The Royal Suite on the Fantasy . . . ever increasing costs . . .

[disneywonderfun]

I am trying to avoid sarcasm and jokes, but I am curious about opinions on people who might be inclined to book a Royal Suite on the Fantasy.

We have sailed in the Walt/Roy on three Disney cruises. Each time, we paid more than we paid on the prior trip.

Our most recent vacation was less than a year ago and we paid around $20.7K for 2A/2K in late May. I called today to reserve the Walt for our Spring Break 2015. The cost is up to $31.7K.

We certainly enjoy the cabin and the amenities inside (the mini kitchen, the steam shower, the hot tub on the balcony, etc.). Nevertheless, this latest cost is a bit of sticker shock for me. At some point I guess I simply feel that it is the "Emperor's New Clothes". Perhaps I am just convincing myself that I should want the cabin even though the price is approaching obscene levels.

I went to DCL this morning and noticed that there is only one week available in all of 2014 where a Royal Suite is even available (August 2, 2014 at a cost of $31K for our family). Not to over analyze the situation, but I am wondering if I want the cabin so much simply becuase it is so tough to book.

Yes, obviously, DCL knows everything about supply and demand. If I do not finalize my March 2015 reservation, I am sure someone else will swoop down and pick it up.

Nevertheless, I just keep thinking that a different vacation would be just as fun for our family at nowhere near the cost.

Any thoughts?

DWF

 

[Meghatron]

I just keep thinking that a different vacation would be just as fun for our family at nowhere near the cost.

Yes.

 

[UmmGooD]

If you asked me and I had that kind of money to throw at a vacation I wouldn't be doing DCL. You could do amazing vacations for that kind of money and in reality a room doesn't justify that kind of price in my eyes. If it was 10k vs 7k maybe but 31k vs 7k for the same family in another room that doesn't have concierge and you get the same treatment everywhere else on the ship.

For me if I had 31k for a vacation I would be looking at Adventures by Disney. I have always wanted to do one of those and frankly the Fantasy doesn't go to anywhere to me that justifies the 31k price tag vs Adventures by Disney.

Check this out: It is in that price range and to me this would be amazing and in my eyes a huge learning experience for your kids.

http://www.adventuresbydisney.com/asia-africa-australia/south-africa-vacations/

 

[Meghatron]

For me if I had 31k for a vacation I would be looking at Adventures by Disney. I have always wanted to do one of those and frankly the Fantasy doesn't go to anywhere to me that justifies the 31k price tag vs Adventures by Disney.

 

[MND]

Any thoughts?

DWF

Yes, $31,000 for a cabin for a 1 week cruise is very expensive, imho; however, DCL appears to be able to fetch that amount. If they don't sell at that price, they will lower to price.

As a Disney shareholder, I am very happy to see them charge that amount!

When I cruise, I book 2 adjoining oceanview rooms for 1/4 of that price.

Mike

 

[cris0809]

Nevertheless, I just keep thinking that a different vacation would be just as fun for our family at nowhere near the cost.

DWF

Would you only consider sailing in the Walt or Roy? Does it have to be a different vacation instead?

The pricing is way too high. We could do four or five years worth of vacationing (at three weeks a year) with that money The way we travel is about how much experience I can get for the cost and this does not maximize it for me.

 

[natmom]

Wow, and I'm feeling bad about spending $5000 on a 4c room for 2A/2C on the fantasy lol. It all depends on your financial situation, but if you are starting to question whether it is worth it... Maybe it isn't. Look at it like, been there done that and spend that money on another amazing vacation.

 

[minniemouse1]

It maybe the challenge for you of obtaining the suite because it is hard to reserve. I guess you have to think about how much time you spend there. Do you forgo all of the main dining and dine in the suite? Do you spend all or most of your time there and not really spend much time out exploring the ship? If I ever paid that much for a room I would fell like I could never leave it just to justify the cost.
We cruised with a verandah once, never even went out on it so we have not booked a verandah room again. We are not in our room very much so a room with a large porthole window is good for us considering we basically just sleep and shower there. The rest of our time is spent out and about.
Always something to think about when trying to justify the cost. If money is not an obstacle when it comes to vacation expenses and you really enjoy the suite and all the perks that go along with it and feel you would not enjoy your vacation if you didn't book the suite than that is the only choice for you.

Good luck in your decision making. I can't even begin to imagine the kind of vacation I could plan with 31K! I would consider an extended tour of Europe, maybe go to Australia or even back to Hawaii. Just thinking about all the possibilities makes me excited! My DH had sticker shock with paying 8K for a cruise so this year to save some much needed $$$ we will be driving from NY to FL.

 

[spacecanada]

I think you need to consider the reasons why you like to cruise DCL, the reasons why you enjoy the Walt/Roy suites, and see if those reasons can be met in a lower category cabin. I'm sure they can.

As for the cost increase, it's pure business 101. If they can charge a higher price for the same thing and the rooms still sell out, aces to them.

If I were you, and the cost is still manageable, I'd go for it. If you're looking for something else memorable and fantastic for a similar price (as before), look into a lower category stateroom, Adventures by Disney, or WDW with a private guide.

Best of luck picking your next vacation.

 

[tweis]

If you asked me and I had that kind of money to throw at a vacation I wouldn't be doing DCL. /[/url]

Totally agree

If I had that kind of cash for vacation, I would be travelling to England, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Tahiti, you get my point.

Different strokes for different folks though....

 

[Dahly]

I second the ABD option - for 31k you could do at least 8-9 nights and see something other than the Caribbean.

My son and I did the ABD Ecuador/Galapagos Trip in 2009 when he was 10 and he will tell you it was the BEST vacation he has ever had..he wants to go back for his HS graduation trip.

ABD is not comparable to DCL in the sense of the activities offered on the ships, or the dining options and pools, but it is a whole other active experience that I would jump on again and again given the chance. The adventure guides know their stuff and do everything in their power to make sure you have a fantastic trip.


Good Luck on whatever you decide!

Dahly

 

[bliscum]

I agree with the ABD comment. I have done 9 of them and love them all. They are all different and different tours for everyone.

 

[taswira]

DCL will continue to hike prices as long as the market will allow. Especially on the Fantasy, as long as they can get those couple of bookings for Cat. R at their insane prices, they will continue to do so. I picture someone in upper management scheming: "We'll just gradually raise it to $75,000. Guests will be so used to our pricing that they won't even blink. SOMEONE will pay it!"

And someone will. Those looking for real value for their dollar will not, and not even at $30,000. But those who have that much truly "disposable" income may do it anyway. That is what DCL is counting on and that is what causes the continual price hikes.

 

[MouseinMelbourne]

If you can get it together by Saturday, the Royal Suite is available on my Fantasy Eastern Caribbean for just $21,000.

I don't have that kind of money. Well, I do, but I choose to spend it in other ways. You just have to decide if the Royal Suite experience is worth it *for you.* I did think it was interesting what you said about wanting it just because it's tough to get. That's how some people get crazy prices for their auctions on eBay. If someone thinks they can't have it, they want it even more!

 

[all5ofus]

Everyone has a different perspective of the cost/value proposition. Someone who thinks $30,000 for a vacation is crazy when they can pay $7,000 and others will think the $7K is ridiculous. Some people couldn't justify paying for a royal suite when they could do 5 cruises in a Cat 11, but I can't do 5 cruises in a year. I find value in the concierge experience even at the insane price levels they are getting to.

I have sailed in the Walt & Roy many times on the Magic and Wonder and have had the Walt on the Fantasy once.

For me as a family of 5 the one bedroom layout is the bigger problem than the price. Having the kids beds in the living room was a negative for me, and to compound that it is a twin and a double to sleep 3 and none of my kids are willing to share a bed. Fortunately, they were able to bring in a roll away which helped, but it took up space in the living area.

We now book connecting Cat T & Cat V suites which costs less than the royal and gives us better usable space as well as some separation from the kids. I do miss that huge verandah though.

 

[ALMinVA]

Are you choosing to sail on DCL for the itinerary or the ships amenities?

It sounds like perhaps you have experienced the "best" accommodations DCL has to offer and the increasing cost perhaps doesn't match the service or amenities?

If you were to sail in a non Royal suite, would you be missing the amenities of the Royal suite?

We are folks that choose to spend on vacations because during the year our careers are high demand, high stress and DH's travel schedule is intense. Our vacations are thought out, planned and we look at cost and what is important to us. We recently upgraded to the Roy suite on the Magic for our Nov 2014 cruise and I know it is not the same as the Fantasy in that there is no lounge or hot tub on the deck but for us, the extra special attention from concierge, and the extra space and luxury accommodations is worth the extra cost.

It sounds like you might just need a change...

I hope you enjoy whatever vacation you decide.

 

[disneywonderfun]

Would you only consider sailing in the Walt or Roy? Does it have to be a different vacation instead?

The pricing is way too high. We could do four or five years worth of vacationing (at three weeks a year) with that money The way we travel is about how much experience I can get for the cost and this does not maximize it for me.

We generally sail in the best category we can get at the time of booking. So, we have, for example, sailed in everything from 12 to R. We even do VGT when a last minute week opens up. So, no, we do not have to be in the Royal, but it would be nice if we were going and it was still available .

DWF

 

[goingsouth]

Isn't it nice to see so many thoughtful answers instead of snarky ones. Makes me happy...

 

[cris0809]

Everyone has a different perspective of the cost/value proposition. Someone who thinks $30,000 for a vacation is crazy when they can pay $7,000 and others will think the $7K is ridiculous.

My response does not come from sticker shock.

If that's what makes you the most happy person in the world then book it. That part is hard to put a price on. However, there are many other options where you could get more for the same money. At the end of the day that's my brain's response to the OP's dilemma.

 

[TheLanes]

I've gotta assume that someone that spends that kind of money for the suite is also doing many other amazing vacations!

Are you saying that this is the only vacation you do, and are looking for advice for other places?