Curious if any experienced Princess cruisers have done DCL?

[RebelSoul]

So, here's my dilemma. My DH works for a large cable sports television network that is owned by Disney. He does get phenomenal discounts on Disney cruises. This year he's been pushing for me to look into DCL because of fellow co-workers' experiences on DCL.

 

Now, I'm not a big Disney fan. I do like some of the movies, but am not a WDW fan. I choose to cruise to "escape completely". The thought of being surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of kids, especially since we cruise without our kids (so far), doesn't seem appealing to me. I don't want someone to get the idea I do not like kids, as we have four. We take one family vacation a year and usually at least one by ourselves, which we like to cruise.

 

Anyone who has cruised on both Princess and Disney, can you give me a good idea what your thoughts and experiences were on DCL? I am choosing to post this here on the Princess forum because it seems there are a lot of Disney purists over there, if you know what I mean. :D

[Loonbeam]

It may be too far out, but DCL is doing 2 night samplers from MYC next summer (2012). We're doing one to see how we like it..

 

So, here's my dilemma. My DH works for a large cable sports television network that is owned by Disney. He does get phenomenal discounts on Disney cruises. This year he's been pushing for me to look into DCL because of fellow co-workers' experiences on DCL.

 

Now, I'm not a big Disney fan. I do like some of the movies, but am not a WDW fan. I choose to cruise to "escape completely". The thought of being surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of kids, especially since we cruise without our kids (so far), doesn't seem appealing to me. I don't want someone to get the idea I do not like kids, as we have four. We take one family vacation a year and usually at least one by ourselves, which we like to cruise.

 

Anyone who has cruised on both Princess and Disney, can you give me a good idea what your thoughts and experiences were on DCL? I am choosing to post this here on the Princess forum because it seems there are a lot of Disney purists over there, if you know what I mean. :D

[IDRATHERBCRUISN]

If I wasnt taking my kids I would not go on Disney. I sailed on the Magic last year, no casino, not a ton of night life, lots of kids(love kids, have 4 of my own and 1 grandchild) just alot of them confined to a ship.

 

Food was good, service was good, ship was nice. All in all a great time with the kids. No kids= No Disney. :o

 

However if the husband got a great discount I wouldnt be the one kicking and screaming because I didnt want to get on after all IDRATHERBCRUISN. :)

[Alberta_Cruisers]

I've been on 2 Disney cruises and am doing my 2nd with Princess in a few months. I wouldn't say that I'm a huge Disney fan either, but we combined both cruises with a trip to Florida. My son loved it! I believe the food, rooms, etc are all comparable. The shows are all Disney themed, but excellent. Disney ships don't have a casino on them and they also have a separate movie theatre.

 

There were a lot of people of all ages there without any children. A lot of items are Mickey shaped, including the waffles, the pool and the ice cream :), but that didn't bother me at all. The Carnival colors don't bother me either and I have had great cruises with them too.

 

Castaway Cay is their island in the Bahamas and one of the best places I've ever been in my life. I'll do another Disney cruise someday just to go there again. The ship from Pirates of the Caribbean is there now and the ship docks near it so that it's one of the first things you walk by as you're heading to the beach.

 

Give it a try! You'd be on vacation on a cruise!!

[SRQfireman]

It may be too far out, but DCL is doing 2 night samplers from MYC next summer (2012). We're doing one to see how we like it..

Which port is "MYC" ? I know they're going to new places next year, but can't say this one rings a bell

[IDRATHERBCRUISN]

Pretty sure it is New York City. :)

 

Which port is "MYC" ? I know they're going to new places next year, but can't say this one rings a bell

[Katie333]

For a really good deal, I'd be tempted to try just about any line.

 

Could you make a DCL cruise your family vacation and then still take your usual Princess crusie vacation as well?

 

We prefer to cruise without kids as well, and DCL would be my guess as to the most kid-filled line. That said, it looks like there are lots of 'adult escapes' onboard.

 

Maybe try a shorter cruise as others have suggested.

[Denny01]

I stay away from talking mice.....they give me the creeps!

 

Den

[Coracii]

My wife and I are regular Princess cruisers and have sailed with Disney seven times (we don't have kids). With the arrangement of the ships and all the offerings they have it really doesn't feel overrun with children unless you're sitting right at the main pool area. We have our next Disney cruise upcoming in just a few months, especially with the discount they offer it's worth every penny.

[signe]

I would pay extra not to be on Disney, unless I was bringing children. It's geared toward kids, or adults who are fans of Mickey. Our 11 year old granddaughter liked it but didn't love it. The staterooms are lovely, and I loved the "when you wish upon a star" chimes. The food was ok. Staff was great. In hindsight, I wish we'd taken her on Princess.

[derdejoh]

It is just my wife and I, and we have no kids. Our first couple of cruises were on DCL, and since then we've primarily sailed on Princess. To be fair, we do also enjoy the occasional trip to WDW.

 

In our experience, DCL is like the parks in many ways, some of which you might enjoy, others you might not. There is always that Disney "magic," like the restaurant (and wait staff) that change colors (and costumes) throughout the dinner. The service is always at a high standard, and there was always somebody walking around cleaning. There are often Disney characters around by the pools and the open decks (with all of the accompanying lines to see the characters). As was mentioned, the shows were wonderful and near broadway quality, but they are Disney themed.

 

As for kids, obviously there are kids on board, as you would find on almost any cruise. But Disney has such a wonderful kids program, a lot of kids "disappear" for the day. For example, our tablemate on one of the cruises had her 5 year old daughter with her -- we saw the daughter the first night of the cruise but never again because she preferred the kids club; mom was actually a little hurt that her daughter didn't want to spend more time with her. I honestly don't recall being bothered by screaming kids running rampant around the ship, or anything like, but the kids were definitely there.

 

At the end of the day, to each their own. If the price is right (and it sounds like it might be with your DH's discount), we would jump at the chance to take another cruise on DCL. Others, obviously, would not. If you are bothered by having kids "around," then look somewhere else. But if you don't mind the kids, then give DCL a shot.

[hillslife]

Have sailed on Disney twice with our DD when she was younger and considering take our grand kids in a year or so.... if I wasn't taking the kids, I would definitely NOT go on Disney. Excellent service, food, staff - Disney always does things 110%....but for relaxing with no kids, this would not be a good choice.

 

However, that being said, if the cruise was 'almost free' I would definitely go, but plan another for 'escaping completely'....

 

Just my 2 cents....

[hansolosmom]

we haven't sailed Princess yet, we are booked for this summer, but we've sailed DCL a couple times.

 

As said previously the service & food are impeccable this is why my dh loves to sail with them. The shows are very good & I'm not a show person, but you will find they geared toward kids or based off Disney stuff - i.e. the princesses or villians. On longer cruises they do mix in comedians/jugglers/magicians. They do also shedule adult only shows & activities.

 

The decor is understated - I haven't found it to be 'in your face we're Disney' we haven't been on the new ship (Dream) so I don't know if that one's different. But you do find those magical touches everywhere on the ship - like mickey heads in the ironwork.

 

There are adult only areas on the ship & they are usually pretty good at enforcing it. I think you'd be surprised at how many people actually crusie DCL with no children.

 

I would avoid spring break & holidays - the only time I felt there were a ton of kids on-board was when we went during spring break. This time of year April/May is usually a good time for less kids but warm enough to enjoy Castaway Cay - which is beautiful! (& does have an adult only area too)

 

If you get a chance check out the travel channel & see if the DCL show is on & watch it. It give a pretty even balanced look at the ship. I think it's about the Magic, one of the original ships.

 

But, I have to say if it were me & I could get a discount on any cruise ship, I would try it.

[garvii]

The ship from Pirates of the Caribbean is there now and the ship docks near it so that it's one of the first things you walk by as you're heading to the beach.

 

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. The Flying Dutchman was becoming very rundown and dilapidated by the weather, so it has been removed.

 

I agree with Katie333. Do DCL with your kids for one of your upcoming annual vacations and just you and DH on Princess for you adult getaway.

[waltd]

If you can go on the Disney Dream and you get the cast member discount, which is a great deal, then go once. The island alone is wonderful and has an adults only section. With the money you save get a massage on the island.

[RebelSoul]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

 

My sons are a little past the Disney stage (19 & 13). In fact the 19 year old will be joining us for our 4 day Bermuda cruise on Princess next fall (his first cruise, he'll be 21 by then.) The 13 year old will be doing Alaska with us on Princess in 2014 when he is 16.

 

Well, Disney wouldn't be a free cruise, but with the huge discounts the DH gets through work, it's certainly cheaper than Princess believe it or not. And I find DCL to be expensive comparably. I really haven't looked at next years sailings as we have quite a bit on our plate with booked Princess cruises at the moment, six to be exact. But I will definitely check out the 2 day NY sailings for sure. Even if it turns out DCL isn't for us, I am sure we can make it through 2 nights fine. (Great advice.)

 

Again, thanks everyone. This is why I love this place so much!! I often wonder if we added up every member's at sea days, how much the total would be! :eek:

[sunsetbeachgal]

Wow...you are lucky getting discounts! I would love to try the new Disney ship The Dream, but the prices I have seen are way way too high for me to consider it. I could probably do a 10 night Princess sailing for less than the price of a 3 night cruise on the Dream! So that is what it will be, a dream!!

[alspat]

Husband and I are 14 times Princess guests. I have taken grandkids on DCL on 3 occasions. Here are my personal opinions on Disney Cruise Line. PROS

The ships (I have been on two of them) are beautiful, spotless and well laid out. The cabins are quite large. Employees are Disney trained (thus, efficient, friendly, charming, and desirous of giving you a great vacation). Shows are "Disney" -- waltzing princesses, Disney music, etc. etc. The "adults only" nighttime entertainment area is quite nice with good music and cocktails, etc. The dining rooms are themed and beautifully outfitted. CONS - I think the quality of the food on Princess beats Disney by a mile. The menus on Princess are geared toward the adult palate but the Disney menus seem to aim themselves (quite rightly, I suppose) at the kiddies. KIDS - I have taken 3 grandkids on DCL and they loved it and still talk about it almost 10 years later. I loved being with them on Disney because I felt that they were welcome and that a little kiddy noise would be tolerated and it was. That being said, I would definitely not take a Disney cruise without children unless I wanted to be surrounded by other people's kids and grandkids. There are lots and lots and lots of kids - everywhere. Some well behaved and some not-so-much. Hope this helps.

[Toddy709]

DCL was our first cruise in 2004 and we were with teens, 13 and 16. They weren't into seeing the characters and I don't recall ever actually running into the characters while on board.

 

I do recall that DCL had WONDERFUL balcony cabins! I thought the food was much better than what I had on my first Princess cruise. With cutbacks though Disney's food may not be as good now either. I loved hearing the horn blow when we left ports -- it's definitely one of a kind!

 

Disney does have a very high standard of service. I would not hesitate to cruise with DCL without kids if I could get a comparable rate to Princess. I would just make it a point to avoid the kid specific areas and the family pool.

[hansolosmom]

But I will definitely check out the 2 day NY sailings for sure. Even if it turns out DCL isn't for us, I am sure we can make it through 2 nights fine. (Great advice.)

 

I might avoid the 2 night because I would think more children would be onboard since it's cheaper than the longer cruises. Personally I would try the 5 night Canadian - those sailings were the only ones not going like hotcakes when the dates opened. I was looking at the 8 night Bahamian one at the end of June & the price shot up $700 from when booking opened in the morning to the afternoon. It was crazy!

[Loonbeam]

Yes, that would be NYC. Sorry!

 

Which port is "MYC" ? I know they're going to new places next year, but can't say this one rings a bell

[jamespmc]

I worked for a broadcast network owned by Disney and have been on both Disney and Princess. We love both, there may not be a casino on Disney but don't forget you also get a great discount in the jewelry store on board. They also allow you to bring any type of liguid refreshments on board. I also think the rooms are bigger on Disney.

[cdndizzylizzy]

We have cruised DCL 3 times and are set to try Princess out for the first time this summer. I am not a Disney freak at all, and my belief is that you can enjoy "the best" of what Disney has come to represent in terms of quality, cleanliness, top-notch customer service and consistency without feeling like you should have adopted some kids in order to fit in.

 

The covered Deck 4 (Promenade Deck) has super-comfy deck chairs and is a perfect spot for adults to while away the hours (or days!) quietly reading novels, playing shuffleboard, chatting, enjoying a pre-dinner drink, walking (it's the deck where you can walk or jog completely around the ship), or just taking in a snooze. It is quiet and peaceful, and if kids spend time there at all it's with their parents and they don't stick around for very long. There may be the odd Mom there with a baby sound asleep in their carriage, but that shouldn't be too much of a bother.

 

In all 3 of my cruises, the adult-only rule for the Coffee Lounge and Adult pool and bar areas were strictly enforced. The Coffee Lounge and surrounding area were peaceful and quiet - each afternoon DH and myself spent a few hours there with a latte or iced cappucino and our books while the kids took in their club fix. The pool is spacious, warm and not over-crowded (because so many of the other adults are on the other side of Deck 9 at the kid pools). If you don't want to be subjected to the kid pool areas and the noise, just use the fore elevators!

 

When having breakfast at Topsiders, each outside. There is a lovely outdoor patio that faces aft and that is where we always chose to eat breakfast after going through the buffet line and ordering our made-to-order omelettes, which are delivered personally to your table.

 

Palo, the adult-only specialty restaurant, is a must attend. Book your reservation as soon as you can online, or go straight to Rockin Bar D when you board. The service, food and ambiance are wonderful. While I have not yet been on Princess to take in the specialty restaurants themselves, from everything I have read I am confident that Palo has to be just as good!

 

The spa area is also quiet and serene.

 

On our last DCL cruise, it was quite chilly for the first few days, and with the kids in the clubs DH and I were seeking out quiet, warmer places indoors to hang out. There are lots of spaces indoors where you can while away time off the beaten track without feeling at all like you are hiding from the fellow passengers. We enjoyed the beer pub (they have board games, beer-tasting) and the bingo games (I thought it would be lame, but I actually really enjoyed it!). We also went to a few movies in the movie theatre.

 

The adult entertainment in Rockin Bar D was excellent in my opinion. DCL brings in entertainers that have both a kid-friendly routine that is performed in the early evening, and then a different set for about 10 pm. Excellent quality, funny comedians, talented musicians, etc. etc.

 

On an adult-only cruise, I would also take in lunch at one of the restaurants. For the most part, full families have lunch on the pool deck or at Topsiders. If you go to Lumieres, Parrot Cay or Animators (at least one will always be open for lunch - check your daily guide), service will be attentive, the food excellent, and the ambiance relaxed. The restaurants are typically 3/4 empty at lunch time.

 

Book the late dinner seating - families with young children always seek out the first seating.

 

I have been to many beaches in my life, and Castaway Cay's beach is one of the best. The whole day is magical - including the fact that you don't have to tender, that the island is clean and well maintained, the Cookies BBQ smells wafting out over the beach by about 11:30, the waiters bringing you cold brews while you relax on your lounger. Again - to avoid the noisy crowds just keep walking further to the far end of the beach. Most people plunk as soon as they see a free chair. The sand is just as soft and the water the same temperature just another 200 feet further down the beach, and you will grin and see the throngs of families just down the beach from your quieter locale just a bit down the way. I read my novel all afternoon at CC, swam a few times, went for a walk, took a few great photos - heaven!

 

Personally, I would not hesitate to return to DCL without my two kids. DH and I loved everything about cruising on the Magic.

 

I am getting wistful just writing about it.