There is no secret about it. Disney just knows how to do things right. So when they decided a decade ago to start their own cruise line, no one was surprised when it quickly became one of the favorite cruise lines among families. A Disney cruise is just as magical as a Disney park vacation, full of all of the imagination and magic that only Disney can offer! If you have been considering the idea of a Disney Cruise, you might have noticed that the Disney brand does cost you more than a traditional cruise. While this may cause you to hesitate booking a Disney Cruise, the good news is there are plenty of ways to save money on one as well. With some careful planning, you too can enjoy this one of a kind and magical experience!
If a Disney Cruise has always been a dream of yours, take a peek below at how easy it is to save money on this dream. A Disney Cruise can very much be a reality for you and your family for a lot less than you might imagine.
How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise:
1. Consider traveling during the off season.
Cruise lines experience an off season during the fall months, around August through November while hurricane season is in town. It is still safe to travel during hurricane season, as state of the art tracking helps ships steer clear of any dangerous weather. During these off season months, you can enjoy huge discounts on your travel, so if these months are feasible for you, book during these times and save.
2. Take advantage of Visa cardholder perks.
If you are a Disney Visa cardholder, you may be entitled to additional discounts on your cruise package as well as onboard credits to spend. Disney Visa often offers as much as $200 in onboard credits that can be used on souvenirs, spa treatments, specialty dining and more. Check with your card company and see what perks may be available.
3. Book early.
Everyone knows the early bird catches the worm, and booking cruises is no different. Prices can adjust daily, so if you see a great deal jump on it! Wait any longer and the price will go up. Put a deposit down to hold your spot and secure your rate instead.
4. Talk to an agent.
Travel agents can find you special deals as well as offer your on-board credit incentives. You won’t have to pay extra for their services as some people believe, and in the end their services can help you not only get a better deal but eliminate a great deal of stress.
5. Book your airfare separate.
Disney will offer to find you airfare and other travel arrangements such as shuttles and transfers. Skip these offers and make your own travel arrangements. While Disney is happy to find these arrangements for you, they will not be looking for the best deals. The bottom line is you are better to search them out yourself.
6. Book an inside cabin.
A window or verandah will cost you considerably more on a Disney Cruise. Instead, opt for an inside cabin and save. The Disney Cruise line offers magic portholes in each inside cabin, so you don’t feel cooped up or like you are in a closet. They are still roomy and quite fun!
7. Sign up for the Disney Cruise Line newsletter
Visit Disney Cruise Lines online and sign up for their email newsletters. This way you will be notified of any specials or sales bring offered. Once a year, DCL offers a “kids cruise free” promotion. If you are planning a family trip, you will want to know when this is offered so you can jump on it!
8. Be flexible about your port of departure.
Disney Cruise Lines often offers discounts if you depart from a certain port. If you are flexible about where you depart from, you can save some serious cash.
9. Buy discounted Disney gift cards.
Disney gift cards can be used on-board Disney Cruise ships as well as on Disney excursions. If you see any on discount at your local wholesale store or on auction forums such as eBay, these are great to make ship and experience purchases for less.
10. Bring your own incidentals.
Anything you purchase on the ship will cost you considerably more than if you brought it from a retail store at home. Bring your own aspirin, nausea meds, toiletries, and other items you may need so you don’t have to spend five times as much at a ship gift shop.
See how easy it is to save on a Disney Cruise? You just have to be prepared for when a deal strikes, act quickly when it does, and of course practice flexibility in your travel. If you can do these things, you can easily save money on your Disney Cruise.
Happy sailing!
Make sure you check out our Saving Money Blog and also our How to Coupon Page for more tips, tricks and videos on saving money and using coupons.
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I agree with everything you said but 1 thing. Not every inside cabin has the ‘magic portholes’. We booked an inside room specifically for this feature and were sadly disappointed when our room on a completely booked cruise was not equipped with such an option.