Booking DCL Sept 2027 tips please.

[Nick6300]

What is the typical window for booking a DCL for Sept 2027? So far we've tentatively landed on Sept. with price being the most important. Sort of thinking a 3 day WDW followed by the DCL to ensure we don't miss our port time. I'd normally prefer WDW last, but otherwise we'd be considering a hotel for a night between MCO and Port C. There would be grandparents with 3 kids squeezed into a balcony facing room, and our fam of 3 somewhere within walking distance, hopefully in the middle of ship, away from balcony. We looked at some prices for this Aug-Oct, and mid Sept was the cheapest. We're thinking a shorter Caribbean with 1-2 Disney ports, such as 4 nights. The consideration for Aug., even if slightly more than Sept., is that the 2 of us our will likely be AP until 9/12, if we renew this Sept. If we land on a cruise in Sept., we probably won't renew and cut down on our WDW trips after our Aug 2026. Starting with when to book, any aspect that I should know would be helpful as none of us have done the cruises, and we've only gone on 1 Carnival cruise Aug 2012. Such as travel agents you've liked, which dining time, room types, etc. Thank you!

 

[RedHead0186]

In the past, DCL has opened booking about 18 months out. But, more recently they haven't always followed that pattern.

You will find that sailings in September are typically cheaper, one of the big reasons being that it's prime hurricane season. More often than not sailings aren't affected, but they can be (to varying degrees) so cruises are a bit cheaper to entice people. We've sailed in September several times and despite once sailing between two hurricanes, we've never had big issues and have continued to do it.

Dreams Unlimited is the travel agency that sponsors this board, and they are fantastic. I highly recommend Merrie Thomas, we've worked with her for years.

In terms of room type, you'll get varying opinions. I love having a verandah so we usually do that. I've done oceanview rooms and those are fine, but I do find I miss being able to just step outside and get some ocean air. I will not do an interior room-not being able to have natural light or see outside does bad things for my anxiety (but lots of people like those rooms, I'm just sharing my experience).

I'm typically a fan of the later dining time; however, due to some health issues in my party we have switched to main dining. Late dining is typically less busy as it's less popular and it's easier to get a private table (if you want that). Main dining is more popular with families, but I have seen younger kids at late dining as well.