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And if you’re looking to take your cocktail knowledge to the next level, cruises also offer add-on mixology classes and tasting experiences. Don't miss the character dance parties either, which allow kids and adults to line dance with Goofy and shake it off with Donald Duck for an experience that goes beyond a hug and photograph. If you’re looking to book extras, like shore excursions and elevated dining experiences, your booking window depends on your loyalty to Disney Cruise Line. The Castaway Club is Disney’s version of a frequent cruiser program, and sailors earn status based on the number of sailings they’ve been on. Higher status translates to earlier booking windows, so Disney Cruise Line loyalists can score their desired bookings first.
You Must Prepare for Embarkation Before You Sail
In my experience, you can save up to half the cost compared to upgrading your room in advance. This is honestly one of the most difficult aspects of planning a Disney cruise… there are so many amazing options! Currently, the Disney Cruise Line has five ships, and at least two more are on the way. They offer 3-15 night cruises to some amazing places including (but not limited to) Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. You don’t, for example, need to pay extra for soft drinks on a Disney cruise like you would on Norwegian Cruise Line. You’re also entitled to complimentary room service 24/7, unlike on Virgin Voyages, where you'll be charged a $5 fee for each delivery.
You aren't locked into your assigned dining plans
When you check in you will be given your stateroom key which is your Key To The World Card. The Navigator App also lets you send texts free of charge to members of your stateroom and anyone else who authorizes you to do this. Don’t leave things to chance and be stressed about making it on time to your cruise. We have sailed in very challenging seas but never encountered a problem. It is also a great time to experience the Aqua Duck if you are on the Disney Fantasy or Dream. If you are driving to the cruise port this makes things easy.
Skip the ports to enjoy fewer crowds at the pool.
It may be tempting to disembark and explore Jamaica or relax on Castaway Cay, but if you stay behind, you can enjoy fewer crowds at the pools. This could be your prime chance to experience the AquaMouse water coaster, the cruise line’s first attraction at sea on the Disney Wish, with little to no line. Soda is included during sit-down meals, but if you’re craving a thirst quencher outside of those times, go to the free-flowing beverage stations near the pools on each Disney ship. With so much to know before you set sail with Disney Cruise Line, it's easy to miss out on the most interesting facts and features.
Meeting the Princesses
I only go on cruises that stop at Disney's private island Castaway Cay - Business Insider
I only go on cruises that stop at Disney's private island Castaway Cay.
Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 12:16:00 GMT [source]
Because of this, Disney ships have a sommelier bin, with opened bottles of wine served by the glass at highly discounted rates. This is your chance to sip on otherwise pricey pours at a bargain price. If you’re not picky about where your cabin is located on the ship, you can save a substantial amount of money by letting Disney pick your cabin. Just select your room type, like an inside cabin, and your specific cabin number will be assigned closer to your sail date. Whether you're planning for this year or the next, prepare yourself for a hefty dose of Disney knowledge, because for you, these Disney cruise tips and secrets are no longer under wraps.
While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you'll likely want to add an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest. An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs.
DISNEY CASTAWAY CAY
For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent. Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle. Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges.
Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not. Passengers on their first Disney cruise don't get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren't in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there's less time to do everything.
Disney Cruise Discounts for UK and Ireland Residents
Disney designed its staterooms thoughtfully, with sensible layouts and extra storage space that’s perfect for families. You’ll have a stateroom host who provides daily housekeeping and a nightly turndown service. While a movie theater may sound like a strange place to spend a few hours at sea, I recommend making time to go see a new Disney movie while on your next Disney Cruise. I'm a fan of ordering room service for a quick breakfast (or that first hit of coffee) or for a fun anytime treat of Mickey ice cream bars. I often order Uncrustables from room service the night before port days to toss in my bag for the family to eat while ashore. My girls learned how to politely call to order these by the second or third day of the cruise.
You need to use a card like the Capital One Venture card to pay for your cruise. Then you can redeem your Capital One miles against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also book Disney cruises with Marriott Bonvoy points or United miles at a rate that’s less than desirable. Be sure to look out for your Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, which will be mailed to you about 60 days before your sailing.
These include Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Panama Canal cruises. Additional options include Hawaii cruises, Mexico, the Pacific Coast, Canada, Bermuda, the South Pacific, and New Zealand / Australia. You can choose short 2-night jaunts or longer cruises lasting up to two weeks. One way to make your cruise money go further is using an Onboard Credit, which is somewhat like a rebate. Solo travelers should expect to pay almost as much as two adults would have paid. Some ports are more expensive to visit than others and some itineraries are simply more popular and command higher prices.
Most travel agencies don’t charge any planning fees to book cruises through them, so it truly is free money for those already planning a cruise. You'll get all that, plus you can board the ship first and skip the lines when disembarking. Concierge guests get exclusive access to a lounge with included evening drinks and a private sun deck (with a hot tub on Disney Wish). You can order meals from the onboard restaurants to your room, and hang out with a Disney character in the lounge one evening of the cruise. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club. Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line's five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids.
If you want to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll need to get to one of these locations to board the ship. Waiting to book may also mean that cheaper types of staterooms are booked, so only more-expensive categories are left. The best sail dates can even sell out, meaning you have to pick another. There are plenty of ways to make both options cheaper, and there are ways to make them both costlier.
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