Does anyone still go on a solo Disney Cruise?

[RaySharpton]

Does anyone still go on a solo Disney Cruise?

I haven't been on a Disney Cruise since the old AllEars.Net December cruises. I really enjoyed those cruises because I was able to me so many folks online before going and meet them on the cruise with several scheduled meet and greets.

The solo prices sure have increased since then and it seems like I have to pay for two persons for going solo in one stateroom now.

I have tried searching other websites, but the only cruise that I have ever been on is a Disney cruise. I guess that I am reluctant to try another cruise line. But I am open to that, too.

Now that I am retired, I could easily go on short notice, but I don't know how to find those last minute cruise deals. Especially for a solo traveler on a cruise.

I would be curious if anyone has recently been on a solo Disney cruise and what your experiences with finding a decent cost for a solo passenger like myself.

I would also be curious if there are any good last minute websites for good prices.

I usually plan a year or so in advance for my vacations, so I wouldn't mind doing that, too.

I tried a search using the word "solo" with no results.

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[Dug720]

Yup! All the time! LOVE cruising solo. I tried going on a RCCL one with a friend and it just proved that I am a solo cruiser all the way.

I just budget my money to manage it and book as close to opening day as possible. I also don't have to be concierge or even have a balcony. I teach, so last-minute stuff is pretty much never available...and then there is the transportation. Until DCL goes out of NYC when I could and if they have discounts then.

Best thing is to keep an eye either on disneycruiselineblog.com or this site's thread for when discounts are announced.

 

[southerngirl528]

Does anyone still go on a solo Disney Cruise?

I would DEFINITELY do a Disney cruise solo! I have met a lot of solo travelers while on Disney cruises. I say GO FOR IT!!!

 

[RaySharpton]

Yup! All the time! LOVE cruising solo. I tried going on a RCCL one with a friend and it just proved that I am a solo cruiser all the way.

I just budget my money to manage it and book as close to opening day as possible. I also don't have to be concierge or even have a balcony. I teach, so last-minute stuff is pretty much never available...and then there is the transportation. Until DCL goes out of NYC when I could and if they have discounts then.

Best thing is to keep an eye either on disneycruiselineblog.com or this site's thread for when discounts are announced.

Thank you, Dug720. I think that I might just be a solo traveler, too.

I'll keep an eye out for that website, too. And try and see when opening day becomes available.

I'm from Atlanta. I have had experience departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

I didn't know Disney Cruise offered discounts.

I would DEFINITELY do a Disney cruise solo! I have met a lot of solo travelers while on Disney cruises. I say GO FOR IT!!!

Thank you, southerngirl528. I guess that I just have to get over the per night costs for a solo passenger...ha...ha...ha.

 

[southerngirl528]

Thank you, southerngirl528. I guess that I just have to get over the per night costs for a solo passenger...ha...ha...ha.

Well, yes.... there is THAT.

And are you a Costco member? If so, you can book at the same prices DCL has, but you will get a Costco cash card back after your sailing. The amount varies by how much your cruise is but the amount is 7 or 8% back I believe. And that much of a savings is pretty darned good for DCL.

 

[lanejudy]

The lowest fares tend to be either when itineraries are first released, or within about 2-3 months before the cruise when the special offers are released. This thread keeps track of those: https://www.disboards.com/threads/current-gt-mto-flr-discounts.3244232/

Some travel agents offer OBC. It’s not a discount but helps offset some expenses.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[RaySharpton]

Well, yes.... there is THAT.

And are you a Costco member? If so, you can book at the same prices DCL has, but you will get a Costco cash card back after your sailing. The amount varies by how much your cruise is but the amount is 7 or 8% back I believe. And that much of a savings is pretty darned good for DCL.

Thank you, southerngirl528.

I know it is silly, isn't it? I think the last time went on a cruise they gave a solo discount and it averaged out about $200. per night. Sounds like a long time ago, right?

I am a Costco member and that is good news. Thank you.

I like that disneycruiselineblog.com . Here is the first thing that I saw:

Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of 7/23/2018
Posted on July 23, 2018 by Scott Sanders — Leave a reply


This week’s special offers from Disney Cruise Line encompass a few of new sailings for US Military Personnel and Florida Residents.

It may not apply to me, but I will keep searching.

I also found this:

Save Up to 25% on Select 7-Night Cruises this Fall!

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/special-offers/domestic-special-rates/

Thank you again, Dug72 and southerngirl528.

 

[RaySharpton]

The lowest fares tend to be either when itineraries are first released, or within about 2-3 months before the cruise when the special offers are released. This thread keeps track of those: https://www.disboards.com/threads/current-gt-mto-flr-discounts.3244232/

Some travel agents offer OBC. It’s not a discount but helps offset some expenses.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you, lanejudy. That will be a good link.

 

[RaySharpton]

The lowest fares tend to be either when itineraries are first released, or within about 2-3 months before the cruise when the special offers are released. This thread keeps track of those: https://www.disboards.com/threads/current-gt-mto-flr-discounts.3244232/

Some travel agents offer OBC. It’s not a discount but helps offset some expenses.

Enjoy your cruise!

Now, this is some information to help me decide what is a fairer price when searching for a cruise. Thank you lanejudy.

SLEEPER RATES

I have also decided to provide my list of SLEEPER RATES. A sleeper rate is a rate that I find a good value. The rate I find good is listed below.

Inside - $175 per night, per person, including all fees.
Oceanview - $200 per night, per person, including all fees
Verandah - $225 per person, per night, including fees.

So for an inside stateroom, I should look for $175.00 per person or $350.00 per night for a stateroom as a solo traveler plus fees.

And on cruises where I would be interested in an ocean view or verandah staterooms, I can compare and decide if it is worth it.

On another note, when I go on the https://www.disboards.com/threads/current-gt-mto-flr-discounts.3244232/ link, I can't seem to change the two people to one person when checking for costs. I might have to eventually choose the accessible cabin, too, since that is what I am choosing at WDW resorts as of my last visit in June to Pop.

Thank you again. I am busy reading all of this information for me.

I don't know why I couldn't find it myself?

 

[Carrie in AZ]

I hope you will be able to sail again soon, Ray!

 

[fhtpdw20]

Don't forget to book next cruise while on board. Saves 10% and onboard credit on next sailing within 2 years.

 

[lanejudy]

On another note, when I go on the https://www.disboards.com/threads/current-gt-mto-flr-discounts.3244232/ link, I can't seem to change the two people to one person when checking for costs. I might have to eventually choose the accessible cabin, too, since that is what I am choosing at WDW resorts as of my last visit in June to Pop.

That thread quotes based on 2 passengers. The fare for 1 will be only slightly less, as DCL essentially charges a 100% single supplement. To see “true” fares, you can look up those cruises in the DCL website.

I don’t know if I would trust a last-minute special offer like the *GT rates if you need an accessible cabin. *GT rates allow DCL to assign any cabin in that category. I believe you use a mobility device, and that is not likely to fit through the doorway of a regular stateroom. No parking in the hall as it’s too narrow; designated parking areas are available but would require walking to your stateroom.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Girl of the South]

The accessible cabin won't cost more - it's just a question of availability. I went onto the DCL website and where it asks about how many people in your party, there is a box to check for requiring a handicapped room. You check it and you get a message that you may be required to show documentation about your disability - I guess maybe a note from your doctor? Not sure if GTY rates will show up for accessible cabins HOWEVER a few people who get last minute cabins get them because they are unsold. If you really think you will need one, it's best to book as far in advance as you can. Again, doesn't cost more and they look very roomy!

 

[izzinmac]

Another thing to consider is the time of year you go. As a retiree you have flexibility. Compare January-February rates against other times of year. Basic rule of thumb- stay away from the times of year kids are out of school. We have done some great cruises in January and February because of the lower cost
Just looked up some sample prices, all for Cat 9A double occupancy . A 3 Day on Jan 11 is $1636. July 26th the same Category is $2795. A 4day on Jan 28 is$2060. July rate was $3861. A 7 day on Feb 9 was $3977, and on July 6 it was $5782

 

[RaySharpton]

Don't forget to book next cruise while on board. Saves 10% and onboard credit on next sailing within 2 years.

Thank you, fhtpdw20. I never did this before, but when I cruise again, I will so that I can go every year. I would really like to go a Christmas cruise sometime.

That thread quotes based on 2 passengers. The fare for 1 will be only slightly less, as DCL essentially charges a 100% single supplement. To see “true” fares, you can look up those cruises on the DCL website.

I don’t know if I would trust a last-minute special offer like the *GT rates if you need an accessible cabin. *GT rates allow DCL to assign any cabin in that category. I believe you use a mobility device, and that is not likely to fit through the doorway of a regular stateroom. No parking in the hall as it’s too narrow; designated parking areas are available but would require walking to your stateroom.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you, lanejudy.

The accessible cabin won't cost more - it's just a question of availability. I went onto the DCL website and where it asks about how many people in your party, there is a box to check for requiring a handicapped room. You check it and you get a message that you may be required to show documentation about your disability - I guess maybe a note from your doctor? Not sure if GTY rates will show up for accessible cabins HOWEVER a few people who get last minute cabins get them because they are unsold. If you really think you will need one, it's best to book as far in advance as you can. Again, doesn't cost more and they look very roomy!

Thank you, Girl of the South

Another thing to consider is the time of year you go. As a retiree you have flexibility. Compare January-February rates against other times of year. Basic rule of thumb- stay away from the times of year kids are out of school. We have done some great cruises in January and February because of the lower cost
Just looked up some sample prices, all for Cat 9A double occupancy . A 3 Day on Jan 11 is $1636. July 26th the same Category is $2795. A 4day on Jan 28 is$2060. July rate was $3861. A 7 day on Feb 9 was $3977, and on July 6 it was $5782

Thank you, izzinmac. That is good to know and I was wondering about that. Such a big difference in price.



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