Why is DCL worth the extra cost?

[Ofinn]

The reality is I find more people on here who interrupt every rationale discussion with the worn out mantra of "DCL is priced too high, they are depriving me of whatever and I can sail XYZ for far less."

This place is overrun with the negative. If I were someone trying to plan a first time cruise on DCL and came to these boards, I might be inclined to cancel. I never understood how a forum or its participants embrace the negative more than the positive.

(Enter the trolls...)

This is a thread about DCL, and cost compared to other cruiselines. I'm not sure why you expect a thread about cost to be all positive.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

OR the fact there are some DCL cruisers who have emotional issues and feel safe in a Disney environment where they can bring their make believe baby dolls onboard and pretend that they are real, or dress like a princess the whole cruise and know that no one blinks an eye, just to name a few coping behaviors I've heard of DCL cruisers doing. You can be any of those 3 cruisers as a reason to cruise DCL exclusively.

You may be just as likely to find cruisers like this on any cruiseline, it's not specific to Disney. Maybe they don't dress as Disney princesses but they could be like the gal who used to wear period dress from the Titanic era every day of her cruise. So she liked to do that, it doesn't mean she is trying to cope. You can also find "theme" cruises of practically any genre on all cruise lines pretty much. I think such preferences overall have very little to do with why travelers choose a cruise line.

 

[perdidobay]

You may be just as likely to find cruisers like this on any cruiseline, it's not specific to Disney. Maybe they don't dress as Disney princesses but they could be like the gal who used to wear period dress from the Titanic era every day of her cruise. So she liked to do that, it doesn't mean she is trying to cope. You can also find "theme" cruises of practically any genre on all cruise lines pretty much.

You are correct in that. But let's leave out the costumes, and theme cruises, shall we?
The fact is there are emotionally scarred and/or fragile people who are drawn to Disney parks and Disney cruises, not saying that's a bad thing, really I'm glad they have a place to feel safe. Just pointing out that many emotionally fragile people are likely to prefer a Disney cruise over other cruise lines.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Very likely. I just get tired of the zealots who feel the need to interrupt every rational discussion with the worn out mantra of "I love Disney therefore every other cruise line is a garbage scow that only miscreant degenerates would sail on". The reality is that every cruise line we've ever been on (and yes, that includes Disney) have provided us with both outstanding and sub-par experiences. When you cruise 5-6 times a year you occasionally get a turnip truck cruise.

I agree.....I never said other lines were a garbage scow (except one that I consider unsafe). We enjoy RCCL and sail on them occasionally and enjoy their cruises. (However I don't like the monster sized vessels). I don't think the folks who support DCL and think its worth the money and is a unique and special cruise are saying others are wrong to cruise on other lines..........what I think they are upset about is the repeated threads saying the say thing by a same people, DCL is evil and they charge to much. Any one who pots on those threads and support DCL , is knocked down over and over. It like since they don't want to pay the extra money, DCL must reduce their rates and any other people who doesn't agree with that is wrong and drinking *koolaid*. (which I consider a insulting remark)

I guess its kinda like two sides of a coin. One argument on each side.


In short...if anyone is not happy with DCL rates, you have the right to sail on any other line you like......I for one think DCL is worth the cost.


AKK

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

↑
DCL specail cruises is not for everyone

Hmm, now it feels to me that you're saying that if I prefer Royal, then it's somehow a personal failing of mine, that I don't see the specialness of Disney. That's how reading those words feels to me. Seriously Tonka, there has been nothing special on DCL that we haven't experienced on Royal. I get that you don't get that, but can you maybe get that other people have *just as special an experience* elsewhere?

No I don't have Mickey or Cinderella on Royal. But I don't care about them. I am anti-characters (except for Jack Sparrow, which, yes, I cannot get on other lines, but since it's for my son not me (my fave Sparrow thing was to just watch him walk around New Orleans Square at Disneyland, interacting with people in a piratey way) and he's over Sparrow we're cool with that). Though Po on Freedom of the Seas did rope me into a hug which got my first EVER genuine smile in a character photo.


Bumpershoot, I in no way meant anything like that. I clearly stated Disney (special) cruises is not for everyone, because not everyone likes Disney, and that is all I meant. I am really kinda hurt you would imply that, you know me better.


AKK

 

[eskimoinparadise]

The reality is I find more people on here who interrupt every rationale discussion with the worn out mantra of "DCL is priced too high, they are depriving me of whatever and I can sail XYZ for far less."

This place is overrun with the negative. If I were someone trying to plan a first time cruise on DCL and came to these boards, I might be inclined to cancel. I never understood how a forum or its participants embrace the negative more than the positive.

(Enter the trolls...)

True, and also fascinating that the majority of those posts come from people who have only sailed on Disney. For some people, if they can't say something negative, they have nothing to say.

 

[shelbell77]

There is a post above throwing out the idea that adults who cruise Disney do so because they "have issues coping with life" or are of a "conservative" bent and they cruise Disney because they consider it "safe." This is not true. Being a Disney fan and an adult does not make one either conservative or unable to cope with life. You might as well ask what makes one a Disney fan. There are many reasons.

AGREE!!! that post caught me off guard too. I am an adult who is a platinum DCL cruiser and have never cruised with kids and don't ever plan to cruise with kids. I'm not remotely conservative and I don't have issues "coping with life". And if you someone thinks my bringing Duffy on a cruise is having issues "coping with life" then that may need to look within themselves and why they care. I love Disney. I love good service (and do not feel the 4 other cruise line's I've sailed come anywhere close to Disney). I love getting lost in the magic as an escape from my very serious, stressful, 80 hour per week job. Pretty simple.

 

[DCLDVC1]

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[Tonka's Skipper]

You are correct in that. But let's leave out the costumes, and theme cruises, shall we?
The fact is there are emotionally scarred and/or fragile people who are drawn to Disney parks and Disney cruises, not saying that's a bad thing, really I'm glad they have a place to feel safe. Just pointing out that many emotionally fragile people are likely to prefer a Disney cruise over other cruise lines.

You have factual knowledge on this , please post the.links?

AKK

 

[TXDCLfan]

There are really lots of reasons why DCL is worth the extra money.

The Disney Magic and Pixie Dust is the whole product, the superior designed, and built vessels with the classic lines and feel, the art deco and Nuevo deco feel and just enough Disney touches to bring a smile to peoples faces.

A ship crew that is excellent and the best trained and I know that for a fact, because I know all the special training they get on American Maritime schools. Add to that how they have rescued many at sea, including being able to get the rescue boat in the water and save a person who fell off another cruise ship when the other cruise ship could not even get their boat in the water.

Their own special designed terminal and Bus service where the magic begins with videos on what's coming and Disney cartoons.

The excellent service,, yes other lines may have great service, but twisting that into saying its Disney Pixie Dust, doesn't work, Add great food and good family entertainment. The DISNEY characters that bring joy to the kids, young and old. Mickey and Minnie. Things like Animators Pallet MDR, food and mixers events and that is just starters.

One of my special examples of what make DCL so special happened when we were taking the design of the Magic tour, (which by itself is a great tour) when Belle came around the corner and a young girl on the tour with her MOM, just cried out in joy. Belle spun around, flopped down onto the deck, lifted the girl into lap and calmed her down. She finally told the child that if she was at a door down the passageway at 1830, she could walk with Belle to a greeting session. Mom nodded ok, Belle got up waved good bye and I would bet a week pay that child was at the door at 1830 and had a memory that would last a lifetime.

Almost everyone in the modern world knows Disney and Disney magic and Pixie dust, not only from DCL, but also the Disney parks and many other venues.

I will repeat if DCL is not for you, please find a line your happy with. If you feel DCL cruise are not world the money or your not willing to pay for it........please don't pay it, find another line your happy with and enjoy there product.

However the bottom line is the Disney cruises are special with real Disney Magic and Pixie dust only found on their ships.


AKK

1st.Could you please provide factual information and links to prove that "they are the best trained" or again is this "your" opinion.
2nd.I have received excellent service on NCL and Princess also on some of our Disney cruises the service was just OK

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Is DCL, on the average, more costly than other lines? Overall, probably yes, but the difference is nowhere near what it is being made out to be.

In fact, I checked, comparing the Fantasy in April (that we are booked on) to the Freedom of the Seas. Both are 7 night Western Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral. The RCCL cruise is almost exactly 25% cheaper (and that's with the special "Buy 1 Get Half"). Without that discount there would be almost no difference in price. This is for a balcony room, 5B on the Fanatsy and "Superior Ocean View Stateroom" on RCCL. Plus, the DCL room, at 246 sq ft., is bigger than the RCCL 214 sq ft. room. That's a 15% bigger room for 25% more cost. A difference? Definitely. But again, nothing like the "100%" difference we've seen quoted here.

That may be true for that cruise but fast forward to October 1, 2016, a family ocean view (241 sq feet), Western on the Fantasy is $5600 for 4 people.

Exact same itinerary (except CC), on Liberty of the Seas (Freedom Class) on October 2 is $3200 for the family panoramic room that boasts over 400 sq feet, sleeps six and has a full bathroom, plus a 1/2 bath. By the way, the $3200 includes paying for 5 people because you have to book at least 5 to book the room. Liberty is receiving 3 water slides and this new category of rooms in January and this will be my view everyday.

The DCL price is 75% more than RCCL, not quite double but if I booked 5 in a room on DCL it would be double.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

1st.Could you please provide factual information and links to prove that "they are the best trained" or again is this "your" opinion.
2nd.I have received excellent service on NCL and Princess also on some of our Disney cruises the service was just OK

1. DCL crews receive classes and training at American Martime colleges, boyond those required by Martine agencies.. in fact a ex class mate of mine teach some of these classes .


This skill and training has been proved a.number of times in DCL crews being able to get people out of the water and safety onboard . At least once when the vessel ( I won't mention the line , but most know which one) from which the passinger fell off, could not even get tier recuse boat in the water. The DCL vessel.launch a rescue boat, got thean and returned safely to the DCL vessel.

This has been reported by Others on the Dis number of times.

No opinion , fact. Even if it was a opinion, it's a professional one.

I HAVE NEVER siad NCL didnot have good service.

AKK

 

[eskimoinparadise]

Is DCL, on the average, more costly than other lines? Overall, probably yes, but the difference is nowhere near what it is being made out to be.

In fact, I checked, comparing the Fantasy in April (that we are booked on) to the Freedom of the Seas. Both are 7 night Western Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral. The RCCL cruise is almost exactly 25% cheaper (and that's with the special "Buy 1 Get Half"). Without that discount there would be almost no difference in price. This is for a balcony room, 5B on the Fanatsy and "Superior Ocean View Stateroom" on RCCL. Plus, the DCL room, at 246 sq ft., is bigger than the RCCL 214 sq ft. room. That's a 15% bigger room for 25% more cost. A difference? Definitely. But again, nothing like the "100%" difference we've seen quoted here.

The cabin size on Fantasy you referenced includes the balcony. If you include the balcony on the cabin you referenced on Freedom, the total size is 264 sq. ft.

 

[misseulalie]

We are DCL snobs, Platinum members and used to cruise twice a year. But I feel the prices have gone up so much that it just isn't realistic anymore. As much as we love DCL, paying $14,000 for an inside room 7 day European cruise vs. $7,000 for a balcony room on a RCCL or Princess just doesn't make any sense. We could afford the $14,000, but why? A thousand more, sure, but double? No way. Same goes for the Bahamas. Double to triple the cost of any other cruiseline. We used to get Florida resident rates on DCL for $1600 for 4 people on a 3 night cruise. This was just a couple years ago. Now it's almost $4,000. Seriously? So not worth it.
It's not the money, but the principle of it. And no, Aquaduck, funnelvision and photopass are not worth $7,000. Especially when RCCL offers rock climbing, ice skating and surfing.

 

[eskimoinparadise]

We are DCL snobs, Platinum members and used to cruise twice a year. But I feel the prices have gone up so much that it just isn't realistic anymore. As much as we love DCL, paying $14,000 for an inside room 7 day European cruise vs. $7,000 for a balcony room on a RCCL or Princess just doesn't make any sense. We could afford the $14,000, but why? A thousand more, sure, but double? No way. Same goes for the Bahamas. Double to triple the cost of any other cruiseline. We used to get Florida resident rates on DCL for $1600 for 4 people on a 3 night cruise. This was just a couple years ago. Now it's almost $4,000. Seriously? So not worth it.
It's not the money, but the principle of it. And no, Aquaduck, funnelvision and photopass are not worth $7,000. Especially when RCCL offers rock climbing, ice skating and surfing.

We're in the same boat Platinum on Disney, and Disney got us hooked on cruising as our vacation of choice. We still toss a Disney cruise in every so often, but branching out to other lines has enabled us to do 5-6 cruises a year for what we were paying for 2-3 Disney cruises a year. Don't need any more cruise pix, every ship we sail on has a "funnelvision" screen on the pool deck, and one ride on the Aquaduck was more than enough for me

 

[cruisingtwins]

Interesting thread! We have just started contemplating a "first" cruise and of course most of us thought of DCL, lol. This thread is making me think of checking out other cruise lines.
Disney obviously because if everyone we plan on goes there will be 4 kids aged 10 thru 12, one 14 year old girl and one 15 year old boy. The 14 yr old girl is the only one who thinks she is too old for Disney, lol.
Then there is my son who I think would much prefer the adult/alcohol action on one of the other cruise lines.....

Really for kids 10+ RCL would be a much better fit. They have so much stuff to do flo rider/rock climbilng wall/ zipline/ice skating rink etc

 

[cgolf]

The reality is I find more people on here who interrupt every rationale discussion with the worn out mantra of "DCL is priced too high, they are depriving me of whatever and I can sail XYZ for far less."

This place is overrun with the negative. If I were someone trying to plan a first time cruise on DCL and came to these boards, I might be inclined to cancel. I never understood how a forum or its participants embrace the negative more than the positive.

(Enter the trolls...)

I am DCL loyal until we priced out the 2017 cruises. That was the first year that DCL was a lot higher than other lines, enough so that we will most likely sail another line because the value for us is not in DCL. Our DD just turned 18 too, so this may be a good time to try something new. I would share our numbers that we found, but I really don't want anyone to know when we are sailing.

I have have no real complaints about DCL other than the price (maybe the alcohol policy, but once we are used to it, won't matter). It is a great product, we just want to stretch our vacation dollars further so we are most likely going to branch out for a cruise and see if we like it, and then we will see if we end up back on DCL.

I do really think it would be good for us to try another cruise line at least once just to see if there is a difference between lines, time will tell. Still hoping that they are running a crazy good deal when we are onboard next so that we can have another DCL cruise or 2.

 

[mreasier]

There is a comprehensive comparison of Princess vs. DCL on the Disney Cruise Line main board of that other cruise forum site (CC). The OP had done about 30 DCL cruises and this was her and her 24 year old daughter's 1st Princess cruise. This is the last paragraph: "Overall: Bedtime on the first night, my daughter's comment was, "Mom, I hate to say it, but I like this ship. I came on intending to not like it but everything is good." Our family decision is that we might cruise DCL again--there are things and people we like about it. But there is NOTHING about DCL that makes it worth twice the cost of Princess. That could be because we've seen the Princesses and furries many times, played in Marvel academy already, etc. But for a very good basic cruise, Princess does it right."

 

[WIcruizer]

I love DCL but have only sailed once- on the Magic. Have been on many cruise lines, and I loved the Magic the most. And it really has very little to do with the actual "Disney" part of it. I loved the ship compared to the mega-ships the other cruise lines use for the most part. Also, thought service was clearly better, as was the food. Bottom line, it just felt more like a cruise. On RCCL, Princess, etc. I feel more like I was at a resort.

That's not to say we DIDN'T enjoy the other cruise lines. In fact, other than Carnival, the others have been a very good experience. But here's the thing. While I CAN justify why DCL is worth more, we haven't been back due to their prices. While we could "afford" it, we don't think it's worth a huge amount more. If DCL was a few hundred more, we would do that every time. But when fares are double, or near double RCCL or Princess, just hard to justify it.

I guess what I'm saying is those of you who choose to pay much more, I understand why.

 

[Frozen2014]

You'll see many different responses here. We've been on the Magic and have been on Royal Caribbean twice, and have one Royal cruise booked next year.
If you have young kids and they totally love Disney, then yes, it probably is worth it. Disney is kid-centered....the shows, activities, clubs, waterslides, etc. (as adults, we were bored at times but that was just us). But there are other lines/ships too that are also great. We're booked on the Royal's Allure. It has DreamWorks (e.g. Shrek, Madagascar instead of Mickey, princesses, etc), has many other activities such as flowrider, zipline, rockwall, ice skating, etc, and amazing shows and parades (a variety...not just kiddy stuff). From the past, food and service was great (can let you know about Allure). Is Disney worth it to us? For a cruise, the Fantasy was $2000 more if we ended up booking it last December instead of the Allure (i.e. when we booked our Allure cruise for April 2016). We are Canadian and so with the exchange rate the difference today is $3100 more for Fantasy. So no...it's not worth it to us (plus our older one is 10.5 years so Mickey isn't as important to him...my younger one would enjoy though). But I do think that the Disney parks are worth the money. There really is no other park like it.