Are there any tips on finding a good deal on a Disney Cruise?

[Pumbas]

Am hoping to go on Disney Cruise in 2015. I am hoping to find good tips on deals here. I am using discounted gift cards, Swagbucks, but am wondering if Disney offers promotions like they do for WDW parks/resort vacations?

 

[Praying Colonel]

Am hoping to go on Disney Cruise in 2015. I am hoping to find good tips on deals here. I am using discounted gift cards, Swagbucks, but am wondering if Disney offers promotions like they do for WDW parks/resort vacations?

IMHO the best things you can do are book as early as possible and go in the off-season if possible. We went on a Western Caribbean on the Fantasy in June 2012. If we'd been able to go in September we could've saved about 30%.

 

[havaneselover]

They also do last minute deals. I'm too much of a planner for that.

My kids and I are going on Disney cruise 4 in April. We booked it for $2,200 a year ago. It's not going for $4,400.

As the economy has improved, DCL's prices have gone much higher. What I paid $3k for Spring break of 2013 is going for $4.5k for Spring break of 2016 (both opening day prices).

If you are a Costco member and book through them, they give you a cash card (8%?) after you've cruised.

 

[JulieODC]

Unless you book really early, or take your chances and book really late, it's hard to find a discount through Disney.

I found that the best bet was to figure out which travel agency is offering the best on-board credit. We went on a DCL last May, and used a travel agent who offered $300 credit on-board (we used it to pay for drinks, activities, etc).

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Try BJ's they have some great deals. $450 for a 4 night Disney cruise.

 

[beffiegirl]

I'd go off season, and we usually take the last minute deals. Though no good cabins left, especially if you need two cabins back to back. Keep checking prices everyday! Also once you get onboard you can book a future cruise at 10% off(which is a lot) and get extra credit and you only have to put 10% down. Great deal!

 

[Pumbas]

Unless you book really early, or take your chances and book really late, it's hard to find a discount through Disney. I found that the best bet was to figure out which travel agency is offering the best on-board credit. We went on a DCL last May, and used a travel agent who offered $300 credit on-board (we used it to pay for drinks, activities, etc).

Do you remember the name of the travel agent you used?

 

[Pumbas]

They also do last minute deals. I'm too much of a planner for that. My kids and I are going on Disney cruise 4 in April. We booked it for $2,200 a year ago. It's not going for $4,400. As the economy has improved, DCL's prices have gone much higher. What I paid $3k for Spring break of 2013 is going for $4.5k for Spring break of 2016 (both opening day prices). If you are a Costco member and book through them, they give you a cash card (8%?) after you've cruised.

I am a Costco member. Is the Cash Card a Costco Gift Card?

 

[SUSIEQ]

I am a Costco member. Is the Cash Card a Costco Gift Card?

Yes.

 

[JulieODC]

Do you remember the name of the travel agent you used?

Not sure if this is against the rules for DIS...but we used Cruise Brothers (based on RI), but I know others have had good success with Dreams Unlimited.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'd go off season, and we usually take the last minute deals. Though no good cabins left, especially if you need two cabins back to back. Keep checking prices everyday! Also once you get onboard you can book a future cruise at 10% off(which is a lot) and get extra credit and you only have to put 10% down. Great deal!

Actually, they changed the rules. Now you only get the 10% deposit deal for cruises of 7+ nights. Also you must sail your future cruise within 24 months of the original booking date. You can still change dates, itineraries, ships, etc but whatever you choose must be in the 24 month window or you lose all OBB perks.

OP, Unless it's difficult due to your schedule, it's best to choose an offpeak time (when kids are in school) and book as early as possible. There are "last minute" deals which is the cruise world means within 4 months or so of sail date. Guests who book last minute often don't get to choose a specific cabin, may be stuck with the least desirable cabins (over a night club, below a kitchen that starts prepping at 4:30 am, etc) and risk being stuck with late dinner which starts around 8:30 pm. To compare, main dining is between 5:30 and 6:00pm. Some would gladly trade the risk for the savings. I prefer to book onboard far in advance and also use a TA for onboard credits.(We'd think mothing of booking now for fall of 2016 if we could.) We really appreciate having our favorite cabins and main dining.

 

[havaneselover]

Actually, they changed the rules. Now you only get the 10% deposit deal for cruises of 7+ nights. Also you must sail your future cruise within 24 months of the original booking date. You can still change dates, itineraries, ships, etc but whatever you choose must be in the 24 month window or you lose all OBB perks.

Plus there are blackout dates. It used to be a great deal. Now it's basically useless to me. We love DCL, but this next one is probably it for us : (