Um...Super Awkward Question...

[WiscMomof2]

OP - I just wanted to say that I hope your family has a fantastic cruise. Enjoy - DCL is amazing!

 

[mevelandry]

I'm trying to say this as delicately as possible and I am hoping that the nuance won't get lost in translation because the subject is delicate.

DH and I definitely noticed a difference in "ethnic mixity" on DCL vs Carnival. Not that we pay a particular attention to it: it was obvious since our first DCL cruise. Probably because I come from Montreal (Canada) which is very cosmopolitan.

That being said, I would be shocked if you encountered hostility because of that... Out of my four cruises never have I heard a single bad comment coming from other cruisers regarding the ethnicity of other passengers or CMs. And I would have been the first person to complain to the staff if that ever happened.

 

[twiceblessedindeed]

I think one of the areas where Disney goes above and beyond is the diversity that the brand attracts. Not just ethnically, but multigenerational families, same sex, single parent, varying degrees of special needs, different financial classes, etc. Ultimately everyone is there to have a great time and I can honestly say I've never felt singled out, disrespected, or mistreated an any way by guest or cast. The castmembers do an excellent job of taking care of everyone and even on the off chance that you encounter rudeness from a guest, don't let it deter you, I'm sure you guys will have a great time. Great question OP, I had never considered it but the awesome answers on this board may have been very encouraging to others who were to shy to ask! Great job guys!

ETA: Also, OP...not sure the ages of your kids, but my twins have done both nursery and Oceaneers Club / Lab and the staff was great and the kids all played nicely together each cruise. Mine are definitely aware and would tell me if a kid or adult were mean to them or made a comment. It hasn't happened. Also the characters don't overlook them they show the same attention as all the other kids and the Kids Club staff engages with them just fine.

 

[bumbershoot]

IMO the OP is asking, mainly, "are there people of color who cruise?" So someone who has cruised can answer that. Yes there are people of color who cruise.

Which is, I'm pretty sure, what Club was saying. I mean, I can't answer "how many" POC I've seen, either, because I didn't count. But cruises aren't lily white (or light pink like me LOL), so that concern isn't an issue to worry about.

I get being nervous about fitting in. DH gets nervous traveling b/c he's a bigger guy (messed up metabolism + genetics + pituitary tumor) and often feels uncomfortable. Doesn't help that he speaks some of many languages and KNOWS what people are saying about him (b/c he can understand what they think they are being clever about) as he boards planes.

I think my concern was a mix of what I was seeing and reading someone's post complaining about the other family at their table being "culturally different from them" and asking for "special food with a very strong smell".

FWIW my family asks for Indian food, which is specially requested food and smells strongly. Of course, tablemates might be confused since I'm white, DS looks totally caucasian (though he's 1/4 Asian), and DH, while part Asian, isn't Indian.

And really, that's just a way of saying that they didn't like the smell of the food. Which is totally allowed. On crab legs or lobster nights (do they have that on DCL? I can't remember) I want to leave dining areas because it stinks so much! I'm allowed to dislike that smell, others are allowed to dislike curry, others are allowed to hate the smell of, I don't know...fondue? (OK there's no fondue on cruises I've been on)

 

[palenskec]

The being mistaken for a CM made me remember this story ...

Last month on the Fantasy I was in the Rainforest Room in one of the saunas. There was a woman in there, Asian American, probably 40 years old. Anyway she was telling us about how she was in the locker room, in her swimsuit, locking up her stuff .... and another woman in the locker room started asking her questions very rudely about where to find the towels. Even went as far as to say something like "Well ... are you going to help me out or not! You do work here!" The lady was so caught off guard that she didn't even know what to say and somebody else stepped in and gave her a towel. So yes, there are really dumb customers out there who don't think before they talk.

 

[Bellechin06]

My brother, BF, cousin and I went on the Fantasy for twice, once in 2014 and 2015. We're all Filipinos and we even met other Filipino vacationers on the cruise. Never had any negative experiences from anyone mistaking us for CMs. In fact, I agree with everyone here that the crowds are really diverse. We got along well with everyone and was not treated differently by anybody. So hope you have a great vacation with your family!!!

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

So I've been reading these boards for the last couple weeks and enjoying the trip reports and all the pictures. Our family is so excited about going on our very first cruise, and I've been reassign everythingI can to get a picture of what to expect. And then this morning as I was looking at some pictures on a trip report...everyone I've seen pictures of on these reports is...white. So then I started looking at pictures that showed larger gatherings on the ships. Yep. Definitely white. In fact, the only people I've seen in the pictures that aren't white are the CM.

Now, I'm white. But my DH is black. Our children are biracial. And we've experienced a few...lets just call them interesting experiences...especially since we moved to the South and more in the last few months. And it never occurred to me to even wonder what our experience might be on a pixie-dust filled Disney cruise...but then there's all these pictures.

So, while I hate to ask such a charged question here, I do want to be prepared, especially for our kids' sakes. Are we likely to encounter any hostility from other cruisers? I'm sure it won't be an issue from CM (right?!), but how many people of color vacation on these lines? How many interracial families? Do I need to prepare my husband to be mistaken for a CM having some downtime?

Sorry if this sounds stupid.

Kind of surprised you say that about Southerners. I think you may be reading into things.

 

[elaine amj]

I'm allowed to dislike that smell, others are allowed to dislike curry, others are allowed to hate the smell of, I don't know...fondue? (OK there's no fondue on cruises I've been on)

OMG - fondue is a TOTALLY intense smell! One vacation, we were in Switzerland and I wanted to eat in a fondue restaurant in Lucerne. We opened the door and the smell that wafted out was so overpowering that we decided we better get back in the car and find somewhere else to eat! No fondue for me

It is sad that people in this day and age have to even think of things like this. But it is still reality. I am Asian and one time we were traveling with (Asian) friends to some tiny towns on the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. I have to admit, there were some times where we wondered if we should be concerned. Thankfully, everyone we encountered were kind and gracious.

As for DCL, we had no issues at all and had a wonderful cruise. Then again, we had never even considered we might have problems and if there were any slights, it would have flown right over my head as I rarely pay attention to anything like that.

Have a fabulous cruise!!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

OP I get your concern but truthfully I'm having a hard time understanding why the concern is so strong in regards to DCL.

I've stuck out like a sore thumb plenty of times..either because I'm short, because I'm white (yup..this happens too for white people), because I'm female, etc. I remember we went to an IHOP in Savannah, GA a few years ago...we were the only white people by far... My husband and I went to a random italian place some small town in southern MD last year and boy oh boy we were the only white people there too. We were treated kindly though but yeah we stuck out as the odd bunch.

Obviously not trying to minimize whatever you have experienced in your life at all but I think we all as humans have experienced something.

FWIW I haven't been on a DCL cruise (went on a Carnival cruise over 10yrs ago) but if for whatever reason some random person thinks your husband is the crew (highly highly doubt that would happen though) chalk it up to a one-off versus a norm experience. Majority are just there to vacation and have fun.

I hope you guys have a great trip! I hear DCL is awesome

 

[cruiser21]

Strange post

 

[wilkeliza]

I'm shocked at so many people getting defensive. It is a real experience and sadly a concern for many because it is reality. This is one of those if you don't have something constructive to add to the conversation then just scroll on.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm shocked at so many people getting defensive. It is a real experience and sadly a concern for many because it is reality. This is one of those if you don't have something constructive to add to the conversation then just scroll on.

Respectfully though it's a discussion board. Boundaries exist of course but having everyone agree and be on your side so to speak shouldn't have to be the main goal. For the most part people are just giving the feedback that it's doubtful they will experience what they are so concerned about.

What would you have people say instead? "Yes you will have people who look strangely upon you because you happen to not be of a certain race and your family isn't all of a certain race" and "yeah you're bound to have a person mistake your husband for a crew member" and "DCL doesn't have the diversity you're looking for"

I've found the "constructive" aspect interesting in many threads because it seems people are quick to say without saying "if you don't have good fluffy nice things to say about the thread then move along". Constructive is also subjective too. Someone says "I'm sure you won't experience what you're so concerned about don't worry about it" and another person says that's not constructive because you're just brushing away the OP's concerns. Again what would you have the person say instead? I would think the OP wants the assurance their concerns are unlikely to come to fruition.

 

[wilkeliza]

Respectfully though it's a discussion board. Boundaries exist of course but having everyone agree and be on your side so to speak shouldn't have to be the main goal. For the most part people are just giving the feedback that it's doubtful they will experience what they are so concerned about.

What would you have people say instead? "Yes you will have people who look strangely upon you because you happen to not be of a certain race and your family isn't all of a certain race" and "yeah you're bound to have a person mistake your husband for a crew member" and "DCL doesn't have the diversity you're looking for"

I've found the "constructive" aspect interesting in many threads because it seems people are quick to say without saying "if you don't have good fluffy nice things to say about the thread then move along". Constructive is also subjective too. Someone says "I'm sure you won't experience what you're so concerned about don't worry about it" and another person says that's not constructive because you're just brushing away the OP's concerns. Again what would you have the person say instead? I would think the OP wants the assurance their concerns are unlikely to come to fruition.

I'm not saying people can't say there is no reason to be concerened it is the posts that make the OP sound ridiculous for even asking, the popcorn emoji posts, and yes the white people saying they have been places where they are the only white person and it isn't that bad.

Like I said constructive engagement is better on a topic like this so if you think there is no issue just say having been on several cruises I've never heard of any issue and met many POC who seemed to be having a grand time with out bringing in any judgement of the question of the Op for asking.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm not saying people can't say there is no reason to be concerened it is the posts that make the OP sound ridiculous for even asking, the popcorn emoji posts, and yes the white people saying they have been places where they are the only white person and it isn't that bad.

Like I said constructive engagement is better on a topic like this so if you think there is no issue just say having been on several cruises I've never heard of any issue and met many POC who seemed to be having a grand time with out bringing in any judgement of the question of the Op for asking.

Well I said I was at places where I was the only white person and it wasn't bad. Good lord am I not allowed to share my experience? Or am I supposed to just hang back because my skin color means I've never been exposed to be the only one of my skin color in a place??

To be honest though I think you're making this thread into a battleground of some sorts where the only people who are supposed to be allowed to respond in a certain way are those who are just like the OP's situation...and that's ironic considering we're talking about concerns of diversity.

ETA: The emojis I'm not speaking about really. The popcorn stuff happens in all sorts of threads in all sorts of situations. I don't have an opinion on the emojis one way or another but I do understand your viewpoint on that aspect.

 

[tink1970]

OP- I have noticed on some cruises that there aren't a lot of POC whereas on others there is more diversity. I think it's just random.

My DH is Filipino and I'm Caucasian. I've never noticed any weird/judgemental looks.

My DH is Filipino and there are several workers on the ship who are, as well. They will speak to him in Tagalog (he doesn't speak it, his parents speak Cebuano) so I always enjoy watching him fake it (not well) and ask which island his family is from (he is from...SoCal; my in laws are from Cebu). Never has he been mistaken for an employee.

I can understand being concerned about your children-all parents ideally would be-but Disney loves kids. DCL's employees love kids. It is a wonderful vacation and I hope you enjoy yours.

Appreciate your asking the question it's a thought provoking one.

 

[Macmaro]

OP - Not much to add really except to say that my wife is biracial (African American & German), I am caucasian, and our daughter is Ethiopian. We understand the concern. Some of the things said to my young daughter when we lived in Texas nearly made this grown man ball. In our 9 DCL cruises with her (ages 2-9) she has always had a blast in the kids club and I never felt uncomfortable. Enjoy your trip. You will have a great time. I wouldn't give it another thought. As said, you will see all types of people on board and I think it's great!

 

[TestingH2O]

OP - I completely understand your concern. While I'm sure anyone can list times they've felt uncomfortable in real life, that doesn't mean we want to put ourselves in that position on our vacation.

I am a white woman, so I cannot speak to anyone else's experience but I can tell you that DD's bestie on our second cruise was a black girl who we always ran into at the pool, movies, and characters. Her family appeared to be having a great cruise.

As another anecdote, in my cruise group a few weeks ago, one of our organizers was the mom of a black family. Her entire family is platinum, so I take that to mean they must not have experienced problems or felt out of if they've cruised with DCL 10 times.

I hope you have a wonderful time and don't run into any turds. Sadly they do exist everywhere and are of every race, gender, and creed. It would be easy for me to say "I wish we could all just get along," but that's a privilege not everyone has.

 

[cruiser21]

OP - I completely understand your concern. While I'm sure anyone can list times they've felt uncomfortable in real life, that doesn't mean we want to put ourselves in that position on our vacation.

I am a white woman, so I cannot speak to anyone else's experience but I can tell you that DD's bestie on our second cruise was a black girl who we always ran into at the pool, movies, and characters. Her family appeared to be having a great cruise.

As another anecdote, in my cruise group a few weeks ago, one of our organizers was the mom of a black family. Her entire family is platinum, so I take that to mean they must not have experienced problems or felt out of if they've cruised with DCL 10 times.

I hope you have a wonderful time and don't run into any turds. Sadly they do exist everywhere and are of every race, gender, and creed. It would be easy for me to say "I wish we could all just get along," but that's a privilege not everyone has.

Yes and minority's can be just as racist as white people. Racism isn't limited to white people. As a white person there are neighborhoods I cannot go into without bodily harm. Like you said every race, gender and creed. It really irritates when people single out whites when racism is just as rampant among the minorities.

 

[Sytrace]

So I've been reading these boards for the last couple weeks and enjoying the trip reports and all the pictures. Our family is so excited about going on our very first cruise, and I've been reassign everythingI can to get a picture of what to expect. And then this morning as I was looking at some pictures on a trip report...everyone I've seen pictures of on these reports is...white. So then I started looking at pictures that showed larger gatherings on the ships. Yep. Definitely white. In fact, the only people I've seen in the pictures that aren't white are the CM.

Now, I'm white. But my DH is black. Our children are biracial. And we've experienced a few...lets just call them interesting experiences...especially since we moved to the South and more in the last few months. And it never occurred to me to even wonder what our experience might be on a pixie-dust filled Disney cruise...but then there's all these pictures.

So, while I hate to ask such a charged question here, I do want to be prepared, especially for our kids' sakes. Are we likely to encounter any hostility from other cruisers? I'm sure it won't be an issue from CM (right?!), but how many people of color vacation on these lines? How many interracial families? Do I need to prepare my husband to be mistaken for a CM having some downtime?

Sorry if this sounds stupid.

It does not sound stupid, but it is very sad that you are concerned about how you and your family will be receieved on a Disney cruise. First of all, Disney is the most culturally diverse company I know of In so many ways. They not only talk the talk, they walk the walk as well. .
We have done 12 so far and I have seen various POC on all of them. And because you brought this to my mind, one particular instance comes to mind from our December cruise on the Dream.
There were 6 adjoining cabins all down the hallway who were mixed color. One huge, awesome, happy family celebrating being together. There were bi racial couples In that group as well as their children. And it is funny, but I just recalled that when you mentioned it. I feel confident that this will not become a problem for you and I wish you a Bon Voyage!
.

 

[kmix78]

You'll be fine, unless you go looking for a problem