I thought it would be fun to share some FAQs about stretching your dollars on Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line is all-inclusive cruising. This means that all your meals, non alcoholic drinks, activities, kids clubs, and live entertainment are included in your cruise fare. Not to mention character meet and greets, Pirate Night, and even fireworks at sea! But, as with all things, there are many ways to spend money outside your cruise fare on a Disney Cruise ship. But how can you stretch your dollars to get the most for your money on Disney Cruise Line? Let’s talk about Five Ways to Stretch Your Dollars on Disney Cruise Line!
Does Disney Cruise Line offer discounts? Typically, no. If so, they are to a very limited group of guest, such as Active Military, Florida Residents, and sometimes Canadian Residents. So, in order to get the best cruise fare, book it sooner rather than later. The farther you are from your sail date, the better your fare will be. Let me use my own cruise as an example. We booked our cruise in February of 2015, very shortly after itineraries for January of 2016 were released. We locked in a rate of $3072 for a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah for our family of 5. If I were to book that same voyage today, in late September, my total would be $3710! I saved $700 by booking my cruise as early as possible.
I want to get the most out of my time on the ship. How early can I board the ship? Boarding begins around 11:30AM. When you perform your Online Check In at 75-days from cruising, you will receive a boarding time. This is the approximate time your family can board the ship. The sooner you can get on the better! You paid your cruise fare, so you might as well enjoy the ship! You can get lunch and find a nice table on deck. Also, be sure to have your swimsuits packed in a day bag. There are changing facilities and you can begin using the pools as well. Want to explore the ship and sign up for activities? You can do that before you leave port as well! One great way to get more for your money is to embark as soon as possible so you can start using the ship’s amenities and have lunch!
What benefits are there to booking my next cruise on board? Disney Cruise Line offers great incentives when you book your next cruise on board. For a $200 deposit, you can book a Placeholder Cruise. This means that you have 24 months to use that placeholder, or your $200 is refunded. On top of this, you will often receive 20% off your next cruise as well as an onboard credit. Details can be found onboard. This is an EXCELLENT way to save money on your next Disney Cruise…because after the first one you’ll be hooked!
Which stateroom category is the cheapest? Far and away, Inside Staterooms are the least expensive on most Disney Cruise Line ships. These rooms are interior of the ship, meaning there are no windows to the outside . However, the magical aspect of these rooms, is the Real Time Porthole. Sometimes you’ll see your favorite fish, Nemo, floating right by your magical porthole! These are great for smaller families. They can also be a great option for families of 5 or more who require two staterooms.
What items can I bring onboard to save some money? First, bring your own travel mug onboard. The cups they give you at the drink stations are sort of small, and using your own cup is more convenient. Second, bring your own Pirate Night outfits. You can schedule a family night at the Pirates League to get everyone dressed up. But, go with the red/white/black color scheme, some bandanas and patches from the Dollar Store, and you are all set! Also, bring your own princess dresses. Like the Disney Parks, there are characters all around the ship. Little girls can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, if your ship has one, but it’s cheaper to dress her in her own dress and put some sparkles in her hair! Disney Cruise Line also allows guests to bring aboard their own alcohol. It is in limited quantities, and types, but still. Bringing your own aboard can be much cheaper than buying it onboard!
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Contact one of our amazing Dream Team Travel Agents!
Nina says
We just got back from a Disney cruise and I believe the discount is only 10%.