question about disney cruise line prices About This Page:

[scdisneyfan]

I have a quick question to ask of you because I have done some research on this issue on my own and cannot figure out the answer. We are looking for a 3-4 night cruise out of either Jacksonville, Port Canaveral........We researched cruises for that time frame and found that Disney Cruise line was twice as much for the same kind of cruises. We really like the disney cruise itenerary for a three day but cannot see paying the 700 they are asking per person versus a competing cruise line cost of around 300 per person. We are wondering why the disney cruiseline is expensive compartively and wondering if there is a way to get around that cost. We are willing to pay up to 450 per person for a 3 night cruise. Could it be because we are looking in the summer mainly August??? or just because disney cruises run more expensive? please help me figure out a more cost effective way to go

[lukeandbrookesmom]

Simply stated, you are paying for the Disney difference Disney pays attention to EVERY LITTLE DETAIL. Everything you expect from Disney, is there. I know that doesn't sound like a lot for the money necessarily, but anyone who has sailed other cruise lines will probably agree with me. I have sailed Royal Caribbean, Holland America, NCL, and a couple of smaller lines and Disney wins my vote hands down! Sailing DCL is a wonderful vacation experience you will never forget!

[statelady01]

I would totally agree with everything Judi has mentioned and second her opinion!!!Another thing to consider when weighing DCL versus another cruise line is the hidden extras. For example, sodas on DCL come at no additional cost to you- but on Royal Caribbean, if you want to have sodas, you would need to purchase a soda package at an additional cost. When I cruised with Royal Caribbean, I just shrugged it off thinking to myself that I could deal with lemonade and water- but once I got onboard, I really missed my Diet Coke! I also have found that those lovely, fruity adult beverages on other cruise lines were nearly double the price than the drink of the day on DCL.

Many of the other cruise lines assess surcharges for other things besides that such as room service during non-peak hours. Those things may not seem important or you may not believe you'll utilize them- but added up should you change your mind onboard, can be a signifcant cost. The key is to do your homework- there are several good internet resources and cruise specific sites- a quick google will take you there.

Good luck and happy planning!!

[Belle*]

You want to be sure you are comparing apples to apples - does the pricing for the other lines include port fees and surcharges? Some don't include this in their pricing. Is room service included? (It is on DCL!) Is children's programming included? Etc, etc. But more than anything DCL costs more because it is worth more.

[scdisneyfan]

All the fees on the cruises I have been on including room service has been included and costed much less. But, I am realizing its the disney service that you are paying for. Too bad though, I really wanted to try out the disney cruise line But thanks so much for all your help guys! I appreciate the feedback

[dmpyron]

One thing to be aware of when pricing. Due to quirks in Federal law, they all have to advertise a price before taxes and fees. So you'll inevitably see something that says "from $399". But if you read the fine print at the bottom of the ad, you'll see it say "for selected sailings in selected cabin categories. Taxes, governmental fees and surcharges extra. Ships registry The Bahamas." But all will tell you very quickly what the total is.

But people will call me and say "I want that $399 cruise. Over the Fourth of July weekend. In a suite." Sorry, that is not going to happen. Try explaining that.

Those of us who have been on more than one cruise, or even those who have priced one, know this. But others may not.

[scdisneyfan]

Oh i know that stuff...i've been on three cruises now I mean all the other cruises we are checking on we know to look for the fine print.etc. I mean when i've found cruises and paid for them they've even cost much less than the disney ones. Back in 2007 I went on a carnival cruise for 700 total and that included everything and it was 7 days. That is why I was astonished at the price of the disney cruises for only 3days....i mean i've cruised before and know all the ins and outs of other cruise lines but i completely understand about the disney pricing. I'm just a little bummed cause DBF wont go for it now, he keeps saying well we've paid that much before but gotten more days, ports ,etc. But, thanks again guys!

[dmpyron]

We're bummed out, too. DCL is so appealing, but air to MCO was more than Miami, and it would have been 100K miles on American!

I have no idea what's going on with Disney pricing right now. WDW is practically giving away rooms, but DCL is charging through the wazoo. But other lines are discounting like mad.

For the September cruise we were looking at, there were plenty of rooms available in "the middle" (8s, 7s and 6s).

[scdisneyfan]

see that's what I thought too..i mean we are taking advantage of the free dining in september for 1400 total for five nights and 6 days!! i thought with a deal like that we could cruise in sept and oct and it should be much cheaper considering those are considered hurricane season months and usually are cheaper. A plance ticket to MCO was more than Miami???? that's crazy....you'd think with the economy suffering and people losing jobs left and right....they'd give away vacations which are considered a luxury that most people cannot afford right now...weird...but such a disappointment for me *L* and you too!