Planning a family vacation can be exciting, but the costs can quickly add up, especially when considering a Disney Cruise. You might be wondering, “how much do Disney Cruises cost per person?” It’s a valid question, as these magical voyages come with a premium price tag. This guide will break down all the factors influencing the cost of a Disney Cruise, helping you plan your dream vacation while staying within your budget. We’ll cover everything from cabin types and destinations to onboard expenses and hidden costs.
Factors Affecting Disney Cruise Costs
The cost of a Disney Cruise isn’t a fixed number; it’s influenced by several factors. Understanding these factors allows you to make informed decisions and potentially find ways to save money. These factors range from the time of year you travel to the type of stateroom you choose.
Cruise Length and Itinerary
Unsurprisingly, longer cruises generally cost more per person than shorter ones. A three-night cruise to the Bahamas will be significantly less expensive than a seven-night Caribbean voyage. The itinerary also plays a role, with more exotic or remote destinations commanding higher prices. For example, an Alaskan cruise will likely cost more than a similar length cruise to the Caribbean, primarily due to the operational costs and unique experiences offered.
- Shorter Cruises: These are great for first-time cruisers or those on a tighter budget, offering a taste of the Disney experience without a significant financial commitment.
- Longer Cruises: These provide more opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and immersion in the Disney experience.
- Destination Impact: The location of the cruise has a big effect on the price due to the cost of resources.
Shorter cruises, such as those lasting three or four nights, are an excellent way to introduce yourself or your family to the world of cruising. They provide a concentrated dose of Disney magic, including character meet-and-greets, themed dining, and onboard entertainment, all within a shorter timeframe.
Longer cruises allow you to fully unwind and explore multiple destinations. You’ll have more time to enjoy the onboard amenities, participate in activities, and simply relax by the pool. These cruises often offer a wider range of itineraries, including more exotic locations.
The destination of your cruise significantly impacts the overall cost. Cruises to more remote or exotic locations, such as Alaska or Europe, typically command higher prices due to increased operational costs and logistical complexities. These destinations often require specialized itineraries and permits, which contribute to the higher fare.
Time of Year
Like most travel destinations, Disney Cruises experience peak and off-peak seasons. Traveling during school holidays, such as summer break, Christmas, and Spring Break, will almost always be more expensive. Conversely, cruising during the shoulder seasons (e.g., September, October, early December, January, and February) can offer significant savings. Cruise lines use dynamic pricing, meaning rates fluctuate based on demand.
- Peak Season Prices: Expect to pay a premium when traveling during school holidays or popular vacation times.
- Off-Season Savings: Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons for lower fares and fewer crowds.
- Holiday Surcharges: Be aware that some cruises may have holiday surcharges.
During peak seasons, such as summer break, Christmas, and Spring Break, the demand for Disney Cruises skyrockets. As a result, cruise lines increase their prices to capitalize on the higher demand. Booking well in advance is crucial to secure your desired stateroom and avoid last-minute price surges.
Traveling during the shoulder seasons, such as September, October, early December, January, and February, can offer substantial savings on Disney Cruises. These periods typically experience lower demand, resulting in reduced fares and fewer crowds. Plus, the weather in many destinations is still pleasant during these times.
Cruises that depart or are scheduled during major holidays, such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve, may incur additional surcharges. These surcharges are designed to cover the increased costs associated with operating the cruise during a holiday period, including staffing and entertainment.
Stateroom Type
The type of stateroom you choose has a significant impact on the overall cost. Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of stateroom options, ranging from inside staterooms (without a view) to oceanview staterooms, verandah staterooms (with a private balcony), and luxurious suites. Inside staterooms are the most budget-friendly option, while suites offer the most space and amenities but come with a significantly higher price tag. A verandah stateroom provides a nice balance between cost and comfort, offering a private outdoor space to enjoy the ocean views.
- Inside Staterooms: These are the most affordable option, but they lack a window or balcony.
- Oceanview Staterooms: These offer a window, providing natural light and views of the ocean.
- Verandah Staterooms: These feature a private balcony, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and ocean views in privacy.
- Suites: The most luxurious and spacious option, suites offer premium amenities and services.
Inside staterooms are the most budget-friendly option on a Disney Cruise. They are located on the interior of the ship and do not have any windows or balconies. While they may not offer the same views as other staterooms, they are still comfortable and well-equipped with all the essential amenities.
Oceanview staterooms offer a significant upgrade from inside staterooms, as they feature a window that provides natural light and views of the ocean. These staterooms are typically more spacious than inside staterooms and offer a more pleasant and airy atmosphere. However, the windows do not open.
Verandah staterooms are a popular choice for Disney Cruise guests, as they feature a private balcony that allows you to enjoy the fresh air and ocean views in complete privacy. These staterooms are typically more spacious than oceanview staterooms and offer a more luxurious and comfortable experience.
Suites are the most luxurious and spacious staterooms on a Disney Cruise. They offer a wide range of premium amenities and services, including concierge service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and access to exclusive lounges and areas on the ship. Suites are ideal for families or groups who want to enjoy the ultimate Disney Cruise experience.
Breaking Down the Average Cost
Now that we’ve covered the factors influencing cruise costs, let’s look at the average Disney Cruise cost per person. Keep in mind that these are just averages, and your actual cost may vary depending on the factors discussed above. Disney cruises are known for their premium experience, reflected in their pricing.
Typical Per-Person Costs
As a general guideline, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ per person for a Disney Cruise. A shorter, less expensive cruise may start around $1,000 per person, while a longer cruise with a suite can easily exceed $5,000 per person. Remember that this excludes onboard expenses, transportation to and from the port, and any pre- or post-cruise accommodations. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for different cruise lengths and stateroom types:
- 3-Night Bahamas Cruise (Inside Stateroom): $1,000 – $1,500 per person
- 7-Night Caribbean Cruise (Verandah Stateroom): $2,500 – $4,000 per person
- 10-Night European Cruise (Suite): $4,000 – $7,000+ per person
A 3-night Bahamas cruise in an inside stateroom is generally the most affordable option for a Disney Cruise. This short getaway provides a taste of the Disney experience without breaking the bank. While you won’t have a window or balcony, you’ll still enjoy all the onboard amenities and entertainment.
A 7-night Caribbean cruise in a verandah stateroom offers a more immersive and luxurious experience. The verandah provides a private outdoor space to enjoy the ocean views, and the longer duration allows you to fully explore multiple destinations and enjoy all the ship has to offer.
A 10-night European cruise in a suite is the most expensive option, but it offers the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Suites provide ample space, premium amenities, and exclusive services. The longer duration allows you to explore some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, and the suite provides a luxurious home base.
What’s Included in the Base Fare?
The base fare of a Disney Cruise typically includes your stateroom, meals in the main dining rooms and select casual restaurants, non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, juice, soda), onboard entertainment (e.g., shows, movies, deck parties), and access to many of the ship’s facilities (e.g., pools, fitness center, kids’ clubs). However, it’s essential to understand what’s *not* included, as these additional expenses can significantly increase your overall cost. Alcohol, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, and spa treatments are usually *not* included in the base fare.
- Accommodation: Your stateroom is included, but the type affects the price.
- Dining: Main dining rooms and select casual eateries are covered.
- Entertainment: Shows, movies, and deck parties are generally included.
Your stateroom is the core component included in the base fare of a Disney Cruise. The type of stateroom you choose significantly impacts the overall price, with inside staterooms being the most affordable and suites being the most expensive. The stateroom serves as your home base during the cruise and provides a comfortable space to relax and unwind.
The base fare includes meals in the main dining rooms and select casual eateries. Disney Cruise Line offers a unique rotational dining system, where you and your servers move to a different themed restaurant each night. This provides a diverse and enjoyable dining experience without incurring additional costs.
Onboard entertainment is a significant draw for Disney Cruises, and the base fare includes access to a wide range of shows, movies, and deck parties. Disney Cruise Line produces Broadway-caliber stage shows, screens first-run Disney movies, and hosts themed deck parties throughout the cruise. These entertainment options provide endless fun and excitement for guests of all ages.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the base fare, several “hidden” costs can add up quickly. These include gratuities (typically around $14.50 per person per night), alcoholic beverages, specialty dining at restaurants like Palo and Remy, shore excursions, souvenirs, photos, and internet access. It’s wise to factor these expenses into your budget to avoid surprises. For example, a family of four can easily spend several hundred dollars on souvenirs and photos alone.
- Gratuities: These are automatically added to your onboard account.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Drinks can be purchased individually or as part of a package.
- Shore Excursions: These can range from a few dollars to several hundred per person.
- Specialty Dining: Palo and Remy offer premium dining experiences at an extra cost.
Gratuities are a standard part of the cruise experience and are automatically added to your onboard account. These gratuities are distributed among the crew members who provide service throughout the cruise, including dining room servers, stateroom attendants, and bartenders. The current recommended gratuity rate is approximately $14.50 per person per night.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the base fare of a Disney Cruise and must be purchased separately. You can purchase drinks individually at bars and restaurants throughout the ship, or you can opt for a beverage package, which includes a set number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed price. The cost of alcoholic beverages can add up quickly, especially for those who enjoy cocktails or wine with dinner.
Shore excursions are optional activities that you can participate in at each port of call. These excursions can range from a few dollars for a simple walking tour to several hundred dollars for a more elaborate adventure, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or exploring ancient ruins. Shore excursions are a great way to experience the local culture and attractions of each destination.
Disney Cruise Line offers specialty dining at restaurants like Palo and Remy, which provide premium dining experiences at an extra cost. These restaurants feature upscale menus, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service. Palo serves Italian cuisine, while Remy offers French-inspired dishes. Reservations are required for specialty dining and can be made online or onboard the ship.
Ways to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
Despite the high price tag, there are several strategies you can use to save money on a Disney Cruise. Planning ahead, being flexible with your travel dates, and taking advantage of discounts can significantly reduce your overall cost. Here are some tips:
Book Early
Booking your cruise as early as possible is one of the best ways to secure the lowest possible price. Disney Cruise Line often releases itineraries well in advance (sometimes up to 18 months), and prices tend to increase as the sailing date approaches. Booking early also gives you a wider selection of staterooms to choose from. A recent study showed that booking 6-12 months in advance can save you up to 20% on your cruise fare.
- Early Booking Discounts: Take advantage of early booking promotions.
- Guaranteed Staterooms: These can be more affordable, but you don’t get to choose your exact location.
- Repositioning Cruises: These cruises often have lower fares.
Disney Cruise Line often offers early booking discounts to encourage guests to book their cruises well in advance. These discounts can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the cruise length, stateroom type, and itinerary. Keep an eye out for these promotions and book as soon as you find a deal that suits your needs.
Guaranteed staterooms are a more affordable option that allows you to save money by letting Disney Cruise Line choose your exact stateroom location. With a guaranteed stateroom, you’ll be assigned a stateroom within the category you booked, but you won’t know the specific stateroom number until closer to the sailing date. This option is ideal for travelers who are flexible and willing to accept whatever stateroom is assigned to them.
Repositioning cruises, which occur when a ship moves from one region to another (e.g., from the Caribbean to Europe), often have lower fares than regular cruises. These cruises typically have more sea days and fewer port days, which can appeal to travelers who enjoy relaxing onboard the ship. Repositioning cruises can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the Disney Cruise experience.
Travel During the Off-Season
As mentioned earlier, traveling during the off-season (e.g., September, October, early December, January, and February) can result in significant savings. Not only are the cruise fares lower, but you’ll also likely encounter fewer crowds and shorter lines for attractions and activities. This can make for a more enjoyable and relaxing vacation experience.
- Avoid Holidays: Traveling during school holidays is always more expensive.
- Consider Shoulder Seasons: These offer a balance of good weather and lower prices.
- Look for Last-Minute Deals: Although risky, sometimes you can find great deals closer to the sail date.
Traveling during school holidays, such as summer break, Christmas, and Spring Break, is always more expensive. The demand for Disney Cruises skyrockets during these periods, leading to higher fares and more crowded conditions. If you can avoid traveling during these times, you’ll likely save a significant amount of money and enjoy a more pleasant vacation experience.
Shoulder seasons, such as September, October, early December, January, and February, offer a balance of good weather and lower prices. These periods typically experience fewer crowds than peak seasons, and the weather is still pleasant in many destinations. Traveling during the shoulder seasons can be a great way to save money without sacrificing the quality of your vacation.
Although it’s risky, sometimes you can find great deals on Disney Cruises closer to the sail date. Cruise lines often offer last-minute deals to fill up unsold staterooms. However, these deals are not always available, and you may have limited stateroom choices. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and stateroom preferences, it’s worth checking for last-minute deals.
Other Money-Saving Tips
Beyond booking early and traveling during the off-season, there are several other ways to reduce your Disney Cruise costs. These include bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, limiting your spending on souvenirs, and taking advantage of free onboard activities. Consider purchasing a refillable mug for unlimited soda and coffee throughout your cruise. Also, research free activities at ports of call instead of booking expensive shore excursions.
- Limit Souvenir Purchases: Set a budget and stick to it.
- Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drinks: You can bring your own soda, water, and juice.
- Take Advantage of Free Activities: There are many free things to do onboard, like swimming, shows, and movies.
- Use a Travel Agent: Travel agents can sometimes find discounts or onboard credits.
Souvenir purchases can quickly add up on a Disney Cruise. Set a budget for souvenirs before you embark and stick to it. Consider purchasing souvenirs before or after your cruise at local shops, where prices may be lower. Also, be mindful of impulse purchases and avoid buying unnecessary items.
You can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks, such as soda, water, and juice, onboard a Disney Cruise. This can help you save money on beverages, especially if you have a large family. Disney Cruise Line allows each guest to bring a reasonable amount of non-alcoholic beverages in their carry-on luggage.
There are many free activities to do onboard a Disney Cruise, such as swimming, watching shows, and attending movie screenings. Take advantage of these free activities to keep yourself entertained without spending extra money. Disney Cruise Line also offers a variety of free classes and workshops, such as cooking demonstrations and towel-folding lessons.
Using a travel agent who specializes in Disney Cruises can be a smart way to save money. Travel agents often have access to exclusive discounts and onboard credits that are not available to the general public. They can also help you plan your cruise and make recommendations based on your budget and preferences.
FAQ
FAQ
Question: How much does a Disney Cruise cost for a family of four?
Answer: The cost for a family of four can range from $4,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length of the cruise, stateroom type, time of year, and destination. A shorter 3-night cruise in an inside stateroom during the off-season will be at the lower end, while a longer 7-night cruise in a verandah stateroom during peak season can cost significantly more. Additional expenses like shore excursions and souvenirs will also add to the total cost.
Question: Are there discounts available for Disney Cruises?
Answer: Yes, Disney Cruise Line occasionally offers discounts, especially for early booking or for certain stateroom categories. Military personnel, Florida residents, and Disney Vacation Club members may also be eligible for discounts. It’s best to check the Disney Cruise Line website or contact a travel agent specializing in Disney cruises for current promotions and eligibility requirements.
Question: What is included in the price of a Disney Cruise?
Answer: The base price of a Disney Cruise typically includes your stateroom, meals in the main dining rooms and select casual restaurants, non-alcoholic beverages, onboard entertainment (shows, movies, deck parties), and access to many of the ship’s facilities (pools, fitness center, kids’ clubs). However, it does not include alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, and spa treatments.
Question: How can I save money on a Disney Cruise?
Answer: You can save money by booking early, traveling during the off-season, choosing a smaller stateroom, limiting souvenir purchases, bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, and taking advantage of free onboard activities. Consider using a travel agent who specializes in Disney cruises, as they may have access to discounts or onboard credits. You can also look for repositioning cruises, which often have lower fares.
Question: Is it worth it to get a verandah stateroom on a Disney Cruise?
Answer: Whether a verandah stateroom is worth it depends on your personal preferences and budget. A verandah provides a private outdoor space to enjoy the ocean views and fresh air, which can enhance your cruise experience. However, it comes at a higher cost than an inside or oceanview stateroom. If you value having a private balcony and are willing to pay extra for it, then a verandah stateroom may be worth it for you.
Question: What is the best time to book a Disney Cruise?
Answer: The best time to book a Disney Cruise is as early as possible, ideally when the itineraries are first released (often 12-18 months in advance). Booking early allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts, secure your desired stateroom, and avoid price increases as the sailing date approaches. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can also look for last-minute deals, but this is a riskier approach.
Question: Are there payment plans available for Disney Cruises?
Answer: Yes, Disney Cruise Line typically allows you to pay for your cruise in installments. You will usually need to pay a deposit at the time of booking, and the remaining balance is due several months before the sailing date. You can make payments online or by phone. Check with Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific payment plan details and deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Determining how much Disney Cruises cost per person requires careful consideration of various factors. While Disney Cruises can be expensive, the unique experiences and exceptional service often justify the price for many families. By planning ahead, utilizing cost-saving strategies, and understanding what’s included (and not included) in the base fare, you can create a magical vacation without breaking the bank. Start planning your dream Disney Cruise today and make memories that will last a lifetime!