Would I Like a Disney Cruise?

[NancyIL]

HAHA! Ok, so answer everyone's question about our very high bill, let me just say that we were 4 adults, and that included our shore excursions, specialty restaurants, a spa day with 1 treatment each for the boys, and 2 for the girls. We also had probably 3 alcoholic beverages a day, each. We did NOT purchase anything in the gift shops.

Your DCL bill would also be high if it included excursions, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

 

[mandibc11]

Your DCL bill would also be high if it included excursions, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

I'm wondering though, if we would only have 1 or 2 specialty dinners, instead of the 6 we had because of the chaos and bad food of the main restaurants on NCL. Also, we couldn't have to pay extra for lunches either. That would have probably saved us at least 700 dollars or so!

 

[NancyIL]

I'm wondering though, if we would only have 1 or 2 specialty dinners, instead of the 6 we had because of the chaos and bad food of the main restaurants on NCL. Also, we couldn't have to pay extra for lunches either. That would have probably saved us at least 700 dollars or so!

The higher price of the Disney cruise would probably wipe out any "savings" from eating at fewer specialty restaurants. Why did you buy lunches on NCL, but don't think you would do the same on DCL? If you're in port during lunch time, you'll eat off the ship no matter which cruise line you choose.

 

[mandibc11]

The higher price of the Disney cruise would probably wipe out any "savings" from eating at fewer specialty restaurants. Why did you buy lunches on NCL, but don't think you would do the same on DCL? If you're in port during lunch time, you'll eat off the ship no matter which cruise line you choose.

We actually had three days at sea, and didn't arrive in Nassau until 12:30pm one day, so we had lunch on the boat 4 times. Does Disney even offer upcharge lunch options?

Even so, the price really wasn't my main concern on the Norwegian cruise. Salesy attitudes and lack of any quiet space at all was more of a concern! I would gladly pay the price we did for an amazing experience any day.

 

[NancyIL]

We actually had three days at sea, and didn't arrive in Nassau until 12:30pm one day, so we had lunch on the boat 4 times. Does Disney even offer upcharge lunch options?

Even so, the price really wasn't my main concern on the Norwegian cruise. Salesy attitudes and lack of any quiet space at all was more of a concern! I would gladly pay the price we did for an amazing experience any day.

DCL offers a brunch at Palo on sea days @ $20 pp.

I love Disney World, and I enjoyed my 3 DCL Bahamas cruises. I thought the food in the dining rooms on the Dream was very good, and dinner at Palo was excellent. Unfortunately - the dining room service on my last 2 DCL cruises (including the Dream 3 weeks ago) was not what it should've been, nor anything like the excellent service on my first Disney cruise.

 

[NJBILL]

HAHA! Ok, so answer everyone's question about our very high bill, let me just say that we were 4 adults, and that included our shore excursions, specialty restaurants, a spa day with 1 treatment each for the boys, and 2 for the girls. We also had probably 3 alcoholic beverages a day, each. We did NOT purchase anything in the gift shops.

Like I mentioned the food in the included restaurants was very bland, and of the three, one was a buffet, and one only available for dinner. Many lunches and every dinner but one was an upcharge for us, because we didn't want to eat in the smoky casino or have the same menu every night in the main dining room (only one or two menu items changed nightly).

Even entertainment was an added fee, with one of the dinner shows being $30 per person. If we wanted to have an adult only area to lounge in during the day, we had to pay for that. If we wanted to use the spa relaxation area during our treatments, we had to pay for that. Not that we did, because we couldn't believe if you booked a $200 facial you would have to pay extra to sit in a quiet chair while you wait for your next treatment!

My last cruise was on the EPIC,and we had a great time, To your point, I did not feel the same way you did. NCL offers many different restaurants for a fee, but I found the quality of food in the restaurants very good. I knew this before I booked, and we did go to the Teppanyaki restaurant. I will say that it did become a little repetitive towards the end of our cruise, but the quality was always good. I have sailed Disney twice, and the largest difference between NCL and Royal and Disney is the level of service. I found the food comparable on all three. You will pay more for the Disney " experience", which is part of the allure of the cruise. If you have younger kids, it's worth spending a few extra $$ to sail Disney. I do not imagine you bill on Disney will be any more/less with the same level of activty. The industry trend is to be less inclusive to "lower" the price of the cruise to get you in the cabin. NCL is no different that Royal or Carnival in that repect.
We are returning to Disney next year, and I am looking forward to it for the level of personal service and attitude of staff.

 

[Raspberry Beret]

HAHA! Ok, so answer everyone's question about our very high bill, let me just say that we were 4 adults, and that included our shore excursions, specialty restaurants, a spa day with 1 treatment each for the boys, and 2 for the girls. We also had probably 3 alcoholic beverages a day, each. We did NOT purchase anything in the gift shops.

Like I mentioned the food in the included restaurants was very bland, and of the three, one was a buffet, and one only available for dinner. Many lunches and every dinner but one was an upcharge for us, because we didn't want to eat in the smoky casino or have the same menu every night in the main dining room (only one or two menu items changed nightly).

Even entertainment was an added fee, with one of the dinner shows being $30 per person. If we wanted to have an adult only area to lounge in during the day, we had to pay for that. If we wanted to use the spa relaxation area during our treatments, we had to pay for that. Not that we did, because we couldn't believe if you booked a $200 facial you would have to pay extra to sit in a quiet chair while you wait for your next treatment!

Only one evening entertainment venue has an added fee and that is the Cirque dinner show at $20 regular seating or $30 premium seating. As far as I know they have not added fees to any others. The Legends show, The Blue Man Group, Second City and the bands/DJs in the many lounges do not have an added fee.

Spice H2O, the adult area is free. Now, if you mean POSH, yes weekly or daily passes can be bought for that area but they are limited depending on the number of suite guests on board. POSH, is private sun deck area for suite guests but passes are sold if the area is being under utilized.

I think you should definitely try Disney since you are a fan. DCL does an outstanding job but it isn't that much different than other cruise lines, IMO.

 

[mom2tcdx2]

Pretty much most of your cruise lines will nickel and dime you to death. $4000 really sounds like way too much not sure what type of items you paid extra for. They all pretty much have photos, souvenirs, drink packages, spa, shore excursions, tip, etc that will all cost etc. I have sailed NCL twice with my Alaska cruise being the highest for my on board account because of the shore excursions and that was about $1400 for myself and my husband.

We have also spent $600 in jewelry on the Pearl in December, but I don't count that as a cost of being nickel and dimed. Everyone is in control of their own spending and if you plan ahead you should be able to make sure you stay within your bounds. You didn't have to do the specialty dining and you don't on any of the ships, it is a choice you choose to make.

Having sailed Princess, NCL and Carnival I am looking forward to the Disney experience and seeing if it really is all that much better than the other cruise lines.