Why is Disney more expensive than others

[Dadschum]

Looking at the various cruise lines for Alaska...aside from the upper market lines, why is Disney so much more expensive for Alaska compared to HAL, NCL. RCCL, Princess. According to a website I found they have the highest per night cost by far compared to others for July and August Alaska cruises.

 

What gives? Are they that much better? What do they offer to justify this, or not?

 

Thanks

[sherryf]

Because it is Disney. You are paying for the name, and maybe for characters on board, which I find totally unnecessary in Alaska. Some people are willing to pay a lot of money for that Disney experience.

[cw2go]

Mickey Mouse...that simple, it is not the itinerary.

[Budget Queen]

Supply and demand. :) Also with Disney, I recommend budgeting for the add on Tracy Arm ship tour. Grossly superior compared to the cruise ship transit. :)

[peety3]

Seems like every line has its own "product", and every line has priced themselves to position that product for the crowds they want. I've never researched 3rd/4th person pricing, but perhaps Disney is super-cheap to add a 3rd/4th occupant compared to others, and given the typical 2-parent 2-kid family it works out to comparable or less expensive than the other lines for that sort of customer.

[Budget Queen]

Seems like every line has its own "product", and every line has priced themselves to position that product for the crowds they want. I've never researched 3rd/4th person pricing, but perhaps Disney is super-cheap to add a 3rd/4th occupant compared to others, and given the typical 2-parent 2-kid family it works out to comparable or less expensive than the other lines for that sort of customer.

 

HAL frequently has free/$99 3/4 person rates so, you point above isn't all that true.

[peety3]

HAL frequently has free/$99 3/4 person rates so, you point above isn't all that true.

I'll keep my mouth shut then. Thanks for proving me wrong.

[Hstergo]

First of all you are paying for the Disney brand and secondly since Disney ships don't have casinos they have to make up that revenue somewhere else.

[hollon]

HAL frequently has free/$99 3/4 person rates so, you point above isn't all that true.

 

BQ, when do these prices usually show up, planning a trip in 2015 or is supply/demand :)

[1CruiseManiac]

A Disney cruise is more expensive than other cruise lines because everything Disney touches practically turns to gold. They are amazingly talented at marketing their product and brand, and they have become one of the most valuable images on the planet. They are able to charge more for everything the produce or do because they have taken the time and energy to develop an image that people have come to trust and respect and that reputation is what makes them worth more. They have spent billions over the years building their brand, and in a free market like ours, it is only fair that they can charge more for their services and products.

[iuki]

I'm taking a stab at this from what I've heard and read. I'm not an expert, i.e., a TA. However, DCL provides soft drinks without charge. If I'm not mistaken, other cruise lines charge about $6.50/day per person for soft drinks. That alone adds $13/day per couple. Considering most families cruise with DCL, a family of 4 would add $52/day on other cruise lines. This is just one example. Also, I believe the staterooms are much more accommodating privacy for the adults in the layout of the stateroom, e.g., the commode separate from the shower; I don't know if ALL staterooms or just the more expensive ones. Like I said, I'm just taking a stab at this. :p

Your best bet would be to check the forum discussing DCL. :)

[Tenderpaw]

I've sailed Disney, HAL, and Celebrity to AK. The short answer is because they can. When schools out, Disney can typically get high rates anywhere. Disney also does not typically discount the 3rd and 4th person either. It may be $100 to $200 less, but is generally much higher than other lines.

 

What is different? There is no casino, sodas at the buffet and dining room are free, there are no inch of gold sales, no flee market tables selling $10 watches, and possibly fewer announcements. The room stewards have fewer Rooms to clean and the waiters have fewer tables making the service potentially better. Cast members have told me their contracts are shorter on Disney compared to other lines. Food wise, it is comparable to HAL or Princess or X.

 

Then add on top of it the characters and the Disney experience. Some people, like my wife, love Disney. Thus they can charge more.

 

Just my opinion!

 

Dave

[jsf]

Very simple: Add kids price goes up. Check holiday sailings when kids are out of school, much higher prices.

J.

[Lady Anna & Sir Troy]

My first response is - because they can.

 

Then the realistic answer is they do have some perks included instead of costing extra. The entry level cabins are larger - 184 sq. feet for inside, 214 sq. feet for for outside, and include a tub. I noticed someone else mentioned the included soda, some of the venues for dining cost more for what they offer, and they have firework shows (not cheap).

 

So honestly I think part is the brand name and part is the upgrades.

 

Lady Anna

[madthumper]

Also you can bring your own alcohol on board. IMO the service is by far better than any of the other cruise lines I've been on. The rooms are definitely bigger and the split bathroom is nice except if you have a teenage grand daughter like mine who steams up the shower room and then goes to the next room to get dressed and do her hair. So I still had to use the spa to get ready. :D

[Coral]

Generally, Disney is more expensive in the Caribbean also. It is just not Alaska.

[donaldsc]

Because they are Disney. The motto of Disney is "rip off the suckers - because we can".

 

DON

[Gunner22aa]

ten times the cost of one made at Joes purse shop. You are paying for an internationally recognized brand name and brand names sell products.

[Raider07]

They keep their prices high to keep the less desirable people off the ships and their properties. Every year they raise the prices to the parks and ships just enough to make sure of this. Disney has also managed to have laws written in the state of Florida because of their influence.

[ckelly14]

Planning a first-time Alaska cruise with my family (kids 9 and 10) and I keep coming back to Disney for a variety of reason, all of which have nothing to do with on-board characters or the Disney marketing machine, including:

1. Stateroom configuration- a majority of their balcony staterooms are configured with a pull down upper bunk to fit 4. Many of the other lines have limited 4 person staterooms, requiring me to book 2 connecting rooms or a suite.

2. For family convenience, looking for a round trip offering out of Vancouver, which limits my choices further. Considering Seattle R/T but would like Vancouver if possible.

2. Planning to come back for some low-key family entertainment after our excursion. I know there is plenty of entertainment on most cruise ships, but FAMILY entertainment is often lacking.

3. I really dislike all the additional charges on a cruise. Disney seems to be the most inclusive.

4. I like the rotating dining rooms, keeping the same wait staff.

 

What I don't like is the prices. If you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Any ships with an enclosed pool that sail Alaska? THAT would keep my kids entertained at night...

[Assateague Island Princes]

HAL ships have enclosed pools w/retractable roofs that are opened when weather is pleasant. They also offer interior and ocean view cabins (maybe verandah cabins that sleep 4 as well, never had the need to look) that sleep 4 - a sofa that folds over to a twin sized bed (unlike traditional sofa beds) and a drop down bunk from the ceiling. I've sailed to Alaska on the Amsterdam in an oceanview on the Main Deck with three adults, and it was fine, plenty of room. My niece's boyfriend slept on the sofa bed, which we left down and made up throughout the cruise, and he said it was very comfortable. Don't believe the bunk that HAL is a floating nursing home - simply not true, atleast not for Alaska (and I'm about to embark on my fifth Alaska cruise with HAL). They do have a kid's program that appears to be quite successful from all the happy children and smiling faces we saw on board. Even on sea days, the kids had activities non-stop to keep them occupied. Alaskan cruises are all about what is outside the ship - the sealife, the scenery, the glaciers. It is very port intensive and we've found that you just want to fall into bed most nights knowing that you'll be up early and at it again the next day. Enjoy your trip - hope it is spectacular!

[ckelly14]

Funny you should post this, as I never looked at HAL due to the perceived demographics. They have 2 older ships out of Vancouver, neither of which fits 4 people in their cheaper "veranda suites". They have veranda suites that fit four but they are much more expensive than Disney. They have the Zudierdam out of Vancouver, and it has balcony rooms that fit 4, and it goes to Glacier Bay. Unfortunately, none of the smaller suites fit 4. I'll have to research this more closely. Thanks!

Edited January 13, 2014 by ckelly14

[Assateague Island Princes]

You're welcome, ckelly. I did forget to mention that HAL often offers free or reduced rates for third and fourth passengers sailing in one cabin. Taxes, of course, would have to be paid but for instance, on our 14 day sailing in 2011 where three of us shared a cabin, the third person's rate was $99.00. Can't beat that! Good luck in your mission!

[ckelly14]

I have been reading some pretty scathing reports on the Zuiderdam over on the HAL board here (public AND en suite bathrooms not working, lots of wear and tear, etc.). Really torn as it will save me almost 4K, and I get Glacier Bay to boot. Probably will pass on this ship but thank your for the advice, something I need to think hard about. The older smaller ships out of Vancouver seem to get better reviews, but I would be stuck without a balcony, or pay more than Disney for one of their balcony suites.

Edited January 13, 2014 by ckelly14

[sherryf]

Any ships with an enclosed pool that sail Alaska? THAT would keep my kids entertained at night...

 

Most Princess ships have enclosed/covered pools. My teens were in the pools (outside too!) every day when I took them to Alaska a couple of years ago.