** The Official Priced Out Thread **

[bcwife76]

We booked the 7 night northern europe and paid less than I thought we would for the secret porthole room with our OBB discount so I'm happy about that. We were debating between the 7 night and the 8 night. The 8 night for the exact same room is another $1928 (US so well over $2000 Canadian) for one more night. And that's not including the extra money we would spend on more excursions. Nope. Sticking with the 7 night as we are happy with the price. About the only one we considered out of all the new summer dates because most of the others were way more than we would ever even consider booking.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I did not realize you can do this. I've been back and forth about booking a Wonder cruise for April 2020. If I book now, I can check the price on the Magic in November and rebook with the 10% discount? What happens to the OBB from my travel agent?

You can always re-shop a reservation, but two things: first, the price may have gone up, so the 10% discount could potentially not off-set the price increase between your original booking and the new booking. Second, as I understand it, an onboard booking is a new booking, and your old reservation will need to be cancelled. I suppose you could transfer the new booking back to your TA.

 

[KashasMom]

You can always re-shop a reservation, but two things: first, the price may have gone up, so the 10% discount could potentially not off-set the price increase between your original booking and the new booking. Second, as I understand it, an onboard booking is a new booking, and your old reservation will need to be cancelled. I suppose you could transfer the new booking back to your TA.

Got it. Thanks. Doesn't seem to be very popular (price hasn't gone up yet) so I guess I can take my chances.

 

[WishUponAStarryNight]

I did not realize you can do this. I've been back and forth about booking a Wonder cruise for April 2020. If I book now, I can check the price on the Magic in November and rebook with the 10% discount? What happens to the OBB from my travel agent?

Yes, you can book now and shop the same cruise at a later date. We did this for our upcoming Alaska trip. The initial booking was with my TA. When we were on the Fantasy last April, the agent booked us in the same stateroom category for the Alaska sailing and this latter booking was assigned to my TA. When we got home, the TA canceled the first booking and moved the second booking into our initial stateroom. I understand that sometimes folks have been able to cancel and rebook for the same stateroom while onboard, but that was not our experience.

 

[TestingH2O]

Yes, you can book now and shop the same cruise at a later date. We did this for our upcoming Alaska trip. The initial booking was with my TA. When we were on the Fantasy last April, the agent booked us in the same stateroom category for the Alaska sailing and this latter booking was assigned to my TA. When we got home, the TA canceled the first booking and moved the second booking into our initial stateroom. I understand that sometimes folks have been able to cancel and rebook for the same stateroom while onboard, but that was not our experience.

It's because you had a TA. If you are booking on your own, you can do that.

OP- what we did was just get the placeholder onboard. It's faster to do that than actually go through the whole process of booking real rooms. The day we booked that, we emailed our TA to let her know and ask her to cancel the original reservation and move our placeholder into those rooms. The money we had already paid for the original deposit was also moved to the new reservation.

 

[tinkerone]

We branched out right when the prices originally jumped in 2017 for non concierge cabins, concierge jumped in 2015, and have been very happy with the options we have sailed since. I still monitor this board because their are some good people on here and we will eventually sail DCL again if the price is right, so I want to know what changes to expect when we sail DCL again

For those jumping ship from DCL, life is good on other lines

Our last DCL cruise was late 2015 and we then made a change that I have not regretted either. I, like you, have been monitoring this board because I knew we would be coming back when our grandson turned 5 (2021) and want to keep up on changes. Oddly enough, it was DH who said he would like to try DCL again to see if his memory was correct. He can't believe that the ships we have been sailing since, most recently a B2B on the Symphony, are every bit as good as our sailings on DCL, especially since they are half the cost. Not something we expected but was pleasantly surprised to find.

We now have a sailing on the Fantasy for this October, just for him for comparison, with the added bonus that we can get a few place holders for our 2021 sailing. Other than that we have been very happy with our change to RCCL and their newer ships. So much more for families with older children and adults IMO.
You said it best, life IS good on other lines.

 

[KashasMom]

Our last DCL cruise was late 2015 and we then made a change that I have not regretted either. I, like you, have been monitoring this board because I knew we would be coming back when our grandson turned 5 (2021) and want to keep up on changes. Oddly enough, it was DH who said he would like to try DCL again to see if his memory was correct. He can't believe that the ships we have been sailing since, most recently a B2B on the Symphony, are every bit as good as our sailings on DCL, especially since they are half the cost. Not something we expected but was pleasantly surprised to find.

We now have a sailing on the Fantasy for this October, just for him for comparison, with the added bonus that we can get a few place holders for our 2021 sailing. Other than that we have been very happy with our change to RCCL and their newer ships. So much more for families with older children and adults IMO.
You said it best, life IS good on other lines.

Totally agree! Oasis class ships are our favorite!!

 

[Geomom]

I ended up booking a Dream 4 nt cruise just to go somewhere next summer to celebrate my 50th birthday a few weeks in advance. Even though it's more/night than I'd like to pay...it'll be cheaper than a Europe cruise and our other expenses will be minimal. We'll do Disney World first with our DVC points ('free' room), use our AP's again right before they expire ('free' park visits), and airfare is 'cheap' to Orlando in summer. It'll be our first time on a Dream class ship, first Pirate night, first time to Castaway Cay, first verandah, new shows, etc. So...this time we're doing a 'ship' trip vs. a port trip.

 

[smmco]

I can't say I'm priced out of DCL, but I'm definitely priced out the more exotic European cruises. I ended up booking the Carnival Mardi Gras's 9 night maiden Voyage out of Copenhagen. Ports include Hamburg(Germany), Gothenberg(Sweden) Oslo( Norway) Zeebrugge(Brussels) Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Le Havre(France) the cruise ends in South Hampton. I'm paying 6000 total for 2 inside Ocean Harbor rooms. These rooms have access to a private lounge with breakfast, snacks and cappuccino maker. The only DCL cruise that was in the ball park was the British Isles cruise, but two inside rooms are 7,400. One Oceanview was 6,076, but we're a lot more comfortable in two rooms.

I guess I'm more price sensitive or cheap then most people on these boards, but I can't spend 10k+ plus on a cruise. We've done three European cruises two on Royal and one on Disney, but our last European cruise was three years ago. I think prices have really gone up on cruise lines across the board. I've had some serious sticker shock the last two days.

Also since this is so far out my husband has no idea if he can get those weeks off. Carnival let me book the kids in one room and me in another. They said I can add him up to 3 days before. I'll just need to pay his port fees. On Disney an adult has to booked in each room. On Carnival they let you book kids 13 and over in their own room as long as they are within 3 staterooms from guardian. You do have to call to do this. You cannot do it online. I learned all this today. It's my son's early graduation present so were going with or without hubs. I wanted to do it before he turns 18 rather then Summer 2021 when he's in the 18-21 limbo stage. I guess in the small chance my husband can't make it I'll be paying the single supplement. I'm ok with that I will thoroughly enjoy a room to myself.

 

[MSPeeler]

Out of curiosity, I inquired for our family of 5 in June for a 7nt eastern Caribbean... it's about $4K above my comfort zone.... looks like fall break it is
We've never sailed in June, but with kids being out of school in the summer, it's easier to travel the itinerary I want. Guess I will just have to stick with what's available for the week of their school break.

 

[mevelandry]

I can't say I'm priced out of DCL, but I'm definitely priced out the more exotic European cruises. I ended up booking the Carnival Mardi Gras's 9 night maiden Voyage out of Copenhagen. Ports include Hamburg(Germany), Gothenberg(Sweden) Oslo( Norway) Zeebrugge(Brussels) Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Le Havre(France) the cruise ends in South Hampton. I'm paying 6000 total for 2 inside Ocean Harbor rooms. These rooms have access to a private lounge with breakfast, snacks and cappuccino maker. The only DCL cruise that was in the ball park was the British Isles cruise, but two inside rooms are 7,400. One Oceanview was 6,076, but we're a lot more comfortable in two rooms.

I guess I'm more price sensitive or cheap then most people on these boards, but I can't spend 10k+ plus on a cruise. We've done three European cruises two on Royal and one on Disney, but our last European cruise was three years ago. I think prices have really gone up on cruise lines across the board. I've had some serious sticker shock the last two days.

Also since this is so far out my husband has no idea if he can get those weeks off. Carnival let me book the kids in one room and me in another. They said I can add him up to 3 days before. I'll just need to pay his port fees. On Disney an adult has to booked in each room. On Carnival they let you book kids 13 and over in their own room as long as they are within 3 staterooms from guardian. You do have to call to do this. You cannot do it online. I learned all this today. It's my son's early graduation present so were going with or without hubs. I wanted to do it before he turns 18 rather then Summer 2021 when he's in the 18-21 limbo stage. I guess in the small chance my husband can't make it I'll be paying the single supplement. I'm ok with that I will thoroughly enjoy a room to myself.

Did you put those infos on the DCL vs Carnival thread? This is super interesting information for families!

 

[TJA]

I'm not necessarily priced out or "done" with Disney cruises, but long story short, the 2020 Disney European cruises I inquired about ranged from $13,335.04 (7 night) to $15,491.92 (8 night), and this was with my 10% discount applied from the booking I did while on board last July. These prices do not include airfare or excursions. I'm a long-time Disney lover of everything, but the business side of me said to research, research, research because this honestly can't be the best I can do. I ended up checking out Royal and priced out a Western European cruise (7 nights) and couldn't believe the final cost for my family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids both age 16). Ready for this? $3,962.68! This is for a room which sounds similar to our Disney Wonder room. On Royal it's called a "spacious balcony" room. Only difference is Royal room has just one bathroom, which is ok.

I'm going to be heading over to the Royal section of this board now with some questions, but I know I need to add a drink package for my girls and DH (the $12 one), and that will add $252 to my cost. I also need to add the tips which I believe were $404. I think we'll be happy with the included food so I won't be buying any extra. I have excursions in my cart right now that equal $864 for 3 ports for all 4 of us! I'm just so excited. Nervous to branch out away from Disney, but still excited to save so much money! Our ship, Jewel of the Seas, has a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, arcade, pool slide, jogging path, and some other things that my kids will love. Also, I believe they'll be allowed in the fitness room without so much hassle as Disney gave us, so that will be great for them!

 

[MSPeeler]

I'm not necessarily priced out or "done" with Disney cruises, but long story short, the 2020 Disney European cruises I inquired about ranged from $13,335.04 (7 night) to $15,491.92 (8 night), and this was with my 10% discount applied from the booking I did while on board last July. These prices do not include airfare or excursions. I'm a long-time Disney lover of everything, but the business side of me said to research, research, research because this honestly can't be the best I can do. I ended up checking out Royal and priced out a Western European cruise (7 nights) and couldn't believe the final cost for my family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids both age 16). Ready for this? $3,962.68! This is for a room which sounds similar to our Disney Wonder room. On Royal it's called a "spacious balcony" room. Only difference is Royal room has just one bathroom, which is ok.

I'm going to be heading over to the Royal section of this board now with some questions, but I know I need to add a drink package for my girls and DH (the $12 one), and that will add $252 to my cost. I also need to add the tips which I believe were $404. I think we'll be happy with the included food so I won't be buying any extra. I have excursions in my cart right now that equal $864 for 3 ports for all 4 of us! I'm just so excited. Nervous to branch out away from Disney, but still excited to save so much money! Our ship, Jewel of the Seas, has a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, arcade, pool slide, jogging path, and some other things that my kids will love. Also, I believe they'll be allowed in the fitness room without so much hassle as Disney gave us, so that will be great for them!

We’re in the same “boat” I’ll be seeing you on the RC thread I’m sure LOL.

Also nervous about branching out, but the money I’ll save is more than the cost of whole 2nd cruise with RC!

 

[cgolf]

We’re in the same “boat” I’ll be seeing you on the RC thread I’m sure LOL.

Also nervous about branching out, but the money I’ll save is more than the cost of whole 2nd cruise with RC!

I wouldn't be too nervous, you will have a great time. You will find it to be a different experience, some things better and some worse. One thing that we have found on other lines is that DCL is not the only line that has fantastic staff. The staff on RCCL and Celebrity have been every bit as good and friendly, down to the people cleaning and maintaining the ship. I know I over worried before our first RCCL trip but said I won't compare lines many times to myself before I got on.

We are now at the point I wouldn't be jealous or disappointed if we saw a DCL ship next to us on one of our cruises.

I do have 2 RCCL reviews and 1 Celebrity review on the RCCL board, but it is from the 2 adult perspective. Our daughter is in college so we didn't experience the clubs.

 

[tinkerone]

I know I over worried before our first RCCL trip but said I won't compare lines many times to myself before I got on.

Us to. It was because I kept reading that if you go anywhere else your going to get nickel and dimed, your going to get a small cabin, your going to get food poisoning/subpar food, the staff don't care, the ships are dirty, you won't have anything to do on board and on and on and on. If you listen to the masses they certainly can make you wonder. I'm not usually a follower but I found myself listening to this and thinking they must be right.
I'm here to say transitioning was the best thing we ever did. It certainly opened our eyes to some great opportunities.

 

[Chirple]

I appreciate reading everyone's ideas on other options. We live near two cruise ports (Manhattan is the closer of the two), and I am willing to branch out to other lines. My husband is safely in his DCL comfort zone.

 

[smmco]

Did you put those infos on the DCL vs Carnival thread? This is super interesting information for families!

I found the info on cruise critic, but this is the official policy. https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2544/~/minor-guest-policy.
I've had to cancel a Disney cruise because we had two rooms booked and the price of the cruise had gone up so much it wasn't realistic to move a kid over to the other room. Also the room I had booked did not have bunk beds. Live and learn.

 

[ldo]

We love DCL and still cruise DCL as our prefered line. In 2016 we got an OV room for 4 for June Norwegian fjords for about $5K, which I thought was a very good price for DCL. Last summer we sailed on Princess on a 12 day British Isles cruise due to timing. But we had the added bonus of getting a balcony room for $6500! Great cruise, food, entertainment, staff. Missed the movie theater and Disney touches--but we added a one week land portion in Italy/Austria with the $ saved.
Hoping to get in another famliy DCL--maybe next year...will have to be very off-season, I guess.

 

[dcassetta]

Would be great if DCL offered some solo cabins. My aunt cruises NCL a lot for that very reason.

I think some of RCCL new ships now have solo cabins too.

The new Virgin Voyages line has single cabins, some with a balcony.

I would like to see this on DCL, maybe the new ships will have a few.

 

[dwight16]

OMG OMG OMG the JUL 1st 9 nighter on the disney magic for a family of 4 27,000 dollar for a balcony room! i was on the disney magic in November and that is not a 10k ship let alone a 27k ship. the same week for an 8 nighter on the explorer of the seas leaving the same port Rome.....for a 1 bed room grand suite family of 4 9,000 dollars. like i dont want to be mean but what are people thinking. i love disney more then most things in life but my god there is a point where its insane and this is it. the crazy part is the june one is sold out....truly amazing.