Disney cruise... is it worth the price

[DCLMP]

Is the high cost worth the hype?

No, but sometimes you can find some reasonably priced off season cruises. That’s how we managed to take dozens of cruises. Would I pay peak prices on DcL no. I’m perfectly happy cruising on Royal or carnival if the price difference is to big.

 

[Christinagizzy!]

Carnival is the overall price leader so naturally it’s going to draw a lower demographic. But it still offers an excellent product that’s well-reviewed. I’ve taken too many Carnival cruises to count and have never encountered a problem. Keep in mind many of these cruises are on 3-night weekend “booze cruises.” I’m sure they exist but we mind our own business.

OTOH, I’ve been on Disney cruises where parents misbehaved in front of plenty of children, especially around character meet and greets where they’re desperate to get pics. You can’t avoid these since they happen during prominent events…

Breaks my heart when people disrespect anyone.... especially while on vacation. "We are All in this life together " don't we deserve the right to create a respite away from the chaotic trends of stressed out humans? Lol a dream I wish to have.

 

[Christinagizzy!]

As others have said, it depends on what you want.

Would I pay $300 for a pair of jeans with a designer label on my backside? Not likely, but some would. Now if those jeans made my backside look 15 years younger and 15 pounds lighter..... I'd think hard about it.

Part of the premium you pay for DCL is the Disney Label and part is the Disney Experience. Comparably priced (I e. expensive) cruise lines may offer an elegance or service level that Disney doesn't, but they can't offer the Disney experience. We like Ponant--small ship, elegant service. Grandkids (and maybe kids) would be bored. So we said DCL with them.

Ll great analogy

 

[MommyCMickey]

Is the high cost worth the hype?

This decision should be based on what you're looking to get out of it rather than what others might say. For our family, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is absolutely worth it. We appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere without casinos, and the designated smoking areas ensure that it's not intrusive. The room service is excellent, with a keen attention to detail. The inclusion of non-alcoholic drinks, available 24/7, the nursery and kids clubs, the entertaining shows, easy access to characters, and the personal relationships with dining staff make our experience exceptional. If you're doing a Castaway Cay day, the lunch offered shows they pay attention to families. Additionally, we've noticed a responsible drinking culture among adults. Ultimately, the decision depends on what matters most to you and your family.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I'm not sure how you can say the Disney product is on par with Carnival, Royal, and Norwegian when Carnival, Royal, and Norwegian aren't really on par with one another to begin with.


The comps I'm using would be things like Viking Ocean and Silversea.

I 100% recognize that my preference here is not based on any objective measurement of quality or value. But I place a high premium on ships not taken over by drunks and gambling addicts.


A lesson I've learned is to avoid the signature events. No tree lightings, no deck parties. And for the love of God, I'll never set foot on a Halloween sailing again. Halloween people are insane and I've never seen more obnoxious people than the grown adults obsessed with M&Ging Sally and Jack from Nightmare over and over and over again.

I agree but I’m making a generalization. Obviously the product on Carnival, Royal and Norwegian is going to differ based upon the ship - newer ships have more bells and whistles obviously - but the core product is similar. For example, Royal charges a premium for its Oasis ships (obviously because demand is much higher). Yet they have the same menus, same food and feature the same entertainment program as their older, smaller ships. Obviously the (big) exception is their production shows but like Disney, they’re just a few.

My point was if you take out the Disney ambiance, Disney is far closer to the mainstream cruise lines than the luxury cruise lines you mentioned (and luxury cruise lines use small ships without the amenities of the mega ships, which is why I think that point is irreverent.

 

[John VN]

What lines do you like that are priced like that? We really don't need a casino or drinking packages, and the issues that go along with them. That's why we tend to drift back to dcl.

Sailing since 2019 only in YC, do not require the Disney Magic and find that we do not miss it.

Pricing eg. 4 Day P.C. for both

WISH - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah $4,939 6/3/24

MSC Seashore - Yacht Club $3,600 6/2/24 https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruis...V0YZaBR3agQ6EEAAYASAAEgJnbfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[auntlynne]

What lines do you like that are priced like that? We really don't need a casino or drinking packages, and the issues that go along with them. That's why we tend to drift back to dcl.

The two I have heard touted are the Haven on Norwegian and Yacht Club on MSC. (below)

Sailing since 2019 only in YC, do not require the Disney Magic and find that we do not miss it.

Pricing eg. 4 Day P.C. for both

WISH - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah $4,939 6/3/24

MSC Seashore - Yacht Club $3,600 6/2/24 https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruis...V0YZaBR3agQ6EEAAYASAAEgJnbfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Celebrity is part of the Royal Caribbean corp, and seems to offer a more upscale experience, than the main lines. Often at prices comparable (or lower) than Disney. But also seen as less kid-focused.

 

[Kwami]

The two I have heard touted are the Haven on Norwegian

Eh, Haven is cheaper than Disney's concierge level, but it's not cheap. Maybe it works out better if you've got kids since NCL sometimes doesn't charge for them, but Disney almost always does?

But for two people, it doesn't seem that Haven is cheaper than DCL's regular fares. At least, not for any of the cruises that I've looked at.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Depends really. You get a different type of crowd on a Disney Cruise and usually the food is pretty good. I priced out a Disney vacation against a RCL etc, and its usually around the same price, depending on state room. Sometimes you might get an extra day added on another cruise line for the same price though.

In the end though, depending on your style of enjoyment. If they are both the same exact price, you most likely will get more bang for your buck on another cruise line, if you enjoy more shows and adult entertainment. Things going on late at night etc.

I always say it really depends on the type of cruise you want to have. DCL is not Vegas or a party at sea like some other HUGE ships are. It can however, be much more enjoyable than another cruise line, if you are into Disney and the vibe it gives off.

 

[Minniesgal]

Not in my opinion we cruise Princess similar itineraries half the price better food and drinks service on a par

 

[auntlynne]

Eh, Haven is cheaper than Disney's concierge level, but it's not cheap. Maybe it works out better if you've got kids since NCL sometimes doesn't charge for them, but Disney almost always does?

But for two people, it doesn't seem that Haven is cheaper than DCL's regular fares. At least, not for any of the cruises that I've looked at.

I have never looked at Haven prices. I usually explore no further if the jump from oceanview to balcony is excessive (in my mind).

I am not a budget traveler, but I need to watch the budget of my travel. Paying extra for a room or attention is a luxury for me. Give me another cruise or shore excursion instead. And I believe in different strokes for different folks.

 

[John VN]

The two I have heard touted are the Haven on Norwegian and Yacht Club on MSC. (below)



Celebrity is part of the Royal Caribbean corp, and seems to offer a more upscale experience, than the main lines. Often at prices comparable (or lower) than Disney. But also seen as less kid-focused.

I've met numerous cruisers who have mentioned that *MSC YC is what Haven might be if it ever GROWS UP*

Eh, Haven is cheaper than Disney's concierge level, but it's not cheap. Maybe it works out better if you've got kids since NCL sometimes doesn't charge for them, but Disney almost always does?

But for two people, it doesn't seem that Haven is cheaper than DCL's regular fares. At least, not for any of the cruises that I've looked at.

I have never looked at Haven prices. I usually explore no further if the jump from oceanview to balcony is excessive (in my mind).

I am not a budget traveler, but I need to watch the budget of my travel. Paying extra for a room or attention is a luxury for me. Give me another cruise or shore excursion instead. And I believe in different strokes for different folks.

Guess you might not have read this comparison --

Pricing eg. 4 Day P.C. for both
WISH - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah $4,939 6/3/24 this is DCL's regular fare for a simple Verandah

MSC Seashore - Yacht Club $3,600 6/2/24 This is Yacht Club that is above in PERKS than DCL Concierge

 

[Kwami]

I've met numerous cruisers who have mentioned that *MSC YC is what Haven might be if it ever GROWS UP*






Guess you might not have read this comparison --

Pricing eg. 4 Day P.C. for both
WISH - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah $4,939 6/3/24 this is DCL's regular fare for a simple Verandah

MSC Seashore - Yacht Club $3,600 6/2/24 This is Yacht Club that is above in PERKS than DCL Concierge

My response was clearly about Haven, not Yacht Club.

 

[brentm77]

It depends on what you are looking for? Are you simply looking for a cruise or are you looking for a cruise that's immersed in Disney? If you don't care about the immersed-in-Disney part, you may be better off price shopping other cruise lines.

I respectfully don't think it is that simple. There are so many other factors that differ between DCL and other lines, with Disney-immersion only being one of them. While we like some Disney immersion, we like to keep it light, which DCL mostly does compared to some of their hotels like the Art of Animation resort. Disney theming is also only a "nice to have" for us and isn't high on our priority list anymore, yet we keep coming back to DCL.

Beyond the Disney immersion, I would say these are many other considerations between lines. Just a few that come to mind are the style of the ships (classic ocean liner vs. Vegas hotel or local mall feel); service level, including turn down service, cleanliness, room size and layout, indoor smoking rules, itineraries (DCL's biggest weak point); dining experience, including variety of dining options and flexibility; the type of activities offered on the ship (including paid ones); adult pool/sundeck experiences; adult nightlife, in both style and hours; type of customers and what they are also seeking in the cruise experiences, what is included, and other simple things like towel management policies, ease of booking, checking in, excursions, online communities that add to the planning and fun (DCL has the best!) etc.

The truth is we have limited experience with other lines, but keep coming back to DCL because it just works for us and the potential downside of a bad experience on another line is rather steep, since you only get a certain amount of vacation opportunities. It doesn't mean we are opposed to trying other lines, which we are doing soon, but it means we do so very cautiously. But we know DCL is a great fit for us and don't mind paying a reasonable premium, even without young kids and even though we don't need the Disney theming to be happy.

All that said, the question can't really be answered. The premium varies significantly based on the itinerary, when you book, and time of year you are sailing. I have found some itineraries that there really isn't a premium at certain times of year, for similar rooms, after all costs are considered. Everyone's financial situation is different too, meaning the premium is more of a consideration for some vs. others, and everyone's tastes and vacation desires vary too much. The key is to watch a bunch of cruising vlogs and get a good feel for whether it is worth it for you. In today's world, you can get a very good feel of what the experience on different lines will be like. I guess I would say, I would probably stretch my budget to try it with young kids if you can, but probably not stretching it too much for adults who are happy on other lines, even though it is worth it to us.

 

[BamaGuy44]

Nobody can say what something is worth to someone else. Depends on what someone values in a cruise vacation and what they don’t. And a hundred other factors. I’d say it’s objectively not a good “value".

They do offer some things you can't get anywhere else, and some are willing to pay the premium for them and for the Disney "vibe". Some aren't.

 

[auntlynne]

I've met numerous cruisers who have mentioned that *MSC YC is what Haven might be if it ever GROWS UP*






Guess you might not have read this comparison --

Pricing eg. 4 Day P.C. for both
WISH - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah $4,939 6/3/24 this is DCL's regular fare for a simple Verandah

MSC Seashore - Yacht Club $3,600 6/2/24 This is Yacht Club that is above in PERKS than DCL Concierge

But I only paid $1K for a balcony, solo, 7 nights on Seashore. Oh, I notice the above prices are 4 nights. As I said, I am not looking to spend more. Either of those prices are more.

When I said I don’t look at Haven prices, I guess it wasn’t clear that I don’t look at any Concierge prices if I am not sitting down. I was saying I couldn’t ballpark Haven, but have read reviews that it was a better deal. I have seen numbers for MSC, again, just tuck the idea in the back of my head to point disgruntled Disney Concierge cruisers to other lines for further research.

But thank you.

 

[Cheburashka]

I've met numerous cruisers who have mentioned that *MSC YC is what Haven might be if it ever GROWS UP*






Guess you might not have read this comparison --

Pricing eg. 4 Day P.C. for both
WISH - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah $4,939 6/3/24 this is DCL's regular fare for a simple Verandah

MSC Seashore - Yacht Club $3,600 6/2/24 This is Yacht Club that is above in PERKS than DCL Concierge

There is a premium for the Wish (the newest ship) that you wouldn't pay on any of the other 4 ships, so that comparison is a little lopsided. Also, the price on DCL would be much less 2 weeks earlier, as DCL prices spike sharply over school holidays.

 

[SailingScout]

We started going on DCL when our son was 7 months old because we were looking for a vacation where we wouldn’t feel like outcasts for having a kid. We loved it and have gone 8 times, just competing our most recent trip on Saturday. We are not Disney people at all. We don’t do the character meet and greets, rarely go to shows, and my kids (now 9 & 12) don't like the kids clubs. So, for us at this stage it isn’t worth it. Will we keep going? Yes, because we like the atmosphere and the high level of service. Five of our cruises have been Panama Canal and Europe. Our most recent was a 7 night Caribbean and while the ports were amazing, the ship was packed. We used the pool one time. If I had been a first time DCL cruiser I’m not sure if I would return. That said, our neighbors were on RCL at the same time we were and said their ship was also a madhouse. So I’m not sure what the alternative for us would be. Sorry for the long post, I veered slightly off topic!

 

[peder]

We thought Disney Cruise Line offered terrible value. The parks offer a much better value relative to the price of the competition; I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off when I visit Disney World. But a Disney cruise? There are alternatives that are "good enough" or better for much cheaper.

If you cruise to see a glimpse of the world rather than simply spend time on the ship, I would recommend trying another cruise line before Disney. You can find more interesting itineraries, more amenities, and equal or better service elsewhere for less. And the water is still the same water regardless of which line you're on.

 

[peder]

r.e. bold I enjoy visiting/reading, occasionally replying or questioning


r.e. bold DW and I once looked forward to experiencing the *Disney Magic* hype on a DCL cruise while absorbing the higher cost of said Disney Vacation so yes we felt it was worth the $$$$ but now as we are approaching 3/4's of a Century in AGE, we find that the MAGIC (hype) is actually providing a lesser return on the dollars spent for cruising. Being able to cruise at a level that is much higher than DCL Concierge for fewer $$$$'s, (some times even at DCL Verandah pricing) that once perceived DCL hype is simply a cherished distant memory.

This question of "why are you on a DCL forum then?" is a bit silly, because I'd definitely do another Disney cruise if the value was there. It's just way too expensive. I would need the price to come down about 50% tho. Like maybe on the new Adventure out of Singapore? Sailings out of Asia on other lines tend to be much cheaper, and Disney is bringing a TON of cabin inventory on to the market. So I wouldn't be surprised if the Adventure fits my budget.