Does DCL ever offer major discounts? (like Disney World?)

[byrans]

We're looking to book our first family Disney Cruise. We have previously enjoyed Disney World - and now notice an occasional mailing that offers 15-30% discounts to entice us back to Disney World.

Does DCL ever offer such discounts? Maybe in the off seasons? My guess is no just by googling, but just thought I'd ask

 

[Bishoparc]

That's funny ;-)

There are seasons when the cruises are lower priced but you don't see "specials" as you are mentioning. They will occasionally have discounts for Florida residents or military but they are very last minute and usually aren't as cheap as they are when you book them when the cruise is first available.

They also offer "guaranteed" rates sometimes closer to the sail date in which they will guarantee that you will have at least a room in category xyz but you don't get to pick your room. They are usually a little less than the prices where you pick your room. We have done that once, booked a 5A but was upgraded to a 4A.

 

[byrans]

That's funny ;-)

There are seasons when the cruises are lower priced but you don't see "specials" as you are mentioning. They will occasionally have discounts for Florida residents or military but they are very last minute and usually aren't as cheap as they are when you book them when the cruise is first available.

LOL thanks

A guy can hope right?

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

If you're flexible and can book and travel last minute, they often have "GTY" rates, where you are guaranteed at least that level of stateroom, but they assign you the stateroom. These are sometimes considerably less than opening day prices, but you cannot count on them being offered. You just have to keep watching their website.

 

[mevelandry]

We've seen offers for Canadians but very limited options (like 7 days cruise departing from NYC) but that's about it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If you're flexible and can book and travel last minute, they often have "GTY" rates

Actually the last minute restricted fares are *GT rates. GTY applies to when a specific category has sold a certain percentage of rooms, and the category goes GTY - you still can select the category, but no select a specific room. The cost for GTY bookings is the same as it is if you select a specific room within that category.

*GT rates (IGT, OGT, VGT) are typically lower than prevailing rates for the same type of room, but you still pay more (most of the time) for the reservation than you would have had you booked with the reservations first opened.

With *GT reservations there are lots of restrictions and you are only guaranteed a type of room. For example, if you book a VGT (Verandah Guarantee) you will be assigned to any verandah room available (regardless of actual category).

 

[Skittlesmom]

Recommend looking at mousesavers.com . This website has a wealth of very helpful information for all things Disney.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I highly recommend keeping your eyes open for when the release dates are for the next group of sailings and try to grab something opening day. Those are often the best prices you'll see I believe.