Here's what I said about Carnival: "I don't believe Carnival is in the same class as Disney, I'm sorry. If you do, and you feel the value is there, then more power to you. No problem!"
That's not bashing another cruise line; that's stating a preference and perception that I have. I even say that if you have a different perception, then great! No problem
My initial post, which you replied to and took exception to, was in response to the OP when she asked why she couldn't find these "great deals" on other lines that everybody talks about for her family of 5. I simply told her that I've found the same thing to be true and the "half price non-DCL" cruise comments are a little overblown. That's all... but then you demanded I cite specific examples, and it devolved from there.
For a family of 4-5, depending on the time of year, itinerary, and personal preference for space needs, DCL may not be that much more than other lines, especially considering the value-adds they offer for a family with very small children. Or, it could still be prohibitively expensive. There are a lot of variables there, but that's absolutely all I was ever trying to say. But I repeatedly got taken to task over the issue, usually being thrown off with examples that did not fit my "narrow criteria", which was narrow in the first place because of the OP and my unique wants/needs.
I've said it half a dozen times now... everybody is completely free to make their own decisions and choose what makes the most sense for them. But to say that Disney is always overpriced is simply not true. It depends on what you feel is important and how you value what each line offers. You compare how you want to, and I'll compare how I want to.
I've also said, repeatedly, that in a few years when my kids are older, our criteria will likely shift and point us towards other lines. But right now, even at the higher overall prices, the value of a
Disney Cruise exceeds the value I would get elsewhere. So we're cruising Disney for the foreseeable future, but certainly not forever.
If at this stage in my life I want to factor in room size and sleeping arrangements for my family, which includes an infant, and consider the 'cost per square foot', among several other factors, I will do that.
Frankly, it's not so much about square footage as room for a crib and/or 2 separate sleeping spaces for 2 kids (or 3 for 3 kids). It seems there are other like-minded folks on here, and others who could care less about such issues.
Again, NO PROBLEM!
We all have our own criteria (which evolves as our families grow), and there's nothing wrong with that. We don't have to agree on the same criteria... as some have said, that's the beauty of cruising. The OP and I seemed to share some of the same struggles/wants/needs/observations, so I jumped in.
I'm sorry if you disagree with how I look at things, but stop trying to tell me I'm wrong. I understand your viewpoint, and my reaction is "no problem, different strokes for different folks." But you seem very determined to tell me that I'm looking at this all wrong. How about this: you do your thing, and I'll do mine. We share our thoughts respectfully. That's what these boards are for.
Every cruise I try to take a bath and every cruise I am miserably reminded how futile it is...
