Why are Disney cruises still so expensive?

[DCLMP]

I have only been sailing with DCL since 2017 so my experience may be a bit different. However, next year I'm going to be trying Princess in Alaska for a few reasons. 1) The price. I was able to get a veranda room with all drinks included for just a little more than an inside stateroom on DCL. 2) The itinerary. I know everyone says this about DCL in Alaska, but they just aren't able to go all the places some of the other lines are.

After talking to people here, I'm very excited about cruising on Princess. It will probably be quite a long time before I'm able to vacation again and I doubt it will be Disney related. There are so many places in the world I want to visit or revisit.

But if I still had children under 18, I would be sailing DCL next summer for Alaska and our future vacations probably would be DCL. I just feel like they get it right for my kids. Take people like me, add in new cruisers who have heard the hype and you've got high prices.

Report back I think a lot of people on here like hearing about alternatives.

I just pulled out my suitcases for my trip and wondered if I should take off my Castaway Club name tags. Ha.Ha I don't have any other tags so I guess not. The only baseball caps I can find to take are DCL caps we've won in trivia. I guess I'll be wearing that too.

 

[DCLMP]

I do not cruise concierge on DCL - I don't see the value of it. The question that was asked was why is DCL so much more expensive with the implied question, why do people pay that high price for it. I was trying to provide one perspective as to why I would pay the high price for it rather than going with another cruise line



My point was that to get the experience that I want, I would need to upgrade. That doesn't necessarily result in the same experience. That is, in fact, part of my problem.

There are a limited number of competing cruise lines that I would consider and to get the experience I want (which isn't necessarily "high brow" but does have certain expectations of crew/guest ratio, dining options, room size, access to other things), I would need to pay for a higher level of cabin/concierge than I need which I feel is wasteful. Thus, I do not find them particularly competitive price-wise with DCL unless there is an itinerary that I can't get with DCL.


To be honest, I found your response rather offensive and hostile. Questioning why I would not find a RCCL line to be as good of a value because you do.


I'm not really sure why it's incumbent upon me to justify to you my preferences. It's lovely that you have found competing cruise lines that meet your needs, but I have not yet found a cruiseline that is competitive pricewise that gives me what I want. For the record - ANY cruise line that has smoking in ANY space in the interior is not on my list and never will be. I was simply trying to provide an opinion and perspective from someone who is willing to pay the price that Disney charges

I still don't know why you would need to upgrade to get the same service. Unless you tried a bunch of other lines to compare that too. Upgrading to concierge would be a much better level of service than a standard room on DCL.

I've cruised on DCL enough to have seen the great, good, bad, and ugly. I've blown through just about every itinerary they offer. They are good and consistent not always perfect, but I've been more than happy with their product.

I've also been happy with my alternative cruises. Service and food have been on par. I have saved money and seen better ports than Disney offers. I did not feel that I was sailing on an inferior product.

I've cruised Disney 29 times and 4 times in the last year. I'll be back on them sooner than I think that I will. The withdrawals will probably start in about 4 months. I'll be searching for some great GT rates.

As far as why I will pay more for Disney it's because I like Disney. I don't have to justify it by assuming everything else is inferior.

You don't have to justify your preferences, but I wouldn't want anyone looking for info to think a balcony room on DCL and one on another cruise line aren't comparable. What's included in the price is pretty much the same.

 

[kiford]

I don't have to justify it by assuming everything else is inferior.

I did not feel that I was sailing on an inferior product.

And I did not say that other cruise lines were an inferior product but that they may not be for me. Because of what I, personally want. The experience that I want, the intangibles that I want. What you perceive as equal or comparable, I may not. That's all I am trying to express.

I wouldn't want anyone looking for info to think a balcony room on DCL and one on another cruise line aren't comparable. What's included in the price is pretty much the same.

But they aren't necessarily comparable except in the very basics that they provide a room, a balcony, transportation, meals, and entertainment. There are many differences between exactly what and how those things are provided and how well they align with the cruiser's desires and tastes as well as the atmosphere and environment in which they are provided. If there is a misalignment, there is significantly less willingness to pay a higher price. A higher alignment, more willingness to pay a higher price but only up to a certain point. It's not about superior or inferior but alignment and perceived value for money.

 

[DCLMP]

And I did not say that other cruise lines were an inferior product but that they may not be for me. Because of what I, personally want. The experience that I want, the intangibles that I want. What you perceive as equal or comparable, I may not. That's all I am trying to express.



But they aren't necessarily comparable except in the very basics that they provide a room, a balcony, transportation, meals, and entertainment. There are many differences between exactly what and how those things are provided and how well they align with the cruiser's desires and tastes as well as the atmosphere and environment in which they are provided. If there is a misalignment, there is significantly less willingness to pay a higher price. A higher alignment, more willingness to pay a higher price but only up to a certain point. It's not about superior or inferior but alignment and perceived value for money.

I'm glad you clarified it's about your perceived value. You don't know what you don't know. You can't compare X and Y without trying X and Y.

I didn't want anyone reading this thread to be confused about the basics. Everything else is just opinion. I like Hyatt someone else might prefer Hilton, but in the end, they provide the same thing. It's all just preference.

 

[DodgerGirl]

Since Disney Cruise Line was launched in 1997 Disney Cruise Line has always wanted to attract the family market and by improving themselves by adding additional add-ons such as cabin upgrades discounts at restaurants and special seating at dinner shows Disney Cruise Line really knows how to attract customers very well. So by adding things like this DCL knows how to make customers get great deals on their cruises. But the main reason why Disney Cruise Line cruises are expensive and still remain expensive is because these cruises are different than any other cruises because families can do stuff such as character meet and greets character breakfasts see shows and watch dinner shows as well and they also provide adult oriented stuff such as fancy restaurants and spas and karaoke and dance clubs which is why Disney cruises are hits with honeymooners and adults. But I think when they first debuted Disney Cruise Line was aimed at the rich market and if you look at the prices for cabins you will be surprised at the prices that will shock you. And for a cheaper deal on a cruise you can go to Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean or even Princess Cruises. But I think since the Disney Wish debuted in 2021 I think it caused Disney Cruises to go up in price and as Disney Cruise Line keeps adding new ships and more places the cruises will continue to skyrocket in price and the cruise industry will see a big jump in vacationers taking more cruises as time goes by

 

[John VN]

I'm glad you clarified it's about your perceived value. You don't know what you don't know. You can't compare X and Y without trying X and Y.

I didn't want anyone reading this thread to be confused about the basics. Everything else is just opinion. I like Hyatt someone else might prefer Hilton, but in the end, they provide the same thing. It's all just preference.

For DW and myself, *value* is based on what we receive for what we pay. There is NO *perceived* about it.

We cruise a verandah cabin that includes bottled flat/sparkling water, well stocked refrigerator, Nespresso, fruits every day, any desired drink delivered be it hot tea or hot chocolate, coffee, alcoholic (wine - liquor), all meals delivered if desired plus ---

A full deck width lounge with bar opened 6am to midnight includes ALL drinks free, snack food all day

A full deck width restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner

A full deck outside upper lounge includes pool, hot tub, cabanas, full bar and open grill for breakfast and lunch

Full ship free bar service

Private Island with transportation to designated beach area having cabanas and includes Full Bar plus a Specialty lunch restaurant building

Butler included, priority everything including elevator service to deck desired. Quick search showed --

Our Cruise Line of choice with above $3,718 --7/2/23 to 7/6/23

WISH Verandah $5,467 -- 7/3/23 to 7/7/23

 

[DCLMP]

For DW and myself, *value* is based on what we receive for what we pay. There is NO *perceived* about it.

We cruise a verandah cabin that includes bottled flat/sparkling water, well stocked refrigerator, Nespresso, fruits every day, any desired drink delivered be it hot tea or hot chocolate, coffee, alcoholic (wine - liquor), all meals delivered if desired plus ---

A full deck width lounge with bar opened 6am to midnight includes ALL drinks free, snack food all day

A full deck width restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner

A full deck outside upper lounge includes pool, hot tub, cabanas, full bar and open grill for breakfast and lunch

Full ship free bar service

Private Island with transportation to designated beach area having cabanas and includes Full Bar plus a Specialty lunch restaurant building

Butler included, priority everything including elevator service to deck desired. Quick search showed --

Our Cruise Line of choice with above $3,718 --7/2/23 to 7/6/23

WISH Verandah $5,467 -- 7/3/23 to 7/7/23

I tend to add more and get a nicer room on other cruise lines because I can afford more. I only have x amount of dollars for a cruise.

I've booked many insides on DCL mostly on longer European cruises because that's all I could afford, but my son loves Disney clubs.

My son is 18 now. It's nice to book a verandah, get the drink package, upgraded dining, etc on Royal. I did bid for a suite upgrade but didn't get it.

Your above post sounds like the Yacht Club. That does sound like a very good value. Maybe someday.

 

[tmg4612]

We are new to cruising with only two trips. One Disney in 2009 which I don’t recall any complaints from us, except that we prefer land. Recently took a RCL 3 night. The food was slop. We booked two very expensive specialty restaurants and one was tasteless. All of the waiters had sob stories to share. The shows were high school quality that people were walking out of. So yes, I just booked a 7 night DCL to Alaska, but for 3 people at $8000 total - really hoping it’s worth it. (With flights, hotels on night before and after, excursions, it will be closer to $12,500. Still wondering if it’s too crazy for one vacation)

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

We are new to cruising with only two trips. One Disney in 2009 which I don’t recall any complaints from us, except that we prefer land. Recently took a RCL 3 night. The food was slop. We booked two very expensive specialty restaurants and one was tasteless. All of the waiters had sob stories to share. The shows were high school quality that people were walking out of. So yes, I just booked a 7 night DCL to Alaska, but for 3 people at $8000 total - really hoping it’s worth it. (With flights, hotels on night before and after, excursions, it will be closer to $12,500. Still wondering if it’s too crazy for one vacation)

We have a 4 night royal in June that I am so nervous with. Going with my daughters dance studio and she get to dance onboard in the main theater on the afternoon of the sea day! But I am kind of dreading and it wasn't cheap. Going through the group to do the performance added a little above what RCL was charging but even to book on your own that week wasn't cheap.

RCL just annoys me with all the sales games and having to keep stalking to see if things are cheaper and to rebook.

 

[Wadekind]

For DW and myself, *value* is based on what we receive for what we pay. There is NO *perceived* about it.

We cruise a verandah cabin that includes bottled flat/sparkling water, well stocked refrigerator, Nespresso, fruits every day, any desired drink delivered be it hot tea or hot chocolate, coffee, alcoholic (wine - liquor), all meals delivered if desired plus ---

A full deck width lounge with bar opened 6am to midnight includes ALL drinks free, snack food all day

A full deck width restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner

A full deck outside upper lounge includes pool, hot tub, cabanas, full bar and open grill for breakfast and lunch

Full ship free bar service

Private Island with transportation to designated beach area having cabanas and includes Full Bar plus a Specialty lunch restaurant building

Butler included, priority everything including elevator service to deck desired. Quick search showed --

Our Cruise Line of choice with above $3,718 --7/2/23 to 7/6/23

WISH Verandah $5,467 -- 7/3/23 to 7/7/23

This sounds amazing. What is your cruise line of choice?

 

[John VN]

This sounds amazing. What is your cruise line of choice?

The line is MSC

The ship we will cruise is at Nassau as I type --

https://www.portnassauwebcam.com/

 

[Pyxie]

1. It's Disney.
2. Every other cruise line has a casino to offset costs. Disney does not.

 

[peder]

The line is MSC

The ship we will cruise is at Nassau as I type --

https://www.portnassauwebcam.com/

The price differences can be staggering. We're going to give the Wish a try as part of a land and sea Disney World trip, but it's most likely a one-and-done for us, because IMO DCL is so prohibitively expensive compared to other options.

 

[Kwami]

The price differences can be staggering. We're going to give the Wish a try as part of a land and sea Disney World trip, but it's most likely a one-and-done for us, because IMO DCL is so prohibitively expensive compared to other options.

The price difference really depends on when you're going, where you're going, how many are going, and whether you're sailing on the Wish. For two people on a non-Wish ship in any season that isn't summer or the end of year holidays, Disney's prices are quite comparable to other lines. This isn't always true, but it's usually true. I'm paying about the same for my Caribbean NCL cruise next year as I would have paid for an equivalent Disney Fantasy cruise.

 

[randumb0]

Which line has a comparable kids club to Disney?

 

[tvguy]

Which line has a comparable kids club to Disney?

On paper HAL's kids clubs seem close. I say on paper because my kids looked at the activities every day but only took part in one Kids Club Event on HAL, and on on Disney. My daughter was 12 and was absolutely APPALLED at the Disney music trivia event because the Castmember running it did not know Paul McCartney had been in a group before Wings.
But we cruised to spend 24/7 with our kids. Nice change from the norm at home where we might see them for 2 or 3 hours on a school day.

 

[Mrlogboy]

1. It's Disney.
2. Every other cruise line has a casino to offset costs. Disney does not.

This is one reason why I like Disney, if others had no Casino I might try them. To each their own and no wrong choices

 

[John VN]

1. It's Disney.
2. Every other cruise line has a casino to offset costs. Disney does not.

This is one reason why I like Disney, if others had no Casino I might try them. To each their own and no wrong choices

The Casino area is small in many cases so I don't see it as a negative.

 

[mousefan73]

The line is MSC

The ship we will cruise is at Nassau as I type --

https://www.portnassauwebcam.com/

If you are Castaway status they will match.. I am now platinum at MSC.. There newer ships are Amazing!!! They are fastly expanding and I feel they are giving Royal, Celebrity a run for their money.

 

[mousefan73]

Which line has a comparable kids club to Disney?

if you compare Disney themed characters nobody. But I have heard also very positive from other lines when it comes to attentive staff and generally activities. the last MSC sailing had a huge gym area and the kids clubs were always in there playing active games which I thought was really nice as kids also have to move and not just sit and play video games or do craft work.

Disney has one up simply because they have the IP and character world to their benefit and they create also an immersive experience to these.