No kids why do you stay with Disney?

[Mimirdh]

Hubby and I are both in our early 60’s.. we enjoying sailing DCL because we enjoy the food, excellent service, and we have always found the ships to be clean and the employees friendly.

 

[GPaLarry]

We are in our 70's and have taken eight DCL cruises, three without kids/grandkids. Cruises help you go back to when you were a kid -- dress like a pirate, enjoy a Mickey Bar, wear funny ears, do arts/crafts on your door, goof around with big animated stuffed animals and meet a bunch of crazy people that are part mouse, like you. We believe that if you keep cruising with DCL you will never grow up, which is a good thing...just ask Peter Pan.

 

[daisyx3]

We are taking our 4th cruise in July. The first two were with all three of our kids, then the last one in 2016 was our son's senior trip. This one is just us. I looked at other cruises, in fact had a Carnival booked for last spring break and a Princess for this spring break, but canceled them both for regular WDW trips. We don't gamble, and I may have one or two drinks a day but nothing crazy. I have a coworker who does RCCL every spring break and all he talks about is the drinking. Not my thing. We have never had a letdown on DCL except for the Monsoon on CC day last time. Now we may book either a 4 night next spring break or a CC double dip next summer.

 

[Agent 86]

In our experience only:

- Disney was the first cruise we ever did. It was "cheap" for us to add a three day cruise to our Walt Disney World stay as a "taste test" of cruising because we both thought cruising wasn't for us. We LOVED it, so we have done a second cruise and have a third planned for this year.
- We don't like casinos and gambling. And we don't like being around drunken, aggressive people (although we're happy to partake in a cocktail or two, including Mixology). We haven't cruised with any other lines, but in Australia we see numerous news reports about nasty incidents on cruise ships that do cruise to and from Australia.
- We like the level of quality provided by Disney, the main dining room rotations, the "Broadway style" theatre shows and the complete absence of any up-selling once on board. Again, we don't have anything to compare it to, but most online reports / reviews indicate that Disney is either the best or in the top three when it comes to upper tier / high quality cruises.

I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to afford Disney cruises as we don't get the benefit of any specials, on-board credits or similar promotions that seem to be available to US-based customers. And I'm sure we'll eventually try ... I think it's Celebrity and Royal Caribbean who get positive reviews.

Oh and there's a slight chance that, against all odds, we could have kids one day - so then we would be cruising with a kid!

 

[AquaDame]

Disney brought me to cruising, not the other way around. I've been going to the parks since I was a tyke and I tend to love their movies - I would watch them over and over growing up. It was my happy place - my family went for a week every year before the school year started. When I heard Disney had its own private island I knew I would want to go... someday. 13 years later I did and loved it. We've tried RCCL and didn't enjoy it either time, so while we'll try another line in the future again it's DCL for now.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I had saw I could get a butler on carnicval and 1k less but then I looked and realized for a 5 night cruise they were doing free open bar and it was just a booze cruise.

You must be confused:

1. Carnival does not have Butlers - not even for their suites.
2. Carnival does not do a "free open bar" - they have never offered their Cheers (drink package) for free.

You must be thinking of NCL or Celebrity - they both have butlers for their suites and frequently offer the free drink package.

 

[skittlesfirehawk]

You must be confused:

1. Carnival does not have Butlers - not even for their suites.
2. Carnival does not do a "free open bar" - they have never offered their Cheers (drink package) for free.

You must be thinking of NCL or Celebrity - they both have butlers for their suites and frequently offer the free drink package.

Looks like it was Royal Caribbean

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Looks like it was Royal Caribbean

Then it was hardly that they were looking at making it a week long drunk fest. The perks you get with the highest suites on Royal Caribbean are quite extensive. I don't know why you'd pick out 1 of them and focus so negatively on it. The suite perks on Royal (like Concierge on DCL) are to make the experience elevated and inclusive for those willing to pay the prices.

Suite perks on Royal (where they offer the drink package included):

Star Class:

• ♦ Exclusive Access to Royal Genie Service
• ♦ All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen*
• ♦ Complimentary Specialty Restaurants* (including Chef’s Table and à la carte dining)
• ♦ Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• ♦ Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under 21 years)
• ♦ Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• ♦ Complimentary Gratuities
• ♦ Complimentary VOOM**, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• ♦ Expedited Boarding and Departure
• ♦ Best Seats in the House in Select Entertainment Venues
• ♦ Priority Entrance to Many Onboard Activities††
• ♦ Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm each evening)
• ♦ Access to Suite Sun Deck
• ♦ Exclusive Access to the Barefoot Beach Club at our Private Destination Labadee®
• ♦ Complimentary Minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® Beverages and Water
• ♦ Complimentary Laundry and Pressing Services
• ♦ Duxiana® Mattress and Pillows
• ♦ Frette® Linens
• ♦ Luxury Bathroom Amenities by L’Occitane®
• ♦ Spa Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• ♦ Coffee Maker

Saying that it's about making it a week of being drunk is no different than saying that DCL's Concierge encourages excessive drinking since they have their happy hour.

 

[skittlesfirehawk]

Then it was hardly that they were looking at making it a week long drunk fest. The perks you get with the highest suites on Royal Caribbean are quite extensive. I don't know why you'd pick out 1 of them and focus so negatively on it. The suite perks on Royal (like Concierge on DCL) are to make the experience elevated and inclusive for those willing to pay the prices.

Suite perks on Royal (where they offer the drink package included):

Star Class:

• ♦ Exclusive Access to Royal Genie Service
• ♦ All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen*
• ♦ Complimentary Specialty Restaurants* (including Chef’s Table and à la carte dining)
• ♦ Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• ♦ Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under 21 years)
• ♦ Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• ♦ Complimentary Gratuities
• ♦ Complimentary VOOM**, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• ♦ Expedited Boarding and Departure
• ♦ Best Seats in the House in Select Entertainment Venues
• ♦ Priority Entrance to Many Onboard Activities††
• ♦ Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm each evening)
• ♦ Access to Suite Sun Deck
• ♦ Exclusive Access to the Barefoot Beach Club at our Private Destination Labadee®
• ♦ Complimentary Minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® Beverages and Water
• ♦ Complimentary Laundry and Pressing Services
• ♦ Duxiana® Mattress and Pillows
• ♦ Frette® Linens
• ♦ Luxury Bathroom Amenities by L’Occitane®
• ♦ Spa Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• ♦ Coffee Maker

Saying that it's about making it a week of being drunk is no different than saying that DCL's Concierge encourages excessive drinking since they have their happy hour.

The perk they are offering site wide is free open bar it’s not just open to suite people which to me screams booze cruise.

 

[skittlesfirehawk]

The perk they are offering site wide is free open bar it’s not just open to suite people which to me screams booze cruise.

Then it was hardly that they were looking at making it a week long drunk fest. The perks you get with the highest suites on Royal Caribbean are quite extensive. I don't know why you'd pick out 1 of them and focus so negatively on it. The suite perks on Royal (like Concierge on DCL) are to make the experience elevated and inclusive for those willing to pay the prices.

Suite perks on Royal (where they offer the drink package included):

Star Class:

• ♦ Exclusive Access to Royal Genie Service
• ♦ All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen*
• ♦ Complimentary Specialty Restaurants* (including Chef’s Table and à la carte dining)
• ♦ Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• ♦ Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under 21 years)
• ♦ Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• ♦ Complimentary Gratuities
• ♦ Complimentary VOOM**, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• ♦ Expedited Boarding and Departure
• ♦ Best Seats in the House in Select Entertainment Venues
• ♦ Priority Entrance to Many Onboard Activities††
• ♦ Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm each evening)
• ♦ Access to Suite Sun Deck
• ♦ Exclusive Access to the Barefoot Beach Club at our Private Destination Labadee®
• ♦ Complimentary Minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® Beverages and Water
• ♦ Complimentary Laundry and Pressing Services
• ♦ Duxiana® Mattress and Pillows
• ♦ Frette® Linens
• ♦ Luxury Bathroom Amenities by L’Occitane®
• ♦ Spa Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• ♦ Coffee Maker

Saying that it's about making it a week of being drunk is no different than saying that DCL's Concierge encourages excessive drinking since they have their happy hour.

I looked again since I’ve been checking out all the main cruise sites and it’s norweigan cruise line. This to me it’s clearly meant to be a booze cruise.

 

[cruiser21]

I looked again since I’ve been checking out all the main cruise sites and it’s norweigan cruise line. This to me it’s clearly meant to be a booze cruise.

That ship always offers that It's an old ship bad itinerary and they need to fill the staterooms. They have over 15 ships and I can assure you they don't all offer free open bar. The do offer the choice of a drink package for just the service charge. Generally you have 5 offers to choose from.

 

[RedSox68]

I looked again since I’ve been checking out all the main cruise sites and it’s norweigan cruise line. This to me it’s clearly meant to be a booze cruise.

The NCL cruises we have booked always offer the drink package as one of the amenities along with four other options. However, we don't take it because they charge you gratuities which have now gone up to over $200/pp for the "free" drink package. The two of us would never drink $400 worth of liquor or soda on a 7-day cruise, so to me it's neither free nor feasible. We always take the free internet and specialty dining packages.

 

[skittlesfirehawk]

The NCL cruises we have booked always offer the drink package as one of the amenities along with four other options. However, we don't take it because they charge you gratuities which have now gone up to over $200/pp for the "free" drink package. The two of us would never drink $400 worth of liquor or soda on a 7-day cruise, so to me it's neither free nor feasible. We always take the free internet and specialty dining packages.

It just says free open bar didn’t mention a package but that’s horrible. I don’t know a lot of people that can drink that much.

 

[cadien]

It just says free open bar didn’t mention a package but that’s horrible. I don’t know a lot of people that can drink that much.

The Sky is the only one that just does free open bar for everyone rather than making it one of the package choices.

 

[cruiser21]

It just says free open bar didn’t mention a package but that’s horrible. I don’t know a lot of people that can drink that much.

You don't have to drink that much to reach 200.00 dollars. One Martini 15 dollars, a good bottle of wine 60.00+ etc. I don't know if you've ever hung out in the adult section on DCL cruise, but there's a lot of drinking going on. I would be happy to pay 200.00 dollars and get to enjoy the most expensive drinks and wine. I don't think it's unreasonable.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You don't have to drink that much to reach 200.00 dollars. One Martini 15 dollars, a good bottle of wine 60.00+ etc. I don't know if you've ever hung out in the adult section on DCL cruise, but there's a lot of drinking going on. I would be happy to pay 200.00 dollars and get to enjoy the most expensive drinks and wine. I don't think it's unreasonable.

DCL is the only cruise line where I ever saw someone with a 40 ounce bottle of booze in their beach bag, mixing their own drinks by the pool.

I think DCL used to offer a really great value - price was more than mainstream lines but there were benefits - bring on your own alcohol, better OBC for repeat cruisers so it would cover our total onboard costs, better food, few "options" for onboard extras that were right in your face (for instance, now they have the ice cream shop / treat shop right next to the buffet, they make the fresh popcorn outside the theatre, walking around offering the water packages on the first day).

I used to recommend DCL to people - even adults with no kids - because it was at a price point most people could save up to and once onboard with a bit of preplanning, you could have a low or $0 bill - it felt like going on a truly all-inclusive vacation. Now, not so much. It's become much more of a regular cruise line with all of the extra costs associated (except a soda package).

 

[cyclenut]

Wife and I love Disney. We lived near Disneyland until recently and frequented the parks with our Annual Passes. We had sailed on both Carnival and Royal Caribbean but Disney seemed just out of reach. We decided on a large family vacation as most of our family was just reaching adulthood and we chose Alaska. We had heard so much good about Disney, we didn't feel we could go wrong. We booked 3 staterooms with one being a verandah. We had a good experience, but it feel far short of our very lofty expectations. We thought we were done with Disney cruising.

After much conversation with Disney, cancelling a booking we had made before sailing and some help from a TA, we received some incentives and booked the Disney Wonder again to give them one more try. That's when we noticed something amazing about Disney. We had provided very specific feedback on what was wrong with our cruise. How it fell so short of our expectations. Everything from food quality, character dining, soda options, lack of proper communication, issues with kids clubs, etc. It was about 18 months later when we boarded the Wonder and Disney had addressed nearly every single item on our list. We were floored. We are not unreasonable people so I'm sure that they heard what we were complaining about from several people, but they really listed. When they called to talk to me about what was wrong, it felt genuine. They asked follow-up questions to and seemed keenly interested in getting real guest feedback, but I had no idea it would be put into action.

That sold us. Not only was our experience much better, but we were thoroughly convinced that Disney was out to create the best guest experience possible. We have and will continue to sail other lines and we've learned to temper our expectations a bit with DCL (Disney is not perfect), but we have two booked this year with just my wife and I. These might be our last with DCL until the new ships come out, but that Southern Caribbean itinerary announced for summer of 2019 on the Fantasy is very attractive.

A few of the things we enjoy on DCL more than other lines:
1) The quality of the talent on stage for their Broadway style shows is excellent. We enjoy live theater. Just a few days ago we attended "On Your Feet" while it is on the National Tour. Many members of the cast were in the original Broadway production. One of them listed Disney Cruise Line in their credits. We have noticed this a few times and we've never seen any other cruise line called out that way by a performer. It's done because everyone in the industry understands that performing for Disney Cruise Line means something.
2) The dining experience. Whether it's the main dining room or specialty dining, we enjoy the experience DCL offers over other lines. The food itself is not always better, but the food is not the entire experience with DCL. It pretty much is with every other line. I've had to get up and retrieve my own water pitcher for a refill more than once elsewhere. DCL wait staff is more on top of things (not perfect, but better).
3) The on board theater is better than any other line. The theater is nice, the movies are better. We do like movies and it's fun to do a movie or two when on board, especially on sea days.
4) The CMs understand customer service better. The ratios are also better. We don't always receive outstanding service, but it's much more likely.
5) They don't "push" the alcohol. They serve it, but when I order a beer, they bring me a beer. When I tell them I don't want another drink, they move on. I've had wait staff at the pool with both Carnival and Royal stand there for several minutes trying to convince me to just buy a bucket of beer. Several no thank you's didn't seem to do the trick. I had to almost yell at the guy to just go get me one beer. We even had a wait staff by the pool set two drinks down in front of my wife and I we didn't even ask for. When we told them no thank you, they tried to say that since they were already on the table, they were ours now. My reply was, thanks for the free drinks, because I'm not paying for something we didn't ask for. I got a snarky comment back and she picked them up and left.

 

[LINDATHEPOOH]

im looking for Adults who have no kids but prefer to sail Disney over the other cruise lines. Why do you choose Disney?

I’m 65, my husbands 70. We grew up with the original Mouseketeer club, Disney’s wonderful world of color, and all the Disney movies and cartoons. We both had a blessed childhood. So, I guess Disney’s in our blood. We never felt a need to try another cruise line. We get the excellence we expect in service, food, cleanliness, and entertainment.

 

[momcloud]

Love Disney!!! I’m 52 and love going to DW and staying onsite. We’ve only done Disney cruises. One with our kids, one with the two of us, and going on our 3rd without kids. But I am not a drinker or a gambler, so the atmosphere is to my liking. I had as much fun w/o our kids as I did with.
Our 1st cruise was a 7 day- never having been on a cruise, it was a risk, but it was awesome! We loved it and got hooked. Our kids are now grown, so we did a 3 day for our anniversary. Only problem - IT WAS TOO SHORT!!!
This Dec. we are going on a 7 day on the Fantasy (Magic was our 1st and Dream the 2nd) it will be to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. I can’t wait!!!

 

[vertigo235]

im looking for Adults who have no kids but prefer to sail Disney over the other cruise lines. Why do you choose Disney?

Why not?