Is DCL ridiculously priced?

[WDW1974]

OK. I love DCL, even though I've only done one 7-night cruise.

A few months ago, I looked into doing one of the shorter ones but the prices ... well ... let's put it this way ... I'm taking a 15-night transatlantic cruise for about $100 more than what a 3-night DCL jaunt would set me back.

I'm curious as to how people justify the premium Disney charges. Sure, it's a great product. But I've never been on a major cruise line (from Carnival to NCL to RCCL to Princess) that didn't offer a wonderful experience.

So I'm curious ... what kind of markup do you feel DCL is worth?

[Lindsy1052]

Originally Posted by WDW1974

OK. I love DCL, even though I've only done one 7-night cruise.

A few months ago, I looked into doing one of the shorter ones but the prices ... well ... let's put it this way ... I'm taking a 15-night transatlantic cruise for about $100 more than what a 3-night DCL jaunt would set me back.

I'm curious as to how people justify the premium Disney charges. Sure, it's a great product. But I've never been on a major cruise line (from Carnival to NCL to RCCL to Princess) that didn't offer a wonderful experience.

So I'm curious ... what kind of markup do you feel DCL is worth?

Everything Disney does is expensive. Worth it? Depends on what you are looking for. Working for Disney, I could do the cruise for almost nothing. Yet, I could not get my family on it if it was free. My group likes the night life, the gambling, etc. and would not go. There are so many good cruises out there that offer something for everyone, I feel Disney falls a little short in the adult department as far as entertainment goes.

[mikeland]

DCL is definitely over priced. I am amazed people will pay so much for this when the other companies are just as good, if not better in some respects. I have sailed on many other lines including Cunard, Holland America Line and Princess. Quality-wise, Disney is pretty good.

The question is, is the ability to see and interact with the characters worth the extra money? I'd say, usually no. I will admit though that the Disney entertainment is second to none. There really is nothing out there like Disney entertainment. But for the other activities, spa, etc ... it's very similar, if not better on the other lines.

You have to keep in mind that Disney has one big draw with the population, and it's that people TRUST Disney and people will pay for that.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by mikeland

You have to keep in mind that Disney has one big draw with the population, and it's that people TRUST Disney and people will pay for that.

This is true, the loyalty to the Disney name is a factor. One of the reasons for high prices is because Disney only has two ships - supply and demand. The other cruise lines have many ships and a lot of cabin space to sell so they have lower prices and offer more discounts. Pricing for cruise space works the same way as the airline industry...the less availability the higher the price.

To get the best price, book at least a year in advance or when they release a new year of availability. Book the least expensive cabin for your party size, there is a great chance of getting a free upgrade if you book way in advance. You can apply payments to the reservation through out the year so that you are not hit with the final payment. Look for the best shipboard credit offers.

[Skawt]

I don't know if it is that they are overpriced as much as they are able to sell the cabins for close to the brochure rate where with other cruiselines you see many rates that are over 50% off of the brochure rate. It will be interesting to see if the 2 older ships are able to maintain the high rate once the new ships come online.

I cruise at least once a year and have not yet been able to jutisfy the price of a Disney cruise. In fact this week we are doing 5 days at WDW and then driving to Miami for a 4-day Carnival cruise. I looked into the options for DCL and we ended up booking the Penthouse suite on Carnival for half the rate of an outside cabin on Disney.

We are willing to pay more for Disney in other areas (Will not stay off-site at WDW anymore) but the cruise is just too much.

[WDW1974]

Originally Posted by mikeland

DCL is definitely over priced. I am amazed people will pay so much for this when the other companies are just as good, if not better in some respects. I have sailed on many other lines including Cunard, Holland America Line and Princess. Quality-wise, Disney is pretty good.

I would agree with that in some aspects. Food-wise, Disney is average at best when compared to the other lines I've been on ... with the notable exception of the adult-only venue where the food was superb.

And while Disney's standard cabin (with balcony) was considerably larger than the industry norm in 1998, that's no longer the case today.

Originally Posted by mikeland

The question is, is the ability to see and interact with the characters worth the extra money? I'd say, usually no. I will admit though that the Disney entertainment is second to none. There really is nothing out there like Disney entertainment. But for the other activities, spa, etc ... it's very similar, if not better on the other lines.

You have to keep in mind that Disney has one big draw with the population, and it's that people TRUST Disney and people will pay for that.

That's very sad to me. Now, I agree 100% that Disney has had the best entertainment of any line I've cruised with (Princess with be 2nd with RCCL not that far behind).

But this meeting and interacting with college kids dressed up as foamheads has really taken on a very weird (to me) borderline spooky obsession with people (thank those geniuses at Disney marketing who thought up character breakfasts 20 years ago and meet and greets soon after).

I'm just trying to imagine how I had wonderful childhood trips to WDW and was there probably 4-5 times a year until high school and yet there's not a single picture of me with Mickey anywhere.

Did I miss out on something magical?

[Kirsten.MagicalTrv]

In 2006, we went on a Disney Cruise and had a blast! The kids STILL talk about it and we've been to Disney World twice since then.

Since we had such a great time on the Disney Cruise, I grabbed this great deal on another cruiseline. We went and all of us were so bored. One day, the kids club was closed from noon until 7pm. Our kids constantly beeped us to leave the club because they weren't having a good time. I also do not drink or gamble which is a big thing on the other cruiselines.

Disney may be expensive but I think it is worth it.

[Yellowstone]

Is DCL ridiculously priced?

Yes. This is Disney we're talking about.

[WDW1974]

Originally Posted by Yellowstone

Is DCL ridiculously priced?

Yes. This is Disney we're talking about.

Believe it or not, but everything Disney is not ridiculously overpriced.

Hence the original question ...

[Jerren]

I don't think it's overpriced, I think the problem is there is extremely high demand and limited supply, as noted other cruise lines have a much harder time filling the available cabins than Disney does and if you look at the "brochure" price the Disney line is in line with the industry. The difference is the other lines have to offer deep discounts to attract new and repeat customers, Disney does not. Despite the non discounted pricing Disney also has a huge percentage of first time cruisers far and above the industry average, thats an amazing accomplishment. I think once the size of the Fleet increases this might change but for now its an exclusive cruise experience like none other.

I've traveled on other cruise lines, NCL, RC, Princess, Holland America as well as Disney. I have traveled in groups with small children and teens and I can honestly say out of all of them Disney hands down does the best job at providing children's activities for all ages. Some of the shows and comedians on other cruise lines I would not take young kids to, but how do you know prior to going? In other ships you have to walk though the casino and all to be seated for dinner, again not an environment for kids. As stated before Disney is trusted, Disney is safe, and a lot of people are willing to pay a premium for that comfort level.

The other thing that really sets the line apart is Castaway Kay, most other private cruise line islands are like comparing Gilligan's Island to Hawaii. The island is huge, they have 3 separate beaches, no tenders to get seasick on and they hook the ships network up to the island so you can charge all your purchases to the ship. There are great activities for all ages, good food, a man made coral reef to snorkel (with Lifeguards!), theming and scenery like the Flying Dutchman, Mom and dad can get a relaxing massage in a cabana off the quiet beach... hmmm now I want to go back!

Now if what you are looking for is a Kid free casino and bar with Vegas style entertainment at a low low price then yup in that mindset I can see you saying "Disney is overpriced and not what your looking for" Sorry you feel that way and yup we get it BUT if your looking for a family friendly cruise with some exclusive features with a healthy helping of that Disney magical pixie dust, Disney cruise line is the way to go!

[sediment]

It is priced to sell as many bookings as possible while collecting the most money.
I think that all cruises are overpriced, but I'm not 50 years old yet. Maybe that day will come when I think to myself, "Well, I've never been on a cruise before, and life is shortening by the hour, so...."
But until then, I'm landlubbin' it. (Or flying.)

[Denise]

Originally Posted by sediment

I think that all cruises are overpriced, but I'm not 50 years old yet. Maybe that day will come when I think to myself, "Well, I've never been on a cruise before, and life is shortening by the hour, so...."
But until then, I'm landlubbin' it. (Or flying.)

Ah, really? Cruising is a wonderful way to travel; it's great for all ages. All of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your stateroom, on-board activities, parties and entertainment is included. So really it is not over- priced, it's an all inclusive vacation. You meet people from all over the world. You can see more destinations than just going to one place for vacation. You can be as active or laid back as you want; be pampered. Yeah...(sigh)..wonderful way to travel.

[PanTheMan]

Originally Posted by WDW1974

OK. I love DCL, even though I've only done one 7-night cruise.

A few months ago, I looked into doing one of the shorter ones but the prices ... well ... let's put it this way ... I'm taking a 15-night transatlantic cruise for about $100 more than what a 3-night DCL jaunt would set me back.

I'm curious as to how people justify the premium Disney charges. Sure, it's a great product. But I've never been on a major cruise line (from Carnival to NCL to RCCL to Princess) that didn't offer a wonderful experience.

So I'm curious ... what kind of markup do you feel DCL is worth?

They are VERY overpriced. Why? Because People pay it.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by PanTheMan

They are VERY overpriced. Why? Because People pay it.

Yeah and that can be said for anything that we think is over-priced: Cars, gas, homes, food, clothes, college, etc.

[Jerren]

Originally Posted by PanTheMan

They are VERY overpriced. Why? Because People pay it.

I hate to sound a bit brutal on this point but "If people didn't think it was worth it, they wouldn't be paying for it. "

Just like Some folks like to do the Deluxe resorts at WDW vrs the Value resorts or even staying off site. Some folks love the all inclusive resorts like Sandals and will drop several grand a day to stay there, why because for them its worth the money.

Now expensive paid up front vacations may not be your thing, that's fine. I for one like them if only in that the major costs (room, board, airfare, and transfer) are all up front, even the shore excursions can be booked by your personal Disney travel Planner as soon as the balance is paid off well before the cruise sets sail. I find it much easier to plan and budget when all thats left is gifts and drinks.