newbie-cruise discounts help

[Sagginit]

im looking into going on my first disney cruise in feb/march. i know that there are sometimes AAA discounts and i saw somewhere i can get a $50 onboard credit by booking with my disney visa but that seems just pathetic compared to the free dining and 3/4 promotions for WDW. the only promotion i remember seeing anywhere was something about free children but we would be two adults.

can anyone tell me if the cruise line offers good rates/promotions and how do i find out about them? the free dining was a no brainer as a newbie since it was on the tv every five minutes but the cruise line seems to be more elusive.

 

[marcielm]

The only general public cruise discounts I tend to see are kids sail free or kids sail for 50% off. I'm not sure if they ever have any PINs that come out (I think they do... I believe I've seen someone post about it here once before. They may be really rare, though).

The best thing to do is to book as far in advance as you can. Another option might be to check with a TA and see if they have any groups booked. Often big travel agencies will book a block of rooms to get the group discount, which helps offer them at a reduced rate.

 

[Seahunt]

Keep checking because you'll see some deals occasionally, but it seems that Disney doesn't have a very hard time filling it's ships compared to some lines - which means they don't have to offer as many discounts.

This is an example of a good DCL Bounceback deal offered last October (now EXPIRED) that I'm still kicking myself for not taking advantage of
Travel Dates: January 31 – March 8, 2009, and March 21-28, 2009.
What could be more magical than a Disney Cruise? How about two? Right now, you can enjoy a 3-Night Bahamian Disney Cruise for only $99* per person, double occupancy, when you sail on a 4-Night or 7-Night Disney Cruise this winter.
Here’s how it works:
■Book your 4-Night or 7-Night Disney Cruise with sail dates between January 31 – March 8, 2009 or March 21-28, 2009.
■During your first sailing, you will receive a voucher with instructions on how you can sail in the fall for $99* per person.
■Then, from April 6 through May 30, 2009, you can book your 3-Night Bahamian Disney Cruise for $99* per person.
■This $99* return offer is available most sail dates beginning Aug. 13 through Dec. 17, 2009.
■At least one person from the original party must travel on the second cruise

Oh well, maybe next time.

Here on the DIS there's a list of current DCL discounts:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-cruise.htm#magic

And also on mousesavers here:

http://www.mousesavers.com/dcldiscounts.html

 

[disneymagicgirl]

There are PINS sent out occasionally. Lately there have been general public deals also, but you are right that they usually involve children.
We just went in Sept and got a great last minute deal. We booked in June. Our 7 day was $599pp. We got a free upgrade to an oceanview room. Depending on the season and demand, last minute may be a good option. Otherwise, booking as far ahead as possible is your best bet.
If you head down to the cruise forum you will be able to keep up with the latest offerings. HTH!

 

[Seahunt]

Speaking of discounts, I just had to pop in here again and show an email I just received with details on what another cruise line is offering for a last minute sailing - $199 for a 7 night cruise PLUS a $25 credit. Of course I can't go, but wow!

Norwegian Jewel - 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Departing This Weekend from Miami, Florida (November 15, 2009)
Category N Inside Guarentee Only $199pp!
BONUS: $25 Onboard Credit!

I don't know whether to hope DCL will ever get that low, or hope that they don't because it probably means they couldn't stay in business very long at those prices.