DCL. Thoughts????

[Robbydj13]

I am a pretty avid cruiser, in fact a Disney cruise was my first one and got me hooked, and I have been on several DCL sailings since. However, over the last 7 years, my loyalty has turned strongly towards Royal Caribbean and the bigger ships like Harmony and Oasis. Ive become addicted to those and there is so much to do. I will admit, nothing comes close to the service or food on a Disney Cruise, and the shows are second to none. But to me, they are lacking significantly when it comes to pools and hot tubs, etc. Am I missing something? I want to love them again but its hard... Now, FYI I am traveling without kids sooooo......

 

[C&D]

Maybe the Disney Wish will be your cup of tea (Magic). A virtual reveal is today at 11am.

 

[ChuckElias]

Hi Robby. Most of us in this forum are huge DCL fans. Many of us continue to sail DCL, even without kids. But you'll definitely find a few people here who will agree with you and have found that they prefer a different cruise line for a more active experience or for a more affordable experience, when they're not with kids who need to see Disney characters all the time.

I personally think that you will love the DCL cruise without kids. I've done it and it was awesome -- my wife and I both loved it.

 

[Robbydj13]

Hi Robby. Most of us in this forum are huge DCL fans. Many of us continue to sail DCL, even without kids. But you'll definitely find a few people here who will agree with you and have found that they prefer a different cruise line for a more active experience or for a more affordable experience, when they're not with kids who need to see Disney characters all the time.

I personally think that you will love the DCL cruise without kids. I've done it and it was awesome -- my wife and I both loved it.

I do love DCL, as I have been on the Dream and Fantasy. I just typically stay with 4 night cruises, although I did do a 7-night on the Fantasy when I cruise DCL because I find the options on board limited, specifically pools and hot tubs and all things leisure. Like I said, I want to love DCL more than Royal Caribbean, but I was just looking for what people do on board.

Affordability isn't a big concern but other factors are. Although I will say Disney is priced significantly higher but their service is second to none and obviously the ships are beautiful. I was looking for insight from others who have sailed DCL and possibly RC to see their pros and cons, and why they preferred one over another.

 

[jme]

DCL, much like the parks, are trying to appeal the the entire family, from babies to great-grandparents. Having something for everyone takes up a lot of space. RCCL has very limited options for the younger cruisers (their kids clubs don't compare to DCL whatsoever) as well as the more <ahem> senior cruisers (Very few Octogenarians are going to slide down the Ultimate Abyss). RCCL's target audience is a more focused age range, and as such will have more to offer that age range by way of excluding those outside of it. Taking the parks analogy further, this isn't much different than WDW vs Universal - one is more "thrilling" than the other by way of having less for those who don't want thrilling (generally speaking, not trying to start a wdw vs uni argument here!)

 

[Robbydj13]

DCL, much like the parks, are trying to appeal the the entire family, from babies to great-grandparents. Having something for everyone takes up a lot of space. RCCL has very limited options for the younger cruisers (their kids clubs don't compare to DCL whatsoever) as well as the more <ahem> senior cruisers (Very few Octogenarians are going to slide down the Ultimate Abyss). RCCL's target audience is a more focused age range, and as such will have more to offer that age range by way of excluding those outside of it. Taking the parks analogy further, this isn't much different than WDW vs Universal - one is more "thrilling" than the other by way of having less for those who don't want thrilling (generally speaking, not trying to start a wdw vs uni argument here!)

I generally agree with that, but what I am also hearing is that DCL may not be for me. Which is odd that Disney wouldn't appeal to all age groups. Im not a huge pool person, but I do like to hang out by it and occasionally get in. I definitely enjoy the hot tub. You are comparing WDW to Universal, but it seems that even WDW offers some thrills, while DCL doesn't offer anything comparable. Its more kids and fine dining and restaurants, but minimal activities unless you go to the nightlife areas... am I wrong in this?

 

[NelleBelle]

DH and I have cruised sans kids before and really enjoyed it (actually, the cruise we were on only had ~100 kids onboard so the "adult" areas were swarmed)! I really enjoy the pool areas on the disney ships. I've only been on one other cruise line (princess)--with my mom--and I felt like I was on a floating nursing home with the amount of assistive mobility devices and zero children, and I mean I didn't see one person under the age of 21.

One reason that we will continue to sail DCL is the fact that there is NO CASINO! I absolutely can't stand that the casino on ships is basically an enormous smoking room. I guess I'm not anti-casino, but very anti-smoking and it seemed to waft out of the casino to where we always were lining up for dinner. No escaping! But I digress.

I can see your point about more things to do on RC. Now that my kids are in their teens (the kids/teen's clubs on DCL never interested them) I often think that maybe they would enjoy the actives on the bigger cruise lines such as RC and Norwegian. Especially now that they're older and we're going to need 2-rooms. Obviously they are going to get an inside room to help cut the cost, but that definitely factors into play now that we have older kids and will start cruising again once things reopen.

 

[Robbydj13]

DH and I have cruised sans kids before and really enjoyed it (actually, the cruise we were on only had ~100 kids onboard so the "adult" areas were swarmed)! I really enjoy the pool areas on the disney ships. I've only been on one other cruise line (princess)--with my mom--and I felt like I was on a floating nursing home with the amount of assistive mobility devices and zero children, and I mean I didn't see one person under the age of 21.

One reason that we will continue to sail DCL is the fact that there is NO CASINO! I absolutely can't stand that the casino on ships is basically an enormous smoking room. I guess I'm not anti-casino, but very anti-smoking and it seemed to waft out of the casino to where we always were lining up for dinner. No escaping! But I digress.

I can see your point about more things to do on RC. Now that my kids are in their teens (the kids/teen's clubs on DCL never interested them) I often think that maybe they would enjoy the actives on the bigger cruise lines such as RC and Norwegian. Especially now that they're older and we're going to need 2-rooms. Obviously they are going to get an inside room to help cut the cost, but that definitely factors into play now that we have older kids and will start cruising again once things reopen.

The casino doesn't do much for me either on Royal Caribbean, but to be honest I never even go into it so I don't miss it or see it at all. I think there is a lot to be said for Disney, but I only really enjoy them on 3-4 night sailings because of the limited options on board. Any longer than that and I tend to go with RC for my 7+ night sailings.

 

[DCLcruiser]

<~ No kids and my wife and I love, and only sail, on DCL.

 

[Robbydj13]

<~ No kids and my wife and I love, and only sail, on DCL.

Is there a reason why you prefer it over other cruise lines?

 

[DCLcruiser]

Is there a reason why you prefer it over other cruise lines?

To be fair, it's all I've ever known (including the Big Red Boat, which was Disney's partner). That being said, I have checked out Royal Caribbean, etc, but if I'm going to go, I want the best and I am biased.

I know people who have done NCL, w/ free-style, and they felt nickled-and-dimed having to pay up for a lot of the restaurants, etc. RC looks really nice, but again, I just love Disney. It's like Universal vs. WDW. I can do all of Universal in one day, and not go back for years, but WDW I need a day per park and want to go back annually (we don't, but I would). DCL is everything you loved about Disney Parks, but on a floating hotel that also goes to other places (actually the days at sea are my favorite).

DCL is more expensive (maybe on par with RC?), but due to the service, ships, and entertainment, I never leave feeling like it wasn't worth every penny. I also, prefer the rotating dinners (same servers, same table mates, every night). We have made friends from past trips, which on another cruise might not have happened, since we are from NY and wouldn't dream of interacting with other people at random.

DCL is also, for the most part, Disney fans/families. There's no free-drinks package, no casino, it's not a spring breakers cruise, and so the general population is preferred.

 

[Robbydj13]

To be fair, it's all I've ever known (including the Big Red Boat, which was Disney's partner). That being said, I have checked out Royal Caribbean, etc, but if I'm going to go, I want the best and I am biased.

I know people who have done NCL, w/ free-style, and they felt nickle-and-dimed having to pay up for a lot of the restaurants, etc. RC looks really nice, but again, I just love Disney.

DCL is more expensive (maybe on par with RC?), but I think you never leave feeling like it wasn't worth every penny. I also, prefer the rotating dinners (same servers, same table mates, every night). We have made friends from past trips, which on another cruise might not have happened, since we are from NY and wouldn't dream of interacting with other people at random.

The pricing isn't really close...Disney 4-Nights are the same as RC 7-Nights on their largest ships for Ocean-View Balcony. I agree the service on Disney is second to none, and the nightly dining is unparalleled, but they don't seem to be the best in every category. So, I ask, what are the most important features to you on a cruise?

 

[DCLcruiser]

The pricing isn't really close...Disney 4-Nights are the same as RC 7-Nights on their largest ships for Ocean-View Balcony. I agree the service on Disney is second to none, and the nightly dining is unparalleled, but they don't seem to be the best in every category. So, I ask, what are the most important features to you on a cruise?

I edited my post after I realized you quoted me. I think this is my most important feature:

Besides the brand and rotating dining...

DCL is also, for the most part, Disney fans/families. There's no free-drinks package, no casino, it's not a spring breakers cruise, and so the general population is preferred. We are in our 30s, we make friends and go to the night clubs, etc, but I don't want to be annoyed by other guests on my very expensive vacation. Not that it isn't possible, and people who spend $ can be very annoying, but I think the Disney brand keeps away the randoms.

 

[Robbydj13]

I edited my post after I realized you quoted me. I think this is my most important feature:

Besides the brand and rotating dining...

DCL is also, for the most part, Disney fans/families. There's no free-drinks package, no casino, it's not a spring breakers cruise, and so the general population is preferred. We are in our 30s, we make friends and go to the night clubs, etc, but I don't want to be annoyed by other guests on my very expensive vacation. Not that it isn't possible, and people who spend $ can be very annoying, but I think the Disney brand keeps away the randoms.

Im also mid 30's so I get that, and we sound alike in that way and the annoyance of others. But I am pretty active and love the FlowRider and slides on RC. Soda isnt a big deal to me, but I do enjoy the Drink packages offered on RC, maybe something Disney should offer. I enjoy the nightlife and just relaxing with a few drinks and watching the entertainment. I wish Disney had more pools, but mostly more hot tubs.

 

[DCLcruiser]

Im also mid 30's so I get that, and we sound alike in that way and the annoyance of others. But I am pretty active and love the FlowRider and slides on RC. Soda isnt a big deal to me, but I do enjoy the Drink packages offered on RC, maybe something Disney should offer. I enjoy the nightlife and just relaxing with a few drinks and watching the entertainment. I wish Disney had more pools, but mostly more hot tubs.

The Drink of the Day is about $6. Get that, may times a day, then enjoy the good stuff at night at the bars.

The pools in the Quiet Cove adults area are nice, but yes more would be better. Hot Tubs in the Caribbean might be much, but I hear ya.

People always ask us, as a young married couple w/o kids (we have gone since we were in our 20s), why do we go on DCL? Isn't that just for families? That misconception is what keeps the cruises more upscale (I don't mean expensive, but respectful and playful). People do get dressed up, and for the most part it feels like a really nice resort, not a motel on spring break.

 

[Robbydj13]

The Drink of the Day is about $6. Get that, may times a day, then enjoy the good stuff at night at the bars.

The pools in the Quiet Cove adults area are nice, but yes more would be better. Hot Tubs in the Caribbean might be much, but I hear ya.

People always ask us, as a young married couple w/o kids (we have gone since we were in our 20s), why do we go on DCL? Isn't that just for families? That misconception is what keeps the cruises more upscale (I don't mean expensive, but respectful and playful). People do get dressed up, and for the most part it feels like a really nice resort, not a motel on spring break.

I feel all that, and I don't disagree.

But YES, hot tubs at night on a cruise....theyre amazing, especially with a drink and loved one nearby

 

[NelleBelle]

The casino doesn't do much for me either on Royal Caribbean, but to be honest I never even go into it so I don't miss it or see it at all. I think there is a lot to be said for Disney, but I only really enjoy them on 3-4 night sailings because of the limited options on board. Any longer than that and I tend to go with RC for my 7+ night sailings.

We may have to start looking at other cruise lines now that our boys are 15 and 17. Although, both are very quiet and reserved, they absolutely hated the clubs geared for their ages (actually, I think my youngest wanted to go but will not go unless his brother goes with him). Regardless the oldest is about aged-out at this point. Both just really love water/pools and I can absolutely see the attraction RC would be for them with their water activities.

But even like @DCLcruiser mentioned, I can see how other cruise lines can absolutely nickel-dime you. The one time I was actually in the booking process with RC--I couldn't believe there were uncharges for certain shows and activities. No thanks! Even though my family is not big into soda, it's a nice treat for my kids when we're on vacation and I don't have to worry about it. Plus, and this is also a big plus, I really do enjoy the family atmosphere that's aboard the DCL ships. My one big gripe, I wish there were more itineraries to choose from on DCL.

 

[Robbydj13]

We may have to start looking at other cruise lines now that our boys are 15 and 17. Although, both are very quiet and reserved, they absolutely hated the clubs geared for their ages (actually, I think my youngest wanted to go but will not go unless his brother goes with him). Regardless the oldest is about aged-out at this point. Both just really love water/pools and I can absolutely see the attraction RC would be for them with their water activities.

But even like @DCLcruiser mentioned, I can see how other cruise lines can absolutely nickel-dime you. The one time I was actually in the booking process with RC--I couldn't believe there were uncharges for certain shows and activities. No thanks! Even though my family is not big into soda, it's a nice treat for my kids when we're on vacation and I don't have to worry about it. Plus, and this is also a big plus, I really do enjoy the family atmosphere that's aboard the DCL ships. My one big gripe, I wish there were more itineraries to choose from on DCL.

I did alot on RC without feeling nickel and dimed. TBH, im not sure what all required more money besides drink packages or fancy dining. Theres a few special parties that may have a fee, but you can do more than enough without paying extra.

 

[DCLcruiser]

We may have to start looking at other cruise lines now that our boys are 15 and 17. Although, both are very quiet and reserved, they absolutely hated the clubs geared for their ages (actually, I think my youngest wanted to go but will not go unless his brother goes with him). Regardless the oldest is about aged-out at this point. Both just really love water/pools and I can absolutely see the attraction RC would be for them with their water activities.

But even like @DCLcruiser mentioned, I can see how other cruise lines can absolutely nickel-dime you. The one time I was actually in the booking process with RC--I couldn't believe there were uncharges for certain shows and activities. No thanks! Even though my family is not big into soda, it's a nice treat for my kids when we're on vacation and I don't have to worry about it. Plus, and this is also a big plus, I really do enjoy the family atmosphere that's aboard the DCL ships. My one big gripe, I wish there were more itineraries to choose from on DCL.

My first DCL cruise, 2001, I was in HS and I really enjoyed the Teen lounge (then called Common Grounds on the Magic). I would basically just see my parents for dinner/shows/excursions. I made good friends there and would talk to them on AIM (oh boy, the old days) for years after.

I agree, 18 y/o w/ parents is a tough sell. You either are young enough for the camps, or you need to be there w/ a significant other. He can go to the adult pool and there are "college" age events at night. But, it is an awkward age for DCL.

 

[DCLcruiser]

I did alot on RC without feeling nickel and dimed. TBH, im not sure what all required more money besides drink packages or fancy dining. Theres a few special parties that may have a fee, but you can do more than enough without paying extra.

My example was Norwegian, with their free-style cruising. They have normal dining, and you have to pay a cover charge.