Why are Disney cruises so costly compared to Nickelodeon?

[MadisonMom65]

I've read a few of the threads on Disney VS Nick cruises, but i still have a lot of questions. I have intended to take my DH and DD (6) on a Disney cruise in 2012. On a whim i googled 'nickelodeon cruises' and found out there are Nickelodeon cruises for much less.

 

Is the Disney experience that much better, or are we paying for the Disney name? I'm not trying to ask a leading question, so I apologize if it reads that way, i'm not sure how else to ask the question.

 

We love spending time with our 6 year old, so stowing her away in a kids club isn't necessary, but we'd probably use the kids club 1 or 2 times on a 4 day cruise.

 

I've also read conflicting reviews about 'out of pocket' costs. Can you share your experiences? I'm thinking of asking a travel agent, but find that social media works the best for honest feedback vs. sales jobs.

Thanks!

[crusinmama06]

Everyone has an opinion on "Is a Disney cruise worth the money?" -- some of them can be so much more expensive than the average cruise.

 

And you say the "Nickelodeon Cruise"? There is one "All Access Cruise" on NCL Epic on 7/24/11 in the Med, but since that is just 20 days away, I don't think you are talking about that. So which "Nickelodeon Cruise" are you talking about?

 

So I guess you have to narrow it down. Are you planning on doing one of the most expensive Disney voyages? Verses any of the any family friendly ships that offer a host of other things (NCL Epic, RCI Oasis/Allure, RCI Freedom class)

 

My kids found more to do on other ships and never asked to go back after their two Disney cruises. But they have BEGGED to go on NCL Epic and RCI Oasis/Allure.

[chipmaster]

LOL you've been to Disney yet :D

 

No questionn they make some extra effort to make the mouse experience special, and for that experience they charge you a hefty premium.

 

Only you can decide if the extra service, theme, characters and kids club are worth the extra dollars.

 

Having just spend a few days in Disney World I can't say the "experience" is better, its just "disney" which includes all the mouse theme'd stuff which for some is a must and what they charge a ton, is for silly things like the said pictures ;)

 

I've read a few of the threads on Disney VS Nick cruises, but i still have a lot of questions. I have intended to take my DH and DD (6) on a Disney cruise in 2012. On a whim i googled 'nickelodeon cruises' and found out there are Nickelodeon cruises for much less.

 

Is the Disney experience that much better, or are we paying for the Disney name? I'm not trying to ask a leading question, so I apologize if it reads that way, i'm not sure how else to ask the question.

 

We love spending time with our 6 year old, so stowing her away in a kids club isn't necessary, but we'd probably use the kids club 1 or 2 times on a 4 day cruise.

 

I've also read conflicting reviews about 'out of pocket' costs. Can you share your experiences? I'm thinking of asking a travel agent, but find that social media works the best for honest feedback vs. sales jobs.

Thanks!

[legion3]

It would be one thing if it was a few extra dollars but in most cases Disney is a WHOLE lot of extra dollars!

 

Some suites are less on other ships for a interior cheap cabin on Disney. Seems like a lot of $.

[1025cruise]

One thing to keep in mind, one of the factors in cruise cost is the amount of predicted onboard spending to occur in all venues, including the casino. Disney does not have casinos on their ships, so they need to make the money up elsewhere.

[legion3]

One thing to keep in mind, one of the factors in cruise cost is the amount of predicted onboard spending to occur in all venues, including the casino. Disney does not have casinos on their ships, so they need to make the money up elsewhere.

 

 

Do they? Maybe, but I bet they really don't need to make up the money elsewhere, Disney has plenty of $ makers the other lines don't have but I see that argument made over and over again in defense of Disney.

[jennygirlmt]

I won't be much help, especially because I don't know anything about "Nickolodean" crusies, and in general tend to not enjoy Nick as a product. But my company works with Disney and we find them to be one of our most difficult clients for the fact that they provide such a quality product/service that they then expect the same in return. We have to go above and beyond to suit them.

 

I thought the Disney cruise we went on (Wonder to the Bahamas) was absolutely incredible. HOWEVER, that was a cruise requested by our grandmother for the whole family to celebrate her 80th birthday so we didn't have an option (and in the end my inlaws treated us because they knew it was a financial stretch that we couldn't accommodate at the time).

 

I most likely wouldn't pay for it otherwise, especially not when we have young children to put through classes, camps, college, weddings, etc :-) I think your kids will enjoy whichever cruise you choose and if money is a consideration for you, I would pick another line with amenities that your kids will still love but that better fits your budget and I know you'll make lasting memories.

[lolakat]

I did the NCL Nickelodeon cruise on NCL Jewel last year (not "all access" just the regular cruise with the charecters on board) my DD was almost 3. This year I did the DCL Magic when DD was about 3.5 yo. Next month we will be back on the Jewel with Nickelodeon and next April we will be back on the DCL Magic.

 

Overall, I feel the DCL cruise was a much better experience for my young DD. I am a sucker for the "magic" of Disney and I just didn't feel that on NCL. I felt DCL was set up for young children in a much better way than NCL. There were more activities to do as a family, a better layout for the kids pool, kids centered magic/stage show, more child friendly enviornement in the resturants. We didn't use the kids club much but it is head and shoulders above the NCL one and they allow parents to come in and play with their kids too, which I really liked. I also felt the food and service was overall a step up from NCL. However, we will still sail with NCL too. Mostly b/c it is a relatively cheap get away, the casino perks can't be beat and we like the courtyard villas. I might also feel differently as DD gets older and is able to enjoy more activities on RCCL or a new ship like Epic. Right now our family vacations focous on entertaining a 4 yo. If you have different priorties DCL may not be as attractive.

 

For me DCL is "worth it." If I had to bust my budget to go DCL I would say that is not worth it. Any cruise will be fun for your family and I would pick one that is well within whatever your budget is.

[MadisonMom65]

this has been helpful! Sorry for the lack of clarification, yes, i was talking about the NCL Nickelodeon cruise on NCL Jewel as an option versus the Disney Magic.

 

I will discuss with my husband and throw a couple of ideas out there. He's not a cruiser, and so i'm having a hard time convincing him to go. Maybe the DD and I will make the adventure on our own, and let him enjoy a bachelor vacation which we've done before.

 

Keep the comparisons/opinions coming!

Thanks!;)

[mjkacmom]

There were aspects of our NCL cruise that I liked better than DCL, especially freestyle dining. Plus, NCL has many more specialty restaurants, whereas DCL has only one.

[boulders]

I've read a few of the threads on Disney VS Nick cruises, but i still have a lot of questions. I have intended to take my DH and DD (6) on a Disney cruise in 2012. On a whim i googled 'nickelodeon cruises' and found out there are Nickelodeon cruises for much less.

 

Is the Disney experience that much better, or are we paying for the Disney name? I'm not trying to ask a leading question, so I apologize if it reads that way, i'm not sure how else to ask the question.

 

We love spending time with our 6 year old, so stowing her away in a kids club isn't necessary, but we'd probably use the kids club 1 or 2 times on a 4 day cruise.

 

I've also read conflicting reviews about 'out of pocket' costs. Can you share your experiences? I'm thinking of asking a travel agent, but find that social media works the best for honest feedback vs. sales jobs.

Thanks!

 

Another option you may wish to consider is Royal Caribbean's Oasis or Allure of the Seas. They have the Dreamworks characters - Shrek, Kung Fu Panda etc.

 

I've travelled with Disney's land tour division, Adventures by Disney. I concur with the poster who said that Disney has exacting standards. They are highly customer service-oriented.

[cathep]

My disclaimer is that I haven't cruised Disney yet, but I don't plan to. I've been many times to WDW and enjoyed it, but I find that those exacting standards also require that you must adhere to their version of what they think is quality. A basic example is just trying to make reservations - call the Four Seasons and compare your experience. Both emphasize quality but Four Seasons doesn't make you go through 10 prompts so that they can customize your phone experience (like how many times you've been to the resort, when the last time you were there, etc.) just to speak to a customer service rep. The reservation process takes 20 minutes or longer for something that should take 5 or less.

 

I can get the cruise experience I want for sometimes half the price and a better itinerary. And Disney's definition of quality often feels forced and conflicts with my accessibility and choice. In a theme park, I'll pay the difference and enjoy it (Polynesia in the middle of Florida? sure, I'll bite). In a cruise line, I won't because I'm there to enjoy the flavor of where I am - not to be reminded of the manufactured perception of what a vacation should be.

 

I know this will anger Disney lovers, but the world takes all kinds.

[koalagurl]

I am a Disney NUT, and we did do a Disney cruise out of LA (never got off the ship.) yes I would say the kids clubs are better on Disney, and they offer the nursery for kids under 3. That alone was great for when we went. But now that both kids are over 3, we enjoy doing over cruise lines for the cost (and the casino.). And except in the evening, the kids want to be with us at the pool anyway. So they aren't in the kids clubs enough to make it worth almost double the cost of a comparable cruise on another line n

[bus man]

Do they? Maybe, but I bet they really don't need to make up the money elsewhere, Disney has plenty of $ makers the other lines don't have but I see that argument made over and over again in defense of Disney.

 

Are you suggesting that Disney Cruise Line should operate at a loss, and that the loss should be subsidized by other entities within the Disney corporate empire? Seems an odd way to run a business.

 

I don't yet know if the DCL price premium is worth it to me (I'll find out in about 9 months from now), but I do know this: if they can fill their ships at the prices they charge, they'd be fools to charge less.

[GatorMomInNC]

OMG, I so agree. I dread making any kind of reservation at Disney resorts because it is sooooo complicated. They ask so many questions I feel like I'm applying for national security clearance!! A couple times I just hit random, meaningless answers so that I can just get SOMEBODY on the line to ask a question!

 

But to those of you who say DCL charges too much (which I agree, they are expensive) you should know that DCL business is going gangbusters! There was a very recent article that they are way ahead of Carnival in how full they are sailing, and of course, we all know they charge more money. If you try and book a cruise you will see how quickly the prices go up (not down) on DCL.

 

My disclaimer is that I haven't cruised Disney yet, but I don't plan to. I've been many times to WDW and enjoyed it, but I find that those exacting standards also require that you must adhere to their version of what they think is quality. A basic example is just trying to make reservations - call the Four Seasons and compare your experience. Both emphasize quality but Four Seasons doesn't make you go through 10 prompts so that they can customize your phone experience (like how many times you've been to the resort, when the last time you were there, etc.) just to speak to a customer service rep. The reservation process takes 20 minutes or longer for something that should take 5 or less.

[mitsugirly]

We pulled in port last year (on the Epic) next to a Disney ship and my husband vowed to take our little one on the Disney cruise when she was old enough. (Little did I realize just how much they cost!!!) :eek:

 

So, I've never been, but can only assume you are paying for the name, just like you do if you stay at a Disney resort.

 

We are taking our 3 1/2 yr old on her first cruise this year and I'm sure she'll be fine without Mickey by her side. When we decide to involve Disney, I believe she'll be visiting him at Walt Disney World instead. :)

[legion3]

Are you suggesting that Disney Cruise Line should operate at a loss, and that the loss should be subsidized by other entities within the Disney corporate empire? Seems an odd way to run a business.

 

I don't yet know if the DCL price premium is worth it to me (I'll find out in about 9 months from now), but I do know this: if they can fill their ships at the prices they charge, they'd be fools to charge less.

 

 

No I was suggesting they don't need to make up money with a casino. They make plenty of $ and if they lowered prices (which clearly they don't need to) they would not likely be operating at a loss.

 

Imagine if they had a casino, would they lowere their fares? I doubt it, if you can get it, go for it.

 

But my family of 4 could cruise 2 or 3 times a year as compared to a single Disney cruise. Even as a Disney cast memeber the deals are only on certain cruises (very expensive ones, the Med and Trans Atlantic).

[cathep]

The interesting thing is that Disney Rewards dollars can be used for just about anything within the Disney empire except a Disney cruise. I think that speaks volumes about the demand of their cruises. And yes, this Disney cynic has a Disney Rewards Visa. :)

[crusinmama06]

mitsugirly - that's ok. My kids who have been on 2 Disney cruises are complaining that they haven't been on Epic. :eek:;) So take it for what it's worth. :D

 

For us, it comes down to how special my kids are treated. On Disney, they were 2 of a 1,000 kids. So I have to say, I just didn't see the doting that we are accustomed to on the other cruise lines. So you can pay Disney prices. You can dance around with the mouse. But I want my children pampered. And they just weren't that special on their Disney cruises.

[legion3]

We pulled in port last year (on the Epic) next to a Disney ship and my husband vowed to take our little one on the Disney cruise when she was old enough. (Little did I realize just how much they cost!!!) :eek:

 

So, I've never been, but can only assume you are paying for the name, just like you do if you stay at a Disney resort.

 

We are taking our 3 1/2 yr old on her first cruise this year and I'm sure she'll be fine without Mickey by her side. When we decide to involve Disney, I believe she'll be visiting him at Walt Disney World instead. :)

 

We live local to WDW and I have worked there on and off since the early 1980's, so even I was shocked when a friend of mine (also local) took his family to stay at the Grand Floridan resort for a week, off season, and the 5 day vacation, with food and tickets and resort (yes its one of the nicer ones) ran him $10,000 and some change! :eek:

 

I secured 7 day (cast discount) tickets to the parks for some Canadian friends and they paid $2100 just for the all inclusive- expiring tickets! Not sure what the airfare and hotel (they stayed off property) ran them but WOW!

 

Still everyone needs to visit the mouse once and awhile.

[crusinmama06]

We live local to WDW and I have worked there on and off since the early 1980's, so even I was shocked when a friend of mine (also local) took his family to stay at the Grand Floridan resort for a week, off season, and the 5 day vacation, with food and tickets and resort (yes its one of the nicer ones) ran him $10,000 and some change! :eek:.

 

That's a little high. For a fam of 4 in Fall with food for a week, it's about $5,600 for Grand Floridian with tickets and food. ;)

 

And the trick with WDW is to wait until the FREE FOOD comes out in the Fall. :D

 

We always stay at Wilderness Lodge - Deluxe Resort - which at this point is $3,400 but we have never paid more than $2,400 for the week with tickets and food.

[mitsugirly]

mitsugirly - that's ok. My kids who have been on 2 Disney cruises are complaining that they haven't been on Epic. So take it for what it's worth. :D

 

 

Take them, they'll love it. I so regret not taking our little one and vow to return again some day. Some of the people that were on our Epic cruise has already cruised her again this year they loved it so much. :)

 

We live local to WDW and I have worked there on and off since the early 1980's, so even I was shocked when a friend of mine (also local) took his family to stay at the Grand Floridan resort for a week, off season, and the 5 day vacation, with food and tickets and resort (yes its one of the nicer ones) ran him $10,000 and some change! :eek:

 

I secured 7 day (cast discount) tickets to the parks for some Canadian friends and they paid $2100 just for the all inclusive- expiring tickets! Not sure what the airfare and hotel (they stayed off property) ran them but WOW!

 

Still everyone needs to visit the mouse once and awhile.

 

I think I'll stick to renting the luxury houses with the screened in pools in the background for a lot cheaper than a hotel at Disneys resort. I'm not afraid to drive from the house down to Disney. :D When we go to Disney, we go to all of them...Universal & Islands of Adventure and MGM. Gotta save cost any way you can so you can do them all.

 

 

And the trick with WDW is to wait until the FREE FOOD comes out in the Fall.

 

 

What's this free food you are talking about?

[crusinmama06]

What's this free food you are talking about?

 

Here's one for right now...Free Dining Plan at Walt Disney World.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

 

It's pretty cool - but it does take some planning (nice if you are obessive planners like us) You get the free meal plan then you call their dining line and book ALL of your meals in advance (you can reserve 180 days in advance). We book all of the character breakfasts and dinners. Lunches we eat quick service (think food served on a tray).

 

Like I said, it takes some SUPER planning because I want the kids to eat breakfast with Cinderella in her castle and Dinner with Mickey at the Contemporary hotel -- but when it's free - I make it work :D

[mitsugirly]

Here's one for right now...Free Dining Plan at Walt Disney World.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

 

It's pretty cool - but it does take some planning (nice if you are obessive planners like us) You get the free meal plan then you call their dining line and book ALL of your meals in advance (you can reserve 180 days in advance). We book all of the character breakfasts and dinners. Lunches we eat quick service (think food served on a tray).

 

Like I said, it takes some SUPER planning because I want the kids to eat breakfast with Cinderella in her castle and Dinner with Mickey at the Contemporary hotel -- but when it's free - I make it work :D

 

Trust me, I'm a SUPER planner. I plan EVERYTHING to the last dime and every minute. LOL My husband thinks I'm obsessed when it comes to vacations. He has the easy part...just sits back and lets me do my thing and then when we get there...he just ask what's on the list for today. LOL :p

 

 

I just looked at that site: Stay for $69 per night plus tax at select Disney Value Resorts for most Sunday to Thursday nights August 14 to October 1, 2011. :eek: Seriously? That's one heck of a deal!

 

I think we are probably going to be taking our youngest in about 2-3 years. Hopefully they will have these kind of deals going on then. I will definitely book something like that on a special.

[mitsugirly]

Oh wait, I just read for the "free" dining it's $86 PER PERSON per day. OUCH! I thought it was per room.

 

:(