RCI and Shrek, what does it mean for DCL?

[williamson_ja]

I am wondering if anyone thinks that DCL will lose any business to RCI because of their new addition of the dreamworks characters. Are any of the loyal DCL cruisers newly interested in RCI because of the addition of characters? In the past, cruisers were more willing to pay extra for a Disney cruise because you were getting the characters, shows, etc. With most RCI cruises being less expensive, I would think some would think of switching over. What do you think? Anyone going to switch over?

[bdink921]

I wouldn't switch over for characters. I really don't consider myself loyal to any cruise line and am willing to try whatever cruiseline suits the situation we're in. We've cruised Disney and Carnival--really enjoyed both experiences. Our next cruise is a 3 nighter on the Dream but we would love to try the Freedom class ships of RCCL--it just doesn't fit in our schedule at this time.

[funat55]

I wouldn't switch over for characters. I really don't consider myself loyal to any cruise line and am willing to try whatever cruiseline suits the situation we're in. We've cruised Disney and Carnival--really enjoyed both experiences. Our next cruise is a 3 nighter on the Dream but we would love to try the Freedom class ships of RCCL--it just doesn't fit in our schedule at this time.

 

 

I agree with your post and as you can see I am going on the Oasis which I booked before the announcement of the characters. However, as much as I love Disney, I feel that I will get the best of both worlds on my next cruise because that line has a casino, one of my guilty pleasures when cruising.

[jkrislc]

While this is interesting news especially with NCL partnering with Nick, neither of these cruiselines will have the inclusive experience with the characters that Disney offers. It will be an add-on rather than an integration into the cruise experience. I can't imagine their main stage shows will revolve around the characters, that they have character breakfasts, ect. However, as a parent of a three year old that enjoys Dreamworks' films, it's a definite plus for me the next time I cruise RCI.

[Host Mick]

In 1976, Marriott's Great America opened in Santa Clara, CA. It was supposed to be just like Disneyland but farther North. They had themed lands, Hanna Barbera charachters, rides were called attractions, employees were cast members and visitors were called guests. They had a train and parades. Yep, just like Disneyland but it wasn't. It lacked the charm and intangible magic that Disney was able to put in his park. The problem was that Marriott was a hotel company, they could make a mean bed and clean a shower but they didn't know how to entertain.

Fast forward to the present. Cruise lines are trying to be entertainment companies, "fun" ships with a lot of the fun revolving around gambling, drinking and poorly done stage shows. Enter Disney, a company with more than 80 years experience in the entertainment business and suddenly the "big guys" are scrambling to learn entertainment and to catch up with Disney. Are bigger ships with more onboard entertainment going to do it? Not if the entertainment is still an afterthought behind the big revenue centers of drinking and gambling. Superficially the cruise lines might have all the same things, like food, pools, shows, ice sculptures, kids' programs, buffets and now charachters but I don't think that it's really the same.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[NancyIL]

I haven't seen any of the Shrek movies! I don't cruise with kids, so characters on any cruise line aren't an attraction for me. I'm glad RCI is limiting it to its biggest ships, because those are the ones I'm least likely to sail.

[chipmaster]

Dreamworks versus Disney and Pixar?

 

There is so much more to Disney's product then just the characters, but they are part of the experience. RCCL already has a product and brand, to emphasize Dreamworks characters or price because of that would be a marketing mistake. Its a small addition IMHO and won't change and diehard disney or RCCL fans.

 

Disney from a pricing point of view and RCCL don't even directly compete and really don't compete in terms of sailings as the Disney lineup of ships and ports is so limited. It may be just me, but all the European sailings really have less than best ports and times. Untill they get more ships they need to decide a bit on how the maixmize their ships.

 

I cruise for the ports always and less so the ship. Its probably me, but the best memories are ports, ships that is dime a dozen :D

[DBCH911]

I have cruised both and love both lines but I think that they are two totally different cruise experiences. Disney is my favorite cruiseline but as a single Mom, i can't always afford the price so I have sailed more on the more affordable cruiselines with RCI being a favorite. I don't think Disney can be topped in the entertainment area and I think Disney fans will stay true to Disney! :)