFA kid doesn't really dig rides

Our plan was 3 nights at WL and 7 nights at BC. I booked the BC through a TA. I booked the the WL through Orbitz with 25% off plus the 15% off Orbitz promo code and it was still over 300.00 a night. I remember 5 years ago staying club level at the WL for less then 300 hundred a night and paying less then 200.00 for a standard room. When I figured out the cost of the room plus food. Sailing on the 4 night cruise inside room was only about 650.00 more then the 3 nights at WL. I'll take the cruise for 650.00. Take into consideration I'm traveling with just my 12 year old and I booked the cheapest inside room. If my teenager and dh were going it would have cost a lot more to subtract 3 days and add a cruise.
I don't know when your going, but 500.00 a night? I'm paying 2,565 for 7 nights at BC second week of May. I booked through a TA, but I could get the same deal on Orbitz. Keep an eye out for discounts.
I don't plan on going back to WDW anytime soon. I just think it's too expensive for what you get even though I apparently got a good hotel rate. It still seems really high to me. I've got a lot of cruises planned over the next 2 years.
I'm excited to go back on the Dream the cruise cost 1,900 with my OBB. Overpriced too, but a great ship I haven't been on in 5 years.