Casinos?

[QTBabyNurse]

I've always wanted to cruise Disney but I heard there are no casinos onboard. Is that true? If so, are there any plans that you know of to change that in the future?

 

Also...as adults not sailing with any children, do you get inundated with characters and such all day long?

[Shmoo here]

I've always wanted to cruise Disney but I heard there are no casinos onboard. Is that true? If so, are there any plans that you know of to change that in the future?

 

Also...as adults not sailing with any children, do you get inundated with characters and such all day long?

 

No casinos. No plans for any. Doesn't fit the "family-friendly" image of Disney.

 

You do see characters (typically at specified locations for photo ops). Or walking from their backstage area to that spot. You aren't inundated with them.

 

There are adult-only areas onboard (18+ only).

 

All of our Disney cruises were without children. Well, we did take our "children" but the youngest was 19 at the time.

[cruisefamilyforever]

There are no casinos on any Disney ship and there are no plans to change that in the future. Yes you will see Disney characters and lots of kids throughout the cruise. Clearly Disney is not your cup of tea from your comments. If you don't enjoy going to Disney parks and all things Disney than this is not the line for you. Additionally, Disney is more expensive than a similar cruise on most other lines.

 

However many of us that have sailed Disney think it is worth every penny of the additional cost.

[QTBabyNurse]

Clearly Disney is not your cup of tea from your comments. If you don't enjoy going to Disney parks and all things Disney than this is not the line for you.

 

 

I appreciate your comments although I don't recall saying anything that would have led you to believe that I don't enjoy Disney parks or suggesting that it wouldn't be my "cup of tea". I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't considering it.

[QTBabyNurse]

No casinos. No plans for any. Doesn't fit the "family-friendly" image of Disney.

 

 

Aren't there bars onboard? Not sure how that is considered "family friendly" if a casino is not.

[Shmoo here]

Aren't there bars onboard? Not sure how that is considered "family friendly" if a casino is not.

 

Yes, there are bars/lounges. Some of them are open to everyone, regardless of age. Some are adult-only after 9:00 pm. Others are adult-only at all times.

 

As a rule, heavy drinking isn't really something that is the norm on a Disney ship. Most lounges/bars close down pretty much by midnight a shortly thereafter. Due to the large family presence onboard.

 

I guess Walt was a drinker, but not a gambler.

Edited March 26, 2015 by Shmoo here

[QTBabyNurse]

I guess Walt was a drinker, but not a gambler.

 

 

Funny! You may be right! [emoji3]

[Ex techie]

We all know Walt was a heavy smoker and DCL chose to photoshop his cigarette out in this mural of him

 

Just because it isn't depicted don't mean it didn't happen ;)

 

ex techie

[moki'smommy]

For whatever reason, DCL decided that there would be no casinos on board. Most of us believe it was part of their plan to be a "family friendly" cruise line, but as far as I know, none of us sat in on the policy meetings. Yes, there are bars on board, but the rowdy, drunken behavior that I've seen on other lines is not tolerated. People who cannot maintain appropriate social behavior, for whatever reason are handled on an individual basis, but the first step is typically a period of confinement in their cabin. If the behavior is alcohol related, it would include the fact that they will not be served while there. In cases of more severe behavior, there is an area of the ship where people can be confined and observed.

 

As far as characters/kids all day...DCL does a good job of keeping the adult only restaurants and the night club area after 9 "kid free." They also do a good job in the fitness center and spa--there are some times when teens are allowed there, but in the fitness center it is after it has closed to adults. In the spa, it is typically when there are not sufficient adult bookings on port days, so they announce "mom and me" or "teen" specials. On the Dream and Fantasy, there is a separate teen spa. Unfortunately, DCL does not do a good job of preventing kids, with or without parents from walking, running, skating, jumping or whatever thru the adult areas around the Cove Cafe and the adult pools. Enforcement is largely left up to the bar tenders up there, and they don't want to offend for fear of losing tips. DCL seems to have taken a policy that it is OK for a kid to walk thru the adult only area (then how is it adult only?) or to come in "just to talk" to a parent "for a minute." Um...sorry, but with the wave phones, there is NO need for this. My personal opinion is that if you are going to call and area "adult only," then it should be enforced as such.

 

When I say this, I typically get a lot of flak because people think that I shouldn't be on DCL if I don't want to see kids. I'm not saying that I don't want to see kids. I'm saying that I don't want to see them in adult only areas. My daughter (now an adult) talks about remembering "when I wasn't allowed to walk thru those doors," meaning the doors that lead into the Quiet Cove area of deck 9 forward on the Magic. That's right--I actually MADE her go up to deck 10 to walk across if she chose to take the forward elevator up...or it is just as easy to walk to midship from your forward cabin and use the forward elevator. I realize there are some design issues on the new ships, but on the classics, there is NO reason that a minor of any age NEEDS to walk thru deck 9 forward. Everything in that area is adult only.

 

Yes, you will see kids. You will SEE characters, but you don't need to get into lines to have photos taken with them, etc. Only rarely (like once per cruise) will a character "play" with you in a hallway if you are not interacting with them, and it is very brief. Once, Goofy came over to the treadmill where I was walking and started pacing beside me--that sort of thing and it lasts 1 minute or less. Yes, you may meet a character in an elevator or hallway...but so what? Yes, you will hear Disney songs played all over...sorry 'bout that one if you don't like the music.

 

We've cruised other lines, and like the quality and the service on Disney. So as 2 adults, we still prefer DCL. Although with today's price releases....we may be considering other options again.

[QTBabyNurse]

For whatever reason' date=' DCL decided that there would be no casinos on board. Most of us believe it was part of their plan to be a "family friendly" cruise line, but as far as I know, none of us sat in on the policy meetings. Yes, there are bars on board, but the rowdy, drunken behavior that I've seen on other lines is not tolerated. People who cannot maintain appropriate social behavior, for whatever reason are handled on an individual basis, but the first step is typically a period of confinement in their cabin. If the behavior is alcohol related, it would include the fact that they will not be served while there. In cases of more severe behavior, there is an area of the ship where people can be confined and observed.

 

 

 

As far as characters/kids all day...DCL does a good job of keeping the adult only restaurants and the night club area after 9 "kid free." They also do a good job in the fitness center and spa--there are some times when teens are allowed there, but in the fitness center it is after it has closed to adults. In the spa, it is typically when there are not sufficient adult bookings on port days, so they announce "mom and me" or "teen" specials. On the Dream and Fantasy, there is a separate teen spa. Unfortunately, DCL does not do a good job of preventing kids, with or without parents from walking, running, skating, jumping or whatever thru the adult areas around the Cove Cafe and the adult pools. Enforcement is largely left up to the bar tenders up there, and they don't want to offend for fear of losing tips. DCL seems to have taken a policy that it is OK for a kid to walk thru the adult only area (then how is it adult only?) or to come in "just to talk" to a parent "for a minute." Um...sorry, but with the wave phones, there is NO need for this. My personal opinion is that if you are going to call and area "adult only," then it should be enforced as such.

 

 

 

When I say this, I typically get a lot of flak because people think that I shouldn't be on DCL if I don't want to see kids. I'm not saying that I don't want to see kids. I'm saying that I don't want to see them in adult only areas. My daughter (now an adult) talks about remembering "when I wasn't allowed to walk thru those doors," meaning the doors that lead into the Quiet Cove area of deck 9 forward on the Magic. That's right--I actually MADE her go up to deck 10 to walk across if she chose to take the forward elevator up...or it is just as easy to walk to midship from your forward cabin and use the forward elevator. I realize there are some design issues on the new ships, but on the classics, there is NO reason that a minor of any age NEEDS to walk thru deck 9 forward. Everything in that area is adult only.

 

 

 

Yes, you will see kids. You will SEE characters, but you don't need to get into lines to have photos taken with them, etc. Only rarely (like once per cruise) will a character "play" with you in a hallway if you are not interacting with them, and it is very brief. Once, Goofy came over to the treadmill where I was walking and started pacing beside me--that sort of thing and it lasts 1 minute or less. Yes, you may meet a character in an elevator or hallway...but so what? Yes, you will hear Disney songs played all over...sorry 'bout that one if you don't like the music.

 

 

 

We've cruised other lines, and like the quality and the service on Disney. So as 2 adults, we still prefer DCL. Although with today's price releases....we may be considering other options again.[/quote']

 

 

Thank you for your comments. I don't mind kids at all, I hope I didn't leave that impression from my original question. I guess I was just trying to figure out if at every turn I would run into Minnie or Mickey or if it would feel like any other cruise line with the ability to "search" out the characters if I so chose to. Just trying to get a feel for the actual atmosphere onboard.

[moki'smommy]

There are times when you can't avoid walking past a character, with or without a line forming to see them. But honestly, the characters are not a problem at all. And they are trained to be sensitive as to who they approach. At the other end of the spectrum, they will not approach a young child unless that child first makes a move toward them. Similarly, while walking down the hall and one approaches, if you say "Hi Chip," there might be some interaction. If you ignore Chip, he will likely ignore you...or maybe tap you on the shoulder. He is a bit impish after all.

Edited March 26, 2015 by moki'smommy

[cruisefamilyforever]

I appreciate your comments although I don't recall saying anything that would have led you to believe that I don't enjoy Disney parks or suggesting that it wouldn't be my "cup of tea". I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't considering it.

 

Your statement makes it sound like you really need a casino and that running into characters would not be the experience you were looking for. Hence, my comments. I simply meant both of your concerns were confirmed so that would mean it's not the experience you are looking for. I should have said may not instead.

 

I would have said the same thing if you were a smoker asking about places you can smoke on the ship. Disney has one of the most restrictive smoking policies out there which is another reason I like them.

 

I cruise with my kids who are both in there 20s now and we all enjoy Disney, but it is a treat because it cost a lot more than Carnival and RC which we have also sailed on. In my experience the service and attention to detail can't be beat on Disney but the mouse will take a very big bite out of your wallet.

 

If you enjoy the parks you will enjoy a Disney cruise. The main difference is the ship is so much more relaxing. If you decide to sail on Disney I think you will have a wonderful time, but only you can decide if the extra money justified the experience.

[ducklite]

Back in the day when DCL first announced they would be building the Wonder, they addressed the lack of casino by stating that they chose to use the space for children's programming, as their market research indicated that a strong children's program was very important to their potential cruise customer and a casino was overall irrelevant or of little importance to them.

 

It has been assumed all along that DCL charges a premium fare to make up for the potential lost revenue from the missing casino. Personally I believe it's actually more a case of "because they can."

[Klstaack]

I think they also make alot of money on merchandise sales so the casino again is not necessary need as another way to make money. I would assume they have larger merchandise sales than other lines...but again I don't know that as a fact. I know personally when we went on RCCL we bought 1 t-shirt...on our last Disney cruise we spent close to 200 on merchandise.

 

As for no kids walking though the adult areas I completly agree with the poster that said no kids should be allowed to walk through. On my last cruise on the Dream I saw staff telling random kids that were walking through to get out. We will be going on the Fantasy soon and I hope they are just as strict. I love Disney but I don't love kids in the adults only areas.

 

Again as for a casino experience...if your cruise is going to Nassau you could always go to Atlantis. I know St. Martin also has casinos....so if you really want some casino time you might be able to find it at one of your destinations.

[Tonka's Skipper]

Walt knew he was a public figure and he hid the fact he smoked as much as possible so as to not encourage kids or adults to smoke. I don't believe that photo was changed, he never let pictures be taken of him smoker in later years.

 

As to casinos, I think your going to find more and more lines will be reducing their size as the profit is not as great a it once was. There are casinos all of the US now, people can gamble near home now.

 

AKK

Edited March 26, 2015 by Tonka's Skipper

[Shmoo here]

Walt knew he was a public figure and he hid the fact he smoked as much as possible so as to not encourage kids or adults to smoke. I don't believe that photo was changed' date=' he never let pictures be taken of him smoker in later years.

 

As to casinos, I think your going to find more and more lines will be reducing their size as the profit is not as great a it once was. There are casinos all of the US now, people can gamble near home now.

 

AKK[/quote']

 

That photo in the lobby of the Walt Disney Theatre was, indeed, altered. You can't see it in the pictures I've seen, but during the ship's tour, it's pointed out (and you can see it) the smoke from the cigarette that Walt was holding in his right hand is still visible.

 

He didn't like for people to see him smoking, but occasionally, he would be caught.

[Tonka's Skipper]

That photo in the lobby of the Walt Disney Theatre was, indeed, altered. You can't see it in the pictures I've seen, but during the ship's tour, it's pointed out (and you can see it) the smoke from the cigarette that Walt was holding in his right hand is still visible.

 

He didn't like for people to see him smoking, but occasionally, he would be caught.

 

Hi Shmoo.

 

I will concede to your expertise. I can only point that he must have been younger then I thought, because in later years, as you said he tried hard not to be caught!

 

AKK

[jwalk03]

Walt knew he was a public figure and he hid the fact he smoked as much as possible so as to not encourage kids or adults to smoke. I don't believe that photo was changed' date=' he never let pictures be taken of him smoker in later years.

 

As to casinos, I think your going to find more and more lines will be reducing their size as the profit is not as great a it once was. There are casinos all of the US now, people can gamble near home now.

 

AKK[/quote']

 

I agree that the casino pie is declining as more and more states legalize casinos. Use to be not that long ago the only places to gamble legally were Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and cruise ships. Now I think something like 75% of the states have at least 1 casino. People can gamble much closer to home and not spend as much time on vacation doing it.

 

All that said, the casinos DO still make money or cruise ships wouldnt keep devouting such large chunks of deck space to them. Casinos on cruises also have the additional advantage of not being regulated, so they can add stupid rules like 6:5 Blackjack, only offer 1X odds on craps, and pay as little out as they want on slots and video poker. Cruises also have a captive audience when the ship is at sea, so there will always be casinos on board (except Disney of course.)

 

It would be VERY interesting to see what the comparison is between cruise lines on board spend. My guess is Disney continues to charge higher fares becuase their onboard spend is lower than other lines. While they have an advantage related to merchandise spend, they get zero casino, and much lower alcohol than other lines as well Im sure. They do have some added money makers like a nursery, the most expensive upcharge restraunt at sea, BBB on Fantasy, Royal Tea, etc. I would still be willing to bet other lines have much higher onboard spend overall than Disney does.

[moki'smommy]

In my experience, DCL has a broader range of low to moderate cost items--$10-30. This range will get you a t-shirt, pins, autograph books, toys, etc. The other line that I was on most recently would put the "deal of the day" out in the hallway--typically in the $10-25 range. But the merchandise in the shop was basically $100 and up. One of our tablemates came in one night showing us her new shawl--$300 in the gift shop. That seems to me like a huge difference in the shopping demographic. My daughter got 2 of the "deal of the day" items. That was our total onboard shopping. We looked in the shops, but that's all we did there.

 

Yes, DCL has some pricey stuff in the shops, but they have a lot more stuff in what I would consider a reasonable range. My guess is that it is the range that DCL guests purchase regularly.

 

Spa and excursion costs were very comparable between lines. My daughter had a soda package--supposedly unlimited, but at meals they "limited" it by being very slow with refills. Not nice. They sold multiple alcohol packages; I don't know if the service was better with these.

[gkbiiii]

While I hope someday that they have a casino in the adult area of the ship: where they make their money is on the $350+ photo packages!

[Shmoo here]

While I hope someday that they have a casino in the adult area of the ship: where they make their money is on the $350+ photo packages!

 

While on the other hand, there are those of us who are glad there aren't casinos onboard. I hate having to walk though them just to get somewhere else onboard.

[moki'smommy]

While on the other hand, there are those of us who are glad there aren't casinos onboard. I hate having to walk though them just to get somewhere else onboard.

 

This. And with this week's prices, if they added a casino it would surely be the end of my business. The prices may do it on their own.

[Ex techie]

While on the other hand, there are those of us who are glad there aren't casinos onboard. I hate having to walk though them just to get somewhere else onboard.

 

This. And with this week's prices' date=' if they added a casino it would surely be the end of my business. The prices may do it on their own.[/quote']

 

I agree with both of these comments.

DCL will loose an important USP if they introduce a casino to the ships. It is a major turn off and takes a large amount of space away from family friendly venues, AND requires a lot of staff to run it. With limited crew berths, that means a reduction in crew from other areas and a reduction in Guest Service to the customer IMO.

 

ex techie

[chengkp75]

With limited crew berths, that means a reduction in crew from other areas and a reduction in Guest Service to the customer IMO.

 

ex techie

 

Gee, you mean the crew actually sleep onboard? Doesn't the crew go home every night? Can't they just build an addition? :D

[moki'smommy]

Gee, you mean the crew actually sleep onboard? Doesn't the crew go home every night? Can't they just build an addition? :D

 

Reminds me of Christiaan's story. He SAID (true or not) that a lady asked him how they got the crew to the ship each morning to work. He explained that they had a helicopter lift each night, taking the crew home to sleep and bringing them back the next morning. When they got the comment cards after the cruise, one complained that the "crew helicopter" kept her awake all night and they should send the crew home in boats which would be quieter.

 

Probably a Cruise Director falsehood, but funny