Price comparison DCL vs. other lines

[mikewdw]

just thinking of trying a different line than DCL if we could find one for a good savings
our situation is 5 people, 2 adults, 3kids (14, 12, 12) . We really can only go for about 7-10 days in late may or early june(both teachers) its difficult trying to price it on other websites with 5 (have to call)
We love DCL but we have already done their western & eastern carribean itinerary.
are other lines an option for us or is that time about the same price wise? especially considering the size of rooms, we have always done balcony on DCL

any info appreciated
mikewdw

 

[rob0519]

DCL will always be more expensive than other lines for similarly sized staterooms. For DCL money you can move into larger staterooms on most lines or with that sized family I hope you're considering two rooms. Check the NCL or RCI websites. I've always been able to get prices without calling. Keep in mind that Disney standards are higher than both those lines. Additionally, the other lines will have more adulty passengers which mean more bars and a casino. I love the NCL Escape, but would prefer the Disney Wonder again, if it were still in our price range.

 

[ChuckElias]

Mike, where are you sailing from? Or are you willing to fly anywhere to get the cruise that you really want?

Rob's comments are all spot-on, btw. My family did the NCL Breakaway last summer. Our 9-night itinerary from NYC was the same cost as a DCL 7-night in a similar category stateroom, and we saved an additional $1200 by not having to fly to Florida. So financially, it was great. But our experience was nowhere near what we're used to with DCL. As long as you're aware of that, and ok with it, then no problem. (You can read that trip report here, although I think the pictures will be deleted by Photobucket: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/a-non-dcl-trip-report-ncl-breakaway-july-1-9-2016.916193/ )

Some lines will be nearly as good for a lower price. Celebrity and Holland America come to mind. Royal Caribbean is good for what your pay, but again, it's discernibly less (IMHO) than what you get with DCL.

 

[21stamps]

I'm so wanting to go on a Quantum class RCI ship.. can't give a personal review, but have heard nothing but good things. With the ages of your kids I would definitely check it out!

 

[ChuckElias]

I'm so wanting to go on a Quantum class RCI ship.. can't give a personal review, but have heard nothing but good things. With the ages of your kids I would definitely check it out!

I sailed the Quantum on one of its inaugurals. I was very happy with it. I think I have a ton of pictures somewhere to share if people are interested.

 

[21stamps]

I sailed the Quantum on one of its inaugurals. I was very happy with it. I think I have a ton of pictures somewhere to share if people are interested.

I am very interested! Please share.

 

[21stamps]

@ChuckElias , will you be sailing the Symphony of the Seas when it comes out?
It looks amazing, but the amount of passengers seems crazy. I'm just getting used to the idea of over 4000.. can't even imagine over 6k.
How much things have changed..lol. I'm old.

 

[ChuckElias]

@ChuckElias , will you be sailing the Symphony of the Seas when it comes out?
It looks amazing, but the amount of passengers seems crazy.

Unfortunately, I won't on the Symphony anytime soon. I was able to get on the Quantum because my company had its annual convention in Atlantic City at the time the ship was making its initial runs. We did a 3 night cruise to nowhere, which would now be illegal. Anyway, my company hasn't made arrangements to get us on the Symphony. Oh well.

And I'm 100% with you. The ships are just getting too big. I don't want to be in a city of 6,000+ people (including crew).

 

[mikewdw]

All Florida ports are drivable for us so we are really locked into them price wise. New Orleans is drivable too. Air fate for 5 puts a lot out of range for us
Mikewdw

 

[pilka214]

If you want something different, RCL and NCL are both quality products for a much more affordable price. Also I know NCL has special deals for booking, like unlimited drink packages for free!!! The trick with Norwegian, IMO, is to avoid their huge ships, their itineraries are hit or miss and the big ships are just too cluttered. Check out the Dawn, Gem or Jewel if you're considering norwegian, they have amazing ports of call and quality entertainment and a fraction the cost of Disney. However no one beats disney at quality.

 

[21stamps]

All Florida ports are drivable for us so we are really locked into them price wise. New Orleans is drivable too. Air fate for 5 puts a lot out of range for us
Mikewdw

You might want to also looked at the NCL Escape or Getaway out of Miami..even Epic out of Port Canaveral.

The Escape and Getaway Western Caribbean ports are - Belize, Honduras, Costa Maya, Cozumel, which I think is great. The Eastern on those ships are standard though.
The Epic's Eastern includes Great Stirrup Cay.

 

[pilka214]

You might want to also looked at the NCL Escape or Getaway out of Miami..even Epic out of Port Canaveral.

The Escape and Getaway Western Caribbean ports are - Belize, Honduras, Costa Maya, Cozumel, which I think is great. The Eastern on those ships are standard though.
The Epic's Eastern includes Great Stirrup Cay.

I used to work on the Getaway, I like the ship enough, but it just seemed so over the top and hectic. Also I despise the Epic ,one of the worst designed ships in history. The western Caribbean itinerary is a phenomenal trip though, i loved it when i sailed it. I do still prefer norwegians smaller ships, they consistently get better guest feedback than the larger ones and the crew members are far more personal since their are significantly less guests.

 

[mikewdw]

we are a little hesitant about trying another cruise line. we love WDW and and truly loved our 3 cruises on DCL but between our kids getting older (14, 12, 12) and not into characters near as much, possibly trying new itenerary and possible savings willing to check out other options. We would NOT like a party atmosphere, can anyone speak on the atmosphere of the ships compared to DCL? also any other intangible things people have notices on other lines.
also we are pretty much locked into only ports in south east within driving distance for us. air fare for 5 not a friend!
thanks

 

[21stamps]

I used to work on the Getaway, I like the ship enough, but it just seemed so over the top and hectic. Also I despise the Epic ,one of the worst designed ships in history. The western Caribbean itinerary is a phenomenal trip though, i loved it when i sailed it. I do still prefer norwegians smaller ships, they consistently get better guest feedback than the larger ones and the crew members are far more personal since their are significantly less guests.

I ruled out the Epic because of the lack of a promenade. The bathrooms look very odd in photos as well!

Switched from the Escape to the Getaway because they have a few more activities for kids, and a pirate themed mini golf course. Unless we totally hate the Getaway, I'm hoping to do the Escape sometime in the next 10 months.

 

[21stamps]

we are a little hesitant about trying another cruise line. we love WDW and and truly loved our 3 cruises on DCL but between our kids getting older (14, 12, 12) and not into characters near as much, possibly trying new itenerary and possible savings willing to check out other options. We would NOT like a party atmosphere, can anyone speak on the atmosphere of the ships compared to DCL? also any other intangible things people have notices on other lines.
also we are pretty much locked into only ports in south east within driving distance for us. air fare for 5 not a friend!
thanks

Seriously, with kids those ages I would do a Royal Caribbean or NCL mega ship. There is sooo much for kids/tweens/teens to do!
Actually I'd probably throw in the Carnival Vista as well from reviews/photos. Not sure where she is sailing from right now..but the ship does look great.
Carnival's Vista, RCI's Oasis or Quantum, and NCL's Breakaway class are all rated very high for families.. I don't think you go wrong with any of them.

Are you a member of CC? The only problem with that site is some people are extremely loyal to specific lines, and share opinions accordingly. I have no loyalty.lol. All that matters to me is ports and ship activities/amenities.

Here's 2 googled photos of why I personally want to try the Vista..

 

[pilka214]

Carnival has a reputation for being the party line... lots of young adults and a ton of focus on drinking and the casino. RCL and NCL are very family friendly and have great kid/teen activities, lots of great deals and lots of diverse itineraries. Since I know your kids age range, the larger ships do offer a whole lot of entertainment options, between the water slides, ropes courses and the likes. Plus their youth programs really are only second to Disney's. Definitely worth the cost, the shows onboard are great, just slightly below disney's quality again, but still fantastic. Honestly the only thing missing on the other lines is the Magic. They're all great options, avoid carnival if possible, but for the price it's also a great deal. I sailed carnival for my first couple cruises as a teen with my family and loved it, but once i went Disney i rarely want to sail with anyone else.