Wish high end shopping - too many shops, too much space in each, and too empty

[themouseketeer]

They have designer bags like Bottega on the Wish? When I was on the Wonder all I saw were Dooney and Bourke and those Loungefly ones.

They do, but honestly the selection was very limited and personally I thought the styles they had were a bit bland. They had Bottega, Gucci, Givenchy, Valentino off the top of my head, but others as well. I think they had a huge missed opportunity here. Gucci constantly has Disney collaborations, and Givenchy just dropped two in the past few months, yet no Disney collabs in the store! I asked the sales associate if they ever had them in stock or if there's a plan, and he just said nope.

 

[DSLRuser]

Why is so much real estate on the Wish devoted to high end watches, expensive jewelry, and overpriced handbags?

Because the data shows people want this and it MAKES THEM MONEY.

Very simple. square feet to $ those shops are more profitable then trinket stores. If that profit stream was on the wish, prices of everything else will go up.

 

[TikiThunderPirates]

I love their silk shirts. They are great for traveling and hot weather. I don't buy their flashier patterns, but they even have some subtle Disney versions that I like, and I normally don't wear Disney apparel.

I am a little confused by your surprise that they sell them, since it is a brand associated with tropical vacations, it seems to fit perfectly. Most of the Disney resorts carry them too, as well as many hotels in tropical locations. It seems like a great fit for a cruise line sailing in tropical locations. I have never bought one on a cruise (never seen them), but have at the resorts.

I suppose I was surprised because it was the only Non-Disney clothing in the shop, and to my knowledge none of the Tommy Bahama clothing I saw onboard was Disney themed. It was just clothing. It stood out because on one side was Disney themed dresses and the other side was Disney themed sweatpants both by Disney brands and then some tropical themed Tommy B stuff tossed in.

 

[Marthasor]

Even if DCL is getting money from these shops yo just be there, if those shops don’t earn the money that they gave to pay to DCL, they won’t stick around. Look at Disney Springs and how things have changed there. Some shops make it, others don’t. There are now more Disney run venues than originally planned because those are successful. I can totally see that we might see changes in a few years time. For example I think a version of the Disney Dress Shop selling these vintage inspired outfits would be a great hit on the Wish.

Yes! Let's transform those high-end stores into something more like the Co-Op in DS!

They do, but honestly the selection was very limited and personally I thought the styles they had were a bit bland. They had Bottega, Gucci, Givenchy, Valentino off the top of my head, but others as well. I think they had a huge missed opportunity here. Gucci constantly has Disney collaborations, and Givenchy just dropped two in the past few months, yet no Disney collabs in the store! I asked the sales associate if they ever had them in stock or if there's a plan, and he just said nope.

I agree! I don't even think they had any of the kate spade or coach collabs there on the ship. A completely missed opportunity.

I suppose I was surprised because it was the only Non-Disney clothing in the shop, and to my knowledge none of the Tommy Bahama clothing I saw onboard was Disney themed. It was just clothing. It stood out because on one side was Disney themed dresses and the other side was Disney themed sweatpants both by Disney brands and then some tropical themed Tommy B stuff tossed in.

That is strange not to have some of the Disney stuff mixed in - their Disney collection is really nice, IMHO. Maybe they sold out? In the WDW resort stores, they sell a mix of Disney and non-Disney clothing. They usually have Lily Pulitzer items, too, but I don't recall seeing them on the Wish.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

So all the high-end stores on the cruise ships pay the cruise companies to be onboard, and there is a good chance that they pay a percentage of each item sold as well.

I'm damn sure Disney is getting some very hefty payments from those shops, to the point that it is worth it to not replace it with their own merch shop.

And high end shops don't have to sell a ton per day to make it worth it.

 

[mmouse37]

I believe Diamonds International went into a contract with Disney for that space on the Wish. On the MV my first thought was why not make the Mainsails and DCL logo stuff a bigger area and take away space from the high end stuff. I don't know how long the contract is for but I bet it is way more than a year.

MJ

 

[Flossbolna]

An interesting thought: I wonder if the Treasure - which we assume will do the 7 night cruises - will have the same amount of high end shops. If you think about it, the Wish caters to double as many potential
shoppers as the Treasure per week as it does two cruises. So, if let’s say 1% of cruisers shops there, the Wish has a potential customer base of around 80 per week. While the Treasure only has 40. Big difference in whether a shop will be viable.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

Why is so much real estate on the Wish devoted to high end watches, expensive jewelry, and overpriced handbags? And don't tell me "other cruise lines are like this" because we all know that DCL isn't "other cruise lines." Every time I passed by these shops they were empty or nearly so (and I'm not exaggerating). Meanwhile, the shop we know we all want on deck 5 was cramped, constantly full of people, too narrow, and always slammed. I wouldn't have a problem with a couple of high end shops, but these shops felt like wasted space in their spaciousness and quantity. Who is buying this stuff? Someone must or they wouldn't put it there, but it never seemed like anyone was in there while the shop with the actual Disney stuff was mobbed anytime it was open.

To Sell you Things. Simple answer.

The ship was designed to intermingle shopping with Bars and Lounges to encourage "Big ticket purchases" that are usually impulse buys that you regret later. Jewelry, Watches, RV's all fit in this category. You've had a couple drinks and are sitting in the Bayou lounge and all of a sudden that designer handbag that you've been eyeing in the window is within reach. You've bought it and its in your room now. Of course you cant return it! You would never be seen doing that. It is used to prey on the unprepared and vulnerable. Why else are the salespeople polite but pushy? Because now that you've stepped foot in the store, they can pounce. If you don't buy now, you might not be back.

Disney is a business and was designed to sell you things that you may, but most likely do not need. I would venture to say that the 3rd party sales people (Red oval name tags) all have paid some form of rent or another to have their sales space on the ship. Disney is making revenue off of them being there and doesn't have to operate more stores and maintain more Merchandise Crew Contracts.

Mickeys Mainsail is located on Deck 5 because they know that you will search out the Disney Items you want for your cruise. You will go to find that merchandise, it doesn't need to be presented to you or as easily accessible for it to sell well. On our Wish Sailing, I visited Mickeys Mainsail 3 times right before dinner. Night 1, Night 3 and Night 4. Nights 1 and 4 were PACKED. huge lines at the register. Everyone cranky. Merchandise cast plugging through sales as fast as they can. No one left. Everyone stood in the 30 min line to check out including me.

Night 3, was totally different. After we had left Nassau, (We were PC - Sea Day - Nassau - CC) I ran by the shops to look at the sizing on an item I was considering and the Shop was DESERTED. Cast were actively trying to find things to do. The store looked Immaculate. I chatted with the crew there for a good 15 minutes and had lots of laughs. They were so happy to talk to guests. I was the only one in the store because I had gone out of my way to go at a less busy time.

 

[OKW Lover]

They usually have Lily Pulitzer items, too, but I don't recall seeing them on the Wish.

They had a few Lily items in the shop on the port side of the ship.

An interesting thought: I wonder if the Treasure - which we assume will do the 7 night cruises - will have the same amount of high end shops.

I suspect they will have the same number of shops operated by the same merchants. They probably negotiated with those vendors on the Wish to also open a shop on the Treasure. At the minimum they would have given them an option.

 

[Calantha]

They had a few Lily items in the shop on the port side of the ship.

Yes, "Treasure's Untold" had Lily Pulitzer and other more reasonably priced (I guess) items. That is where the Pandora jewelry is as well. I will say, I ran into the "Enchanted Castle" shop to ask about the free charms for my niece, and the person there was very nice, and not at all pushy. Still wouldn't shop there though!

 

[RedHead0186]

To Sell you Things. Simple answer.

The ship was designed to intermingle shopping with Bars and Lounges to encourage "Big ticket purchases" that are usually impulse buys that you regret later. Jewelry, Watches, RV's all fit in this category. You've had a couple drinks and are sitting in the Bayou lounge and all of a sudden that designer handbag that you've been eyeing in the window is within reach. You've bought it and its in your room now. Of course you cant return it! You would never be seen doing that. It is used to prey on the unprepared and vulnerable. Why else are the salespeople polite but pushy? Because now that you've stepped foot in the store, they can pounce. If you don't buy now, you might not be back.

While I'm not a fan (on paper) of the lounges being spread out on the Wish (I'll reserve full judgement on that until I sail in April), I did chuckle when I saw the deck plan that had several lounges right near the high-end shops. That was incredibly strategic.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

While I'm not a fan (on paper) of the lounges being spread out on the Wish (I'll reserve full judgement on that until I sail in April), I did chuckle when I saw the deck plan that had several lounges right near the high-end shops. That was incredibly strategic.

Thats how they get people. I know someone who bought a 18K diamond bracelet when she was absolutely sloshed after Hyperspace and the Bayou Lounge. The stores are dangerous, but they serve a very real financial incentive for Disney and the Third Party Seller so they continue on the ships.

If you think about it, Cruise ships are literally just giant shopping malls designed to sell you things. The real variable comes in with what's already included and what's extra.

The included items and additions (BBQ and Mexican QSR options get the biggest shout outs) on Disney make it so that I don't let other people's purchases or shopping in the overpriced "extra stuff you dont really need shops" bother me. I just actively avoid it. Sadly, it made me avoid the Bayou Lounge/Hyperspace area a lot more. I didn't care for any of their drink options though (personal preference. Too much Dark Liquor in the drinks)

I highly encourage those who haven't sailed on the ship yet to, instead of thinking as separated bars/lounges as a curse, look at it positively as though you are able to see more of the ship. We treated it as a bar crawl and tried to mark off each bar before the cruise was over. It was lots of fun and we succeeded. The Rose is my personal favorite but there are so many great options. Nightingales is a very close second.

 

[Calantha]

I know someone who bought a 18K diamond bracelet

but that's like 3 cruises!!

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

but that's like 3 cruises!!

I remember back when that would almost buy you a car... Wild to think how some can spend money.

I can't afford it, but just let those who can enjoy their shopping. You'll find me in the shops on deck 5. Most likely complaining that the price of the ears everyone has to have are 20 dollars more expensive. Sigh.

Happy Sailing!

 

[loislane]

I wish they'd take the shops on one side of the Bayou and make that lounge a more closed in/closed off space. That would be a much better use of that space! I loved the Bayou, but hated the open sides and how you could hear the Hyperspace Lounge door opening and closing.

 

[KKKKCS]

In the explain please? section is why I did I see Tommy Bahama clothing recently on the Wonder? I get the perfume/watches due to duty free. But who is the Tommy B clothing aimed at? It was a rather large section of the White Caps.

I used to say there was no way I would pay $120 for a shirt. Now that I'm older, kids moved out, and career advancement (higher pay), I now have more disposable income. I still had the, "No shirt is worth $120" attitude and refused to buy them. My wife surprised me with 2 Disney themed Tommy Bahama shirts on a cruise a few years ago and I loved them! Super comfortable, great fit, great quality, and a nice mix of dressy but fun. So, long story a bit longer, I now own 10 of them. Everything from loud and obnoxious to subtle and understated. They are my favorite shirts.

 

[brentm77]

I used to say there was no way I would pay $120 for a shirt. Now that I'm older, kids moved out, and career advancement (higher pay), I now have more disposable income. I still had the, "No shirt is worth $120" attitude and refused to buy them. My wife surprised me with 2 Disney themed Tommy Bahama shirts on a cruise a few years ago and I loved them! Super comfortable, great fit, great quality, and a nice mix of dressy but fun. So, long story a bit longer, I now own 10 of them. Everything from loud and obnoxious to subtle and understated. They are my favorite shirts.

Ha - my addiction started the same way. My wife bought me one for a birthday present, and I was thinking, "this is nice, but do I really need an expensive shirt like this?" I now own about 10 too. They fit like no other shirts I own and look really good. There is something about the material and cut they use that I haven't found anywhere else. It's about the only shirt brand I wear when not wearing a dress shirt or a t-shirt now.

Edit: Have you found a way to wash them without them getting stiff? I can dry clean them, but my cleaner wants something like $15 per shirt, since they are silk. They go soft again when wearing them, but I don't like how they are stiff after washing and air drying them.

 

[KKKKCS]

Ha - my addiction started the same way. My wife bought me one for a birthday present, and I was thinking, "this is nice, but do I really need an expensive shirt like this?" I now own about 10 too. They fit like no other shirts I own and look really good. There is something about the material and cut they use that I haven't found anywhere else. It's about the only shirt brand I wear when not wearing a dress shirt or a t-shirt now.

Edit: Have you found a way to wash them without them getting stiff? I can dry clean them, but my cleaner wants something like $15 per shirt, since they are silk. They go soft again when wearing them, but I don't like how they are stiff after washing and air drying them.

I have always just bitten the bullet and had them dry cleaned. My cleaners charge around $10. And I can usually get 2-3 wearings between cleanings (as long as I don't sweat too much)with a quick ironing to get the wrinkles out.

 

[goofy4prez]

These "High End Shops" already mentioned certainly do have a contract with DCL to be on their ships. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Diamonds International has a contract with DCL to be on their ships. I was just on the Dream this past December, and I'm not trying to brag, but I did spend a substantial amount of money on a very nice watch for myself and a nice watch for my wife and a Tanzanite necklace for her as well. These purchases were with Diamonds. Why would I do that? Because where I live we do not have a Bremont, Hublot, or Breitling jeweler (among others) that sells these. I'd have to travel a couple of hours away. I also will not buy these items over the Internet or with gray dealers.

I have no doubt if they were not generating a substantial amount of revenue for Diamonds and DCL alike they would move on, clear out the space and start selling gadgets and gizmos a-plenty; Perhaps offer whozits and whatzits galore. They might even offer thingamabobs and more thany twenty. LOL...

But having said all that, I do agree they could use up less space and perhaps offer some other things. The shops apart from the high end shops are a bit less to be desired.

 

[RedHead0186]

I highly encourage those who haven't sailed on the ship yet to, instead of thinking as separated bars/lounges as a curse, look at it positively as though you are able to see more of the ship. We treated it as a bar crawl and tried to mark off each bar before the cruise was over. It was lots of fun and we succeeded. The Rose is my personal favorite but there are so many great options. Nightingales is a very close second.

Thanks for the tip! I'm on the Wish in April and was a little bummed by the layout of the lounges. But I'll flip my mindset as you suggested; it'll really give me a chance to see all parts of the ship!

I've heard lots of great things about The Rose, so I'm excited to try that one. I'm also a huge Star Wars fan so Hyperspace Lounge is on my list.