What makes Disney worth it?

[cgolf]

So I will answer all of these at the same time with the same answer. The OP was asking what makes DCL worth the extra money. As I have been careful to note, IN MY EXPERIENCE I have had consistently better service on DCL than the other lines (and this is backed up a little by some inside knowledge of how the lines work).

EVERY PERSON HAS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES. First off, every cruise is different, each people have different staff. The ships behave differently. Add on to that, if you take 2 random people and give them the same experience they will have completely different memories and viewpoints about it. I have seen two people in identical situations where one had a wonderful time and another had a terrible time.

Saying that I have personally had consistently better service on DCL does not mean that the random times you have been on it were perfect or that the random times I have taken RCL or Carnival are proof positive that they have lower standards.

I will tell you that I will always put my personal experience above random people's experiences on a board.

So to answer the OP AGAIN and more clearly, IN MY EXPERIENCE, I have found DCL to have consistently better service than I have had on other lines. For that reason, I am more inclined to spend extra on DCL knowing that I am more likely to have great service and my confidence in the brand that if things are not right, they will bend over backwards to fix it while I do not have confidence that my experience will be as good on other lines or that they will take reasonable corrective action if there is a problem.

To that end, I really only sail other lines now if I am interested in a destination that DCL doesn't have.

The people you quoted while I don't know them personally I feel I know their cruising habits and opinions from seeing them on here over the years. Them and others I value their opinions and is why I still lurk and post on this site once in a while. I am getting to know some over on CC too now on both the RCCL and Celebrity boards. So yes the random posts on here I read carefully, but there are quite a few peoples opinions on here I do trust. I never try to make my opinion as the one everyone should listen to, I just state my observations I have had over 16 cruises. Without encouragement from others on this site I might not have set foot on my first RCCL cruise.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

The people you quoted while I don't know them personally I feel I know their cruising habits and opinions from seeing them on here over the years. Them and others I value their opinions and is why I still lurk and post on this site once in a while. I am getting to know some over on CC too now on both the RCCL and Celebrity boards. So yes the random posts on here I read carefully, but there are quite a few peoples opinions on here I do trust. I never try to make my opinion as the one everyone should listen to, I just state my observations I have had over 16 cruises. Without encouragement from others on this site I might not have set foot on my first RCCL cruise.

This is a fair and important point. You should always look at people's experiences and opinions and generally weigh them in context. It's difficult to weigh lurkers. Others who are frequent posters you get to know how they feel about things. Generally you want to find someone with like opinions to you, since as I noted 2 people in identical situations may have very different reactions based on what they are interested in.

For example, I will tell you I am NOT a foodie. I have absolutely no interest in ships that parade out a bunch of Chef Ramsey approved dishes. I have a few times posted on here that in my opinion, I have little interest in Remy. I did it once for the experience and I think everyone should - but I am not qualified to give feedback on the food... it was not for me.

So you will generally not see favorable posts for me on cruise lines that offer premium restaurants. Does that mean that these lines are consistently bad? Not at all. Just that they are bad FOR ME. If you are a foodie and another poster consistently likes what you like or often shares the same opinions, you should value their opinion more.

So, yes that should be taken in content when asking for advise on a ship, or experience that you are interested in.

I will note however that it is a different question when you ask "why do you continue to spend more on DCL over other lines" or "What makes the increase worth it to you?" which I take as putting it into personal context.

 

[mevelandry]

I keep hearing that, and you speak from experience, while I simply don't. But watching the various cruise videos on YouTube sure doesn't make it seem that way for some lines. The vloggers do the ship tours and the private island tours and all I hear is there is an upcharge to do this activity, and upcharge to do that activity, these ten restaurants charge a fee, etc. You could argue that some of those activities aren't even offered on Disney lines (water park on the private islands, go-carts, etc.), so you aren't losing anything if you don't do them. But, I still don't love it. I don't want me or my kids to be surrounded by upgrade options. On DCL, it is mostly things we don't care to do on the ship - spa, Remy/Palo, special coffee and ice-cream, and excursions on Castaway. I wouldn't count excursions as upgrades, since I do mostly private and expect to pay for everything once I leave the ship. It is different psychologically. There is never a feeling of missing out on something without pulling out my wallet or watching my bill to make sure I am in budget.

I have also read countless reviews of lines that provide poor main dining to push you to the upgrade restaurants. I would rather have a line that is encouraged to keep main dinning to a certain standard since they can't fall back on numerous upgrade options. Nearly every time I watch cruise videos on YouTube, I get the impression that the industry is moving more an more away from all-inclusive and I really don't care to support it.

All that said, I was listing the reasons we find DCL gives us sufficient value for our money. That doesn't mean we wouldn't get more value on other lines. That doesn't mean what I listed can't be found elsewhere. The day will come where we try other lines, but we will keep going back to DCL for now, since it is nearly a perfect fit for us.

If money wasn't a huge factor for you - what other lines feel the most like DCL when it comes to nearly all inclusive, great service, and immaculate ships?

To me, main dining have been pretty equal, no matter the cruise line. Banquet food. Equally « meh ». LOL

I find myself eating at Palo and Remy most of the time on DCL. Whatever signature dining or steakhouse specials in the dining rooms are available on other cruise lines.

Money isn’t a « huge factor » but I find that the experience on RCCL is probably closer to DCL than Carnival is. From the look of the ships (classic yet still fun) to the on board activities (variety... family friendliness)... But with much more activities to do. No characters though.

 

[mevelandry]

Labadee is a nice beach but honestly we won’t go back. In no way is it really a “private island” feel. You’ve still got straw markets and people begging for you to buy things from them.
Our “tram” back to the dock, a truck pulling a trailer, got stuck in the mud and they asked us all to get out and help push the thing up the hill. That is certainly not something that would ever happen on Castaway haha

the best part of labadee was the drink the Labadoozee that is only sold there hahaha

One other point about DCL. If you’re a Disney fan like we are there is just a certain feeling walking on that ship and having your name announced by the crew welcoming you. It’s stuff like that that is what makes it worth it for us. Add in the subtle Disney music playing in all the hallways. It’s just perfect. But yes, it costs a premium

Thanks for the heads up regarding Labadee. Taking notes.

Ah, I’m very much a Disney fan but the announcement is the part that makes me uncomfortable (introverts LOL) ...

 

[tinkerone]

So I will answer all of these at the same time with the same answer. The OP was asking what makes DCL worth the extra money. As I have been careful to note, IN MY EXPERIENCE I have had consistently better service on DCL than the other lines (and this is backed up a little by some inside knowledge of how the lines work).

EVERY PERSON HAS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES. First off, every cruise is different, each people have different staff. The ships behave differently. Add on to that, if you take 2 random people and give them the same experience they will have completely different memories and viewpoints about it. I have seen two people in identical situations where one had a wonderful time and another had a terrible time.

I'm pretty sure that's what we are all trying to say. No one is discounting your experience, rather adding to them with what ours have been.
Don't take this personally. No one is saying you are wrong but as you have said above, 2 random people with the same experience will have completely different viewpoints.

 

[brentm77]

Add in the subtle Disney music playing in all the hallways

Wow - just read that and it hit my emotions. It is such a small detail, but instantly brought up that happy feeling of walking the halls of the ship. Those little things contribute to DCL being our happy place. Such great memories.

 

[mevelandry]

The people you quoted while I don't know them personally I feel I know their cruising habits and opinions from seeing them on here over the years. Them and others I value their opinions and is why I still lurk and post on this site once in a while. I am getting to know some over on CC too now on both the RCCL and Celebrity boards. So yes the random posts on here I read carefully, but there are quite a few peoples opinions on here I do trust. I never try to make my opinion as the one everyone should listen to, I just state my observations I have had over 16 cruises. Without encouragement from others on this site I might not have set foot on my first RCCL cruise.

Same!!!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I'm pretty sure that's what we are all trying to say. No one is discounting your experience, rather adding to them with what ours have been.
Don't take this personally. No one is saying you are wrong but as you have said above, 2 random people with the same experience will have completely different viewpoints.

I guess my reaction a little bit was because for the posters I responded to instead of replying openly and saying "I have had equally good and bad experiences on various lines, and I personally would not pay extra for DCL", I was quoted and responded to with "That's great that you have had consistently good service, but I will tell you that I have had this and that bad experience (so obviously I am implying that you are incorrect)".

Like I said, I would have probably reacted differently (in fact I have in this thread) to posts that do not reply and say "that's great, but let me contrast it" but instead just post about their experiences and opinions. In those cases, I just choose to like them or not based on my opinion.

Does that make sense?

 

[RamblingMad]

No casino. I'm not a drinker or gambler, so Disney is a better fit.

 

[bunnm09]

Thanks for the heads up regarding Labadee. Taking notes.

Ah, I’m very much a Disney fan but the announcement is the part that makes me uncomfortable (introverts LOL) ...

And don’t get me wrong, the beaches and views on Labadee are gorgeous and the included buffet is great. You’ll have a good time there. We just thought it would be more castaway cay like and not have the straw market stuff.

 

[mevelandry]

And don’t get me wrong, the beaches and views on Labadee are gorgeous and the included buffet is great. You’ll have a good time there. We just thought it would be more castaway cay like and not have the straw market stuff.

I will watch videos/vlogs in order to know what to expect... My idea of it is that it will most likely be a little bit like Grand Turk.

 

[mevelandry]

No casino. I'm not a drinker or gambler, so Disney is a better fit.

I’m not a gambler and I am not much of a drinker either (I can have 1 drink per day, when I don’t suffer from GERD... and I don’t like the feeling of being tipsy so I never get there.)

There are many bars on DCL... (if my memory is good, there were 9 bars on Disney Dream).

We can easily avoid the casino and bars on RCCL/Carnival... It’s not like we are forced to drink and play.

 

[cgolf]

I guess my reaction a little bit was because for the posters I responded to instead of replying openly and saying "I have had equally good and bad experiences on various lines, and I personally would not pay extra for DCL", I was quoted and responded to with "That's great that you have had consistently good service, but I will tell you that I have had this and that bad experience (so obviously I am implying that you are incorrect)".

Like I said, I would have probably reacted differently (in fact I have in this thread) to posts that do not reply and say "that's great, but let me contrast it" but instead just post about their experiences and opinions. In those cases, I just choose to like them or not based on my opinion.

Does that make sense?

I gave a thoughtful response to your post stating that we haven't seen the same consistent service that you have on DCL. It wasn't an attack so I apologize if you felt that way, but just a counterpoint that shows we for sure can all have different experiences. Service can be the luck of the draw. My intent wasn't to diminish yours as I hope yours isn't to diminish our unlucky service either. These are the hardest topics because we all have strong bonds with cruise lines, or at least I did in the past.

I will say the boards are now much more open to criticism of DCL than they were 3-5 years ago, so the dialog is a lot friendlier. There was a time I was told I should leave because I didn't post that DCL was the best at everything. Even with that this is much friendlier than CC.

 

[hrhdhd]

My experience from spending time here as well as on Cruise Critic (and having sailed 6+ lines) is that many people who take a few cruises on ANY line become comfortable with it and prefer not to take a chance on the others. I have not had a bad (read: terrible) cruise on any line. And it's kind of nice to have different experiences with dining, entertainment, employees, etc. I don't want to have the same vacation every time.

 

[cgolf]

My experience from spending time here as well as on Cruise Critic (and having sailed 6+ lines) is that many people who take a few cruises on ANY line become comfortable with it and prefer not to take a chance on the others. I have not had a bad (read: terrible) cruise on any line. And it's kind of nice to have different experiences with dining, entertainment, employees, etc. I don't want to have the same vacation every time.

And don’t go on the Celebrity board and say you like the Edge lol. As an Edgie I have taken a beating I think CC also has even more loyal to their line posters than even on here.

See your next cruise is on the Connie, our 2022 is on her and my fingers are crossed she stays in the fleet so we can see Celebrity on a non E class ship. We are on the Apex later this year

I also agree even a bad day at sea is better than a day at work

 

[hrhdhd]

And don’t go on the Celebrity board and say you like the Edge lol. As an Edgie I have taken a beating I think CC also has even more loyal to their line posters than even on here.

See your next cruise is on the Connie, our 2022 is on her and my fingers are crossed she stays in the fleet so we can see Celebrity on a non E class ship. We are on the Apex later this year

I also agree even a bad day at sea is better than a day at work

I am keeping that Constellation cruise on the list as a good luck charm that it'll actually sail. I picked it because she lands in Tampa. My husband will come pick me up, and Tampa is closer than Miami to Orlando.

We haven't taken the Edge-class leap yet; we were on the last Equinox cruise in March but didn't make an onboard booking because the future of cruising seemed in question (little did we know then!). We do know some who have been on Edge and hated it, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.

 

[John VN]

What makes Disney worth it?

What exactly is the "it?" that makes DCL worth the extra $$$ The IT is very personal and for DW and I has changed as we aged.

We bought OKW DVC in '96 and had many Studio stays THEN a 1 Bedroom =

We cruised DCL Ocean View then Verandah THEN Concierge 1 BR =

We cruised RCI Junior Suite THEN Oasis Crown Loft =

We cruised MSC Yacht Club to start =

We can not justify the DCL pricing when comparing obtained value for us with the other lines.

Oct. 11 - 15 DCL Dream, Ocean View $2,516.00 BTW - Concierge begins at $5,260.00

Oct. 11 - 15 RCL Mariner, Grand Suite $2,721.60 Verandah, Concierge Lounge Access

Oct. 10 - 14 MSC Davina, Yacht Club DeLuxe/Concierge, Butler, Private Restaurant, Private Lounge/Bar, Private Outside Deck Area with Lounging + Bar + Pool, Fridge Stocked, plus more $2,558.00

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I gave a thoughtful response to your post stating that we haven't seen the same consistent service that you have on DCL. It wasn't an attack so I apologize if you felt that way, but just a counterpoint that shows we for sure can all have different experiences. Service can be the luck of the draw. My intent wasn't to diminish yours as I hope yours isn't to diminish our unlucky service either. These are the hardest topics because we all have strong bonds with cruise lines, or at least I did in the past.

I will say the boards are now much more open to criticism of DCL than they were 3-5 years ago, so the dialog is a lot friendlier. There was a time I was told I should leave because I didn't post that DCL was the best at everything. Even with that this is much friendlier than CC.

Yup. Please do not get me wrong. Like I said, I have (although rarely) had bad service on DCL - although they have fixed it when I did. I am not claiming that Disney is in any way perfect. Also as I stated, crew routinely transfer between lines (at least in the lower tiers) so it would not only stand to reason, but would be almost impossible for there to be 100% consistently good or bad service. I will tell you though that the WORST service I have had on DCL have stemmed ALMOST entirely on 3rd party vendors. In Particular Senses - which I really wish Disney would just buy out on their property and take over and also Shutters (same wish). Both of these are 3rd party (or at least were) and have caused me issues.

By the same token, as I mentioned, I hold stock in RCL, NCL, and Carnival. I want them to do well, and it is in my best interest for them to serve their customers well. So I am glad you received excellent service on those lines.

I am not by any means going to tell you that you must love Disney and no one else. I also hold (and always will) that different people enjoy different things. DCL is not for everyone. For many, Carnival may be more what they are looking for. Each cruise line is very distinct in it's differentiators - which I consider a good thing for the industry. I tell the same thing for people interested in DVC. It is right for some people, but it is not the right choice for many. Their choice does not reduce my enjoyment one bit.

But again, I will state - the question I was answering is why *I* am willing to pay more for Disney. Your differing opinions are - in my opinion - welcome, and you are certainly allowed to answer why *you* are not willing to pay extra. Just being honest here though.... and to give an example. You stated in your original post "Food for us, has been good across all 3 lines with Celebrity taking the top spot and I would say DCL and RCCL were similar. " Now if I quoted that (like I just did) and replied "well, I am glad that you enjoyed your food, but I have found on 3 separate occasions that the food on Celebrity was terrible, however I have found RCCL was clearly better", I would bet you would feel the need to defend your position. I am clearly taking what you have stated as your opinion and issuing a rebuke against it. However, if I had replied in a separate thread below your to the original poster, "Personally, I have found RCCL to be better, and I did not enjoy Celebrity", you would likely just skip over my post because I have not referenced and objected to your opinion. The statement stands on it's own as it's opinion.

So I hope you can at least understand why I felt defensive.

 

[cgolf]

But again, I will state - the question I was answering is why *I* am willing to pay more for Disney. Your differing opinions are - in my opinion - welcome, and you are certainly allowed to answer why *you* are not willing to pay extra. Just being honest here though.... and to give an example. You stated in your original post "Food for us, has been good across all 3 lines with Celebrity taking the top spot and I would say DCL and RCCL were similar. " Now if I quoted that (like I just did) and replied "well, I am glad that you enjoyed your food, but I have found on 3 separate occasions that the food on Celebrity was terrible, however I have found RCCL was clearly better", I would bet you would feel the need to defend your position. I am clearly taking what you have stated as your opinion and issuing a rebuke against it. However, if I had replied in a separate thread below your to the original poster, "Personally, I have found RCCL to be better, and I did not enjoy Celebrity", you would likely just skip over my post because I have not referenced and objected to your opinion. The statement stands on it's own as it's opinion.

So I hope you can at least understand why I felt defensive.

I totally understand why you felt defensive, and to answer your question about food, I might have, but not to debate who was right, just what the bad was that you encountered. I know RCCL doesn't do as well as DCL or Celebrity for variety of gluten free food, but what I eat on all lines is good tasting. Not having that gluten free variety for some would be a deal breaker. I know my opinion is right for me but not for others. By learning more about others opinions helps me understand things better. Learned this managing people at work.

Honestly I think it spawned a good friendly discussion, which I commend all of us involved for keeping it there and sometimes that is why I quote posts like I did is to get the discussion because that can tease out more information for the OP and others reading these threads trying to make do I stay or go decisions. Those that have sailed other lines have good info to offer I am just thankful the discussion is very calm which allows us to have these discussions

 

[disneyfam1986]

My husband grew up doing Disney every year. At first I was skeptical but have come to realize I love everything Disney. The cruise is no different it is going to be clean and top notch!