DCL carry-on alcohol policy changing Sept. 30 2015

[C6PT7]

My biggest point! Disney should strive to set themselves apart from their competitors. It's the only way they can justify the gross price difference. If they're succumbing to the industry standard there's no reason to pay the premium.

Disney has fireworks whereas other cruise lines do not. NCL stopped doing them. But, really, are we all going to chomp at the bit to pay double for 10 minutes of actual fireworks? Um, no. For that kind of money I can buy a whole boat-load of fireworks and my teenagers can have several nights of pyro-fun.

I agree with your post, but i think dcl will HAVE to strive to set themselves apart from their competitors if they continue to increase prices, increase up charges, remove perks and reduce operating times, and bring new ships online if they are going to fill them all. there is only so much value in the disney brand, and novelties like magic portholes (upstaged by rci's introduction of virtual verandahs), mickey bands that are still not compatible between the parks and dcl, and still not able to be used for purchases on dcl or open rooms (upstaged again by rci's wow bands). the aqua duck is a draw, but compared to other lines that have multiple slides and flowriders, rock climbing walls, zip lines, rope courses. they have been left behind in the offerings for families of all ages.

The $25 corking fee is ridiculous and will only cause more people to self serve in their cabin and bring the drinks to the mdrs imo.

the introduction of a paid for premium ice cream outlet on the dream is a disgrace.

Ive seen the mention of charging for sodas. I think they would have their sights set firmly on charging for kids clubs after a certain hour next if i were to guess the next thing to be changed. money, money, money is all Karl is interested and could not care less about customer satisfaction.

 

[Travelbee]

Honestly, for me, it's not even so much about the booze or the cost but more about costs continuing to go up and perks continuing to go down.

My point is that if the value and little perks that keep me loyal keep going away... so goes my loyalty.

"They used to offer perks and incentives that put them in a class that really prevented them from being compared side by side to other cruise lines because you really could not place a value on emotions or certain perks that were unique to DCL...start taking those away and people will see less gray and more black and white and the line item comparisons will be much easier. Its not just about the new policy, its the direction the organization is moving that is alarming to me. More and more cuts with price hikes that are not just keeping up with inflation or demand...its nuts!

I agree with many PPs. The things that set DCL apart from other cruiselines are getting smaller and smaller. And these changes come every few months - from the top of my head - just within the past 12 months, DCL:

- Changed the alcohol policy
- Took away the ability to drop off items for character signings
- Increased surcharge at Palo
- Instituted the 24 month limit to onboard booking benefits (was 18 months until the outpour of complaints)

And there are so many more that had slowly been taken away. Anyone remember the onboard credit for castaway members? We also found that the entertainment is no longer top notch. On our Baltic cruise last month, we walked out of two shows because they were so bad and didn't bother going to most of the others. The Broadway style shows are still great but getting really old for repeat customers. We've already been talking about checking out other cruiselines before this policy change, so this change could be what pushes us over.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

On the bright side, between those who now won't cruise DCL because they can't drop off items to be signed and those who won't sail DCL because they can't bring liquor onboard, maybe we'll start seeing special rates pop up again (more military, Florida Resident, *GT and/or Kids Sail Free!)

I doubt it. For every one of us that loses interest there's 3 jumping in. I hope for the special rates to come back, too, but if DCL is selling at full fare don't count on it. FYI, the most recent VGT I saw for the Fantasy was something like $3700? DH & I did a VGT on the Fantasy 2 Septembers ago for about $2100. $1500 increase on a discount in 2 years. Even the *GTs aren't that great.

We can book a balcony guarantee on NCL Getaway for 7-night Eastern for right at $2k. Hmmm....$1700....... that's a whole lotta moolah....

 

[AppleDGang]

I can't believe how much this has pissed me off - but it struck a nerve. We're wine lovers, and we love DCL, and have another cruise booked in April. But the wine selection on DCL just sucks, but what made it work is that we could bring good wine. The wine selection in the MDRs is a crime it's so bad, and the good stuff in Remy and Palo costs about as much as college tuition. The lack of imagination, choice - and reasonable prices - in both the wine and beer selection, has driven people like us to carry our own with us.

On our last cruise we brought a hard-sided suitcase, specifically designed to carry wine. We weren't trying to save lots of money - we just wanted to drink good wine on our beautiful cruise, and don't think that's asking too much. But with a 4 bottle limit (and there's no way I can stumble upon wine I really want while in a port) for a whole cruise means that I'm either drinking crap wine for 3 nights, or getting fleeced for 3 nights. Neither is really acceptable on an otherwise outstanding vacation that costs me almost 7k. Maybe it really is time to look elsewhere.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

This won't be a terribly popular opinion, but I'm glad that they are limiting the type and quantity of alcohol brought on board. I wasn't happy with the idea of booze in the fish extenders, nor the idea of large amounts of alcohol available in the cabins. I saw large numbers of teens roaming around the ship, and I feel more comfortable for my own kids knowing that other rooms don't have huge stashes of hard liquor available. Kids do dumb things, I know I did as a teenager. As a cruise line catering mainly to families, I'd think limiting people to wine and beer in lower quantities will reduce liability for everyone.

I know most people are responsible with their booze. I also know that teens sneak booze pretty frequently. Not a great thing on a ship.

FYI, at the Captains Reception in the atrium on a few cruises the waiters offered drinks to my teenage sons. And my niece when she was 16. Also, if your kids befriend anyone 21 & over the friend can buy/provide drinks to your kids. There's no getting around the possibility of teenagers getting alcohol if they want it. The only way Disney could ever ensure that doesn't happen is to forbid all alcohol on the ship anywhere. That's never going to happen.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I agree with your post, but i think dcl will HAVE to strive to set themselves apart from their competitors if they continue to increase prices, increase up charges, remove perks and reduce operating times, and bring new ships online if they are going to fill them all. there is only so much value in the disney brand, and novelties like magic portholes (upstaged by rci's introduction of virtual verandahs), mickey bands that are still not compatible between the parks and dcl, and still not able to be used for purchases on dcl or open rooms (upstaged again by rci's wow bands). the aqua duck is a draw, but compared to other lines that have multiple slides and flowriders, rock climbing walls, zip lines, rope courses. they have been left behind in the offerings for families of all ages.

The $25 corking fee is ridiculous and will only cause more people to self serve in their cabin and bring the drinks to the mdrs imo.

the introduction of a paid for premium ice cream outlet on the dream is a disgrace.

Ive seen the mention of charging for sodas. I think they would have their sights set firmly on charging for kids clubs after a certain hour next if i were to guess the next thing to be changed. money, money, money is all Karl is interested and could not care less about customer satisfaction.

Nope. I think next will be raising the auto-gratuities. That's just me thinking outloud but it's going to happen. Only a matter of time. They can't hang at $12pp/night forever. NCL raised theirs to $13.50/$15.00. Oh how the heads will roll when it happens. Mark my word!

 

[vinotinto]

LOL, how many times did I read comments by DISers here saying that the days of a generous Disney alcohol policy were limited. So many would just pour themselves drinks and bring them to the MDR, public areas, etc.

I think the lenient alcohol policy was a huge selling point for Disney and helped to balance out a little the high costs. I wonder if once the bar tab is factored in, if fewer travelers will actually book Disney cruise.

 

[godde8ss]

I do not know what good it will do, but I hope that everyone that expresses their feelings on this forum, will in turn, express them to Disney...I have already sent one email, and plan on many more. Phone calls too. I have read many eloquent arguments on here, and feel Disney should hear them too. These include, but are not limited to, the travel agents that promote a perk and the perk is removed after PIF, the guest who pre-budgeted their expenses, the wine lovers that previously bought a special carry on so they could enjoy their wine as promised, the craft beer lovers who were previously psyched about sipping decent beers while getting ready in their cabins...and ALL of us who feel the Disney magic keeps shrinking as the dollar grows.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I can't believe how much this has pissed me off - but it struck a nerve. We're wine lovers, and we love DCL, and have another cruise booked in April. But the wine selection on DCL just sucks, but what made it work is that we could bring good wine. The wine selection in the MDRs is a crime it's so bad, and the good stuff in Remy and Palo costs about as much as college tuition. The lack of imagination, choice - and reasonable prices - in both the wine and beer selection, has driven people like us to carry our own with us.

On our last cruise we brought a hard-sided suitcase, specifically designed to carry wine. We weren't trying to save lots of money - we just wanted to drink good wine on our beautiful cruise, and don't think that's asking too much. But with a 4 bottle limit (and there's no way I can stumble upon wine I really want while in a port) for a whole cruise means that I'm either drinking crap wine for 3 nights, or getting fleeced for 3 nights. Neither is really acceptable on an otherwise outstanding vacation that costs me almost 7k. Maybe it really is time to look elsewhere.

I don't have much a taste for wine. I'm more a cocktail or beer girl myself. I've read the wine list thinking I'd like to try to be more sophisticated and I was unimpressed. Being a wine light-weight I'm looking for moscatos. Didn't see much in the way of those. The ones that are there, holy smokes at the prices! I was wondering what the perspective would be from the serious wine conosseiurs. One of my friends I travel with each fall really schooled the somolier in Remy on the Dream a couple years ago. It was entertaining, at least. LOL!

Please, be sure to contact DCL and explain your feelings. Your voice should be heard.

 

[eskimoinparadise]

We have a Disney cruise booked for October, 2016. Instead of researching shore excursions, DW has me researching convenience stores close to the ports where we can replenish our beer and wine supplies

 

[C6PT7]

This won't be a terribly popular opinion, but I'm glad that they are limiting the type and quantity of alcohol brought on board. I wasn't happy with the idea of booze in the fish extenders, nor the idea of large amounts of alcohol available in the cabins. I saw large numbers of teens roaming around the ship, and I feel more comfortable for my own kids knowing that other rooms don't have huge stashes of hard liquor available. Kids do dumb things, I know I did as a teenager. As a cruise line catering mainly to families, I'd think limiting people to wine and beer in lower quantities will reduce liability for everyone.

I know most people are responsible with their booze. I also know that teens sneak booze pretty frequently. Not a great thing on a ship.

Kids do dumb things, you and i did as teenagers. We survived, and learnt from it. Kids could be sneaking booze at a friends house and then someone drives drunk, decided its a good idea to go into the pool in the yard, slip and bang their head, be taken advantage of by someone else whilst under the influence. Just saying a ship can be a dangerous enviroment, but even at home too. Peer pressure is everywhere.
responsible adults will know how much hard liquor they have in a bottle, and will have taught their kids that there are repercussions of stealing and drinking also. it is not the cruise lines job to be the parental guardian of these kids from their parents alcohol stash.

 

[MunFam]

On the bright side, between those who now won't cruise DCL because they can't drop off items to be signed and those who won't sail DCL because they can't bring liquor onboard, maybe we'll start seeing special rates pop up again (more military, Florida Resident, *GT and/or Kids Sail Free!)

Even if there are some special rates popping up, they are much higher. If you compare *almost* apples to apples for example. The OGT for the 2015 WBPC to the 2015 EBPC for our family of 3 is almost $1000 higher (for a lesser category). This is also true for the same cruise on the MTO offer. So, even IF there are more special rates, those fares are still increasing at rates that cannot be explained away with any logical or reasonable excuse other than the demand is there and people are willing to pay.

 

[taymorel]

I just wish they had waited until 2016 to make this effective, since our cruise is this November. Oh well.

 

[C6PT7]

Nope. I think next will be raising the auto-gratuities. That's just me thinking outloud but it's going to happen. Only a matter of time. They can't hang at $12pp/night forever. NCL raised theirs to $13.50/$15.00. Oh how the heads will roll when it happens. Mark my word!

I agree, and i personally would have no problem with them upping the charge to $14 a day. that is still reasonable to me. But if they do, I think they should just include it in the cruise fare because so many will be outraged and as you say heads will roll that some more than already will fight back by removing the auto tip altogether or adjusting it back down.

 

[AliceIn]

FYI, at the Captains Reception in the atrium on a few cruises the waiters offered drinks to my teenage sons. And my niece when she was 16. Also, if your kids befriend anyone 21 & over the friend can buy/provide drinks to your kids. There's no getting around the possibility of teenagers getting alcohol if they want it. The only way Disney could ever ensure that doesn't happen is to forbid all alcohol on the ship anywhere. That's never going to happen.

It's less likely for them to be served alcohol, and on a Disney cruise, I think it's also less likely that an adult would be buying a teen drinks. I'm just glad that there aren't places for kids to gather alone and drink. As I said, it wouldn't be a popular opinion, but since for us the cruise is a family getaway, having it be just a bit safer is ok in my book.

 

[vinotinto]

Even though Disney is allowing you to bring 2 bottles of wine at each port of call, the ports of call in the Caribbean where Disney stops are not really known for high-quality, well-priced wine. So, even though they allow you to bring two more bottles, are you really going to pay the crazy prices of Grand Cayman or deal with the not-so-great selection in Jamaica or Bahamas? And at $25 for corkage you are not going to come out ahead.

Now, the bigger bummer is when you buy some artisanal liqueurs as souvenirs, are you able to bring those back, even if they need to be kept in the "naughty" room until the end of the cruise? I sometimes buy locally-made alcohol as souvenirs.

 

[MunFam]

It's less likely for them to be served alcohol, and on a Disney cruise, I think it's also less likely that an adult would be buying a teen drinks. I'm just glad that there aren't places for kids to gather alone and drink. As I said, it wouldn't be a popular opinion, but since for us the cruise is a family getaway, having it be just a bit safer is ok in my book.

People are people no matter what cruise line you are on. Sorry to bust your Disney bubble, but if you think that just because someone is sailing on a Disney Cruise means they are less likely to buy a minor a drink...

 

[sweetpee_1993]

People are people no matter what cruise line you are on. Sorry to bust your Disney bubble, but if you think that just because someone is sailing on a Disney Cruise means they are less likely to buy a minor a drink...

Like the 24 yro that gave my 19 yro a bottle of Patron. I'm sure he had such strong morals he would never have purchased my son a bar drink. Again, I don't fault the 24 yro. They were all in a big group of young adults that hung out for 2 weeks. I fault my son for not listening to us: don't go into other staterooms and never ever ever do shots. LOL!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Even though Disney is allowing you to bring 2 bottles of wine at each port of call, the ports of call in the Caribbean where Disney stops are not really known for high-quality, well-priced wine. So, even though they allow you to bring two more bottles, are you really going to pay the crazy prices of Grand Cayman or deal with the not-so-great selection in Jamaica or Bahamas? And at $25 for corkage you are not going to come out ahead.

Now, the bigger bummer is when you buy some artisanal liqueurs as souvenirs, are you able to bring those back, even if they need to be kept in the "naughty" room until the end of the cruise? I sometimes buy locally-made alcohol as souvenirs.

I think they still allow you to bring them back. Other cruise lines take the liquor when you reboard the ship, label it, and you get it back at the end of the cruise. I agree. My favorite souvenir from Cartegena is my bottle of coffee wine.

 

[hubbard53]

It's all about more money for DCL. Port vendors will suffer as I always buy my max amount of tequila and rum to bring home. I'm not going to go through the hassle though of having them hold it for me, get it back to me at some point, and then try to hastily pack it in my luggage prior to setting it on the hallway for pick up.

This is about a $400-500 hit for my family. Just need to factor that in to future cruises. What value do you put on convenience?