Disney looking at another island in the Bahamas

[Rteetz]

....not to mention that Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian..etc etc etc etc. All have a lot more ships than DCL, yet still only have 1 island. I don't think 4 DCL ships will be sailing to the Bahamas.

Disney World doesn't really have any competition.

DCL? Tons of competition. I booked an October 2017 trip on opening day. On the Wonder. (doing a very merrytime on Fantasy this year, and would like to do a Halloween next) but, I'm already thinking of cancelling for an Oasis class ship, I'm holding off a while longer to see how her dry dock goes.

Sure Royal and the other cruise lines don't have more than one island but they don't have the association with their island like Disney does. Like for instance I can't name any other cruise lines island but I can name disneys. People get upset when they can't dock at castaway cay due to weather. I don't hear of people getting that upset when Royal or other cruise lines can't dock. Disney just has a whole other association with people. Also Royal and carnival only do cruising. Many would argue Disney is more rounded in the experiences they provide.

I'm not going to get into the argument either but I think many would argue that WDW does have competition now with universal.

 

[21stamps]

I think the port intensiveness and the itinerary only matters to someone who's been cruising already. A new cruiser just wants the cruise experience. A family new to cruising to me would seem more likely to choose Disney over royal because of the name and the experience they associate with them.

I agree to an extent. If we're talking Bahama or eastern/western itineraries. When you get into the Europe itineraries, especially the 11 nights, the price difference is several thousand dollars. Sure some people will justify that, but I don't think the majority will. If I want to see Northern Europe and Iceland while taking a cruise is DCL really worth 6k more? To me- Nope. For a very Merrytime western Caribbean I can justify a not so huge difference.lol.
But next year, for the Mexican Riviera is the Wonder the best choice for my family? I don't know yet. I got a great deal so I booked it, but I could do one of Royal's new ships for the same price on an itinerary that is just as attractive- with more entertainment/amenity choices on board for my kid...so we'll see if I end up canceling.

Sure Royal and the other cruise lines don't have more than one island but they don't have the association with their island like Disney does. Like for instance I can't name any other cruise lines island but I can name disneys. People get upset when they can't dock at castaway cay due to weather. I don't hear of people getting that upset when Royal or other cruise lines can't dock. Disney just has a whole other association with people. Also Royal and carnival only do cruising. Many would argue Disney is more rounded in the experiences they provide.

I'm not going to get into the argument either but I think many would argue that WDW does have competition now with universal.

I love Universal. I love IoA. I love City Walk and went to HHN every year.
I haven't been since Harry Potter opened- so I know I will love it even more now! My child is young..just 2 weeks ago hit 48 inches. So for me WDW is a better fit at this time. Bonus that I don't have to hear him complain about not meeting a height requirement.lol. We are just now starting to read Harry Potter together, so Universal wasn't on my radar for him until this year. For me there was no competition with a child that age- not for a week or longer stay.

As far as Castaway Cay goes- not all DCL itineraries dock there, only the Caribbean or Bahama ones. I highly doubt these 2 new ships will be docked at Miami or Port Canveral with the Fantasy, Magic, and Dream. Disney will move the fleet around, not have all of them doing similar itineraries at once.

 

[Rteetz]

I agree to an extent. If we're talking Bahama or eastern/western itineraries. When you get into the Europe itineraries, especially the 11 nights, the price difference is several thousand dollars. Sure some people will justify that, but I don't think the majority will. If I want to see Northern Europe and Iceland while taking a cruise is DCL really worth 6k more? To me- Nope. For a very Merrytime western Caribbean I can justify a not so huge difference.lol.
But next year, for the Mexican Riviera is the Wonder the best choice for my family? I don't know yet. I got a great deal so I booked it, but I could do one of Royal's new ships for the same price on an itinerary that is just as attractive- with more entertainment/amenity choices on board for my kid...so we'll see if I end up canceling.

I love Universal. I love IoA. I love City Walk and went to HHN every year.
I haven't been since Harry Potter opened- so I know I will love it even more now! My child is young..just 2 weeks ago hit 48 inches. So for me WDW is a better fit at this time. Bonus that I don't have to hear him complain about not meeting a height requirement.lol. We are just now starting to read Harry Potter together, so Universal wasn't on my radar for him until this year. For me there was no competition with a child that age- not for a week or longer stay.

As far as Castaway Cay goes- not all DCL itineraries dock there, only the Caribbean or Bahama ones. I highly doubt these 2 new ships will be docked at Miami or Port Canveral with the Fantasy, Magic, and Dream. Disney will move the fleet around, not have all of them doing similar itineraries at once.

Look I have no desire for a European cruise, I'd much rather just fly to Europe and stay in hotels but as for Caribbean cruises I think families are more likely to choose Disney because of the name.

Universal is and will continue to push those boundaries and become a week long destination. Look they just opened another hotel, and Kong. Now you have volcano bay being built, more hotels in the works and eventually a third theme park. They are becoming serious WDW competition.

Yes I am well aware not all DCL itineraries but when you book an Alaskan or European cruise you know that. When you book a Caribbean cruise you know you'll be stopping at castaway cay and that's a big highlight. People love the stop and are seriously disappointed when it's missed.

I heard about a second island over a year ago, it's very likely.

 

[21stamps]

Look I have no desire for a European cruise, I'd much rather just fly to Europe and stay in hotels but as for Caribbean cruises I think families are more likely to choose Disney because of the name.

Universal is and will continue to push those boundaries and become a week long destination. Look they just opened another hotel, and Kong. Now you have volcano bay being built, more hotels in the works and eventually a third theme park. They are becoming serious WDW competition.

Yes I am well aware not all DCL itineraries but when you book an Alaskan or European cruise you know that. When you book a Caribbean cruise you know you'll be stopping at castaway cay and that's a big highlight. People love the stop and are seriously disappointed when it's missed.

I heard about a second island over a year ago, it's very likely.

The bolded- I would too!! Cruising is easier for me now with a young child and 1 adult. I don't know how old your kids are, but I think we are in different markets currently. That's what's awesome about vacationing- everyone can find something that fits them best!

I'm sure it's a possibility that DCL could add another island in the Bahamas...I just don't understand why they would, it would make a lot more sense to add one elsewhere like the other lines have done. Or- as a pp said, add to what they have. They will have to start offering something for older kids soon- on their ships and their island.

 

[Rteetz]

The bolded- I would too!! Cruising is easier for me now with a young child and 1 adult. I don't know how old your kids are, but I think we are in different markets currently. That's what's awesome about vacationing- everyone can find something that fits them best!

I'm sure it's a possibility that DCL could add another island in the Bahamas...I just don't understand why they would, it would make a lot more sense to add one elsewhere like the other lines have done. Or- as a pp said, add to what they have. They will have to start offering something for older kids soon- on their ships and their island.

They have 2 more ships coming with another 2 rumored. Castaway Cay is a big draw so if they have multiple Caribbean cruises going on its better to have two islands than one. Maybe this island will offer something the current island doesn't. Disney could say look we have two private islands whereas other cruise lines just go to one or something. I don't know but I've heard it's happening.

 

[Disone]

....not to mention that Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian..etc etc etc etc. All have a lot more ships than DCL, yet still only have 1 island. I don't think 4 DCL ships will be sailing to the Bahamas.

Disney World doesn't really have any competition.

DCL? Tons of competition.

Not entirely accurate. Royal Caribbean has two private stops. CoCo Key and Ladabee. The latter took away Disney Cruise Line's bragging rights of having the only private stop that is not tendered. IMO it is also nicer and more amenities than Disney's Castaway key. It features impressise zip lines, alpine coaster, and water features. Ladabee has out classed cast away key. This is not a snob at Disney, Castaway key is still outstanding! This is just a personal opinion that in this case Royal Caribbean looked at what Disney did and it out did it.

Norwegian Cruise Line has six cruise ships in the region that includes a few that come down to the Bahamas from New York. But with only one Island those six ships are not always able to get a scheduled stop at Norwegian Private Island. I'm sure this is the scenario Disney is trying to avoid. They want to be able to stop at a private island for all of their ships in the region regardless of how many they are operating because it is their highest rated stop.

Carnival offers the most ships in the region however they do not have a private island to call their own. Sometimes some of them will stop at the Holland America Private Island, technically owned by Carnival, but usually not visited by a Carnival ship. For the most part if you're on a Carnival ship you're not going to go to a private island. That said Carnival has developed some Cruise stops that it allows other non carnival corp ships to stop at as well.

 

[21stamps]

Not entirely accurate. Royal Caribbean has two private stops. CoCo Key and Ladabee. The latter took away Disney Cruise Line's bragging rights of having the only private stop that is not tendered. IMO it is also nicer and more amenities than Disney's Castaway key. It features impressise zip lines, alpine coaster, and water features. Ladabee has out classed cast away key. This is not a snob at Disney, Castaway key is still outstanding! This is just a personal opinion that in this case Royal Caribbean looked at what Disney did and it out did it.

Norwegian Cruise Line has six cruise ships in the region that includes a few that come down to the Bahamas from New York. But with only one Island those six ships are not always able to get a scheduled stop at Norwegian Private Island. I'm sure this is the scenario Disney is trying to avoid. They want to be able to stop at a private island for all of their ships in the region regardless of how many they are operating because it is their highest rated stop.

Carnival offers the most ships in the region however they do not have a private island to call their own. Sometimes some of them will stop at the Holland America Private Island, technically owned by Carnival, but usually not visited by a Carnival ship. For the most part if you're on a Carnival ship you're not going to go to a private island. That said Carnival has developed some Cruise stops that it allows other non carnival corp ships to stop at as well.

I agree with pretty much everything you said. Labadee is in Haiti. Not the Bahamas. That's what I was talking about in my previous post. Why would you have 2 islands in the same country? No one does, and for good reason!

I specifically choose itineraries that skip the Bahamas. Not because I don't like them, but because I go/went to Atlantis enough, plus we often would take our own boat to Bimini in a few hours. In my opinion, even though i haven't been on DCL yet (1st one is in November), Royal Caribbean Oasis and Quantum class pretty much have the market cornered on kids over age 7- including their islands, which is why I'm debating cancelling our 2017 Wonder cruise out of SD (kiddo will be 7 at that time). Even Carnival's new Vista looks to have more to do in that age bracket than DCL does.

I personally like Norwegian, but I think Royal Caribbean has more to offer my son, so I'm not considering them for a family vacay at this time.

I'm glad that DCL added a southern Caribbean to their routes, but I won't pay those outrageous prices for that itinerary, not when there are other ships leaving out of San Juan or SoFla with (again, my opinion) better ports. I understand that DCL has a loyal clientele.. But I also understand that I can't be the only one, or even in the minority, who thinks the price for certain itineraries ( pretty much everything over 8 nights that's not a TA or PC cruise) isn't justifiable past a certain age. Especially not with the amenities that are on other ships now.

I am a bit nervous about our MSC cruise next summer. I don't know anyone who's traveled with them before, but I'm trying to remain optimistic. Plus, I am in love with the ports of call- my strange cold weather lovin' kid requested Iceland or Antartica. Antarctica being his first choice- that's not happening. So Iceland it is. Hoping it goes well!

All of that said, I'm extremely looking forward to our Very Merrytime cruise on the Fantasy, and do think my son will love Castaway Cay- even more so with the Christmas decorations.

 

[RSoxNo1]

@WDW1974 had this first.

 

[Rteetz]

@WDW1974 had this first.

I was told about it before wdw1974 said it but couldn't say anything. It's been in the works for a while now.

 

[21stamps]

@WDW1974 had this first.

Maybe it could be a Disney all inclusive resort or a Disney resort, instead of just a DCL island?

I'm not at all "in the know", but that would make sense. Anyone have info if that's a possibility?

 

[Rteetz]

Maybe it could be a Disney all inclusive resort or a Disney resort, instead of just a DCL island?

I'm not at all "in the know", but that would make sense. Anyone have info if that's a possibility?

I've heard it relates to DCL.

 

[21stamps]

I've heard it relates to DCL.

Could you imagine, a Disney resort on a private island, with a cruise stop offering paid excursions on said island. So not only all of that profit- but also then having the cruise people fall in love so now decide to book their next Disney vacay on the wonderful said island..for 5-7 nights in a few months or next year. Maybe a package discount if they book both while onboard... That's what I would do lol

 

[Rteetz]

Could you imagine, a Disney resort on a private island, with a cruise stop offering paid excursions on said island. So not only all of that profit- but also then having the cruise people fall in love so now decide to book their next Disney vacay on the wonderful said island..for 5-7 nights in a few months or next year. Maybe a package discount if they book both while onboard... That's what I would do lol

It's possible but less likely.

 

[21stamps]

It's possible but less likely.

You're probably right. But that would be a killer money maker. So many people say they would love to stay on Castaway Cay. Offer both. A DCL port and a new Disney resort on a Disney island. Sprinkle in some DVC opportunities. Perfect

Atlantis would lose some business for sure.which completely selfishly, I would be quite happy with.

 

[DManRightHere]

Actually WDW DOES have competition. Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Legoland... This list goes on and on.

I think you're both wrong! Or both right, whatever.

Disney definitely does have competition, and certain markets and experiences, little competition.

 

[Variable]

What's the predicted sea level rise for these islands decades from now?

It's going to be a sunk cost.

 

[montyz81]

It's going to be a sunk cost.

Don't worry, the customers will float them the money to help recovery the sunken cost.

 

[COProgressFan]

Not entirely accurate. Royal Caribbean has two private stops. CoCo Key and Ladabee. The latter took away Disney Cruise Line's bragging rights of having the only private stop that is not tendered. IMO it is also nicer and more amenities than Disney's Castaway key. It features impressise zip lines, alpine coaster, and water features. Ladabee has out classed cast away key. This is not a snob at Disney, Castaway key is still outstanding! This is just a personal opinion that in this case Royal Caribbean looked at what Disney did and it out did it.

I have not been on RCCL or to Labadee in quite a few years. When I was last there you still needed to be tendered to shore. At the time, it was kind of a dump. The beaches were decent, and there were some nice water sports activities (jet skis, zip lines, etc.) but the facilities were in terrible shape. Bathrooms and changing rooms were old, worn and filthy. Maybe that's changed, but it was nothing like Castaway, which is also much bigger. Unless things have changed in the past few years, there really is no comparison.

 

[21stamps]

I have not been on RCCL or to Labadee in quite a few years. When I was last there you still needed to be tendered to shore. At the time, it was kind of a dump. The beaches were decent, and there were some nice water sports activities (jet skis, zip lines, etc.) but the facilities were in terrible shape. Bathrooms and changing rooms were old, worn and filthy. Maybe that's changed, but it was nothing like Castaway, which is also much bigger. Unless things have changed in the past few years, there really is no comparison.

Coco Cay still requires it I think.

The reason I would think DCL would do something similar to Labadee is - a different backdrop/gorgeous scenery, I mean who doesn't love a mountain in the background?lol. Also, just a new place to visit besides the Bahamas. The activities offered are total personal preference, but for adventurous kids (and adults) they're perfect. I think Disney could mesh the 2 concepts- a water park area for small kids..and on a separate beach-the rock climbing/big slides/zip lining/and another water park for the older kids and adults.

Edited to delete a paragraph. Sounded anti Disney, and I'm definitely not.

 

[Disone]

I have not been on RCCL or to Labadee in quite a few years. When I was last there you still needed to be tendered to shore. At the time, it was kind of a dump. The beaches were decent, and there were some nice water sports activities (jet skis, zip lines, etc.) but the facilities were in terrible shape. Bathrooms and changing rooms were old, worn and filthy. Maybe that's changed, but it was nothing like Castaway, which is also much bigger. Unless things have changed in the past few years, there really is no comparison.

They have. RCCL massively upgraded Labadee to handle its Oasis class ships. And yes, it is now dock, not tendered.