Other cruise lines...

[21stamps]

You'll love it. My wife and I are under 100 days until our third DCL trip of the year. We typically try to do two per year with them. We have no kids and have tried Royal Scaribbean, Carnivomit and Norowegian but decided we enjoy DCL's product much, much better.

Without kids.. try Azamara!!!! Seriously, it's a wonderful line to do without children. Maybe on your next cruise after your upcoming DCL one.
I'd still be cruising Azamara If I didn't think the other passengers would hate me for bringing my child.lol

Very true. The big adult party boats ala Carnival would have me worried. RC and NCL are pretty good at keeping a limit on the bad behavior, from what I understand. I did see a topless top deck on my NCL cruise 20 years ago, and there certainly was a lot more drinking, smoking and oglers among the older men, but I would not consider them a sin ship. Church going friends of ours have taken their teenage kids on RC, and had a very good time. With that being said, there's nothing like the magic and service of Disney, especially when the kids are younger. I'm also far more confident that my kids and I won't stumble across something truly bad on a Disney ship, but even there you'll find the occasional yuck.

I think the ship has so much more importance than even the line itself. For example I would never cruise the Norwegian Sky with my kid. One of that ships biggest selling points is the "all inclusive alcohol". I'd love to take kiddo to Cuba, but not on that ship. I feal totally different about the Escape and Getaway though.. they appear to have a lot more options for kids and parents to enjoy together.

 

[jaklgreen]

You'll love it. My wife and I are under 100 days until our third DCL trip of the year. We typically try to do two per year with them. We have no kids and have tried Royal Scaribbean, Carnivomit and Norowegian but decided we enjoy DCL's product much, much better.

I am very much looking forward to be on the cruise child free, even thought they are teens now. Hopefully Irma does not destroy Castaway Cay and I can go see the adult beach for the first time.

 

[ScoutN]

Without kids.. try Azamara!!!! Seriously, it's a wonderful line to do without children. Maybe on your next cruise after your upcoming DCL one.
I'd still be cruising Azamara If I didn't think the other passengers would hate me for bringing my child.lol

I would pass on Azamara. Their demographics are a little more... senior for us.

I am very much looking forward to be on the cruise child free, even thought they are teens now. Hopefully Irma does not destroy Castaway Cay and I can go see the adult beach for the first time.

Serenity Bay is awesome. We certainly have enjoyed it more over the other lines' islands. Serenity Bay BBQ is awesome. The bar right at the beach access is a nice plus. A few times we have seen wild stingrays swimming around SB. Don't be afraid to walk to and from SB when you get on/off the ship. It really is a quite enjoyable walk that offers a lot of sights. IMO you really miss a ton when you take the tram.

 

[jaklgreen]

I would pass on Azamara. Their demographics are a little more... senior for us.



Serenity Bay is awesome. We certainly have enjoyed it more over the other lines' islands. Serenity Bay BBQ is awesome. The bar right at the beach access is a nice plus. A few times we have seen wild stingrays swimming around SB. Don't be afraid to walk to and from SB when you get on/off the ship. It really is a quite enjoyable walk that offers a lot of sights. IMO you really miss a ton when you take the tram.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[Phonedave]

Because there are limits for any income bracket. To me, a few thousand dollars more is not that important. A few tens of thousands more would be. Plus, there's the acknowledgement that splurging on pointless (or marginal) extras for tons more money is just wasteful. I don't need 1st class air travel or a concierge. But I do want magic, cleanliness and a great family-oriented time. I don't want creepy guys in gold chains, heavy drinkers/smokers and the threat of mediocrity.

Similarly, I live in a nice house, but not a mansion, and I drive a nice car but not a late model Mercedes.

Again, everything that you list above (nice car but not a mercedes, few thousand but not tens of thousands) are YOUR cost/benfit trade offs. Everyone has different ideas of what they think is "woth the cost" and while income and available funds do come into play, they are just a portion of the equation. Again it all depends on what you call pointless. For me, I think the extra money that a DCL cruise costs IS pointless (again, unless you have small childern). That is MY take on it, and it is not because I cannot afford a Disney cruise, or because money is tight, it is because I don't think the "extras" that DCL provides over other lines are are worth the difference in price.

I aslo dont understand the refrence to "creepy guys in gold chains" - I would venture to say you can find creepy people (of any sex) anywhere, even on a Disney cruise. Gold chains really just define the type of jewelry a person likes. As for smoking, cruise ships are VERY tight when it comes to smoking - it is a fire hazard, and fire at sea - not good. Aside from designated smoking areas (usually on a given deck and spot, or in a casino if one exists) there is no smoking on a cruise ship. I don't know why a smoker would be attracted to one cruise line over an other because of smoking.

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

Well, now we're kind of off the beaten path. "Nobility" and "respectability" have connotations that probably don't belong in a discussion of cruise line guests. We're not dealing with moral choices here; we're dealing with preference and matters of taste. For what it's worth, here's my two cents on this aspect of the conversation:

1) I think the "magic" argument has merit. No one is saying that you should ALWAYS pay for more magic. As both of you have pointed out, it's a question of how much the magic is worth monetarily to you. And, in fact, that is what this whole thread is about in a nutshell. Nobody here is saying that they'd choose a Disney cruise no matter how much it cost. As you point out, we don't charter jets to Orlando, etc. But we are saying that there is a qualitative difference in the cruise experience, and for some of us, the cost/benefit analysis leads us to the conclusion that the Disney experience is worth the x number of dollars difference. Put me in this camp. I fully understand that not everyone agrees.

I agree 100%. I have allways said that a DCL cruise is top notch, and that there are a number of things they do better than other cruise lines. I just don't think the additional money the charge is justified by the additional perks.

2) While DCL cruisers may not have more nobility than other cruise line guests, I will say that I've never heard anyone say, "I can't wait to get on the Fantasy because we are gonna get hammered". And I have heard guests say that about other cruise lines. People take a Disney cruise primarily, I think, for the family experience. If they wanted the casino experience, they'd sail another line. And I personally don't think any less of those people. Because I don't think that's a matter of nobility; again, it's a matter of preference or taste. The reason, IMHO, that there's no casino or open bar on the DCL ships is not that they don't trust their guests (I think that's a pretty silly statement, to be honest); it's that a casino is a low priority for the demographic that they're trying to attract.

I will give you that some cruise lines are "party" cruise lines. I will also give you that some people's idea of a good time is becommnig quite drunk. However, I don't think that offereing a beverage package, if targeted correctly, attracts those sort of people. My nights of pounding dollar Buds or $4 pitchers are way in my past - not since college (and the fact that you could get $1 Buds tells you how long ago that was).buy my wife and I still enjoy alcoholic drinks, in moderation, and especially when we do not have to worry about driving (again, that damn adult responsibility keeps messing with us). You can easily have a family experience, and offer a beverage package. You have your bartenders cut people off. If DCL truly was worried about excessive drinking on their cruises, then they would run a dry ship - or maybe offer alcohol in limited venues - not have butlers walking around offering you the "drink of the day"

As for gambling, I can take it or leave it (more often than not, I leave it) but I understand how it appeals to some people. I dont understand how it impacts a family atmosphere. If you don't put the casino smack in the middle of the ship, then nobody has to go through it if they dont want to .Its not as if people come out of the casino with some sort of aura of "I was just gambling" that ruins the atmosphere of the ship.

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

Your logic escapes me. Allowing the gambling and over-drinking would attract problem people that would compromise Disney's customer base. Disney attracts the family set because their guests don't miss the gambling and over-drinking. Why offer something as a lure for problem people? If Disney did that, they would--duh?--bring in a bunch of gold-chained gamblers and drinkers. They don't want that crowd, so they don't offer the stuff that that crowd would want.

If magically a casino was suddenly offered on Disney ships unbeknownst to the guests when they booked, I doubt that it would be very successful. Yeah, a few curious people would stop in, but that's not why they're there. Yet if people knew ahead of time that Disney had a casino, the chain smoking gamblers would be more likely to book, thus watering down the family atmosphere of the ship. Bad Bad Bad move on Disney's part, which is why it hasn't happened.

Put another way, offering the sin would attract the sinners. It may also corrupt the non-sinners. It also would be likely to deter the family set that is the core of Disney's customer base. Disney families would be more likely to vacation elsewhere. As I said earlier, one reason I'm willing to pay a premium for the Disney ship is because those people aren't prevalent. If I wanted over-drinking and gambling, I'd book on Carnival. This is Marketing 101 and Econ 101. Again, your logic escapes me on this at several levels.

You said it right there - it may corrupt the non-sinners. That is the point. According to you, DCL guests are "noble". If they are so noble, then having the temtation there would not pose a problem.

Also, I am not proposing that DCL offer "over-drinking", I am proposing a beverage package. A beverage package does not mean over drinking, especially if you price it accordingly and you have a good bar staff. If sombody wants to get drunk, they are going to get drink, weather they have a beverage package or not.

Again, I am also a bit confused about "chain smoking gamblers" - In your mind are all smokers gamblers, or are all gamblers smokers, and when released into the public from their smokey casinos, what exactly do they do to ruin a family atmosphere?

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

You can say DCL cruisers are more "respectable" than those pax on other lines, but I have seen a couple having sex in Evolution on the Dream. I swear on my son's life this is true. If you've ever been in a club on one of the ships, you know they aren't that heavily utilized.They were pretty easy to spot.

ETA: Go to "Match your Mate." There you will find spouses bragging about the the weirdest places they found the "Magic." You will be treated to stories of husbands being serviced by their wives while driving on I-95 and someone saying "that'd be the butt."

Let's not act like DCL is Cuinard, ok?

I have also seen some over the top PDAs on DCL - not outright intercourse, but stuff that should have been in a room. Also plenty of cursing, plenty of parents ignoring their kids, plenty of kids runnning rampant with no supervision, quite a few drunk people, some VERY loud and "into it" people at cash bigno (which is gambling after all) and I am sure more not-so "honorable" actions.

I think some people get a case of the "Disney Blinders" where they think anything Disney is going to be some sanitized verision of the world, despite the fact that anything Disney exists IN the world. By the same token, some people seem to think that if anybody indulges in any sort of vice (inclusive drinking, gambling, smoking, or gold chain wearing) they immedieatly drag everybody around them in to a giant smoky pit of multiple marrages, cheating spouses, and drunken debauchery that will harm their psyche for all time.

 

[jaklgreen]

I agree 100%. I have allways said that a DCL cruise is top notch, and that there are a number of things they do better than other cruise lines. I just don't think the additional money the charge is justified by the additional perks.



I will give you that some cruise lines are "party" cruise lines. I will also give you that some people's idea of a good time is becommnig quite drunk. However, I don't think that offereing a beverage package, if targeted correctly, attracts those sort of people. My nights of pounding dollar Buds or $4 pitchers are way in my past - not since college (and the fact that you could get $1 Buds tells you how long ago that was).buy my wife and I still enjoy alcoholic drinks, in moderation, and especially when we do not have to worry about driving (again, that damn adult responsibility keeps messing with us). You can easily have a family experience, and offer a beverage package. You have your bartenders cut people off. If DCL truly was worried about excessive drinking on their cruises, then they would run a dry ship - or maybe offer alcohol in limited venues - not have butlers walking around offering you the "drink of the day"

As for gambling, I can take it or leave it (more often than not, I leave it) but I understand how it appeals to some people. I dont understand how it impacts a family atmosphere. If you don't put the casino smack in the middle of the ship, then nobody has to go through it if they dont want to .Its not as if people come out of the casino with some sort of aura of "I was just gambling" that ruins the atmosphere of the ship.

-dave

I am kind of surprised that Disney offers their beer and wine package deals but not a general alcohol drink package.

 

[jaklgreen]

Again, I am also a bit confused about "chain smoking gamblers" - In your mind are all smokers gamblers, or are all gamblers smokers, and when released into the public from their smokey casinos, what exactly do they do to ruin a family atmosphere?

For me the smoking issue is one of a health concern. I am very allergic to it, instant migraine, runny nose, rash that seems to be getting worse and worse as I get older. So I need to avoid it altogether. I have been on another cruise line(Celebrity) and my experience with it was bad when it came to smoking. The casino was central on the ship and near the grand foyer and I could smell the smoke anywhere near the center of the ship because it wafted up. I know most people who are not sensitive to the smoke can not smell it but I have the nose of a bloodhound on top of being allergic to it. I actually have this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperosmia, it sucks. That ship also allowed smoking at almost all of the outdoor bar areas which were around to pool decks. So that limited me greatly on where I could actually go on the ship. The Disney cruise line keeps it to 1 side of the ship away from the main pool areas so I can avoid it. And most gamblers are smokers, just go to a casino and look around. For me the Disney cruise is amazing, not for the smoking issue but just in general. The food is amazing, our room has always been spotless, the bed is comfy, and the customer service is outstanding. I believe that you get what you pay for when it comes to cruises.

 

[Ralphlaw]

I aslo dont understand the refrence to "creepy guys in gold chains" - I would venture to say you can find creepy people (of any sex) anywhere, even on a Disney cruise. Gold chains really just define the type of jewelry a person likes. As for smoking, cruise ships are VERY tight when it comes to smoking - it is a fire hazard, and fire at sea - not good. Aside from designated smoking areas (usually on a given deck and spot, or in a casino if one exists) there is no smoking on a cruise ship. I don't know why a smoker would be attracted to one cruise line over an other because of smoking.

-dave

Why do some 50+ year old guys wear gold chains? I have no idea, but often it seems to be someone with a highball in their hand and lecherous looks in their eyes. Except for royalty, most classy people are tasteful in their jewelry choices. To me, an older guy with a gold chain (without a rosary or other meaningful symbol) is a sign of "Hey, look at my chest--not bad for an old guy, huh?"

I also think that Disney probably has one of the most stringent smoking policies in the industry. On our one Norwegian cruise, smoking was all over, especially around the casino.

You said it right there - it may corrupt the non-sinners. That is the point. According to you, DCL guests are "noble". If they are so noble, then having the temtation there would not pose a problem.

Again, I am also a bit confused about "chain smoking gamblers" - In your mind are all smokers gamblers, or are all gamblers smokers, and when released into the public from their smokey casinos, what exactly do they do to ruin a family atmosphere?

-dave

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." All people can be tempted, even devout Christians. Even me. Remove the temptation, and the sin is less likely to occur. I also don't want my family around such things.

When smoking was allowed in casinos (and in many places it still is, apparently),.I saw many chain smokers who were losing needed money, including their mortgage payments. It's another undisciplined addictive behavior. No, not all gamblers are smokers and vice versa, but there is definitely a correlation in my experience

 

[jaklgreen]

When smoking was allowed in casinos (and in many places it still is, apparently),.I saw many chain smokers who were losing needed money, including their mortgage payments. It's another undisciplined addictive behavior. No, not all gamblers are smokers and vice versa, but there is definitely a correlation in my experience

It's an addiction thing. Some people are more susceptible to addiction and they usually have more then 1. Smoking, drinking and gambling all usually go hand in hand. I don't know why some people can just have a couple of drinks, or go and gamble for fun and then stop and others just can not stop.

 

[21stamps]

It's an addiction thing. Some people are more susceptible to addiction and they usually have more then 1. Smoking, drinking and gambling all usually go hand in hand. I don't know why some people can just have a couple of drinks, or go and gamble for fun and then stop and others just can not stop.

Going to a casino or enjoying card games does not make someone an "addict". Even those who play some slots with a drink in their hand on a vacation are probably nowhere near an "addict".

Smoking is an addiction, I'll give ya that one.

I don't think all smokers are gamblers and vice versa.. plus most of the casinos that I've been to are non smoking.

None, even those with smoking areas, allow smoking in their poker rooms that I know of.

 

[jaklgreen]

Going to a casino or enjoying card games does not make someone an "addict". Even those who play some slots with a drink in their hand on a vacation are probably nowhere near an "addict".

Smoking is an addiction, I'll give ya that one.

I don't think all smokers are gamblers and vice versa.. plus most of the casinos that I've been to are non smoking.

None, even those with smoking areas, allow smoking in their poker rooms that I know of.

That is why I said "SOME PEOPLE" have addictions and others can go and gamble and have a drink and not become addicts. Why are you being intentionally obtuse just to cause an argument? And I have never seen a casino that is non smoking.

 

[21stamps]

That is why I said "SOME PEOPLE" have addictions and others can go and gamble and have a drink and not become addicts. Why are you being intentionally obtuse just to cause an argument? And I have never seen a casino that is non smoking.

Because these comments are ridiculous. It's not arguing, it's just stating facts. Plenty of casinos are 100% smoke free, Poker rooms are almost always smoke free (not sure if any smoking ones exist).

Shockingly- many "normal" "family" people can be inside a casino on land or at sea..and chances are- those same people will be on a DCL ship as well, the great majority of them are most likely not alcoholics or degenerate gamblers. As someone mentioned earlier, BINGO is also gambling.

This is the strangest coversation that I have ever seen.

 

[21stamps]

I would pass on Azamara. Their demographics are a little more... senior for us.



Serenity Bay is awesome. We certainly have enjoyed it more over the other lines' islands. Serenity Bay BBQ is awesome. The bar right at the beach access is a nice plus. A few times we have seen wild stingrays swimming around SB. Don't be afraid to walk to and from SB when you get on/off the ship. It really is a quite enjoyable walk that offers a lot of sights. IMO you really miss a ton when you take the tram.

Just mentioned it because in my experience it has the most fantastic ports compared to most, well traveled guests on board, typically enough of a younger demographic to still be lively enough. But yes, there's plenty of the 50+ demographic as well.
Not all cruise lines will be attractive to everyone, to each their own.

 

[jaklgreen]

Because these comments are ridiculous. It's not arguing, it's just stating facts. Plenty of casinos are 100% smoke free, Poker rooms are almost always smoke free (not sure if any smoking ones exist).

Shockingly- many "normal" "family" people can be inside a casino on land or at sea..and chances are- those same people will be on a DCL ship as well, the great majority of them are most likely not alcoholics or degenerate gamblers. As someone mentioned earlier, BINGO is also gambling.

This is the strangest coversation that I have ever seen.

You are arguing my same point. You are not reading what I post but actually just spitting stuff out that is basically the same exact thing that I was saying. You are doing it just to be argumentative with me. It's stupid.

 

[21stamps]

You are arguing my same point. You are not reading what I post but actually just spitting stuff out that is basically the same exact thing that I was saying. You are doing it just to be argumentative with me. It's stupid.

I hope you cheer up and have a magical day

You're going on a cruise soon.. time to be excited!

 

[21stamps]

Why do some 50+ year old guys wear gold chains? I have no idea, but often it seems to be someone with a highball in their hand and lecherous looks in their eyes. Except for royalty, most classy people are tasteful in their jewelry choices. To me, an older guy with a gold chain (without a rosary or other meaningful symbol) is a sign of "Hey, look at my chest--not bad for an old guy, huh?"

I also think that Disney probably has one of the most stringent smoking policies in the industry. On our one Norwegian cruise, smoking was all over, especially around the casino.




"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." All people can be tempted, even devout Christians. Even me. Remove the temptation, and the sin is less likely to occur. I also don't want my family around such things.

When smoking was allowed in casinos (and in many places it still is, apparently),.I saw many chain smokers who were losing needed money, including their mortgage payments. It's another undisciplined addictive behavior. No, not all gamblers are smokers and vice versa, but there is definitely a correlation in my experience

I am catholic.. if it wasn't for drinking and gambling we would never raise any money for our church and schools

I'm joking.. but we do have plenty of alcohol served at our church festival, and we have a Texas hold 'em tournament.. And our biggest event of the year, always white or black tie, also serves alcohol. In fact there's always a few bottles of wine that bring in a lot of money in the silent auction. So I'm not sure if drinking and gambling could be evil in those scenarios, we bring in a lot of money which is put to fantastic use as a result. All involved are very family and church oriented.

 

[Phonedave]

Why do some 50+ year old guys wear gold chains? I have no idea, but often it seems to be someone with a highball in their hand and lecherous looks in their eyes. Except for royalty, most classy people are tasteful in their jewelry choices. To me, an older guy with a gold chain (without a rosary or other meaningful symbol) is a sign of "Hey, look at my chest--not bad for an old guy, huh?"

I also think that Disney probably has one of the most stringent smoking policies in the industry. On our one Norwegian cruise, smoking was all over, especially around the casino.




"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." All people can be tempted, even devout Christians. Even me. Remove the temptation, and the sin is less likely to occur. I also don't want my family around such things.

When smoking was allowed in casinos (and in many places it still is, apparently),.I saw many chain smokers who were losing needed money, including their mortgage payments. It's another undisciplined addictive behavior. No, not all gamblers are smokers and vice versa, but there is definitely a correlation in my experience

You make a LOT of assumptions that seem to be based on religious aspects.

You think wearing a gold chain is wrong, unless it has a rosary. Maybe it is a family heriloom, or maybe their wife gave it to them, or maybe they bought on their honeymoon and they wear it as a reminder, or maybe they just think a gold chain looks good. I happen to know many people men and women that wear chains. None of which are in any way lecherous or problem drinkers (as far as I know) - and for the record, the only jewelery I wear is a watch and my wedding band. I don't even own a necklace (gold or otherwise)

Yes, all people can be tempted (Christianity has nothing to do with it, if you are "good" only becuase you are afraid god is going to send you to hell without an electric fan, then you have some real moral issues to work through). Just like bravery is being afraid, but still doing what has to be done, "morality" is being tempted but resisting that temptation. It is easy to be "good" and "moral" and "classy" when there is no opportunity to do otherwise. The true test of character is when presented with a situation where you can go in either direction, and you choose the correct one.

I would also like to know how you knew these people were loosing needed money, including mortgage payments? DId they yell out "Oh no, that was my mortgage payment" when they lost, or did you conduct an inverview afterwards. Maybe they were just gambling with money that they were fine with loosing. My wife and I go into casinos every so often, and when we do, we walk in with a fixed limit. It's money that we know we can loose with no impact, in fact we expect to loose it. We look at it as paying for entertainment. If I drop $400 to go to NYC and see a show for about 3-4 hours, or I go into a casino and "loose" $400 and am entertained for 3-4 hours, how is that any different? And, again, for the record, I don't drop $400 in a casino for 3-4 hours of entertainment. We spend about $100 for about an hour or so, and then leave. After an hour the entertainment aspect fades for us.

There are many people who are the same way. They set limits, and stick to them. Not just with gambling, but with many things in life.DCL (as with other lines) have buffets that run close to 24 hours, with plenty of unhealthy food. Some people have eating disorders and gorge themselves, others may have an extra slice of cake because "its vacation" and leave it at that. Should we rail about buffets on ships because it is unhealthy? Same thing goes for alcohol, even without a drink package, there are people who are going to get totally drunk, but there are people who will have a drink or two because they are on vacation. If alcohol is so bad, then why not press to have it removed from the ships all together. What about smoking, maybe that should be banned in its entirety as well.