Are Disney cruises justifiable?

[Tonka's Skipper]

Disney Cruise Line cruises are special and worth the money.........however it is subjective, yet millions of people agree.

Actually 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, fireworks, and that is just starters.

One of my things was 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.


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

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

 

[ChuckElias]

I totally endorse Disney cruise line for the experiences I cited, and more. However, having done them a few times the overall experience is now worth less to me.

Hi Wendy. I'm not 100% sure what you mean by this statement. If the overall experience is worthless to you, does that mean you would never sail DCL again? Do you mean the character experience and Disney touches are worthless? To me, the overall experience includes the service, the larger staterooms, the lack of casino smoke or electronic dance music by the pool, among other things.

A Disney fan will likely find their first Disney cruise worth it. It's that second, third, or fourth cruise where you really have to ask yourself if that premium price difference is still worth it.

As a Disney fan who's been on his fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth cruise, I can honestly say that it's worth it to me. Especially since I've been on a couple other cruise lines over the last 18 months. They weren't terrible, and they were definitely less expensive, but the overall experience was much less enjoyable than a Disney cruise. (You can read about my Norwegian Breakaway cruise here: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/a-non-dcl-trip-report-ncl-breakaway-july-1-9-2016.916193/ )

A Disney cruise may not be affordable for everyone, it may be affordable once, but not for every vacation they take. But when I do get on that DCL ship, it is totally worth it to me. Just my two cents.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Hi Wendy. I'm not 100% sure what you mean by this statement. If the overall experience is worthless to you, does that mean you would never sail DCL again? here: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/a-non-dcl-trip-report-ncl-breakaway-july-1-9-2016.916193/ )

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I don't think she meant "worthless", just "worth less".

We've done 7 of them, and I must admit, our fist few times when my kids were younger were indeed more magical. They were adventures, and characters were a big deal. The shows were can't miss, and so much was anticipated every single day. Now that they're older and don't care as much about the characters, and don't ride the Aquaduck as much, and don't go crazy for Animators Pallet as much, and overall don't see ship exploration as a fun pastime like we used to, it is "worth a bit less" to us. So much indeed is impeccable, but the novelty of it is a bit less special, and the price is a bit more special on the credit card statement.

With that being said, I don't see us booking anywhere else. Other lines are nice, but I know I'd be missing the special Disney ship experience if we booked anywhere else.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

Hi Wendy. I'm not 100% sure what you mean by this statement. If the overall experience is worthless to you, does that mean you would never sail DCL again? Do you mean the character experience and Disney touches are worthless? To me, the overall experience includes the service, the larger staterooms, the lack of casino smoke or electronic dance music by the pool, among other things.

Not worthless, just worth LESS to me having experienced a few Disney cruises.

For example, maybe the first time you take a Disney cruise you really enjoy the unique experiences and Disney touches. The fireworks, the show elements at dinner, the well-themed bars, etc. You walk away from it feeling good, you paid a premium price and got a premium product.

The second time, it's still good but there's an inevitable feeling of been there, done that. Like anything in life, it's not as exciting the second or third time.

That's when you start comparison shopping. I did an Alaska cruise on Celebrity. In comparison to my Disney cruises prior, Disney did everything a little bit better. However, A Disney cruise to Alaska is generally going to cost TRIPLE what other lines charge. Would I like to do a Disney cruise to Alaska? Would I really enjoy it? Yes and yes. Am I willing to pay that much of a premium for things I've already experienced? No.

A Disney cruise is highly recommended for a Disney fan who hasn't done one. Unless money is no object, I don't see a value in constantly taking Disney cruises when there are some very good alternatives at a fraction of the price.

 

[ChuckElias]

I don't think she meant "worthless", just "worth less"

Not worthless, just worth LESS

.LOL. Reading is fundamental!! Sorry! My bad! The lesson, as always. . . I'm an idiot.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Not worthless, just worth LESS to me having experienced a few Disney cruises.

For example, maybe the first time you take a Disney cruise you really enjoy the unique experiences and Disney touches. The fireworks, the show elements at dinner, the well-themed bars, etc. You walk away from it feeling good, you paid a premium price and got a premium product.

The second time, it's still good but there's an inevitable feeling of been there, done that. Like anything in life, it's not as exciting the second or third time.

That's when you start comparison shopping. I did an Alaska cruise on Celebrity. In comparison to my Disney cruises prior, Disney did everything a little bit better. However, A Disney cruise to Alaska is generally going to cost TRIPLE what other lines charge. Would I like to do a Disney cruise to Alaska? Would I really enjoy it? Yes and yes. Am I willing to pay that much of a premium for things I've already experienced? No.

A Disney cruise is highly recommended for a Disney fan who hasn't done one. Unless money is no object, I don't see a value in constantly taking Disney cruises when there are some very good alternatives at a fraction of the price.

Sadly, I must agree with everything you say, with one caveat. For us, we live for our vacations, and have done two a year for five years. My house is paid for, I have a good net worth, and I could probably retire at a reasonable age without putting another nickel in my investments. In short, we have few shortages in life, other than time.

My son is about to graduate high school and go off to college out of town. My daughter is halfway between kid and teen. My wife and I are in good health--for now. I do not want to end up some day on a bench or in a nursing home wishing I had taking more amazing vacations when we were all together and younger. We've done Alaska, Mediterranean, Baltic, and Western and Eastern Caribbean on Disney ships. In total, about 49 days. I wish I was on one of them right now, or at one of the parks, or on an Adventure By Disney..

In short, our time is more valuable, and we want great experiences when we take those days off. Most lawyers I know have plenty of money at retirement, and leave a nice estate. Sounds great, but this lawyer would rather have a bit less of an estate but have a huge horde of great memories, including our fabulous vacations. Spending a few thousand more to dispel possible disappointment is a main goal, especially with the kids.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

Sadly, I must agree with everything you say, with one caveat. For us, we live for our vacations, and have done two a year for five years. My house is paid for, I have a good net worth, and I could probably retire at a reasonable age without putting another nickel in my investments. In short, we have few shortages in life, other than time.

My son is about to graduate high school and go off to college out of town. My daughter is halfway between kid and teen. My wife and I are in good health--for now. I do not want to end up some day on a bench or in a nursing home wishing I had taking more amazing vacations when we were all together and younger. We've done Alaska, Mediterranean, Baltic, and Western and Eastern Caribbean on Disney ships. In total, about 49 days. I wish I was on one of them right now, or at one of the parks, or on an Adventure By Disney..

In short, our time is more valuable, and we want great experiences when we take those days off. Most lawyers I know have plenty of money at retirement, and leave a nice estate. Sounds great, but this lawyer would rather have a bit less of an estate but have a huge horde of great memories, including our fabulous vacations. Spending a few thousand more to dispel possible disappointment is a main goal, especially with the kids.

I agree with your philosophy. If you can afford it, go for it. We don't know what the future brings, so enjoy the things you like while you still can.

I'm a little more selective because taking a Disney cruise might prevent me from doing other things, due to the cost.

 

[ChuckElias]

For example, maybe the first time you take a Disney cruise you really enjoy the unique experiences and Disney touches. The fireworks, the show elements at dinner, the well-themed bars, etc. You walk away from it feeling good, you paid a premium price and got a premium product.

The second time, it's still good but there's an inevitable feeling of been there, done that. Like anything in life, it's not as exciting the second or third time.

Honestly, this isn't me. I still go to the fireworks. I still love Crush coming to my table to chat. I still love Palo. I love posing with Captain Mickey. I still LOVE the Golden Mickeys. There certainly are things that I don't do every time because I just don't like them enough (Twice Charmed, for example); but I LOVE the overall experience. It's just as exciting as the last cruise. Even the 16th time.

I totally understand how it might not be that way for everyone, but for me, there really is a certain magic to it that is NOT present on some other cruise lines.

 

[flynnibus]

Am I willing to pay that much of a premium for things I've already experienced? No.

This is why I like sea days.. when I'm on a cruise I'm there for the escape. To be catered to, have no responsibilities, and have a range of offerings to entice me.

I'm not there for the shows, the characters, etc.. I want to vacation That said, we do look at varying itineraries to mix it up.. see new places.. but for now, the big ships are pretty limited in their itineraries.

 

[Phonedave]

I should add that for me, a big factor is that I've done two Disney cruises.

I totally endorse Disney cruise line for the experiences I cited, and more. However, having done them a few times the overall experience is now worth less to me.

A Disney fan will likely find their first Disney cruise worth it. It's that second, third, or fourth cruise where you really have to ask yourself if that premium price difference is still worth it.

I agree - after my third, I am pretty much done with DCL. Couple that with the fact that my kids have aged out the range where they would be using all of the kids benefits that make DCL worth it, and I don't see an other DCL cruise in the near future. The three I went on were wonderful, but it's sort of done now.


-dave

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

This is why I like sea days.. when I'm on a cruise I'm there for the escape. To be catered to, have no responsibilities, and have a range of offerings to entice me.

I'm not there for the shows, the characters, etc.. I want to vacation That said, we do look at varying itineraries to mix it up.. see new places.. but for now, the big ships are pretty limited in their itineraries.

This brings up a good point. Disney arguably provides the best on-board service and amenities, but if one is going to spend the bulk of a cruise offshore, there are less costly ships that will take you to those same locations.

So what one wants out of a cruise vacation should be considered as well. The more sea days, the more I'd be likely to choose a Disney cruise. If the goal is to visit and spend time in ports, I'd consider other options.

 

[21stamps]

I have a question for those who have done other lines and now do DCL exclusively,

On a port intensive cruise, i.e. Norwegian Fjords/Iceland 11 day... what do you feel justifies a $6k price difference?

Maybe I'm missing something, but I just don't see it. The rest of the Europe cruises are actually relatively reasonably priced, the Caribbean is reasonably priced for quite a few weeks out of the year (excluding the Southern), and even Alaska isn't that off base.

This is coming from someone who has no problem justifying the cost of a theme park view room at Poly and GF. I can justify those because there is nothing comparable. I can't have the ease of transportation between the restaurants I favor, and the parks at any other resort on property. Watching Wishes and the EWP from my balcony is priceless to me, Ordering room service and my son eating while looking at the Castle is priceless, Swimming with the monorail going over head and the Castle in the background is priceless to me.

But DCL for Iceland, on a Port heavy itinerary? I just don't and can not see enough justification for a $6k price difference.
If someone else does, more power to them and I hope they have a fabulous trip! I guess I'm just curious when you compare lines for that itinerary, or similar, how the decision gets reached to justify the difference, or if you are DCL or nothing cruisers.

 

[tigger1968]

I can sum up DCL like this: My girlfriend cruised out of Port Canaveral for years when she lived there. When we booked our first DCL trip she was skeptical of the cost considering what she had paid on other lines. I had done DCL before and assured her it was worth it. I didn't go into a lot of detail, and we had a great time. Our last night at sea we were on the deck after an amazing meal at Palo and she sighed and looked at me and said "You know you've ruined me for any other cruise line now, right?" Mission accomplished.

She is not a Disney fanatic like I am, but she agreed the service, crew, dining options, and the amenities are all top notch. Plus I was told that a veranda is a requirement on all future cruises lol.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Just go in off-peak times -- it's a lot better than spending roughly double to go in the Summer.

I'll be going on my 4th DCL Cruise in February on the Disney Fantasy. All the kids clubs from the Oceaneer's Lab to the Vibe are very very good. Since I'll be cruisin' in the Vibe in a few weeks... the teen only pool and the activities are super solid.

Not to mention the attention to detail with maintenance and cleanliness. Also the Cast Members are super kind. We've never encountered a bad one. Our first cruise our waiters were good service, but not there personality, but in the cruises since they have been wonderful.

Forcing us to all order double brownies, bringing us food from Palo. It really is special and then Castaway Cay is the icing on the cake.

If you are a family or a family reunion (even with no kids) DCL is probably the best option. Rule of thumb for cruising... don't go on a Carnival, but besides that it may be worth it to try out Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian etc. just to mix it up, or to save money, or to just compare and see more.

You can't go wrong with cruising, but the attention to detail on the DCL ships really bring it back to the days of the Titanic (just without the sinking of course).

The verandah is actually not a bad deal either if you go off-peak and is really worth it.

Again the rotational dining, attention to theming details and service, and the high-standard the ship overall has really makes for an unforgettable vacation.

 

[lostpro9het]

I'll be going on my 4th DCL Cruise in February on the Disney Fantasy.

We're taking our 5th on the Wonder in February for the sole reason to bring us up to gold for about half of our normal cruise rate.

 

[Phonedave]

Just go in off-peak times -- it's a lot better than spending roughly double to go in the Summer..

The problem with that logic is that "off-peak" is usually "off-peak" because most people CAN'T go at those time. If they could, then it would not be "off-peak"

-dave

 

[flynnibus]

The problem with that logic is that "off-peak" is usually "off-peak" because most people CAN'T go at those time. If they could, then it would not be "off-peak"

Well 'cant' is pretty strong.. most are don't think about it We did all our cruises at the end of Oct and start of Nov. Because it's end of school session, they usually have teacher work days, and other things that usually cut down on the # of days we had to take the kids out. So we'd do a 7 day cruise, yet only have to take the kids out of school for usually 4 days at the start of the semester.

Taking kids out of school of course is a contested topic.. but the delta in cost is obscene. Plus, when we went first week of Nov.. we'd have the boat decorated for christmas

 

[Daveeeeed]

The problem with that logic is that "off-peak" is usually "off-peak" because most people CAN'T go at those time. If they could, then it would not be "off-peak"

-dave

Mainly due to kids, but they can easily be pulled out for a 5-day vacation. Nothing is going to happen if you miss school in Elementary/Middle or even high school.

 

[Phonedave]

Mainly due to kids, but they can easily be pulled out for a 5-day vacation. Nothing is going to happen if you miss school in Elementary/Middle or even high school.

As was said, pulling kids out is a highly constested topic, but I will say, in this district, if you missed a week of high school to go on a cruise, you will be far behind. Even in middle school it will be quite an issue.

Some of us also cant go during the off season because they have jobs that dont allow for it. It could be the busy season at your particular job, or maybe, just maybe, you are a teacher.

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

Well 'cant' is pretty strong.. most are don't think about it We did all our cruises at the end of Oct and start of Nov. Because it's end of school session, they usually have teacher work days, and other things that usually cut down on the # of days we had to take the kids out. So we'd do a 7 day cruise, yet only have to take the kids out of school for usually 4 days at the start of the semester.

Taking kids out of school of course is a contested topic.. but the delta in cost is obscene. Plus, when we went first week of Nov.. we'd have the boat decorated for christmas

In some cases it is a cant. Many districts are moving toward not allowing absences for vacations. Regardless of how you feel about it from an educational impact standpoint, it causes havoc with scheduling, lesson plans, and testing. Because of that, many districts are imposing penalties on unexcused absences.

And then, as I said in my other reply, Some jobs have restrictions as well.

-dave