Is Disney that much more luxurious than NCL?

[amscene1]

I don't think it's more luxurious but it's Disney, it's the feeling you get when your in one of their parks compared to being in a universal park. (That special feeling)

 

That's how it feels on one of their ships, the people who attend are more upper middle class and of course less "singles" and more family's so you won't have any "shenanigan" type behavior on board like you may find on Ncl, especially with the implementation of the beverage package.

[Twinprincesses]

Yup, we sailed the second cruise after they abruptly changed the policy. We had a huge group of people on that sailing. Not only were folks upset about the change, they were even more angry at Disney's response, which made things worse.

 

So our large group accepted Disney's challenge. You name the method, we used it to smuggle alcohol onboard. We smuggled so much on, we "smuggled" it back off. We all saw it as a giant middle finger to the mouse. You tick off people you've already price gauged, that's what happens.

 

We at least thought with their new policy, they'd offer a drink package to ease the change. Nope.

 

On NCL, it doesn't even occur to us to smuggle a drop. Wouldn't dream of it. Long live UBP!!

 

 

 

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Us too. I had an unnatural amount of sunscreen and shampoo.:D

[AlexandNessa]

Us too. I had an unnatural amount of sunscreen and shampoo.:D

Yes! Our big joke was "I have to go wash my hair!"

 

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[Twinprincesses]

I don't think it's more luxurious but it's Disney, it's the feeling you get when your in one of their parks compared to being in a universal park. (That special feeling)

 

That's how it feels on one of their ships, the people who attend are more upper middle class and of course less "singles" and more family's so you won't have any "shenanigan" type behavior on board like you may find on Ncl, especially with the implementation of the beverage package.

 

 

 

I have seen all types on Disney cruises. This last DCL cruise there was even someone chewing tobacco and spitting it in a bottle in the adult pool :eek:. You really never know what you are going to get.

[TravelinFam]

Sorry to say, but none of the things you mentioned except for the split bathrooms in some cabins (not all) are Disney-specific, but can be found on other (also mass market) cruise lines as well.

 

And yes, Disney does carry all the same well liquors as all other cruise lines - you can choose to pay for premium liquors on all other lines just as well.

 

 

Well, that was our experience each time throughout the years and we are happy we had that experience. Also, we didn't pay an up-charge for top shelf. As a matter of fact, believe it or not, we got buy backs...

 

And there's nothing to be sorry about...I hope that is true, that it's not Disney-specific. For a waiter to remember every night that my husband hates the taste of vinegar or mayo and to automatically make sure his entrees do not have it...Though I was told that NCL a la carte restaurants serve one entree, for what you just mentioned it appears if my son and nephew are still hungry at Le Bistro, they will be able to have a second entree at no extra charge.

 

I was looking forward to this cruise but now even more...Thank you!

[Demonyte]

I don't think it's more luxurious but it's Disney, it's the feeling you get when your in one of their parks compared to being in a universal park. (That special feeling)

 

 

That's exactly what I expected to feel, but didn't. :(

[Taishartrueblood]

The staterooms are slightly larger, the bathrooms are split (shower and sink in one room and toilet and sink in another) The staff gets to know everything about you and your family from day one. So if you need anything they know just what to do to make it happen. Whether it's dinner, activities...likes, dislikes...hubby loved that.

 

I cant compare the food to NCL's since it's been years since I've cruised with NCL. But dinning in DCL was always a great experience. The food was amazing and the desserts as well. My husband and son often had two appetizers and entrees without asking. The ship is gorgeous, but that is not why we sail DCL. It's the attention to detail in everything each cast member (staff) did. If we didn't finish the wine during dinner, we had the option to take it to the stateroom or have it with dinner the following night...I wonder if NCL does that? I'll have to find out.

We often teared as we got off, we became friends with the cast members (staff) and often like family...because we would see the same again and again.

The first time I cruised with DCL was 14 years ago and I was alone with my 5yr old son. I was the only single parent on the ship but I was never alone. Every time I turned around there was someone there helping me or keeping me company while my son was in the kids club. Also, I just would not trust any other company with my son.

 

Going back after our son had grown, hubby and I participated in a lot of the adults only activities and hardly ever ran in to small children. Participated in excellent mixology classes, Tequila tastings, whiskey tastings...and they were all fun! The adults only pool was great. The adults only restaurants (dinner at Palo $25 and dinner at Remy $50) was well worth it. We never had anything less than top shelf or premium liquor...I'm not sure if they even carry anything less than. (Do other ships carry well or rail brands?)

 

Also, the other guests...people were just so nice...throughout the years we made friends with so many other families from other states and in Europe. I've read so many complaints about other guests in NCL it's sad...and that's not a reflection on NCL. But we did pay more for the entire experience.

 

We are prepared for a completely new experience in our upcoming NCL cruise...keeping an open mind and open to a new and different experience...without comparing the two...

 

I hope this helps...

 

 

agreed

[Tapi]

I thought that the $7,000 for our family of 4 over Thanksgiving was outrageous, but I just looked at Summer of 2018. I couldn't find a balcony on a 7 night cruise for less than $8,000!

 

There's obviously a demand when Disney can get away with this kind of pricing.

 

 

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[Twinprincesses]

The #1 thing NCL made me happy w was pictures. All I wanted was 1 good photo of our family on DCl and they could not get that right. They rush us through lighting was wrong etc. I felt like since we did not have small kids they did not take time w us but I Felt it was also bc the lines were insane. On NCLthey were amazing. So much so we had a difficult time choosing photos. That alone w teens was worth the price of the cruise.

[Twinprincesses]

I thought that the $7,000 for our family of 4 over Thanksgiving was outrageous, but I just looked at Summer of 2018. I couldn't find a balcony on a 7 night cruise for less than $8,000!

 

There's obviously a demand when Disney can get away with this kind of pricing.

 

 

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You want sticker shock look at Christmas. Last time I checked pricing a 7 night balcony on NCL Epic is $4800 Christmas week. On Disney it is $11,300 or concierge at $22,600.

[richstowe]

I agree their prices are threw the roof as of late. There is a certain feeling you get aboard Disney .... not sure if the price tag out ways that.

Yours is one of multiple posts that mention huge increases in DSL cruises . I was under the impression that they were always sky high and more then the rest . No ?

 

Same happened to us. Disney did not care that people had paid in full and we were cruising less than 2 weeks after their alcohol policy went into effect. That also did me in.

 

It makes me laugh when people think that adults don't drink on DCL. I saw just as many intoxicated ppl on there as NCL.

 

I liked both lines but sometimes you gotta mix things up. Right now NCL is getting our business.

Funny but the same thing happened to me with NCL ! Two weeks before our Epic cruise they banned all carry on drinks . Was not happy .

The staterooms are slightly larger, the bathrooms are split (shower and sink in one room and toilet and sink in another)

...

If you want real luxury cruise on the Epic . The bathrooms are divided into 3 ! ;p

[Sunshine2U]

If you can afford it and have young children (tending a bit older for girls than boys), then a Disney cruise is absolutely worth the premium. Other posters have made great points. I'll add that we think the on-deck experience at DCL is better for kids. The PG atmosphere means you can be on the pool decks and not worry about R-rated adult game shows. Ours loved the on deck grill, drink dispensers and ice cream.

 

We jumped over to NCL and fell in love with freestyle dining, the UBP and the price. I like the DCL ships better (that attention to detail and old-world charm) but without young children, I can't justify the cost.

[TravelinFam]

Yours is one of multiple posts that mention huge increases in DSL cruises . I was under the impression that they were always sky high and more then the rest . No ?

 

Funny but the same thing happened to me with NCL ! Two weeks before our Epic cruise they banned all carry on drinks . Was not happy .

If you want real luxury cruise on the Epic . The bathrooms are divided into 3 ! ;p

 

 

That is good to know...so convenient. I haven't looked into Epic. Honestly, I've only researched Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape

 

Thanks! :D

[Vacationdreamer<><]

We wanted DCL Fantasy 5/2016.

We booked NCL Getaway.

 

Getaway with two balconies (one mini-suite) was $5400 for the 8 of us.

Fantasy with two inside staterooms was to be $11,000 for the 8 of us.

 

No way.

 

We did 8 days in FL with WDW prior to the cruise and still spent less. And now that my kids have done Getaway they think DCL doesn't have enough to do.

 

DCL gets my high points with soda around the clock (yes - that matters) and character greets and Castaway Cay.

But it isn't worth 5 grand.

[Tapi]

If you want real luxury cruise on the Epic . The bathrooms are divided into 3 ! ;p

 

 

Those Epic bathrooms scare me. Very little privacy with the way they are designed, and too many complaints on the various reviews that I've read

 

 

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[richstowe]

If you want real luxury cruise on the Epic . The bathrooms are divided into 3 ! ;p

That is good to know...so convenient. I haven't looked into Epic. Honestly, I've only researched Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape

 

Thanks! :D

 

Those Epic bathrooms scare me. Very little privacy with the way they are designed, and too many complaints on the various reviews that I've read

 

 

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I was using a little humor as the Epic bathroom set-up has been very controversial .

I will say it gave maximum flexibility but you feel you are out in the open when using both the toilet and the shower .Plus water would get on the floor from the shower and the vanity mirror lights were very poor .

It was an interesting idea splitting up the 3 fixtures but it hadn't been done before or since .

Don't get me started on the weird wavy walls .

[Cafedumonde]

We wanted DCL Fantasy 5/2016.

We booked NCL Getaway.

 

Getaway with two balconies (one mini-suite) was $5400 for the 8 of us.

Fantasy with two inside staterooms was to be $11' date='000 for the 8 of us.

 

No way.

 

We did 8 days in FL with WDW prior to the cruise and still spent less. And now that my kids have done Getaway they think DCL doesn't have enough to do.

 

DCL gets my high points with soda around the clock (yes - that matters) and character greets and Castaway Cay.

But it isn't worth 5 grand.[/quote']

 

 

Looks like you got a deal on the Fantasy!!:eek:. We got a quote for six people, seven night cruise for $12500, two inside rooms:')!! That's when we decided enough! Dcl makes you feel "special," but we feel even more special fully funding our 401k. Lol. That quote was last year btw. This year even higher. We are going on the escape this Christmas for less than half and balconies.

[gidgetgoes]

we did DCL fantasy on a star wars cruise, but were ultimately disappointed with the value for price ratio. we are trying the NCL gem this time, and the 10 day balcony cabin with UDP and specialty dining included is over $1000 less than just getting on the DCL boat for 7 days. we were not wowed by Disney either, the ship is nice but we didn't get any of that awesome magic we kept hearing about. not bad! just nothing over and beyond. and the number one problem, our 9 year old was bored out of his mind. he was unimpressed with the young kids club, but couldn't get into the tween club. we were shocked that Disney did not seem to know what to do with cusp tween boys. crazy! the star wars thing was just one day and wasn't exactly spectacular (we did one of the first). i was really surprised they didn't do that up better. castaway cay is really awesome, but i only know that from a second cruise i was able to take with friends...on our family cruise we weren't able to dock until late in the day, everything was cancelled. the food in Remy is very good, but with the drink pairing, it's crazy expensive. the pools were tiny. the spa was nice, liked the special showers, but the hot tubs were disappointing. i'm really looking forward to this NCL cruise. it's so much less, we're getting most of the same things, and we don't have to feel apprehensive about every drink we order. we're going to be so much more relaxed on this cruise regardless. can't imagine we'd ever pay the Disney premium again. maybe when our soon was younger. i'd never recommend it for kids over 8.

 

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[SUSIEK]

We cruised on Disney when my son was about 3yrs old. This was about 7 years ago. It was nice, however; we really didn't find anything so amazing to pay the higher price. We have had as good food and service and kids activities on Carnival, Royal, NCL, Princess, Celebrity and MSC. We especially like Princess and their kids club.

Disney had too many kids.....LOL!!! Couldn't even get near the kids pool....shoulder to shoulder. I've never seen anything like it. Strollers on every elevator and in all the hallways.

We opted to eat in the alternative restaurant one night because the main dining room was sooo loud with babies, toddlers and kids yelling and just being kids.

We did it, and are done with it. We live close to Orlando and visit Disney World often as pass holders. Funny that we love going to the parks, but wouldn't do the cruise again.

That being said, I do have friends that love it and won't cruise any other line. To each his own.

[TravelinFam]

I was using a little humor as the Epic bathroom set-up has been very controversial .

I will say it gave maximum flexibility but you feel you are out in the open when using both the toilet and the shower .Plus water would get on the floor from the shower and the vanity mirror lights were very poor .

It was an interesting idea splitting up the 3 fixtures but it hadn't been done before or since .

Don't get me started on the weird wavy walls .

 

 

;p:') Funny...lol...I still have so much to learn about these ships.

Honestly, I know so many families that would only sail DCL after trying other cruise lines...then they cruise NCL and these are the two exceptions...

 

And with a son in college, we need to save $$ We actually booked DCL Fantasy and I changed it to NCL Getaway. 2 reasons...save $$ and when our boys (son and nephew) travel throughout Europe they're treated as young men, not children. They are able to have wine with dinner, watch sports over a beer, and have cocktails. At least in NCL I can sign the waiver for my son and we are able to have wine together during dinner and beer otherwise (they are 20). And I have a feeling there's more for them to enjoy on the Getaway...

[Cruisercl]

DCL more luxurious than NCL? IMHO, no.

It is a cruise line that is absolutely focused on families with children under 10 yeas old; for the young children it is great. I agree with other posters here that there is really not much for kids over 10 ears old to do and really nothing for a teen.

 

My last (and only) DCL cruise was earlier this month so I have recent experience.

 

There were lots of kids which I expected; also lots of bad parenting which I also expected. But the parenting was so bad in some instances that it put the safety of the cruise line staff in jeopardy.

 

It reminded me of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at WDW on a hot Saturday crowded afternoon; lots of strollers (we call it stroller hell), lots of kids running around, lots of screaming, lots of crying/whining, and parents pleading with or ignoring their already worn out children that they need to stay to have fun. I am sure if you have been to the Magic Kingdom you know exactly what I am talking about; if not look for it next time. :) This was the entire time on the cruise; in the dining room, in the bars, in the show theatre and certainly by the pools, adult pool included. The difference was that if in WDW you can always go to another 'land' and it is not the Fantasyland atmosphere.

 

The DCL service and food was on the same level as other cruise lines; no difference there for me. The inside of the ship itself wasn't any nicer than other cruise lines I have been on; the cabin was the same as others too. The best part of the DCL ships is how they look on the outside.....very Disneyesque.

 

The best day was Castaway Cay, of course.

The shows were on par with those at WDW; if there weren't children running around, even thought they were asked by the staff to sit down (which the parents ignored), I probably would have enjoyed them more.

 

There was very little for adults to do; they had mixology classes and bingo. Not interested in the spa. Any entertainment in the adult area bars was short; they would play for 1/2 hour and that's it. Lots of children in the adult pool area; they don't always enforce the rules like it is often said here.

 

I love Disney; but I am an adult that loves Disney and all they have to offer. The DCL does not offer a good adult (really anyone over 10 years old) Disney experience which is OK because lots of other things offered by Disney are for adults and I will continue to enjoy them.

Glad I went, now I know. IMHO, certainly not worth the triple $$$ it costs. YMMV.

 

Safe sailing all!

[Vacationdreamer<><]

You know, the one thing I really did like about DCL is the rotational dining. I like having a different dining experience each day without losing my dedicated waitstaff. That is a great concept and one I wish that others would experiment with. On NCL it was fun to have a different dining experience each night with the specialty dining package, but it was not the same with new servers every night. It was much more like land-based vacations that way.

 

 

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[newmexicoNita]

I have not cruised Disney personally. Never felt I could justify the price.

 

I just had some clients sail the Getaway and they are very frequent Disney cruisers. They felt their upsell to the Haven and some specialty restaurants made Norwegian similar to Disney. They are not casino people, so that is not a factor to them.

 

But they did tell me they prefer Disney and if they cruise NCL again they would only do haven, which puts prices on par with Disney

 

 

I assume you are a TA and if I am right, you certainly know it depends on the client; when I was still an agent, (retired about 4 years ago) I had many clients I would never advise them to take NCL and others not to take Disney.

To me,the lines are as different as night and day. Both are great lines, but for different reasons. Luxury, yes, OP Disney is more upscale; fun for adults particularly, NCL hands down.

[newmexicoNita]

Disney is better in every aspect.. food, rooms, entertainment (although the Million Dollar Quartet was AWESOME!), pools, cleanliness, staff, ect.

 

Disney just has 2 drawbacks... the prohibitive cost and the number of kids. I am not really a kid person so I am glad that my nephews are old enough that we didn't feel like we had to go to Disney this year. That said, I was disappointed with NCL and I think I will try a different cruise line next year.

 

 

I would have to challenge you on you are at least one thing: cleanliness: both lines are very clean; check the DSC ratings and inspections. Of course I don't know what NCL ship you sailed. As for entertainment, that is strictly a matter of opinion. Many people think NCL has as good as it gets at sea entertainment with so much variety.

[clskinsfan]

My second cruise ever was with Disney. And we have never been back. That should tell you what we think about the value of DCL. It's not that they did anything wrong. We had a blast and so did the kids. But for what it costs to cruise with them I can fund both of my annual cruises. We have since cruised with HAL, RCL and Carnival. And I can honestly say we have never had a "bad" cruise experience. Although our last cruise on Carnival Sensation was the worst we have ever been on. I do love the Dream, Breeze and Destiny (now Sunshine) from them though. We sailed on Destiny's last cruise before being refit and renamed. Also numerous RCL sailings from the Grandeur to Allure and we like RCL A LOT. But there value has been steadily declining as well. We booked our first cruise with NCL on Escape for October. We are certainly looking forward to comparing them to the other lines. And "free" alcohol is a big bonus for us financially. I hope NCL hits the mark for us. Because on affordability it may end up being our go to line.