Planning
a Disney Cruise
How Early is to Early
Planning and looking
forward to Disney Cruises is always fun. But how soon is too soon to start
planning a Disney Cruise? In my opinion the sooner you start planning Disney
Cruise the better!
Disney Cruises are
slightly more extensive than cruises on other cruise lines. I believe the extra
price is more than worth it for the quality of service and extras you receive.
So the extra time is good to have for financial reasons. But, there are other reasons
to book early than that.
With other
cruise lines if you wait to book until a few weeks or months before the date
you wish to cruise you can often get a lower price. With Disney that does not
happen. The reason for that is simply demand. Other cruise lines often have
many cabins left unfilled near or at sailing. Disney runs an average of 110% to
120% full. 100% full means 2 guests in each cabin. Everything above 100% is
more than two people in a cabin. Other cruise lines discount their unfilled cabins
to try to fill them. Disney does not have to. Disney has few if any on booked cabins.
If you watch the
Disney cruise line website you will notice that the closer the sale date comes
the higher the price for the same cabin. It is best to book early at the lower
price. You will also get a better chance of getting a cabin in the area the
ship you wish if you are picky.
Here are some
of the other reasons to book early. It gives you time to become part of a Fish
Extender group and making your Fish Extender and goodies. Gives you time to
plan how you going to decorate your cabin door, just remember no tape, magnets
only.
Booking early
also gives you a chance to research the different ports you’re going to and the
Port Adventures available at those ports. Booking early allows you to be ready when
the date comes that you can finally book your Port Adventure. You know what you’re
going to do and are ready to book it. Your desired Port Adventure may be booked
if you wait until you get on the ship. Some of the more popular Port Adventures
will fill up almost as soon as they become available. If you have never sailed
with Disney before you can start booking your Port Adventures 75 days prior to
your sail date. Even at 75 days prior you may have problems getting the Port
Adventure you wish.
If you have
sailed with Disney Cruise Line before you are automatically a member of their
Castaway Club. Castaway Club Membership lets you book Port Adventures early,
how early is dependent on the number of cruises you’ve taken in the past. One –
five cruises you are Silver level and can book Port Adventures 90 days prior to
sail date. Six – 10 cruises you are Gold level and can book 105 days in
advance. Over 10 cruises you are Platinum level and can book as early as 120
days prior to your cruise. Also the higher level you are in the club the earlier
you can book your cruise. Castaway Club members get first chance of booking
cruises and Port Adventures.
I know that for us the time flies
waiting for the cruise to come. Whether we are working on Fish Extender, Fish
Extender goodies, door decor or window clings the more time we have the better
for planning.
I also find that planning an
amazing getaway such as a Disney Cruise is a great way to deal with stress and
build hope during dark times. As of today I have 348 days until our cruise. I’ve
already started working on Fish Extender goodies and getting special close for
the trip. I’ve even set aside a suitcase to keep this stuff in. In my opinion
as soon as they sail date you wish to go becomes available book it! You don’t
have to pay for it fully until 75 days before the cruise. Just be aware even if
you are a Castaway Club Member you can book Port or Shipboard Adventures until
your cruise is fully paid for.
