If you are planning to sail aboard one of the beautiful Disney ships for your next vacation, you need to know the best time to book a Disney cruise. Prices don’t usually drop the closer you get to sailing, so the best time to book is the day the itineraries are released. By doing this, you can choose from most staterooms to find the least expensive one for your family.
There are different categories of staterooms on the ships and not all are created equal. If you book a room on the lower decks, you’ll pay less than the ones towards the top of the ship. You’ll also pay less if you book a room with a porthole instead of a verandah. If you book an inside stateroom, it won’t cost you as much out of pocket and some ships have a magical porthole which includes a live camera view from outside the ship with random Disney character appearances (there are 20 different ones).
Itineraries are usually released about 12-18 months in advance, giving you plenty of time to coupon to your vacation.
- May 18, 2015 – itineraries for fall 2016 were announced
- March 24, 2015 – itineraries for summer 2016 announced
- October 28, 2014 – itineraries for Jan – March 2016 were announced
While on your first cruise with Disney, you’ll have the opportunity to pay a $200 deposit and book a placeholder cruise (if you are unsure of your dates) which will give you 10% off your next sailing. You just have to sail within 18 months to use your benefits (not 18 months to cruise, but to convert from a placeholder to a sail date). You’ll get this perk every time you sail and is limited to one per stateroom.
If a sailing has not reached maximum occupancy, sometimes Disney will run a special for the dates closer to sailing. Usually these specials are limited to Florida residents, Cast Members or Military. If you are planning on cruising on Disney, I highly recommend you book the day the itineraries are released versus waiting for a special that might never come.
To book your cruise, you will have to pay a deposit that is equal to 20% of the reservation fare. The total amount of the cruise is due between 75 – 150 days before sailing depending on your cruise date, cruise length and type of stateroom. Be sure to verify your final payment date when you book the cruise so you know how long you have to save.
You can book your cruise directly through the Disney website, or you can contact my friends at Destinations in Florida. You’ll pay the same rate as you’d pay directly to Disney (Disney covers their commission), but you’ll receive personalized support, planning advice and select perks. Your family will also have a person they can get in contact with while you are on the ship who can then quickly get in contact with you (instead of going through Disney directly). This is reassurance for grandparents who are a little anxious about their children and grandchildren sailing. At least that was what I discovered on our voyage!