Maddysdaddy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2010
I've only sailed on another cruise line once (NCL Escape last spring), and for my family of 3, I was able to sail in a mini-suite with large balcony cabin (balcony held 3 loungers, 2 chairs and a table) for approximately half of what I would have paid for an oceanview cabin on the Dream or Fantasy (so large ship to large ship comparison). Yes, the cabin was smaller than what we were used on to DCL, but not markedly so.
In addition, all three of us had the unlimited beverage package - so even though we are not huge drinkers, it was nice to always have a drink in hand when at the pool or at dinner.
My daughter was at the age (12 at the time) where she no longer needed or wanted to spend time in the clubs, and was happy laying on deck with her book and ipod all day. Accordingly, there was little justification for us paying a premium for what I consider DCL's number one selling point, since we were not going to use them anyway.
Quality of food and service we found to be about the same. The only real difference was in evening entertainment, where DCL won hands down.
I've always said that DCL can charge so much because (I assume) for most of their cruisers, it is a once or twice in a lifetime experience, until their kids grow out of it. I contrast this with the other cruise lines, where they are looking to build loyalty and repeat business - and can charge less, because they make up some or all of the missing revenue via their casinos.
In addition, all three of us had the unlimited beverage package - so even though we are not huge drinkers, it was nice to always have a drink in hand when at the pool or at dinner.
My daughter was at the age (12 at the time) where she no longer needed or wanted to spend time in the clubs, and was happy laying on deck with her book and ipod all day. Accordingly, there was little justification for us paying a premium for what I consider DCL's number one selling point, since we were not going to use them anyway.
Quality of food and service we found to be about the same. The only real difference was in evening entertainment, where DCL won hands down.
I've always said that DCL can charge so much because (I assume) for most of their cruisers, it is a once or twice in a lifetime experience, until their kids grow out of it. I contrast this with the other cruise lines, where they are looking to build loyalty and repeat business - and can charge less, because they make up some or all of the missing revenue via their casinos.