If you’re planning a really nice family vacation, a Disney cruise may be on your radar. However, before you book, you’re probably wondering about the cost. How much does a Disney cruise cost in 2024?
Well, unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward, as the total cost depends on a lot of factors, such as the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the type of stateroom you choose.
But our goal at Cruise Nonstop is to help you find the best value for your Disney cruise vacation, so let’s see what we can dig up.
How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost? Here are the Details
There is a Lot Included in the Price of Your Disney Cruise
First things first. Disney cruises are not necessarily cheap, but they do offer a lot of value for your money.
When you book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you get an all-inclusive experience that includes meals, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.
Plus, and this is the big one! You get to enjoy the whole Walt Disney experience with all the magic and attention to detail that Disney is known for. When you start to compare the prices of Walt Disney World tickets, you can quickly see where the value is coming from!
How Much Does It Cost To Go On a Disney Cruise?
In this section, we’ll break down the factors that affect the cost of a Disney cruise, the average cost of a Disney cruise, and most importantly, tips to save money on your reservation.
Disney Cruise – What Affects the Cost?
Several things can affect the cost of a Disney cruise. These include:
- Ship: Different Disney ships have different prices. For example, the Disney Wish is typically more expensive than the Disney Dream. The older ships are typically less expensive than the newer. When we booked our first Disney cruise, we deliberately picked the oldest ship, the Disney Magic. Expect to pay a lot more for Disney Treasure when it launches later in 2024.
- Itinerary: Longer cruises and those with more ports of call tend to be more expensive than shorter cruises or those with fewer ports of call. The more ports there are, the higher the total port taxes. So if you are on a budget, consider a 3-night Disney cruise.
- Stateroom Type: The type of stateroom you choose will affect the cost. Inside staterooms are typically the least expensive, while suites are the most expensive. Do you really need that window? (Insider tip: It’s not as bad as you think! Think about how long you will really be in your room!)
- Time of Year: The time of year you book your Disney cruise can also affect the cost. Peak season, such as summer and holidays, tend to be more expensive than off-season. Look at the calendar and avoid those shool break periods.
Average Cost of a Disney Cruise
How much does a Disney Cruise cost? Well, according to the Disney Cruise Line website, the average cost for a Disney cruise per person per night for a 7-night Caribbean itinerary is around $250-$300. Keep in mind that this price does not include taxes, fees, and other expenses.
So even for a short 3 or 4-day cruise you should expect to spend at least $1,000 on a cruise for two passengers.
Compare that to Royal Caribbean or Carnival who frequently have deals at $299 or even less for a weekend cruise.
Tips to Save Money on a Disney Cruise Fare
If you’re on a budget, there are several ways to save money on a Disney cruise:
- Book Early: Booking early can help you get the best prices and stateroom availability. You can always cancel a Disney cruise before your final payment is due at no cost if you have a standard room.
- Look for Special Offers: Disney Cruise Line occasionally offers special promotions and discounts. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money on your reservation. Are you a member of AAA or AARP that might have an affiliation with Disney?
- Choose an Inside Stateroom: Inside staterooms are typically the least expensive. While they may not have a view, they still offer all the amenities of other stateroom types. We do this ALL the time without hesitation.
- Avoid the latest ships: The best disney cruise ships like the Disney Wish will always be higher priced as it reflects demand. Everyone wants to cruise on the newer ships.
- Use Stateroom Credit: Some travel agents offer stateroom credit as a booking incentive. You can use this credit to pay for onboard expenses such as gratuities, drinks, spa treatments, and excursions.
As you can see, the cost of Disney Cruise Line sailings can vary depending on several factors. However, with some planning and research, you can find ways to save money and still enjoy all the magic that Disney Cruise Line has to offer.
What’s Included in the Price When Booking a Disney Cruise?
When you book a Disney Cruise, you are paying for more than just a room on a ship. That whole Disney Experience comes with a big price tag, so let’s see what’s actually included.
Accommodations
Well, this one is pretty obvious. Yes, you get a room LOL. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several different types of staterooms, including inside, oceanview, and verandah. Sometimes the price difference from an Interior to an Exterior might not be as much as you think, so it always pays to check.
If you have never cruised before the most surprising thing is that your Cabin Steward will come and tidy your room every day. Can you imagine your typical hotel doing that?
Meals and Beverages
Most meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the price of your Disney Cruise. The reason I say “most” is that just like other cruise lines, Disney now offer optional “specialty” dining areas that you pay an extra premium to enjoy.
But don’t worry, your cruise fare includes the normal full-day dining service.
You can dine at one of three themed restaurants each night, or opt for buffet and quick-service dining options.
Snacks and soft drinks (during meals) are also available throughout the ship. If you want to enjoy any drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks) from the bar, you’ll need to pay extra for those. Again this is the same as most cruise lines.
Activities and Entertainment
There is no shortage of things to do on a Disney Cruise. From Disney character meet and greets to Broadway-quality shows, there is something for everyone. I think this is where you can start to justify your budget when you realize what is included in the cruise.
If you were taking a trip to the Big Apple and taking in a Broadway show, how much would those tickets cost?
You can also enjoy all the swimming pools, deck area, water slides, kids’ clubs, gym, etc. Spa services will cost extra on a Disney cruise, however.
Wi-Fi is available on the ship and like almost every other cruise line it is not included in your cruise fare and it is not cheap! So check if you really need it. You might benefit from being “disconnected” for a little while.
Kids’ Clubs
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that the kids’ clubs on Disney Cruise Line are included in the price of your cruise.
If you’ve never cruised with kids before, you’ll love this. You’ll probably only see your kids at meal times and at night. They won’t want to get off the cruise. You can’t leave them behind though LOL
Transportation and Port Adventures
Transportation to and from the ship is NOT included if you book a Disney Cruise Line. Ground transfers usually cost around $30-$60 per person depending on the port and local airport
Gratuities
Gratuities for your stateroom host, dining room server, assistant server, and head server are NOT included in the price when you book your cruise.
Unless you choose to prepay them at the time of booking, they will automatically added to your onboard account. The amount varies depending on the length of your cruise and the type of stateroom you book.
Gratuities are billed at $14.50 per person per stateroom per night for standard rooms. Suites and Concierge guests pay $15.50 per night.
Overall, once you’ve settled that final cruise booking invoice, most of your costs are included with your cruise. But remember to budget for those gratuities, any bar drinks and any shore excursions you might choose to do.
Choosing the Right Disney Cruise Ship for You
When it comes to choosing the right Disney cruise for you, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Destinations
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and more. Consider what type of experience you’re looking for and choose a destination that fits your interests and more importantly your budget.
For example, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a Caribbean cruise may be the perfect fit. If you’re interested in exploring historic cities and landmarks, a European cruise might be better.
Length of Cruise
Disney Cruise Line offers cruises that normally range from 3 to 7 nights cruise. Consider how much time you have available for your vacation and choose a cruise length that fits your schedule. Keep in mind that longer cruises tend to be more expensive but can work out cheaper on a “per night” basis.
Time of Year
Peak times for Disney cruises tend to be during school breaks and holidays. If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling during non-peak times of the year. For example, cruises during the Atlantic Hurricane season (June to November) tend to be less expensive.
I know that people can get a little hung up about Hurricanes and for good reason. However, in the 30+ years I have been cruising, I only once had the misfortune of having a cruise affected by a hurricane. And I book cruises during hurricane season all the time.
Promotions and Discounts
Disney Cruise Line often offers promotions and discounts for certain groups, such as Florida and Canadian residents and members of the military. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them if you qualify.
Watch for the usual “sale event” days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, President’s Day etc.
Additional Costs
Keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with your Disney cruise that are not included in the cruise fare.
For example, transportation to and from the port may require an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or even a rental car. Parking fees may apply if you’re driving to the port. Keep these additional costs in mind when calculating the total cost of your Disney cruise.
How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost? And Is A Disney Cruise Worth The Cost?
So, how much is a Disney Cruise? Well as you can see, the short answer is….it depends!
Overall, trying to find the Disney Cruise that is right for your cruise vacation is all about considering your interests, budget, and schedule. Focus on your budget and ensure you are getting value for money on your next Disney cruise. Sometimes it may even be worth considering a different cruise line.
