Just Back...and I really wanted to drink the DCL Kool-Aid

[tinkerone]

For a 7 night veranda eastern cruise for 2 Im paying 3106 on DCL.
On Royal Caribbean it is 2600. Then add drinks and dining and shows the cost is equal if not more,

Would love to know what dates. I have not been able to find anything close to that difference.
Also, you pay for drinks (other than pop) and dining on DCL as well so I can't add that in. Not sure what shows you pay for on RCL but as I am new to them any light you could share would be appreciated.
TIA

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We went on our first Disney cruise end of March 2016 on the Fantasy. It was probably our last cruise. I agree with previous posters, we ate at all the rotational dining. Found the food underwhelming. However, we did do Palo Brunch and enjoyed it very much. Was it worth all that money? Probably not but still enjoyed it. Our daughter loved the pool area, Aquaduck, etc. but she likes that sort of stuff wherever we stay. Pools are way too small and crowded but knew that going in. Best part of trip was Castaway Cay and wish that could be only stop or at least a couple of days. I can do without all the other islands, they're all the same ( I know I may get backlash for that), but I've been to so many. Just don't think a Disney cruise is worth all that money. For us, can be spent better (or saved) elsewhere.

 

[Scoobypop]

Would love to know what dates. I have not been able to find anything close to that difference.
Also, you pay for drinks (other than pop) and dining on DCL as well so I can't add that in. Not sure what shows you pay for on RCL but as I am new to them any light you could share would be appreciated.
TIA

I can't think of any show on RCL that you have to pay for. There is a dinner show on NCL that has an up charge on some ships if you choose, but otherwise you are correct, the only drinks and dinners you will pay for on RCL are the ones you choose to, just like on DCL. (Except for soda as you mentioned, if that is important to you)

 

[Dug720]

think its been posted here in various different forms.........The Disney Magic and pixie dust are all those things with the Disney touch is so special, add to that the classic vessels, well built, designed and maintained, the excellent service, food and Disney only entertainment put the DCL cruises head and shoulders above the others. The Disney magic and pixie dust can only be found on DCL cruises. it brings out the child in all of us just walking onboard.

AKK

Yes! While I haven't been on the Classics yet (Magic in Feb!!), this pretty much sums it up for me. Yes, I had a good cruise on RCCL in the Med, but the magic and pixie dust just weren't there, so to me it felt ordinary.

And as for walking on board? Yep! I'm geeky enough I *still* get teary when they introduce me!! (And when I do cruise on another line, I have to give myself a pep talk "Now, you're not going to be introduced and clapped on. It's ok. You're still on a cruise!" when I get ready to board.

 

[Hundredacre]

DCL is not for everyone. If i liked to drink and party with singles or gamble then I would look elsewhere.

I like DCL because of the crew. I have been on others cruise lines and none in my opinion are as friendly and professional as the disney crew.

I am a platinum member and have no affiliation with travel companies or Disney other than being a DVC member.

But i agree with the statement that if you want all stars for 139.00 and want what they offer then ok. I like Animal Kingdom Villas and what it has for 499.00 per night. Yes at all stars you get a bed and room and can see animals out side like lizards and birds. While at Animal Kingdom we see zebras, giraffes and other exotic animals.

For a 7 night veranda eastern cruise for 2 Im paying 3106 on DCL.
On Royal Caribbean it is 2600. Then add drinks and dining and shows the cost is equal if not more,

I agree. The price difference you refer to makes dcl worth it. But unfortunately this has not been our experience. Next summer we wanted a 7 night eastern on the fantasy: 2 inside rooms almost $14000. We opted for an 8 night Southern Caribbean on the carnival vista. Brand new ship, extra day, better ports, better rooms: about $6000. At that point it doesn't matter how much we like DCL. We're not fools.

 

[RedSox68]

There were calm seas, but MAJOR vibration all night and MAJOR noise from the cabinetry in the room. There were points when I thought the ceiling was going to fall in.

Where was your room located? We have experienced this on many ships we have been on (both Disney and other) and it does depend on the seas, the winds and the speed.

The worst ship experience we had was on the HAL Eurodam -- which had vibrations throughout the whole ship -- some times horrid to the point of riding up your legs and then other times just barely noticeable. They have been written about it on many blogs -- something about the design of the ship. I'd still cruise on it again though as the ship decor and rooms and service were awesome

 

[Ofinn]

You could spend 16k for a 10 day Baltic cruise on the Magic or 5k with free drinks on the Norwegisn Getaway. The Getaway is only 4 years old. If I won the lottery tomorrow I couldnt justify the price difference on a standard verandah room. I would upgrade to the Haven though that looks awesome.
When your pricing out rooms for four the price differences are huge. Maybe for 2 its not so bad. On Ncl 3rd and 4th passengers in the room are free. On Carnival they are almost free.

 

[tinkerone]

When your pricing out rooms for four the price differences are huge. Maybe for 2 its not so bad. On Ncl 3rd and 4th passengers in the room are free. On Carnival they are almost free.

We are two and for our sailing in November the difference between the Fantasy and the Oasis is almost $2000. More if you take into account the Oasis is a 8 night sailing where as the Fantasy is only 7. We can afford to pay the extra, we just choose to sail an extra week instead.

 

[Ofinn]

We are two and for our sailing in November the difference between the Fantasy and the Oasis is almost $2000. More if you take into account the Oasis is a 8 night sailing where as the Fantasy is only 7. We can afford to pay the extra, we just choose to sail an extra week instead.

2k is a lot. I see people come up with small differences in price and Im not sure how they get their numbers. The price differences are huge for us. Im going to book a day 10 cruise on RCCL out of Sydney Australia first week of Dec 2017. Since dcl doesnt sail in Ausralia I cant compare, but It is a little less then the Fantasy that week. If DCl did sail out of Australia I cant even imagine what the price would be.

 

[tinkerone]

2k is a lot. I see people come up with small differences in price and Im not sure how they get their numbers. The price differences are huge for us. Im going to book a day 10 cruise on RCCL out of Sydney Australia first week of Dec 2017. Since dcl doesnt sail in Ausralia I cant compare, but It is a little less then the Fantasy that week If DCl did sail out of Australia I cant even imagine what the price would be.

Makes me scratch my head to.

 

[FigmentSpark]

2k is a lot. I see people come up with small differences in price and Im not sure how they get their numbers. The price differences are huge for us. Im going to book a day 10 cruise on RCCL out of Sydney Australia first week of Dec 2017. Since dcl doesnt sail in Ausralia I cant compare, but It is a little less then the Fantasy that week If DCl did sail out of Australia I cant even imagine what the price would be.

I'm one of those that seems to come up with only small differences in numbers, so maybe I am comparing apples to oranges, as some have suggested. Let's make this simple. If I'm taking an RCCL Caribbean cruise (not sure which ship it is) and I want something that compares to a 4A on Fantasy, what stateroom classification should I be looking at?

Thanks.

 

[matthew517]

September Oasis of the seas Sept 10 2017. Ocean view veranda is 2730.22. Just Soda is 9.44 per day per person = 151.04. I was wrong about the shows costing money. You have to book them well ahead of time. But going by this the cost is 2881.06 its a 300 savings off DCL Fantasy Sept 9th 2017 sailing. Based upon this I will stay with DCL.

 

[saxmangeoff]

One other factor to consider is that I've noticed other lines quote prices without taxes and port fees, whereas DCLs prices include taxes and port fees.

 

[tinkerone]

September Oasis of the seas Sept 10 2017. Ocean view veranda is 2730.22. Just Soda is 9.44 per day per person = 151.04. I was wrong about the shows costing money. You have to book them well ahead of time. But going by this the cost is 2881.06 its a 300 savings off DCL Fantasy Sept 9th 2017 sailing. Based upon this I will stay with DCL.

I'm getting something different.
Oasis sept 10, 2017, ocean view veranda (232 sq ft including veranda) $2220.22. If I add the 151.04 for pop then the total is $2371.26
Fantasy sept 9, 2017, ocean view veranda (246 sq ft including veranda) $3430.02
both are aft cabins
RCL sleeps up to 5, DCL sleeps 3/4. Difference is $1058.76 for two. The difference is even more if you add in a thrid or fourth passanger. Quite costly for an extra 14 square feet.

Now maybe I'm doing something wrong that is not reflecting what your showing. Please let me know if I'm wrong.

ETA-I'm wondering if you were pricing out the cabin with the large balcony (262 Sq ft) in which case its for sure not apples to apples.

 

[jenf22]

September Oasis of the seas Sept 10 2017. Ocean view veranda is 2730.22. Just Soda is 9.44 per day per person = 151.04. I was wrong about the shows costing money. You have to book them well ahead of time. But going by this the cost is 2881.06 its a 300 savings off DCL Fantasy Sept 9th 2017 sailing. Based upon this I will stay with DCL.

I checked a couple of prices based on 2 passengers:
* NCL 7-night Caribbean on the Escape for Sept 9, 2017 = $2495.34 and it includes the Specialty Dining Plan (I think it's 3 specialty restaurants for a 7-night cruise) and Ultimate Beverage Package (unlimited soda and alcohol) in a Family Balcony Room.
* When I checked RCL I see Oasis Sept 10, 2017 as $2220.22 + $151.04 soda = $2371.26 because there is a BOGO on the second passenger (-$675). It's a Superior Ocean View with Balcony room.
* DCL Fantasy Sep 9, 2017 Category 7A Veranda is $3430.02.

Maybe we're not checking the same categories, but I see DCL as being $1000 more than NCL and RCL. My husband and I talked about it the other day and would absolutely LOVE to sail DCL again. We sail for the destinations and to be together as a family. We can do that on any line. Plus we thought the food in the specialty restaurants on NCL was amazing!

Edit - You beat me to it @tinkerone !

 

[Ofinn]

I checked a couple of prices based on 2 passengers:
* NCL 7-night Caribbean on the Escape for Sept 9, 2017 = $2495.34 and it includes the Specialty Dining Plan (I think it's 3 specialty restaurants for a 7-night cruise) and Ultimate Beverage Package (unlimited soda and alcohol) in a Family Balcony Room.
* When I checked RCL I see Oasis Sept 10, 2017 as $2220.22 + $151.04 soda = $2371.26 because there is a BOGO on the second passenger (-$675). It's a Superior Ocean View with Balcony room.
* DCL Fantasy Sep 9, 2017 Category 7A Veranda is $3430.02.

Maybe we're not checking the same categories, but I see DCL as being $1000 more than NCL and RCL. My husband and I talked about it the other day and would absolutely LOVE to sail DCL again. We sail for the destinations and to be together as a family. We can do that on any line. Plus we thought the food in the specialty restaurants on NCL was amazing!

Edit - You beat me to it @tinkerone !

I'll play along Sept 9 2017 Fantasy cat 5C 2a2k 5,800
NCl Breakaway Sept 9 2a2k 2743 with free drinks with Family Balcony.

That's over 3k difference for a family of four and if you add in the free drinks take off a few hundred more.
I didn't check Royal yet. After sifting through DCL website to find that price. I didn't have the energy to take on Royal's glitchy website.

Carnival and NCL win for best websites.

Like I said you if your family of four there's no comparison in price on any line.

My 10 day upcoming Med cruise on the Carnival vista was 2395 for Ocean view room that's less than a 3day cruise on the Dream and about 11k less than the same cruise on DCL next August.

 

[su_A_ve]

We did Alaska this past June. Fith DCL cruise (done all four ships) and second time on the Wonder. By far, the best cruise.

The longer cruises win for sure, but we had a good time on the other ships too.

 

[YayDisney]

I don't think the size of the room and the placement on the ship makes the comparison apples to apples. Just today someone asked me when we sail with Disney is it the same "magic" that the parks have. . . I said YES. Absolutely. For me at least. There is just a "feel" that isn't there with other cruise lines, in the same way that there is a feel in Disney parks that isn't there in other theme parks (which are also fun, but just different). On DCL, aside from the Disney touches everywhere, I love that there is no casino and that the main focus on a DCL cruise is kids/family. That is the differentiating factor for me. The entertainment is mainly family oriented, the games and activities incorporate kids and parents all the time - like the game shows with the parent and child playing together. Generally speaking, the Crew go out of their way to recognize the kids at every opportunity. They just make kids feel so special.

I may be totally off on this because I have not cruised with kids on other lines and wasn't watching out for kid stuff. Maybe if I had cruised with kids I would more easily see some of the "kid" friendly stuff on other lines, but objectively speaking, I never felt on other lines that kids were the focus at all. You can't escape that "feel" on DCL.

If we were just looking for a cruise or a vacation or a certain type of room or itinerary, then money maybe would be the most determinative factor and the comparisons would be more apples to apples. But when we do a cruise with DCL, we do it for the whole experience - not just for a cruise. Just my two cents.

 

[thornton0511]

Crap we are doing our first cruise on the dream and have stateroom #7682 and I have no idea how any of my family members will handle the sea at all.....now I am worried we are in for sleepless nights possibly? How does one know how they will be affected on a cruise prior to sailing? Maybe aft is no bueno

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Crap we are doing our first cruise on the dream and have stateroom #7682 and I have no idea how any of my family members will handle the sea at all.....now I am worried we are in for sleepless nights possibly? How does one know how they will be affected on a cruise prior to sailing? Maybe aft is no bueno

Just as a starter - do any of your family members have any issues at all with motion sickness of any kind? Not that that means they will have sea sickness, but it may indicate a tendency toward it. For the most part cruising is a fairly smooth ride.

Next, don't obsess about whether they are going to be sea sick. I'd suggest just bringing some necessary medications along for "just in case", not "because we're going to need it".

Sadly, you won't know if anyone is prone to sea sickness until it happens.