Best place to find deals on Disney cruises?

[Archimedesdad]

Where are people finding the best deals on Disney cruises?

Are their last minute options? If so, what is the savings?

Are forum members finding better deals with particular agencies?

It might be useful to have a sticky with this information.

 

[Tom]

Disney doesn't discount their cruises. They don't have to.

No travel agent will have a lower fare than any other. The only way to get a better deal, typically, is to book early. DCL evaluates bookings every single day, and fares can change daily, for the same cruise.

Less expensive cruises can be found during the off season & hurricane season.

 

[ScoutN]

Disney doesn't discount their cruises. They don't have to.

No travel agent will have a lower fare than any other. The only way to get a better deal, typically, is to book early. DCL evaluates bookings every single day, and fares can change daily, for the same cruise.

Less expensive cruises can be found during the off season & hurricane season.

And rarely a 2-4 week notice for under-booked voyages. Emphasis on rarely.

 

[Archimedesdad]

And rarely a 2-4 week notice for under-booked voyages. Emphasis on rarely.

Thank you!

ScoutN, does that mean they do (even rarely) send out notices for under-booked voyages sometimes? And, that the time frame is 2-4 weeks before voyages.

Has anyone done this before? And, if so, what is the typical discount?

 

[ScoutN]

Thank you!

ScoutN, does that mean they do (even rarely) send out notices for under-booked voyages sometimes? And, that the time frame is 2-4 weeks before voyages.

Has anyone done this before? And, if so, what is the typical discount?

Yes. It varies per category per cruise. Google around and you can find examples.

 

[jakeman]

dclblog.com will post them. Every time I've seen them they are usually last minute Florida residence or Military discounts.

 

[Archimedesdad]

dclblog.com will post them. Every time I've seen them they are usually last minute Florida residence or Military discounts.

Thank you everyone! I'm organizing a great group of friends and family to go to the Four Seasons Orlando. If any of our members would like to take advantage of our rate feel free to PM me for details.

 

[dumboflyer]

The two ways we've sailed on a discounted rate of any kind are a) booking on board at the future cruise desk, and b) sailing with a WDW cast member on space available.

 

[DisFan2005]

I have only every seen FLR and Military discounts, no last minute. Can save by booking on board for your next cruise, 10% off and $100 - $100 OB credit.

 

[ChuckElias]

The only other "deal" besides the Florida resident or military discounts (or re-booking onboard) is that some travel agencies give on-board credits for booking with them. This credit comes directly out of their own commission, however, so not all agencies do this. And even among agencies that do provide an OBC, there's no "standard" deal.

I know this because I own a travel agency myself, but because this site is owned by Kingdom Konsultants, I don't normally promote that fact here.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

They do offer "Lead rates" on selected sailings also. My agency does offer a nice onboard credit and if you are a past client they get an additional on board credit for new bookings which we started recently.

Pam

 

[tmitch]

They do offer "Lead rates" on selected sailings also. My agency does offer a nice onboard credit and if you are a past client they get an additional on board credit for new bookings which we started recently.

Pam

What's a lead rate?

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

A lead rate is not a discounted rate but it is actually the least expensive rate found on a specific sailing. They don't list them for all of the cruises and they are subject to availability. If you look into one of the lead rates and it doesn't matter if you are in an inside cabin, that may be a good alternative to the few and far in between discounts that do come out. If you can find a nice cheap one and combine it with onboard credits you may make our fairly well.
For Instance, the one below would actually come to only $191 per night when you do the math.

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise
departs from Barcelona, Spain
Prices start at $1,337 per person*
For 9/3/16 sailing onboard the Disney Magic
Category 11B Standard Inside Stateroom
*Rates are all based on double occupancy. Rates in U.S. dollars. Offer is subject to availability. Rate subject to change at Disney Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply. Excludes Government Taxes and Fees.