What Is One Thing You Would Change About DCL?

[DCLMP]

The biggest problem with this is the ships themselves. The amount of space for adults would not increase- but the demand would increase exponentially on an adults only cruise.

Can you imagine how packed the adults only pool would be? Or the adult bar areas?

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

 

[RedHead0186]

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

Except for my first DCL cruise (when I was in high school) all my DCL cruises have been as an adult. I don't how how many Disney adults are out there but I'm one of them!

I pick DCL (over other cruise lines) for the ambiance, service, and Disney magic. I don't see anything odd or weird about that. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions and choices, but I don't understand why we need to call the choices and opinions of those we don't align with as "weird" or "odd."

 

[dreamer17555]

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

To answer your question- yes, there are quite a few Disney adults out there. Happy to be one of them.

As for finding it “weird,” I guess everyone’s tolerance for other people’s harmless joy varies. Personally, I moved past feeling the need to judge what makes others happy sometime after middle school but hey, we all "grow up" at our own pace.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I had mentioned this in the past and I am not sure if it has been mentioned here,
An adults only cruise (18 and up)

It could be done during a time of the year most kids are in school and I think it would be a big success.

I know Disney cruises are mostly for family's however my wife and I never had children and we have nothing against them. With that said we have been on fourteen, seven day cruises and I think it would be a lot of fun.

I love this idea.

The biggest problem with this is the ships themselves. The amount of space for adults would not increase- but the demand would increase exponentially on an adults only cruise.

Can you imagine how packed the adults only pool would be? Or the adult bar areas?

Yes, except you would gain all of the spaces that are usually reserved for people under the age of 18. I remember reading that one of the ships had an under 18 Star Wars area that looked fantastic.

Disney makes a ton on all those 3/4/5th guests in the same cabins since they offer very little discount off the 1st/2nd guest fare. (Unlike every other cruise line where xtra guests in the same cabins are seriously discounted)

And on an adults only cruise you would have significantly less 3/4/5 guests since most adults are not going to share a single cabin.

I am confused and hoping you explain this. Is the concern that Disney charges extra for each guest? I shared a cabin with a friend. It was just the two of us in the cabin, but it could sleep 4. If there had been two other people, would the cabin have cost more? When you say most adults are not going to share a single cabin, I think that would depend on the travel party. If the adults are a romantic couple, they would probably share a cabin. I could also picture two friends sharing a cabin.

So the economics just make zero sense for Disney. And that’s before you consider how many less stuffed animals and shirts and toys, etc they would sell that week.

Adults would totally buy stuffed animals and merch for themselves and/or possibly younger relatives (cousins, nieces, nephews, significantly younger siblings if it was a friends trip).

Here’s the thing- if DCL did a rare, adults only sailing with a fun name and made it an annual thing, it would sell out before it even got to Gold status (especially if it’s a seven-night or longer cruise). They could charge pretty much whatever they want and people would still book it.

The first week of September would be the perfect time since those sailings are already very adult heavy, with way fewer third and fourth guests in each room.

They’d just need to add something special, like a guest speaker. Maybe an Imagineer, a Broadway performer, or someone similar. If they did that, people would absolutely pay the premium and the sailing would still sell out fast.

They’d also make way more on alcohol sales, and they could release exclusive merch just for the adult only cruises that would fly off the shelves (and if anything doesn’t sell, you can try to sell it the following year)

I have an idea for another special thing they could add. Rare characters. If they have the costumes in the park, they could in theory load one onto the ship. I'm not sure what the target demographic or age range would be, but I am sure they could figure out something. Any characters from Disney Renaissance movies or the Disney Afternoon shows would appeal to Millennials. Robin Hood would appeal Gen-X and Millennials. Add in some characters that aren't normally on the ships, like the mice from Cinderella, Marry Poppins, Bert, and a penguin or other characters for Boomers and/or people who love the classics.

 

[imbelle]

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

You're not going to get many amens on a forum populated by Disney adults, LOL!

Personally, I think it's weird that people get emotionally invested in "their" sports team, wear team jerseys, yell and scream at games, etc, when they have no personal connection to any of the players. But hey, everyone needs a hobby.

 

[DCLMP]

To answer your question- yes, there are quite a few Disney adults out there. Happy to be one of them.

As for finding it “weird,” I guess everyone’s tolerance for other people’s harmless joy varies. Personally, I moved past feeling the need to judge what makes others happy sometime after middle school but hey, we all "grow up" at our own pace.

I guess the question is there enough of you guys to fill cruise ships. I was responding to a post about adult only cruises. To keep it in context I think most people associate Disney with children and families. For the record I stop getting offended by other peoples opinions sometime around first grade.
I like the family vibe on DCL if I cruse DCl without kids it would be for that reason only.

 

[DCLMP]

Except for my first DCL cruise (when I was in high school) all my DCL cruises have been as an adult. I don't how how many Disney adults are out there but I'm one of them!

I pick DCL (over other cruise lines) for the ambiance, service, and Disney magic. I don't see anything odd or weird about that. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions and choices, but I don't understand why we need to call the choices and opinions of those we don't align with as "weird" or "odd."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I do believe having all adults on a cruise ship changes the dynamic. You obviously enjoy DCL with all the families and kids so why change a good thing? To clarify I said in my opinion its odd and that was in reference to ADULT only cruises.

 

[Girl of the South]

#TeamPeterPan!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I am confused and hoping you explain this. Is the concern that Disney charges extra for each guest? I shared a cabin with a friend. It was just the two of us in the cabin, but it could sleep 4. If there had been two other people, would the cabin have cost more?

Yes, it does. Each person has a cost.

Oceanview room with 2 adults

Oceanview room with 3 adults

 

[jwalk03]

I love this idea.

Yes, except you would gain all of the spaces that are usually reserved for people under the age of 18. I remember reading that one of the ships had an under 18 Star Wars area that looked fantastic.


I am confused and hoping you explain this. Is the concern that Disney charges extra for each guest? I shared a cabin with a friend. It was just the two of us in the cabin, but it could sleep 4. If there had been two other people, would the cabin have cost more? When you say most adults are not going to share a single cabin, I think that would depend on the travel party. If the adults are a romantic couple, they would probably share a cabin. I could also picture two friends sharing a cabin.


Adults would totally buy stuffed animals and merch for themselves and/or possibly younger relatives (cousins, nieces, nephews, significantly younger siblings if it was a friends trip).



I have an idea for another special thing they could add. Rare characters. If they have the costumes in the park, they could in theory load one onto the ship. I'm not sure what the target demographic or age range would be, but I am sure they could figure out something. Any characters from Disney Renaissance movies or the Disney Afternoon shows would appeal to Millennials. Robin Hood would appeal Gen-X and Millennials. Add in some characters that aren't normally on the ships, like the mice from Cinderella, Marry Poppins, Bert, and a penguin or other characters for Boomers and/or people who love the classics.

Yes- they charge for every guest. So if you had a 3rd and 4th person in the cabin the price would have been ~75% more than what you paid for the exact same cabin. (Not quite double because the 3rd & 4th guest price is slightly discounted) but on many other cruise lines you can book a 3rd & 4th guest for significantly less (sometimes even free!) but that is not the case with Disney.

So if your fare was $2000 with 2 adults sharing a cabin it would be $3500 with 4 people in the same cabin. (These numbers are made up but you get the idea.)

 

[insureman]

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

Have you been on a transatlantic? It's got to be 90% adults. We used to go with our girls but they're both teachers now and don't have flexible vacation time so we go by ourselves. We like the quality and service DCL offers. Cruise number 32 in September, Norway fjords, cruise 33 bahamas in February.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

My wife and I ( currently 54 ) have been on 4 total cruises. All DCL
Cruise 1 - 4 adult couples in our group
cruise 2 - 5 adult couples in our group
Cruise 3 - 2 adult couples
Cruise 4 2 adult couples 1 62 year old aunt
And two adult children
Cruise 5. ( August 29th ) 2 adults 2 adult children.

DCL can be for adults only cruises and DCL is the only cruise line we will cruise on

 

[DCLMP]

My wife and I ( currently 54 ) have been on 4 total cruises. All DCL
Cruise 1 - 4 adult couples in our group
cruise 2 - 5 adult couples in our group
Cruise 3 - 2 adult couples
Cruise 4 2 adult couples 1 62 year old aunt
And two adult children
Cruise 5. ( August 29th ) 2 adults 2 adult children.

DCL can be for adults only cruises and DCL is the only cruise line we will cruise on

I think you fit the bill then. Just out of interest why is Disney the only cruise line you would cruise on? Do you do mainly the domestic cruises or international?

 

[DCLMP]

Have you been on a transatlantic? It's got to be 90% adults. We used to go with our girls but they're both teachers now and don't have flexible vacation time so we go by ourselves. We like the quality and service DCL offers. Cruise number 32 in September, Norway fjords, cruise 33 bahamas in February.

Yes I went on two with my kids they had a blast. Enough kids to make it fun. The first one was Mid-may and lots of kids. I believe the've pushed up the dates on those. I like the quality of DCL, but I don't find it to far off from other cruise lines. I don't see myself ever wanting to sail on ships that cater to 55 and over. I do like DCL for the demographics which is why I steer more towards Royal and NCL when looking for alternative itineraries. I have no interest in adult only cruises on any cruise line.

 

[Disneyworldlocal]

I think you fit the bill then. Just out of interest why is Disney the only cruise line you would cruise on? Do you do mainly the domestic cruises or international?

After posting that I do have to revise the last statement.
We had booked a Princess Canada cruise for this August with one of the couples that was on our first three cruises. Neither of us had ever been to Canada and there was one specific port that drove the decision to book it. Princess canceled that specific port from the itinerary in January and we both canceled the cruise. So in reality I guess we would do another cruise line.
In general though - I’ve seen and heard of people taking cruises and the ship is a dump or not up to quality standards. Poor service. Poor food. Party / drunken atmosphere, lame entertainment/ shows.
Our daughter that went on #4 with us had been on two Royal Caribbean cruises. Both were older ships. Our cruise #4 was on the Magic a 27 year old ship. She was blown away at the difference in everything mentioned above between the Magic and her two previous cruises on newer yet not so nice ships.
For my wife and I we don’t want to pay for something/ travel to and waste vacation time on a cruise that we don’t feel like we will get the best value for what we are looking for.
We also don’t have any interest in going on any type of party cruise atmosphere and it seems like a lot of cruises these days have that stigma.
Again. We would love to do Canada and some other itineraries that Disney doesn’t venture to but those are not as much of a priority to us in general. We love what DCL provides for our tastes ( no pun intended )

 

[DCLMP]

After posting that I do have to revise the last statement.
We had booked a Princess Canada cruise for this August with one of the couples that was on our first three cruises. Neither of us had ever been to Canada and there was one specific port that drove the decision to book it. Princess canceled that specific port from the itinerary in January and we both canceled the cruise. So in reality I guess we would do another cruise line.
In general though - I’ve seen and heard of people taking cruises and the ship is a dump or not up to quality standards. Poor service. Poor food. Party / drunken atmosphere, lame entertainment/ shows.
Our daughter that went on #4 with us had been on two Royal Caribbean cruises. Both were older ships. Our cruise #4 was on the Magic a 27 year old ship. She was blown away at the difference in everything mentioned above between the Magic and her two previous cruises on newer yet not so nice ships.
For my wife and I we don’t want to pay for something/ travel to and waste vacation time on a cruise that we don’t feel like we will get the best value for what we are looking for.
We also don’t have any interest in going on any type of party cruise atmosphere and it seems like a lot of cruises these days have that stigma.
Again. We would love to do Canada and some other itineraries that Disney doesn’t venture to but those are not as much of a priority to us in general. We love what DCL provides for our tastes ( no pun intended )

I’d say do your research watch you tubes videos. There are lots of ships sailing that are not dumps. I’m sure many on here besides me can attest to that. I’ve never been on a party cruise. Itinerary plays a roll in the vibe on the ship. I cruised Carnival in the Med and it was anything but a party atmosphere. A cruise to Canada would most likely skew to the older crowd.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Is there that many Disney adults? An adult only cruise seems a little weird. Like maybe it's time to grow up. I don't know we cruised Disney for the kids. I would only cruise DCL without kids to be around other kids and families for the family vibe. Cruising with a bunch of adults standing in line to get pictures with Mickey and hanging out in kids clubs is kind of odd in my opinion.

I think you'd want to look to the parks as an example and one of which Disney pivoted to accommodate the guests coming to Disney but without children. Millennials especially have been largely responsible for that, Gen X is there as well. Personally of the people I know that cruise DCL frequently enough don't have children, one just got off a cruise a few weeks ago. One couple also did the Star Cruiser multiple times and greatly misses it. The couple that has grandkids eh they don't cruise DCL but do go to the parks once a year with them (and does another separate trip just themselves).

People were just talking about it from the standpoint of would or would it not be popular, in demand, sell out, etc and the answer to that is of course yes. Whether you personally can stomach the thought of people wanting to book that is immaterial.