We do a lot of cruises and we are always hearing how much better Disney cruises are. Is a land and sea package worth the price?
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Are Disney cruises justifiable?
- Thread starter Princess Kaylee
- Start date
21stamps
Well-Known Member
Book separately.
Ok so I've been on several cruises, booked a very merrytime on the Fantasy for November 2016. The price isn't that bad during that time of year. 2 people cost was $4300. I'm good with that, it's actually a lot cheaper than Disney World.
I ended up rescheduling that trip to 2017 (After final payment
) bc we decided to do 9 nights at WDW instead..and I am very excited to go on the Fantasy!
I am going to Alaska on NCL in June of 2017. I would not pay DCL prices for that..or for any summer cruise.
Last year I waited and waited and was excited for the summer 2017 Norwegian Fjords/Iceland itinerary to be announced on DCL.
They were released and here was the cost-
$13,400 for 2 in a 5a. Yeah, I'm out on that.
I have not been on DCL so I can't say if it's "worth it". Some people swear that it is, but I've been on enough cruise ships to know that (for my family) I will not pay $6k more for DCL to go to Iceland..and I won't even pay less than $2000 more for Alaska because I don't like the itinerary. I will pay about $1500 more for the Caribbean to experience the Christmas festivities on the Fantasy.
Bottom line..I think it depends on the price.
I think it also depends on the ages of the children. The new mega ships have so many activities and amenities. I think DCL's new ships will need to have those as well, but we're a few years out from that. It also depends on the itinerary. For me anyway.
Ok so I've been on several cruises, booked a very merrytime on the Fantasy for November 2016. The price isn't that bad during that time of year. 2 people cost was $4300. I'm good with that, it's actually a lot cheaper than Disney World.
I ended up rescheduling that trip to 2017 (After final payment
) bc we decided to do 9 nights at WDW instead..and I am very excited to go on the Fantasy!I am going to Alaska on NCL in June of 2017. I would not pay DCL prices for that..or for any summer cruise.
Last year I waited and waited and was excited for the summer 2017 Norwegian Fjords/Iceland itinerary to be announced on DCL.
They were released and here was the cost-
$13,400 for 2 in a 5a. Yeah, I'm out on that.
I have not been on DCL so I can't say if it's "worth it". Some people swear that it is, but I've been on enough cruise ships to know that (for my family) I will not pay $6k more for DCL to go to Iceland..and I won't even pay less than $2000 more for Alaska because I don't like the itinerary. I will pay about $1500 more for the Caribbean to experience the Christmas festivities on the Fantasy.
Bottom line..I think it depends on the price.
I think it also depends on the ages of the children. The new mega ships have so many activities and amenities. I think DCL's new ships will need to have those as well, but we're a few years out from that. It also depends on the itinerary. For me anyway.
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flynnibus
Premium Member
If you like the old Disney... yes
Service, quality, cleanliness, the subtle yet clearly Disney touches.
Travel at the right time of year to reduce costs.
Book separately.
Ok so I've been on several cruises, booked a very merrytime on the Fantasy for November 2016. The price isn't that bad during that time of year. 2 people cost was $4300. I'm good with that, it's actually a lot cheaper than Disney World.
I ended up rescheduling that trip to 2017 (After final payment
I am going to Alaska on NCL in June of 2017. I would not pay DCL prices for that..or for any summer cruise.
Last year I waited and waited and was excited for the summer 2017 Norwegian Fjords/Iceland itinerary to be announced on DCL.
They were released and here was the cost-
$13,400 for 2 in a 5a. Yeah, I'm out on that.
I have not been on DCL so I can't say if it's "worth it". Some people swear that it is, but I've been on enough cruise ships to know that (for my family) I will not pay $6k more for DCL to go to Iceland..and I won't even pay less than $2000 more for Alaska because I don't like the itinerary. I will pay about $1500 more for the Caribbean to experience the Christmas festivities on the Fantasy.
Bottom line..I think it depends on the price.
I think it also depends on the ages of the children. The new mega ships have so many activities and amenities. I think DCL's new ships will need to have those as well, but we're a few years out from that. It also depends on the itinerary. For me anyway.
I can't stand when hundreds of children are running around ships. We went on Norwegian Dawn last year and they were all in the hot tubs and pools, and pressing every button in the elevator. My biggest fear with Disney Cruise Line is that it will be filled with little kids. I love the parks and I am probably better off putting my money into my usual trip and a separate cruise with a different line. The prices for DCL are crazy.
21stamps
Well-Known Member
I'm not at all worried about that in Alaska..I'm actually hoping for kids on that trip! Hopefully being that it's late June there will be other families on board.
If you go on DCL during the off season the prices aren't bad. I wouldn't go later than November though, I don't think I would enjoy Castaway Cay as much at that time, but I'm always cold.lol Someone else may love December - January cruises.
The pools scare me on DCL..or at least the photos that I've seen. I will go with them once..but I'll probably be one and done after the 2017 Fantasy trip.
Maybe it will blow me away..but I don't know, I think there's more interesting ships and destinations for me and my son. Like I said, some people absolutely swear that DCL is the best.. so I have huge expectations.
flynnibus
Premium Member
The main pool area is pretty chaotic during the day... but there is the forward area that is adult only.. and none of that carries over. And I've never seen kids running amok on the ship. There are obviously lots of kids, especially compared to a cruise line that caters to silver hairs.. but its no more overrun with kids than anything in the parks/resorts. I find the boat to be far more civilized than the hoard that is the the theme parks.. especially in the heat. Honestly if you enjoy the parks.. the kid exposure is no more than that. On the cruise kids tend to be far more better behaved... probably because they aren't pushed to the edge with 18hr days.
Prices are going to swing a bit by the size of your party of course and VERY much by your dates. I think we averaged about 1200/head on our last 7 day cruise. We put 5 in a verranda stateroom.. and had two other couples in inside staterooms which they loved.
21stamps
Well-Known Member
Here's a comparison-
DCL Wonder 6/26/2017
We're going on the NCL Pearl 6/25/2017. With UBP and Stateroom Gratuities included in the "special offer" at the time.
The price for that is right around $6300 (I received a semi complimentary offer though)
So not too much more for DCL, but Norwegian does Glacier Bay and the Wonder doesn't.
Good luck with whatever you decide! Can't go wrong with DCL or with a parks other cruise line combo!
DCL Wonder 6/26/2017
We're going on the NCL Pearl 6/25/2017. With UBP and Stateroom Gratuities included in the "special offer" at the time.
The price for that is right around $6300 (I received a semi complimentary offer though)
So not too much more for DCL, but Norwegian does Glacier Bay and the Wonder doesn't.
Good luck with whatever you decide! Can't go wrong with DCL or with a parks other cruise line combo!
ajrwdwgirl
Premium Member
I've done two Disney cruises and no other cruise lines and on both cruises we went as just adults. We weren't bothered and did not witness any super crazy kid behavior. We did spend the majority of our leisure time in the adult areas both on the ship and on Castaway Cay. There were a couple instances of a teen being in the adult area on the ship and at Castaway Cay but the cast member asked them to leave. I actually felt kind of bad for the teen because he was the only one under the age limit for the area the rest of his group was the correct age. I did also notice parents bringing their kids up to the top level of the adult deck the day we docked in Nassau most of them just stood at the rail with their kids but a few set themselves up on loungers for awhile, which annoyed me because even though they weren't loud it was clearly an adult area and if I can't go into their kids clubs after open house then they shouldn't be in my "club house".
I've been on 7 Disney cruises, and never had a problem with kids. I have two of my own, 10 and 17, but I really did not see unruly kids anywhere. Disney's guests, in my experience, are a cut above the normal crazy crowd, both with the adults and with the kids. I see well-behaved kids, and I see adults having a good time without becoming drunk, lecherous, or stupid. The cast members are also better with kids, which is probably not as true as on other cruise lines.
We were on the Fantasy for Christmas, and my 17 year old son is tall, broad-shouldered, and quiet. He could pass for 21. For the Packer game, I brought him into O'Gill's pub. He drank a soda, and no one cared or thought anything of that. If my son were instead a loudmouth know-it-all teenager, like I was, I would not have brought him in. We are on top our kids for displaying good behavior, and I believe the vast majority of DCL parents are as well. Honestly, I do not recall ever thinking: "Why can't that kid's parents get control?" In my experience, it just doesn't happen onboard DCL.
As to the price, it is a premium. We probably spent too much on our cruises in some ways over the years, but we find it to be worth it. One gauge is the debarkation process. If you're treated well on that last morning, it's a good cruise line. If you're treated like cattle (like we were on Norwegian a few years back), remember that final impression. But with that being said, if you plan to hit Disney World after the cruise, be aware that the transportation buses stick around until about 9:00 am. We were out of bed at 6:00 a.m., to get to our breakfast at 6:45. We were on our bus before 7:45, but it didn't leave the terminal parking lot until nearly 9. That's unacceptable, and may be an indication that in some small way the guest experience is becoming secondary to the convenience of Disney. Not good.
We were on the Fantasy for Christmas, and my 17 year old son is tall, broad-shouldered, and quiet. He could pass for 21. For the Packer game, I brought him into O'Gill's pub. He drank a soda, and no one cared or thought anything of that. If my son were instead a loudmouth know-it-all teenager, like I was, I would not have brought him in. We are on top our kids for displaying good behavior, and I believe the vast majority of DCL parents are as well. Honestly, I do not recall ever thinking: "Why can't that kid's parents get control?" In my experience, it just doesn't happen onboard DCL.
As to the price, it is a premium. We probably spent too much on our cruises in some ways over the years, but we find it to be worth it. One gauge is the debarkation process. If you're treated well on that last morning, it's a good cruise line. If you're treated like cattle (like we were on Norwegian a few years back), remember that final impression. But with that being said, if you plan to hit Disney World after the cruise, be aware that the transportation buses stick around until about 9:00 am. We were out of bed at 6:00 a.m., to get to our breakfast at 6:45. We were on our bus before 7:45, but it didn't leave the terminal parking lot until nearly 9. That's unacceptable, and may be an indication that in some small way the guest experience is becoming secondary to the convenience of Disney. Not good.
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EOD K9
Well-Known Member
My first two cruises with my wife were before we had our children. We felt that it was no different than being in the parks. You could avoid character meet and greets and stay in the adult area if you so choose. We didn't see any instances of children acting out. I've taken my daughters three times since. They had a blast as did we. There was ample time to let them play in the nursery while we did other things. The crew was excellent. So much so that 9 months apart some of them in the nursery remembered them. Even whackier, a year later, on another ship, one of the original CMs from the nursery remembered us.
I purchased DVC to spend time in WDW. However, it seems as if the place is getting more crowded and the prices are going up. While DCL is expensive, I find that to be worth the money. The wife and I feel that the treatment you get is like WDW of old. I now rent my points to pay for my cruises. Everyone will have different opinions, but we feel it is worth it. That being said, I cannot wait til June on the Dream for our double dipper to Castaway Cay!!
I purchased DVC to spend time in WDW. However, it seems as if the place is getting more crowded and the prices are going up. While DCL is expensive, I find that to be worth the money. The wife and I feel that the treatment you get is like WDW of old. I now rent my points to pay for my cruises. Everyone will have different opinions, but we feel it is worth it. That being said, I cannot wait til June on the Dream for our double dipper to Castaway Cay!!
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
Everyone will have their own opinion, for what it is worth, here is mine.
I believe that Disney cruises are better than other cruise lines, but not so much that they are worth the difference in price. - for adults.
For families traveling with kids - yes, DCL is worth the additional cost.
DCL does have fantastic stage shows, and no, they are not Broadway quality - they come close, but they still do not compare to what can be done in a Broadway theater. That's not a knock on the performers, or the producers, or the stage crews. It's a theater on a ship, with extremely tight places and they are staging different shows on different nights. What they do in that situation is impressive, but when you have the luxury of a land based theater, where you run the same show day in and day out for a long period of time, you can do more.
DCLs level of maintaince is also impeccable. and they do have that "bend over backwards for you" old school Disney style steff (that is sadly gone from the parks)
They also have slighty bigger staterooms and the split baths
But for me, that is really about all that makes them better than some other cruise lines that are a LOT less. The price difference is not worth it. We are going back to Bermuda on Celebrity for the second time in 2 years. Their state rooms are a tiny bit smaller, and some of their stage shows are a little iffy (some are really nice), But their food is excellent, and their staff is wonderfull. As an adult I also like their lounges better than DCL - I like the fact that they are spread all over the ship. As far as casinos go, I really dont gamble, but I will hit the craps tables if the spirit moves me.
Now, where DCL really does excell, and is worth the money, is if you are a family with young kids. Their kids programs are excellent. When my kids were younger, they LOVED the kids programs (and so did I). DCL also does a really good job of "hiding" kids. They are not running amok around the ship. There is so much for kids to do on DCL ships that they are kept busy and entertained. They only ones you see running around are the ones that parents drag somewhere and do not let do any of the activities.
-dave
I believe that Disney cruises are better than other cruise lines, but not so much that they are worth the difference in price. - for adults.
For families traveling with kids - yes, DCL is worth the additional cost.
DCL does have fantastic stage shows, and no, they are not Broadway quality - they come close, but they still do not compare to what can be done in a Broadway theater. That's not a knock on the performers, or the producers, or the stage crews. It's a theater on a ship, with extremely tight places and they are staging different shows on different nights. What they do in that situation is impressive, but when you have the luxury of a land based theater, where you run the same show day in and day out for a long period of time, you can do more.
DCLs level of maintaince is also impeccable. and they do have that "bend over backwards for you" old school Disney style steff (that is sadly gone from the parks)
They also have slighty bigger staterooms and the split baths
But for me, that is really about all that makes them better than some other cruise lines that are a LOT less. The price difference is not worth it. We are going back to Bermuda on Celebrity for the second time in 2 years. Their state rooms are a tiny bit smaller, and some of their stage shows are a little iffy (some are really nice), But their food is excellent, and their staff is wonderfull. As an adult I also like their lounges better than DCL - I like the fact that they are spread all over the ship. As far as casinos go, I really dont gamble, but I will hit the craps tables if the spirit moves me.
Now, where DCL really does excell, and is worth the money, is if you are a family with young kids. Their kids programs are excellent. When my kids were younger, they LOVED the kids programs (and so did I). DCL also does a really good job of "hiding" kids. They are not running amok around the ship. There is so much for kids to do on DCL ships that they are kept busy and entertained. They only ones you see running around are the ones that parents drag somewhere and do not let do any of the activities.
-dave
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ajrwdwgirl
Premium Member
Just curious, which June double dipper are you going on? Hubby and I will be on the June 25th one.
EOD K9
Well-Known Member
See you there!!!!!!!!!
Wendy Pleakley
Well-Known Member
Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas is fantastic.
Overall, high quality in every department.
The food is great.
The shows are high quality and feel professional, even if too many are "Disney's Greatest Hits" with a simple overall story.
The kids areas are amazing. When people say they barely see their kids during a Disney cruise, I believe them. I went to the kids area once when they had an adults night, where we did the 'make your own Flubber' activity. It was hosted by a mad scientist type character who was really funny and engaging. As an adult I loved him, I can only imagine how much kids got into it. It was a great example of Disney show plussing what would would have been an otherwise simple activity.
The adult areas are great too. I loved the themed bars, particularly the one where the background cycled through images of different cities.
Rotational dining was nice, I appreciated the variety. There were show elements as well. In the animation restaurant you use a template to draw a stick type figure, and they all come to life on screens during dinner.
Remi and Palo are amazing restaurants. They cost extra but are worth every penny.
Fireworks. It's a low key show, but unique to Disney.
Pirates night. Lots of guests get really into it with elaborate costumes, and it's fun to see even if you don't participate.
Pop and coffee are included. A small thing but takes away some of the "nickel and diming" element common on cruise ships.
A Character breakfast is included on longer cruises and is fun.
First run Disney movies if you're into doing that on a cruise. On my cruise, they did the midnight showing for a new release.
Having said all of this, for me Disney cruises have reached that price point where the premium they charge is just too much to swallow.
Overall, high quality in every department.
The food is great.
The shows are high quality and feel professional, even if too many are "Disney's Greatest Hits" with a simple overall story.
The kids areas are amazing. When people say they barely see their kids during a Disney cruise, I believe them. I went to the kids area once when they had an adults night, where we did the 'make your own Flubber' activity. It was hosted by a mad scientist type character who was really funny and engaging. As an adult I loved him, I can only imagine how much kids got into it. It was a great example of Disney show plussing what would would have been an otherwise simple activity.
The adult areas are great too. I loved the themed bars, particularly the one where the background cycled through images of different cities.
Rotational dining was nice, I appreciated the variety. There were show elements as well. In the animation restaurant you use a template to draw a stick type figure, and they all come to life on screens during dinner.
Remi and Palo are amazing restaurants. They cost extra but are worth every penny.
Fireworks. It's a low key show, but unique to Disney.
Pirates night. Lots of guests get really into it with elaborate costumes, and it's fun to see even if you don't participate.
Pop and coffee are included. A small thing but takes away some of the "nickel and diming" element common on cruise ships.
A Character breakfast is included on longer cruises and is fun.
First run Disney movies if you're into doing that on a cruise. On my cruise, they did the midnight showing for a new release.
Having said all of this, for me Disney cruises have reached that price point where the premium they charge is just too much to swallow.
EOD K9
Well-Known Member
I totally understand and feel your viewpoint. But I do feel I get that quality there as opposed to the parks. I'd love for it to be a little cheaper, but in this case, I feel it is worth it. I'm not denying that it is expensive though.
ChuckElias
Well-Known Member
Is it justifiable? Yes.
Wendy Pleakley
Well-Known Member
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.
Mrhappyplace
Well-Known Member
Both times I've cruised DCL I picked the cheapest cruise during the time frame I wanted to travel. Frankly I didn't feel the cost was unreasonable but perhaps that is cause it was just my wife and I cruising and if one is footing the bill for a larger party I could see the cost being a issue. I honestly find DCL to be a much better value for my money then WDW.
KeithVH
Well-Known Member
Smart shopping and a fair amount of research are what make the difference. So does OBB. Counter-intuitive, some holiday periods can be cheaper than other times. Making ressies on opening day. Things like that. We've got cat 5A rooms for WBPC at $2600pp. Minus tips, that's about $185/night. Which includes dining. Try that at the parks for 2 weeks and see what it costs.