What Is One Thing You Would Change About DCL?

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It’s like when fast pass went away during Covid. All of us knew that when it came back, if it came back, it would likely be a paid option. And now that Disney is making money from it, it will likely never be free again.

It's worth noting that Genie+ was not Disney's first foray into paid passes. They had had MaxPass over at Disneyland from 2017 until the pandemic. Disneyland Paris had Disney Premier Access in 2018.

Though yes most of us assumed when they stopped doing FP+ that they would not bring back a free option to WDW.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Also, while always pricey, they are now getting into the territory where they are competing with options that they just didn't before. For instance, next year, we are doing a 7-night Viking River Cruise on the Rhone with reduced international airfare, an included excursion in each port, and an included spirits package that was cheaper (by more than $1,000) than a summer 7 night cruise in a verandah on the Treasure. I mean, those things just weren't compatible a few years ago.

Yeah I've mentioned it before our cruise we just did for 2 people DCL would have been $6K more than what we spent with a comparable itinerary, that was verandah to verandah and I compared that because the ship we sailed is all verandahs. That cruise line is above Disney in categories and for that price you get more included than DCL would. It's a different experience than DCL. Even if I include the cost for the excursions I'm still more than $4K less than what DCL would have been and again more included like no tipping, no costs for drinks like alcohol or specialty coffee, no costs for any dining, etc.

Would that line we did be for people with children? Absolutely not so it's not comparing what the lines are tailored for.

Heck, it's getting to where going to Europe is cheaper than even going to the parks...

That's actually been the case for several years now. Honestly during the revenge travel era a lot of people flocked over to "see the real thing" for cheaper than the parks. Before people lunge at that it's just talking about the costs of going to somewhere not whether people prefer the parks over actual visiting places.

 

[DCLMP]

Yeah, that's sort of where I am as well. Look, it's capitalism, so I can vote with my wallet. We've cancelled 2 DCL cruises this year, and instead the schedule was 3 Virgin Voyages cruises and a HAL cruise, and this is from a family that used to cruise DCL at least once or twice a year. Disney, I believe, as a corporation is depending on its reputation a bit and thinks things can't change. Personally, to me, that's a risky strategy.

Also, while always pricey, they are now getting into the territory where they are competing with options that they just didn't before. For instance, next year, we are doing a 7-night Viking River Cruise on the Rhone with reduced international airfare, an included excursion in each port, and an included spirits package that was cheaper (by more than $1,000) than a summer 7 night cruise in a verandah on the Treasure. I mean, those things just weren't compatible a few years ago. Heck, it's getting to where going to Europe is cheaper than even going to the parks...

I'm not sure some people realize how much more DCL cruises cost especially when you start looking at cruises to Europe. When they talk about cost being passed on to the consumer to do something simple like serve free food in the bar its kind of funny. DCL has continued to raise prices without any significant changes to service or amenities.

It does not surprise me that DCL is getting into Viking territory in terms of price. I noticed DCL actually lowered the prices on the European cruises in 2026 vs 2025.

 

[Dug720]

They also used to have the post-Pirate party buffet as well that got axed.

That was understandably axed because of the massive waste of food that it was. Plates would be left on tables with one or two bites taken out of the turkey legs, piled with nachos that clearly only a few had been eaten, etc. It was disgusting seeing those piled up plates left over from the feeding frenzy.

At least with Cabanas it was more of a made to order thing.

 

[Dug720]

They started offering them a couple of years ago. I see them pop up fairly often when checking fares. Just attempting to let folks know it can be available, lest they think the traditional solo cabins are the only options.

As for the “coffins” I was quite surprised when I actually experienced one. I’m borderline claustrophobic and thought they looked awful in pictures. Then awhile ago we were on an NCL cruise and were located on a deck that had a group of cabins where the toilets went out for a couple of days. We were lucky as the concierge offered us a key to an unoccupied studio to use if need be. I was so surprised at how bright and spacious it felt. As someone with an IE background I was impressed with the clever layout and use of space. Would I book one? No. Again, borderline claustrophobic. But I get the appeal now. Some people love them and they often book up quickly. They are a great option for people whose budgets don’t allow them to book a larger room.

As for your comment on my reaction: I wasn’t looking for your permission to have a reaction. And for the record it wasn’t even on this thread. It was on an unrelated thread where you were making snarky comments about a large group of people on these boards based on your limited interaction with a few of them. Not sure why you’d bring it up here? OK that last sentence is a lie. I’m pretty sure I know why.

Interesting. Like I said, I've only seen the studios. I'll stick with Celebrity's Infinite Verandas - about twice as big AND not interior.

Apologies for misreading which post had the reaction - it was early. That is why I mentioned it here - I thought you were offended I didn't like NCL's solo cabins. The quote and the reaction were in line next to each other and I misread. That's all. No ulterior motive.

 

[UnderDog_808]

I saw it in the Navigator (we pick up the printed version). I was also very pleasantly surprised that the adult pool was open until 11 pm. That had never been the case on any of our previous cruises on the Fantasy. We loved having a dip in the hot tub after dinner.

This reminded me of one thing I would change or go back to. I might be in the minority here, but I would prefer the printed navigator, instead of the app.

My family enjoys DCL for many reasons, but one of the reasons is to be able to detach from our electronic devices (especially the cell phone). This is not possible due to everything being run through the app. Yes, I understand that it's more eco-friendly with less paper waste, but not taking that into account for a moment, I welcomed the fact I did not have to carry or use my cell phone.

But, if I can request a paper navigator, then I guess this solves my issue. I can leave my cell phone in my stateroom.

 

[jwalk03]

This reminded me of one thing I would change or go back to. I might be in the minority here, but I would prefer the printed navigator, instead of the app.

My family enjoys DCL for many reasons, but one of the reasons is to be able to detach from our electronic devices (especially the cell phone). This is not possible due to everything being run through the app. Yes, I understand that it's more eco-friendly with less paper waste, but not taking that into account for a moment, I welcomed the fact I did not have to carry or use my cell phone.

But, if I can request a paper navigator, then I guess this solves my issue. I can leave my cell phone in my stateroom.

Yes I’m with you on this one! I would much prefer a printed navigator!!

 

[edith76]

Interesting. Like I said, I've only seen the studios. I'll stick with Celebrity's Infinite Verandas - about twice as big AND not interior.

Apologies for misreading which post had the reaction - it was early. That is why I mentioned it here - I thought you were offended I didn't like NCL's solo cabins. The quote and the reaction were in line next to each other and I misread. That's all. No ulterior motive.

The solo cabins show up if you change the passengers.to one. I am claustrophobic but tried a solo studio a few weeks ago on the new NCL Aqua. I was surprised that I really liked it. Really wish Disney would.do solos but don't see.that happening anytime soon.

 

[Dug720]

The solo cabins show up if you change the passengers.to one. I am claustrophobic but tried a solo studio a few weeks ago on the new NCL Aqua. I was surprised that I really liked it. Really wish Disney would.do solos but don't see.that happening anytime soon.

I do change the passengers to 1 since I'm always solo. I've only ever seen the studios at a solo price.

but it's ok. The more I research, the more I'm learning NCL is not the line for me for a multitude of reasons. I'll stick with Celebrity and Disney - and a very occasional RCCL.

 

[Flossbolna]

But, if I can request a paper navigator, then I guess this solves my issue. I can leave my cell phone in my stateroom.

Yes I’m with you on this one! I would much prefer a printed navigator!!

You can request them. On our recent Fanatsy cruise they were hidden behind a pillar at guest services and you were allowed to take then every day. However, on the sea days these were illegible as they were in the tiniest print! You needed to use your phone as a magnifying glass.

 

[jwalk03]

You can request them. On our recent Fanatsy cruise they were hidden behind a pillar at guest services and you were allowed to take then every day. However, on the sea days these were illegible as they were in the tiniest print! You needed to use your phone as a magnifying glass.

Was it an actual navigator? It just like the spreadsheet of everything happening on the ship? I got a couple of those on the last cruise but it was nothing like the actual navigators use to be. It was more of a pocket sized cheat sheet for the crew to carry around.

 

[Flossbolna]

Was it an actual navigator? It just like the spreadsheet of everything happening on the ship? I got a couple of those on the last cruise but it was nothing like the actual navigators use to be. It was more of a pocket sized cheat sheet for the crew to carry around.

Yes, that sheet. Still, it is better than nothing.

 

[UnderDog_808]

You can request them. On our recent Fanatsy cruise they were hidden behind a pillar at guest services and you were allowed to take then every day. However, on the sea days these were illegible as they were in the tiniest print! You needed to use your phone as a magnifying glass.

Thanks. Good to know about where to find them and the issue on sea days.

I am hoping that the printed navigator is available on all their ships. I will look for them when we are on the Treasure this year.

Stay safe and blessed!!

 

[UnderDog_808]

Yes, that sheet. Still, it is better than nothing.

Sounds like the one the cast members carry around with them.

 

[jwalk03]

Thanks. Good to know about where to find them and the issue on sea days.

I am hoping that the printed navigator is available on all their ships. I will look for them when we are on the Treasure this year.

Stay safe and blessed!!

It’s not a printed navigator. It just a very basic like spreadsheet of things happening around the ship for the cast members to carry in their pockets in case a guest asks about a specific activity

 

[dreamer17555]

Was it an actual navigator? It just like the spreadsheet of everything happening on the ship? I got a couple of those on the last cruise but it was nothing like the actual navigators use to be. It was more of a pocket sized cheat sheet for the crew to carry around.

This is a link to the same style one I have been given. I know its not as colorful as the original ones but I think its really easy to use if you want to avoid the app. Its not nearly as tiny as the ones I have seen the crew with

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp...ators-Magic-4N-Bahamian-20250331-20250403.pdf

 

[jwalk03]

This is a link to the same style one I have been given. I know its not as colorful as the original ones but I think its really easy to use if you want to avoid the app. Its not nearly as tiny as the ones I have seen the crew with

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp...ators-Magic-4N-Bahamian-20250331-20250403.pdf

Yes that is the same one I got on the Magic too. (Actually I was on the cruise the week before this one.)

 

[enzy65]

Thanks. Good to know about where to find them and the issue on sea days.

I am hoping that the printed navigator is available on all their ships. I will look for them when we are on the Treasure this year.

Stay safe and blessed!!

On the treasure in April we went to GS for our paper navigator and they asked if we would like them delivered every evening, well yes!! The piece of paper was put in the fish extender, not sure what time as we never got back to the cabin before 11pm. Available at GS after 8:30pm for next day.

 

[serrem2]

Eliminate Nassau from all itineraries.

 

[UnderDog_808]

On the treasure in April we went to GS for our paper navigator and they asked if we would like them delivered every evening, well yes!! The piece of paper was put in the fish extender, not sure what time as we never got back to the cabin before 11pm. Available at GS after 8:30pm for next day.

Thanks for the information. We will definitely ask GS to have it delivered in the evenings when we are on the Treasure. This will hopefully help me disconnect from my electronic devices!!

Sea ya real soon!!