10 Tips to Save on Disney Cruise Line

Photo: Gigi Cunningham Copyright 2009, all rights reserved.

I love Disney Cruise Line, but it’s crazy expensive.  Sometimes it’s double the cost of similar cruises.  But, I’m willing to scrimp and save and not take the cheapest route available.  Disney Cruise Line is considered a boutique luxury line that caters to kids and families.  Luxury is the key word.  Also understand that Disney doesn’t offer many deals or discounts, like ever.  It’s a matter of supply and demand.  With four ships, and lot’s of demand.. you can see where this is going.  But, let me tell you the extra money is worth it.  Service, entertainment, and activities are amongst the best.

Let’s look at 10 ways to get more bang for your buck-

• Use with a travel agent who offers an onboard credit for booking with them.  We used Dreams Unlimited Travel on our last cruise, and got a sweet $100 onboard credit.
• If you’re a Costco member, definitely check out what Costco has to offer with Disney Cruise Line.  You might be able to receive a very decent Costco Cash Card.
• Look into Disney Vacation Account and determine if it’s right for you.  Read the pros and cons in this previous post.
• Bring alcohol with you!  Disney Cruise Line is one of the few lines that allow you to hand-carry booze onboard at the beginning of your cruise.
• We love soda, aka life blood.  All soda is complimentary on Disney Cruise Line.  Save by not purchasing a soda card, as required on most lines.
• If you’re in the military or a veteran, definitely check to see if any discounts are available.  Florida residents may also receive a small discount during certain times of the year.
• Buy trip insurance.  Things happen.  I have an uncle who needed to be airlifted off of two previous cruises.  You don’t want to pay for something like that out of pocket.  Next year he’s vacationing in Cincinnati.
• Arrive to the ship a day early.  I can’t stress this enough.  I’ve heard far too many stories of people who decided to fly in the day of their cruise, but the plane was delayed, cancelled or worse, and the they missed the boat entirely.  Flat tires, illness, anything could happen.  The extra hotel night is far cheaper than flying to the ship’s next destination.
• Don’t be late.  This one seems obvious, but a time error could have major consequences. This is particularly true if “ship time” is different than local time.
• Avoid the temptation to over-schedule.  There are tons of free things to do on Disney Cruise Line.  You may not need to do premium activities in every port. 

Do you have any awesome tips to save on Disney Cruise Line?  Let me know in the comments!