This is the question that gets asked all the time. Unfortunately discounts on your first Disney Cruise are few and far between. Your best bet in getting the best cruise price is to book EARLY. When Disney announces their new cruise itineraries, you’ll want to book as soon as you can. Of course, past passengers will have first dibs on staterooms as one of the many perks of being a Castaway Club member. But the earlier you book, the better the selection, thus the wider range of prices.
For instance, Disney Cruise staterooms are divided into 4 basic types: inside, ocean view, verandah, and concierge. Within each of these types of staterooms, there are many different categories and each category has a different price. Staterooms that are located mid ship are going to be more expensive than aft or forward staterooms of the same type. Staterooms that are on lower decks will be less than staterooms on upper decks. Staterooms that have large windows compared to staterooms with small windows will cost you more money. Staterooms that have obstructed views will be less than staterooms that don’t have obstructed views. Staterooms with a larger balcony will be more than staterooms with a standard balcony. So when cost is your main concern and you don’t care whether your stateroom is starboard, port, aft, forward, and the size of your window or balcony doesn’t matter, then you want to book early because the cheaper staterooms will sell out first. Most likely, perhaps like yourself, people don’t mind much about their stateroom, they just want to get onto a Disney Cruise! (One magical extra tip from me to you to keep in mind… unlike the other lines such as NCL, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, Disney doesn’t have a HUGE jump in price from one stateroom type to another. Meaning, it’s not all that much more to go from inside to an ocean view stateroom and from an ocean view to a verandah stateroom. Always compare your options.)
Unfortunately, because Disney is in a class all by itself, their prices for the lowest categories start out higher than what you may be used to on the other lines. And for Disney Cruises to offer a sale like they are right now for verandah staterooms out of NYC, it’s almost unheard of. That’s why I rushed to get that news to you on Facebook when they made that announcement. It coincides with my upcoming Disney Cruise on the Dream, so I couldn’t take advantage of the sale!
Now once you sail on Disney, that is when the true perks come into play and when you will see discounts! If you book a future cruise when you are on board, they will give you a 10% discount (except for concierge staterooms). Also, they will require less of a deposit on cruises that are 7 nights or more (10% instead of the standard 20%) excluding concierge staterooms. Plus they will give you an on board credit of $100-$200 depending on the length of your cruise. There are always block out dates, so you will have to check on those when the time comes. Not sure of where/when you want to cruise? Not a problem…while on board, you can put down a $250 fully refundable deposit on a future Disney Cruise that is good for 24 months. It is called a “place holder.” If you decide not to cruise during the next 2 years, then Disney will refund the $250.
There is no doubt, that Disney is smart. Once they get you on board, they know they will have you hooked! They entice you with the on board booking, but that’s not all! Remember me mentioning about being a Castaway Club member? After your first Disney cruise, you automatically become one! Then you are eligible to book earlier than the public. And you can book on board activities earlier than the first time Disney cruisers. The more you cruise with Disney, the more perks that are available to you!
So to get a discount on a Disney Cruise, you’ll have to bite the bullet and book the first one! If you can, go with a group of friends, like me! I only have to pay for a quarter of the cruise, and then after I sail, I become a Castaway Club member so that will help when it’s time to bring my family! You do what you have to do, right?!
And do you know that you can pay for your cruise with Disney gift cards? If you follow my Facebook page, you may remember seeing my Disney discount advice regarding Disney gift cards purchased at Sam’s Club, or at Target using a REDcard. You can purchase Disney gift cards for less than face value. For example, at Sam’s Club you can purchase a $500 Disney gift card for $479.98. It will take more than a few of those to pay for your cruise, but you save $20 off of each $500! Just do the math and see how simple it is to get your cruise for less!
So what are you waiting for? If you want to cruise before January 2019, please ask for a quote soon! I can go over all the different itineraries, ports, and make selecting a cabin a breeze! If you are waiting until after January 2019, then watch my Facebook page because I will announce when those cruises can be booked as soon as Disney lets us know!
As always,
Happy Travels and Sail-on! ~Laurie
Contact me for a free travel consultation today!
215-435-4151 LaurieFiveStarTravel@gmail.com
Laurie at Five Star Travel Group 