Why do disney cruises cost more than other cruise lines?

[IrenicMom]

because people hear Disney and expect a premium price

I think this is the crux of our disagreement, Trisha.

You may hear Disney and expect a premium price.

I hear Disney and expect a premium product. And for that product/experience? I'm willing to pay a premium price.

So, to flog the dead horse -

Why is Disney more? Depends on your point of view. I say it's more because it's a higher quality. I fully admit that the included items add to the upfront cost of the cruise. I have no disillusions of "free". I just know that, for the most part, when we're on board, having it prepaid is part of the relaxation of the cruise. "Go ahead, kids. Yes, you may have ice cream!" Others disagree, and that's fine - it's not the product/experience that best meets their vacation/entertainment needs.

Again, one is not right. One is not wrong. They're different, that's all. And as long as we (all) can keep in perspective that our own opinions are just that, we're good. It's when people start stating their own opinion as FACT, that's where the issues arise, and tension builds. Having an opinion is fine - wonderful, in fact. Belittling someone for an opposing opinion is not.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

The funny thing is that you are paying for soda on the other lines also whether you get the soda card or not. We talk about what is "INCLUDED" in Disny's price, and not "FREE". I'm pretty sure you're paying or soda on Carnival also, even if you don't drink it. DCL is higher because people will pay it, and for most, the experience is worth it. It has nothing to do with soda, casinos, or alcohol.

 

[ksucats]

The funny thing is that you are paying for soda on the other lines also whether you get the soda card or not. We talk about what is "INCLUDED" in Disny's price, and not "FREE". I'm pretty sure you're paying or soda on Carnival also, even if you don't drink it. DCL is higher because people will pay it, and for most, the experience is worth it. It has nothing to do with soda, casinos, or alcohol.

How are you paying for soda on Carnival if you don't get the soda card?

I agree with your second statement that the price/demand for DCL is higher because of the experience. I only mentioned earlier about soda/alcohol/casinos is that is an additional benefit to help justify the cost to me. It means that there is actually less of a price difference, in fact when you factor those things in there really isn't a price difference to me personally. The cost of those 3 items vary from family to family, but we are able to sail on DCL for the same cost as we could on Carnival even though the initial sticker price is higher.

 

[lovethedream]

Actually it makes a big difference. It's marketing. DCL charges more, and often part of the response is "free sodas." Logically, of course they are not free, their cost is rolled into the higher fares of DCL, but such benefits as sodas are critical to helping people justify to themselves paying more. It makes a big difference.

Emotionally, such packaging matters a LOT to people who are paying more, as DCL is well structured to make you feel you are receiving more (such as free sodas). Don't discount the power of the good feelings people get when they think about how Disney has been a part of their lives - and their willingness to pay to continue that experience. Presentation is everything.

When someone asks why DCL cruises cost more, naturally, the answer will be what the other cruise lines charge for versus what DCL gives you for free. I do not think they are justifying it, simply answering a question. But in the end, if there is a $1000 dollar difference, the booze, the casino and the free drinks do close the gap considerably. Not to mention having to put down a towel deposit because I forgot to bring mine with me (but I digress).

Anyway... For me, it goes way beyond that, DCL is still within my budget. And I enjoyed my 2 cruises with them far more than I have enjoyed my cruises with any other line so far (I loved my two DCL cruises, I liked my Carnival cruise, did not really care for RCCL). So I do not spend a lot of time wringing my hands because I paid more for my DCL cruise. I pay it because I want to go on a DCL cruise and not on a XYZ cruise.

In the end, I paid a little more for my cruise with DCL because.

I really enjoy the production (name announcement) when you board.
I enjoy the DCL characters.
I love the ship and the atmosphere.
I enjoy the shows.
I love the food and the rotational dining.
I absolutley love the pirate party.

Again (my opinion) nobody has beat that experience so far. Will I ever go on another cruise line ship. Yes I will. We are also looking at the Carnival Magic (partly because it is available when the kids are out of school). But DCL will always be my first choice.

 

[jilljill]

In the end we all have to remember, no one is forcing us to pay DCL's prices we are all paying it because we choose to. It doesn't really matter what one person's opinion/reasoning is for paying the cost, since that may differ from the next person's opinion/reasoning.

 

[Lynne M]

How are you paying for soda on Carnival if you don't get the soda card?

You pay by the glass, at the time you order it, just like a cocktail.

 

[over50visits]

In the end, I paid a little more for my cruise with DCL because.

I really enjoy the production (name announcement) when you board.
I enjoy the DCL characters.
I love the ship and the atmosphere.
I enjoy the shows.
I love the food and the rotational dining.
I absolutley love the pirate party.

Again (my opinion) nobody has beat that experience so far.

Hear, Hear! And aaarghhh, matey - the pirate party and fireworks are fantastic.

 

[ksucats]

You pay by the glass, at the time you order it, just like a cocktail.

Right, but read the quote I was replying to. The stated that you pay for soda on Carnival whether you drink it or not.

 

[TDC Nala]

Disney charges more because they haven't had a problem getting people to pay what they are charging.

If they couldn't fill their ships on a regular basis, they'd have to cut prices. They also have only three ships (soon to be four) and no shortage of guests who are willing to pay for the Disney name. If Dreamworks characters are just as meaningful to you as Disney characters, then you'll go for the cheaper cruise with characters, but there are a lot of Disney loyalists out there. Have also seen a few who said their preschoolers are not familiar with Shrek but they know the Disney characters.

Disney costs more but our #1 thing as non-smokers is Disney has the strickest smoking policy of any other cruise line.

Actually they don't...because they still allow smoking on the verandahs.


If you get canned soda (in a bar or from room service) on a Disney ship, there is a charge for that. Fountain soda on deck or in the dining rooms is included.

I certainly wouldn't say the food on the Dream was bad - I was rather impressed by it. Some was even better than what I had on the Wonder earlier this year.

And those who don't enjoy Disney cruises won't book any more Disney cruises. Those who do enjoy them are going to be booking with Disney again. I guess some are asking "I didn't enjoy my Disney cruise all that much and I don't see how you enjoyed yours enough to book another one when there are so many much cheaper cruise lines out there." How is anyone going to explain the fact that different guests are going to enjoy different things?

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Right, but read the quote I was replying to. The stated that you pay for soda on Carnival whether you drink it or not.

I meant that it's factored into your price just like Disney, but you pay again when you get a soda card. (Just my opinion) It's just like a store that raises its prices because of theft. We all pay, even though we don't all steal. On a cruise, we all pay even though we don't all drink.

 

[ksucats]

I meant that it's factored into your price just like Disney, but you pay again when you get a soda card. (Just my opinion) It's just like a store that raises its prices because of theft. We all pay, even though we don't all steal. On a cruise, we all pay even though we don't all drink.

I think that is quite a stretch. On Carnival those who don't drink soda pay less than those who do. On Disney those who don't drink soda pay the same as those who do. My family drinks soda & would if we took a Carnival cruise. Lets say the Disney cruise's initial price is $1000 more than Carnival. & we would spend $100 on soda for carnival. That means the Disney cruise only costs us $900 more when you factor in soda. (I will leave alcohol & casino out for this point.)

 

[NancyIL]

The funny thing is that you are paying for soda on the other lines also whether you get the soda card or not. We talk about what is "INCLUDED" in Disny's price, and not "FREE". I'm pretty sure you're paying or soda on Carnival also, even if you don't drink it. DCL is higher because people will pay it, and for most, the experience is worth it. It has nothing to do with soda, casinos, or alcohol.

Doubt it!

I meant that it's factored into your price just like Disney, but you pay again when you get a soda card. (Just my opinion) It's just like a store that raises its prices because of theft. We all pay, even though we don't all steal. On a cruise, we all pay even though we don't all drink.

How can something NOT included in the price already be "factored into your price"?

I think that is quite a stretch. On Carnival those who don't drink soda pay less than those who do. On Disney those who don't drink soda pay the same as those who do.

I agree with you!

 

[padawans]

When someone asks why DCL cruises cost more, naturally, the answer will be what the other cruise lines charge for versus what DCL gives you for free. I do not think they are justifying it, simply answering a question. But in the end, if there is a $1000 dollar difference, the booze, the casino and the free drinks do close the gap considerably. Not to mention having to put down a towel deposit because I forgot to bring mine with me (but I digress).

Anyway... For me, it goes way beyond that, DCL is still within my budget. And I enjoyed my 2 cruises with them far more than I have enjoyed my cruises with any other line so far (I loved my two DCL cruises, I liked my Carnival cruise, did not really care for RCCL). So I do not spend a lot of time wringing my hands because I paid more for my DCL cruise. I pay it because I want to go on a DCL cruise and not on a XYZ cruise.

In the end, I paid a little more for my cruise with DCL because.

I really enjoy the production (name announcement) when you board.
I enjoy the DCL characters.
I love the ship and the atmosphere.
I enjoy the shows.
I love the food and the rotational dining.
I absolutley love the pirate party.

Again (my opinion) nobody has beat that experience so far. Will I ever go on another cruise line ship. Yes I will. We are also looking at the Carnival Magic (partly because it is available when the kids are out of school). But DCL will always be my first choice.

The carnival magic is 2000(for our time frame) less for a ocean view suite vs a the deluxe family stateroom with verandah on the Fantasy. Both rooms are close to the same size. The Magic suite is probably 40 square feet larger. One leaves out of Galveston, and one leaves out of cape canaveral. They are both brand new ships. On cruise critic the reviews are about equal when comparing it to the Dream. 2000 can buy a lot soda. If people are cruising Disney for the free soda. All I can say is that is some expensive soda.

 

[mickey2000]

Prices don't lie, sorry!

I will be sailing on a NEW ship that was just made at the same shipyard as the fantasy.

12 NTS.

I have sailed 6 times from Cape Liberty NJ and have always gone at least 12 nights because of the distance (sea days) in order to arrive at the Carribbean stops.
As an example my upcoming cruise in March was $3000 for a 12 night veranda. Here is where the Celebrity Silhouette ( new ship) goes ( 6 ports) :
Date Port/ City Activity Arrival Departure
Day 1 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J. 5:00 PM
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 6 St. Johns, Antigua Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 7 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 8 St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Docked 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 9 San Juan, Puerto Rico Docked 7:00 AM 2:00 PM
Day 10 Labadee, Haiti Docked 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
Day 11 At Sea
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J.
What would a 12 night DCL cruise cost ?

End of story! To each thier own! I am going on the Fantasy next year.
Only because of granddaughter!

IMO DCL is an expensive cruise !
Free soda or whatever is not worth an extra $1000 + to my family!

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Doubt it!


How can something NOT included in the price already be "factored into your price"?

I'm just using common business sense. What if no one bought the card? You factor everything into the price just in case many people don't buy the soda card, gamble in the casino, or drink alcohol. While, they make a ton of money in those areas, they have to be prepared if they're not as profitable as they would hope. Before you drink soda, it still has to be made available to you. You still need the manpower, machines, and anything else needed to get it to the cruisers. It may be nominal, but believe me, you're paying for that soda no matter what. It's amazing that you don't buy the it's "FREE" argument from Disney, but you give the other cruise lines the benefit of the doubt. Naive?

 

[NancyIL]

Prices don't lie, sorry!

I will be sailing on a NEW ship that was just made at the same shipyard as the fantasy.

12 NTS.

I have sailed 6 times from Cape Liberty NJ and have always gone at least 12 nights because of the distance (sea days) in order to arrive at the Carribbean stops.
As an example my upcoming cruise in March was $3000 for a 12 night veranda. Here is where the Celebrity Silhouette ( new ship) goes ( 6 ports) :
Date Port/ City Activity Arrival Departure
Day 1 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J. 5:00 PM
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 6 St. Johns, Antigua Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 7 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 8 St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Docked 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 9 San Juan, Puerto Rico Docked 7:00 AM 2:00 PM
Day 10 Labadee, Haiti Docked 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
Day 11 At Sea
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J.
What would a 12 night DCL cruise cost ?

End of story! To each thier own! I am going on the Fantasy next year.
Only because of granddaughter!

IMO DCL is an expensive cruise !
Free soda or whatever is not worth an extra $1000 + to my family!

We'll be on the Silhouette in Europe for 12 nights next May. As is my usual practice - I booked the least expensive inside cabin because it's a very port-intensive cruise. We'll spend 5 nights in Italy before the cruise, and I'll be in Germany 10 days post-cruise. No DCL envy here!

 

[RedSox68]

Prices don't lie, sorry!

I will be sailing on a NEW ship that was just made at the same shipyard as the fantasy.

12 NTS.

I have sailed 6 times from Cape Liberty NJ and have always gone at least 12 nights because of the distance (sea days) in order to arrive at the Carribbean stops.
As an example my upcoming cruise in March was $3000 for a 12 night veranda. Here is where the Celebrity Silhouette ( new ship) goes ( 6 ports) :
Date Port/ City Activity Arrival Departure
Day 1 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J. 5:00 PM
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 6 St. Johns, Antigua Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 7 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Docked 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 8 St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Docked 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
Day 9 San Juan, Puerto Rico Docked 7:00 AM 2:00 PM
Day 10 Labadee, Haiti Docked 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
Day 11 At Sea
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, N.J.
What would a 12 night DCL cruise cost ?

End of story! To each thier own! I am going on the Fantasy next year.
Only because of granddaughter!

IMO DCL is an expensive cruise !
Free soda or whatever is not worth an extra $1000 + to my family!

We ventured out from DCL two years ago and started investigating other lines and their itineraries. There is no comparison to the difference in pricing for what you get. The above mentioned cruise costs for 12-nights would probably be the cost on Disney for 7 nights or maybe even only 5 nights. While we're doing our 10th and 11th cruises next year with them, their costs are becoming prohibitive and we are looking elsewhere once we sail on the Fantasy (wanted to say we've sailed all four ships).

Everyone has their reasons for wanting to sail and if my daughter were younger, I'd keep Disney in our future for a few more years. As it is, we booked HAL to Alaska next year for three very big reasons: they sail Glacier Bay, we could book a cruise tour which included a land portion and their pricing for the 7-night was half of what Disney was charging for a balcony (at our time of booking). Plus, their prices don't rise the way Disney's does. The pricing we paid was still the same four months later on HAL.

Anyway, we will always tout the pluses of sailing on Disney, but in all good conscience I must first advice those I tell to be aware of the pricing. I am starting to see many lines where you get a lot more bang for your buck (more days and more ports specifically), but Disney will always be my first love

Happy sailing to all

 

[ksucats]

I'm just using common business sense. What if no one bought the card? You factor everything into the price just in case many people don't buy the soda card, gamble in the casino, or drink alcohol. While, they make a ton of money in those areas, they have to be prepared if they're not as profitable as they would hope. Before you drink soda, it still has to be made available to you. You still need the manpower, machines, and anything else needed to get it to the cruisers. It may be nominal, but believe me, you're paying for that soda no matter what. It's amazing that you don't buy the it's "FREE" argument from Disney, but you give the other cruise lines the benefit of the doubt. Naive?

There are so many problems with this statement that I don't know where to start.

 

[NancyIL]

I'm just using common business sense.

 

[Rogillio]

Disney prices are higher because Disney’s atmosphere is unique and no other cruise line in the world can provide the Disney atmosphere complete with all the Disney characters. So it’s hard to “compare” DCL with other cruiselines. With Disney, it’s not so much the ‘cruise’ as it is the atmosphere. Some get it and some don’t.


BTW, Disney sells millions of Coke products every day in their theme parks around the world. I ‘spect they have a ‘special teaming’ with Coke for their cruise ships.