"It's too expensive" is one of the most common misconceptions that I hear about Disney Cruise Line. And what astounds me even more than that ridiculous statement is that the people saying it are frequent cruisers on other lines!
I can see how the sticker price may seem steep at a glance, but anyone who has cruised knows what awaits you on the ship and I never hear a complaint post cruise. For those land lubbers who have yet to voyage out into the big blue world I understand where you think the price is steep. You're used to those "Ala Carte" type vacations where you're constantly reaching into your pocket for cash for this or that or the dreaded "charge it" that always seems to haunt you in the end. Cruising is one of the most all inclusive vacation experiences out there and no one does it like Disney. So, whether you're a frequent cruiser on other lines (it's ok to admit...we don't judge...but we will try to change your mind!) or a new cruiser here are a few reasons why the Disney Cruise Line experience is such a value:
- It's Included: As I said, Disney is one of the most all inclusive cruise lines but what is included that other cruise line charge for? Soda. There is a complimentary 24/7 beverage station on each of the ships where you can get soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate 24/7 FOR FREE. So there's a minimum $3 per can savings on beverages alone. Let's say you are a family of 4 and purchased one soda a day on another cruise line during your week long cruise. That's $84 in soda alone, based on having ONE a day and you can admit you drink way more than 1 soda a day...it's ok, we understand and will reserve our judgement for more important issues; like alcohol.
- You can bring your own alcohol: Whereas other cruise lines have been cracking down on the alcohol policy Disney remains very flexible in their policy to bring beer, wine and liquor onboard. If you can carry it, you can have it. They aren't responsible for anything that may be damaged that you've stashed in your suitcase but you can carry on whatever you like. Mix your own drinks in your room with the complimentary juices that are provided at breakfast delivery or bring your own beer for the afternoons at the pool or your own wine for dinner. There is a $20 per bottle corking fee for each bottle of wine opened in the dining room but if you arrive with your bottle already opened the fee is waived. Think about your last bar tab from your cruise, even if you're only a casual drinker, and think about what you would have saved by bringing your own, OUCH.
- Dining is Free: Yes, there is an abundance of food on all cruise ships, but some are very sneaky. They may offer you the "included" food items of lesser quality while offering a better dining experience for an "up charge". The exclusive adults only restaurants (Palo and Remy) are the only two "up charge" restaurants onboard (Remy is only offered on the Dream and Fantasy). Palo is only $20 per person, while Remy is $75 but both offer experiences and cuisine you could never find for that nominal fee. There is no limit to what you can order and Palo especially encourages you to try various dishes on the menu. The food in the main dining rooms is a high quality so you aren't suffering in the main dining rooms; however I think Palo is an experience not to be missed.
- No Casino: For some people this is a downfall but I think it's the best decision Disney Cruise Line could make. Think about how much money you spent to get on your cruise and think of how carefree and relaxed you'll be after a few days onboard...a few drinks at dinner and you think you can conquer the world, and the casino. Haven't you heard the saying, "the house always wins". Who wants to leave vacation broke and upset from losing your hard earned cash in the casino. I say save that money and put it toward the deposit for your next cruise, which you can book onboard for additional savings and an onboard credit.
- Kids Programs are Included: Aside from the Flounders Reef and It's a Small World Nursery the kids programs are all free. The aforementioned nursery's are for the littlest cruisers ages 3 and under. For a nominal fee (~$6/hour) the excellently trained staff will take care of your tiny cruiser while you enjoy some quiet time on the ship. The other kids programming is all included and let me tell you it's all inclusive. These kids rule the roost and have so many activities to choose from you'll be exhausted just hearing about it. Once they check in they never want out so say goodbye and head to the adults only pool or treat yourself to a spa treatment. The kids are entertained from sun up to sun down and I can't say enough good things about those programs. On one of our longer cruises one of the kids areas was opened for the adults at midnight one night, it was "adults take over the lab". We got to do all the things the kids did, paint animation cells, make flubber, etc and it was the best night of the cruise for us! We had so much fun, we didn't want to leave either!
So, let me ask you, where else can you go where you have service 24/7, access to free room service 24/7, a different dining experience every night, private areas for adults only, free kids programs, and all the activities you could ask for, for as little as $80 a day? Did I mention there are Disney characters and movies onboard and the staff all is trained to make your trip as magical as possible? No where. So stop dilly dallying with other cruise lines and jump on the most magical cruise that ever sailed!
When you book your cruise with me i'll also throw in some extra magic; an onboard credit based on your cruise price.
$1,000-$1,999 $25
$2,000-$2,999 $50
$3,000-$3,999 $75
$4,000-$4,999 $100
$5,000-$5,999 $150
$6,000-$6,999 $200
$7,000-$7,999 $250
$8,000-$8,999 $300
$9,000-$9,999 $350
$10,000+ $400
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