tmitch
Well-Known Member
Where's that dislike button yo?
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I've returned from a Carnival Cruise and now can compare.
- Thread starter Kramerica
- Start date
That's exactly my point. When I traveled through Europe as a starving 20 year old in 1985, my time was less valuable to me. I took red eye trains overnight, sleeping all rumpled up in a seat, staying at hostels and dorms far from city centers, and generally pinching every penny. I wouldn't do that now because every week I'm gone from my business costs me thousands of dollars. If I'm going to take that vacation, I'm going to spend the money to make it great and not deal with the hassles that I tolerated when my opportunity cost was minimum wage ($3.35 an hour back then).
Years ago, a businessman said, "You're vacation time must be more valuable than your work time. Otherwise, you'd spend that time working."
Yeah, I knew my comment would be controversial even before I hit the "Post Reply" button. But even for people with modest incomes, I strongly suggest getting value out of your vacation, which may actually mean spending more. If your family can have a great and memorable vacation for a few thousand bucks more (and it won't bankrupt you), go for it. If your saving of a few thousand bucks brings your vacation down to a ho hum, "yeah, we saw ______, but it wasn't that great", then you may want to consider re-evaluating your priorities. For us, if I'm going to take the time away on a vacation when my kids are still pre-college, I'm doing it. We'll never have this time together again. And somehow, some way, we'll get it paid for.
Wendy Pleakley
Well-Known Member
Nothing wrong with your post. If one can afford a really nice vacation, and that's the priority, go for it.
I've done a relatively cheap cruise, where I did minimal extra cost activities or excursions, and I enjoyed it for the cheap getaway that it was. I don't begrudge anyone who spends a premium for a different experience.
I've done two Disney cruises and can appreciate the superior quality, but I'm not planning another one any time soon. For less than half the price, I can have a good experience on a different cruise line, even if it's not quite as "magical".
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
I agree if the alternative to Disney is a second rate vacation. But in the case of Celebrity, it is hardly second rate. The additional cost of Disney is not justified by the minor enhancements in quality.
To that end, our semi table mates on Celebrity were an older couple (68 and 79 years old) who did sail on Disney a few times, and said they would not do so again. However they did tell us that they enjoyed our company very much, and if we were cruising to Bermuda next summer to look for them, as they just booked four back to back to back to back week long voyages so there was a good chance we would see them. We also heard about their 58 day multi cruise itinerary around southeast Asia. So clearly, money for vacation was not an issue for this couple, yet they found Disney not to their liking.
I can afford Disney cruises - I don't know what a "strong" six figures entails, but I do know that while I like Disney, I don't feel that their price justifies their product.
-dave
I congratulate people who can economize by taking a step down. Celebrity and Carnival are profitable companies with thousands of customers, but Disney's ratings are far higher in virtually every category. I don't think I could happily drive a smaller car or move into a smaller house. With that being said, I drive a 13 year old Honda and live in a nice, but not opulent, 25 year old house. Smart people economize in ways that others may not agree with. So what? To each your own.
For us, we tend to take Disney vacations even though they cost more, especially on a per day basis. With kids, (my daughter is 9), we splurge for what Disney can offer, and my credit card bills prove it. I truly wish we could economize on a lower experience with a budget cruise line, but I think I would be making comparisons, gritting my teeth, and worrying about what the kids were exposed to. I also know that my family would complain much of time. Oh well, it's the cross we bear.
For us, we tend to take Disney vacations even though they cost more, especially on a per day basis. With kids, (my daughter is 9), we splurge for what Disney can offer, and my credit card bills prove it. I truly wish we could economize on a lower experience with a budget cruise line, but I think I would be making comparisons, gritting my teeth, and worrying about what the kids were exposed to. I also know that my family would complain much of time. Oh well, it's the cross we bear.
Weather_Lady
Well-Known Member
Your point about "stepping down" is well taken -- once you've shifted expectations upwards, it's tough to downgrade (although we're doing our best to raise the kids in such a way that they can "find their own fun" anywhere, whether it's at WDW or the local playground -- even at WDW, they're as excited about the hotel pool as they are about the most lavish attractions). Frankly, that's one reason why we don't mind that the kids' first cruise will be on Carnival -- they have nothing to which they can compare it, so they'll be delighted by whatever it offers. In a few years when our financial footing is more solid and we can more asily afford DCL (which will also be after DCL starts cruising from New York so we don't have to waste money on flights), we hope to give it a try.
rob0519
Well-Known Member
Our first cruise ever was on the Disney Magic, Deck 8. Because of the size of our family we had a one bedroom stateroom and the next door family stateroom. We saved quite a long time to take that trip and wanted it to be special and it most certainly was special. We're saving up again hoping to get similar staterooms, probably in late 2016 or 2017.
In the meantime, for much less money we will be trying a 7 day cruise on the Norwegian Escape this November. The staterooms and balconies will be much smaller and there will be almost twice as many passengers on this ship. So yes, I understand the concept of "stepping down". I'm not sure what to expect, but with the price of DCL it's simply not doable for us on a regular basis unless we take the least expensive staterooms available and we would rather wait to have that first rate experience again.
In the meantime, for much less money we will be trying a 7 day cruise on the Norwegian Escape this November. The staterooms and balconies will be much smaller and there will be almost twice as many passengers on this ship. So yes, I understand the concept of "stepping down". I'm not sure what to expect, but with the price of DCL it's simply not doable for us on a regular basis unless we take the least expensive staterooms available and we would rather wait to have that first rate experience again.
OliveMcFly
Well-Known Member
I really enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing. When I started working in the travel industry I was asked by co-workers if I sailed before and with who. I said I've been on Disney 2 times. They all said the same thing "you have nowhere to go but down from there". I've sailed with Norwegian and it was ok. I'll be sailing with Royal Caribbean this Friday on a new ship. I look forward to seeing what they have to offer. I can't wait to be back home with Disney in December on the Fantasy.
MotherofaPrincessLover
Well-Known Member
You'll be leaving the same day I did last year on the Fantasy. It was such a great time! Too bad I have to wait until next September until I get to go on a Disney cruise again.
OliveMcFly
Well-Known Member
I haven't been on a Disney Cruise since December of 2005. This trip is way overdue.
MotherofaPrincessLover
Well-Known Member
Try to do the gingerbread house building. It was really fun and some sort of little candies that you put on it are delicious!
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
Very interesting read. Glad you branched out there, @Kramerica!
My BiL & SiL have sailed Carnival several times, their most recent with them was also on the Triumph out of Galveston. They said the ship was truly not up to snuff for them even though it's been supposedly overhauled since the "Poop Cruise". They were rather disappointed. On the flip side, if you spend some time looking at what Carnival is doing with their new Vista, wowza! I REALLY want to sail in a Havana Cabana!!! Too bad I can't find one available on any sailing on the calendar. Not even ONE! Booked solid! The themed suites look crazy cool. I get the feeling Carnival is keeping their older, smaller ships steaming without much retrofitting beyond what they have to do while pushing to up their game on the new vessels. I think if we ever sailed them it'd have to be a new vessel. Kinda pains me, in a way, considering we live less than 30 minutes from Galveston. LOL!
We branched out recently, too! I'll start a quicky, new thread for that.
Oh, and to the person who said the clientele on Disney are people who value their time off more. THAT was funny. Without getting specific or anything, we are a 6-digit income family. I know many who are....and then some. People with money still appreciate value for their money. Everyone, regardless of income, will maximize their precious family time away from work. We met many professionals, business owners, etc. on the Getaway. Their Haven class totally spanks Disney's concierge class. Hello? A personal butler. I've sailed Disney's concierge many times. I've never had a butler. Many higher level perks beyond what Disney does. People who know what they're buying will spend accordingly. People who spend more for Disney are people who want to buy Disney. It's not a socio-economic thing. Yes, Disney prices out some people but that doesn't make their product better. It's unique in the branding and the Disney theming. Service? Not superior. Cleanliness & quality of vessel? Not superior. Ship venues, offerings, food, etc.? Not superior. I say that from personal experience. Some people like cookies-n-cream while some people like mint chocolate chip. 2 different flavors. Just thought I'd add my $.02 on that.
My BiL & SiL have sailed Carnival several times, their most recent with them was also on the Triumph out of Galveston. They said the ship was truly not up to snuff for them even though it's been supposedly overhauled since the "Poop Cruise". They were rather disappointed. On the flip side, if you spend some time looking at what Carnival is doing with their new Vista, wowza! I REALLY want to sail in a Havana Cabana!!! Too bad I can't find one available on any sailing on the calendar. Not even ONE! Booked solid! The themed suites look crazy cool. I get the feeling Carnival is keeping their older, smaller ships steaming without much retrofitting beyond what they have to do while pushing to up their game on the new vessels. I think if we ever sailed them it'd have to be a new vessel. Kinda pains me, in a way, considering we live less than 30 minutes from Galveston. LOL!
We branched out recently, too! I'll start a quicky, new thread for that.
Oh, and to the person who said the clientele on Disney are people who value their time off more. THAT was funny. Without getting specific or anything, we are a 6-digit income family. I know many who are....and then some. People with money still appreciate value for their money. Everyone, regardless of income, will maximize their precious family time away from work. We met many professionals, business owners, etc. on the Getaway. Their Haven class totally spanks Disney's concierge class. Hello? A personal butler. I've sailed Disney's concierge many times. I've never had a butler. Many higher level perks beyond what Disney does. People who know what they're buying will spend accordingly. People who spend more for Disney are people who want to buy Disney. It's not a socio-economic thing. Yes, Disney prices out some people but that doesn't make their product better. It's unique in the branding and the Disney theming. Service? Not superior. Cleanliness & quality of vessel? Not superior. Ship venues, offerings, food, etc.? Not superior. I say that from personal experience. Some people like cookies-n-cream while some people like mint chocolate chip. 2 different flavors. Just thought I'd add my $.02 on that.
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
NCL isn't stepping down. Trust me.
OliveMcFly
Well-Known Member
I will, thank you.
rob0519
Well-Known Member
NCL isn't stepping down. Trust me.
Good to hear. The reviews from the people on the trans-Atlantic sailing are a mixed bag. Some people think the ship, service and food are great. Others have been incredibly negative about the service and the food. I'm hoping for the best. The pictures look great.
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
Oh, and to the person who said the clientele on Disney are people who value their time off more. THAT was funny. Without getting specific or anything, we are a 6-digit income family. I know many who are....and then some. People with money still appreciate value for their money. Everyone, regardless of income, will maximize their precious family time away from work. We met many professionals, business owners, etc. on the Getaway. Their Haven class totally spanks Disney's concierge class. Hello? A personal butler. I've sailed Disney's concierge many times. I've never had a butler. Many higher level perks beyond what Disney does. People who know what they're buying will spend accordingly. People who spend more for Disney are people who want to buy Disney. It's not a socio-economic thing. Yes, Disney prices out some people but that doesn't make their product better. It's unique in the branding and the Disney theming. Service? Not superior. Cleanliness & quality of vessel? Not superior. Ship venues, offerings, food, etc.? Not superior. I say that from personal experience. Some people like cookies-n-cream while some people like mint chocolate chip. 2 different flavors. Just thought I'd add my $.02 on that.
You pretty much nailed it there. For a long while I resisted other cruse lines besides Disney. After finally going on a Celebrity cruise this summer, my eyes are more open. Is one better than then other? In a word, no. Some ASPECTS of each are better - Disney's stage shows are better, but the other acts (magicians, comedians, etc) are better on Celebrity. Food is the same. The staterooms on DCL are larger, etc. However there is no glairing difference where one line is head and shoulders above the other, except in ONE case - price. In that case, Celebrity has totally trumped DCL.
-dave
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
We sailed Celebrity as two adults (leaving the kids home) and spent a LOT of time in the Adults Only area (just because it was more relaxing). However from what I saw, there were plenty of family type activates on the ship. The Cruise Director and "Baldo - your Aaaaacctivities Manager" were "Inside, Outside, and all around the Ship" - the fact that I still remember that means they were everywhere and engaging people all day long. There was plenty of family activities to do, and the adult only activities (such as the Liars Club,and late night comedy) were clearly adult only. They stated that fact whenever they promoted them, and honestly they were not particularly raunchy. A few four letter words and some innuendo (like "that's what she said") was all it entailed. We did not even look in the kids club (aside from the X-box lounge because it has huge windows) so I cannot speak to how those were run. As for being safe - it was a very "well behaved" cruise. The people that I did notice who had a bit much to drink were few and far between and oddly enough seems to always have kids with them. There were no 20-30 year olds partying.
Debarkation was easy. We sailed out of Bayonne NJ. We left out luggage in the hall the night before. We work up, ate breakfast in the buffet restaurant, and then went down to one of the lounges. They make group number announcements and also show what numbers are debarking on the big screen in the lounge. We waited maybe 20-25 minutes for our number to be called (which was about 10 minutes before the estimated time we were told - we just got up earlier and ate faster than we needed to). You walk into the cruise port, and your luggage is in numbered sections - just like Disney. You find your bags, or you find a porter if you need one, and you wait in line to go through customs. Customs has nothing to do with the cruise line, it all depends on how many people Customs wants to put on, and how fast they are. We waited in line maybe 20 min. Then in Bayonne, there is shuttle bus to your parking lot - that was about 5 minutes, and then we were in our car. Bayonne is in the middle of building a parking deck right next to the terminal, so in the future, the bus to uncovered parking will not be needed.
-dave
This thread has convinced me to look into a one way cruise from Hawaii. We're thinking of flying out to Aulani in a year or two, and taking a ship back to California if possible. Disney doesn't offer one way trips from or to Oahu, but other cruise lines may. Plus, the Disney cruises to Hawaii seem to be during the school year.
Suggestions anyone?
Suggestions anyone?
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
I doubt you will find such a cruise. To understand why, you need to know a little about maritime law.
Ships are registered in different countries. That's why when you hear or see ads for cruises you see things like "ships registry - Bahamas". Many ships register in the Bahamas 9or certain other countries) because the fees and regulations are lower there. This is know as a "flag of convenience" . Very few ships fly a US flag, because US charges are so high.
Now we get to the Passenger Services Act of 1800 something. It states that no ship flying a US flag can sail directly from a US port to a US port - it must stop at a foreign port first. That's why many Alaska cruises go into Vancouver, and many Hawaii cruises stop in Mexico. There are very few US flagged cruise ships that can legally go directly from Hawaii to California.
-dave