The Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruises: How to Offset Costs with Points, What to Expect, and the Best Time to Go
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Planning a Disney cruise is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, with a little strategy, you can offset those costs using points and miles, making that dream vacation more accessible for your family. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of your rewards, what to expect on a Disney cruise, how it stands out from other cruise lines, and the best times to set sail. See our Disney Cruise and tips on Instagram under the highlight ‘Disney Cruises’.
Offsetting Costs with Points and Miles
Disney cruises are magical, but they’re also among the pricier options in the cruising world. The good news is, you can use points and miles to significantly reduce the cost. Here’s how:
Use Travel Portal Points: While Disney Cruise Line doesn’t have direct partnerships with specific credit cards for booking, you can use points from cards through their travel portals to book your cruise. Here are some of my favorite options. From 1.5 cents to 1 cent per point, travel portals can be a great option when Disney isn’t an option as a trasnfer partner.
Statement Credits: Some credit cards allow you to redeem points as a statement credit against travel purchases. By paying for your cruise with a card like the Capital One Venture X or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can effectively get a discount by using points to cover the charge.
Covering Flights and Hotels: If you can’t use points directly for the cruise, consider covering other travel expenses like flights, pre-cruise hotels, or excursions with points. This can free up more of your budget to go towards the cruise itself.
Book Smartly: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions from Disney Cruise Line, and try to book during those times. Combining these savings with your points strategy can make your dream vacation even more affordable.
What to Expect on a Disney Cruise
Disney cruises are unlike any other. They’re designed to offer an immersive experience for the entire family, blending the magic of Disney with the relaxation and adventure of cruising. Here’s what you can expect:
Character Experiences: One of the biggest draws of a Disney cruise is the chance to meet beloved Disney characters. Whether it’s a princess breakfast, a pirate-themed party, or a meet-and-greet with Mickey, these experiences are woven throughout your cruise.
Rotational Dining: Disney offers a unique rotational dining experience where you get to enjoy different themed restaurants each night, all with the same server team who gets to know your preferences.
Broadway-Style Shows: Disney is known for its entertainment, and their ships are no exception. You can enjoy Broadway-quality shows with beloved Disney stories brought to life on stage.
Family-Focused Activities: From kids' clubs to family game nights and poolside movies, there’s something for everyone on board. Adults can also enjoy adult-only areas, lounges, and fine dining experiences.
Exceptional Service: Disney is known for its high standards in customer service. Whether it’s the way the staff interacts with your children or the extra touches in your stateroom, the service on a Disney cruise is top-notch.
How Disney Cruises Differ from Other Cruise Lines
Disney cruises stand out in several key ways:
Family-Centric Experience: While other cruise lines offer family-friendly options, Disney is designed from the ground up with families in mind. Everything, from dining to entertainment, caters to guests of all ages.
Immersive Disney Magic: No other cruise line offers the kind of Disney-themed experiences you’ll find on a Disney cruise. Whether it’s the themed parties, deck shows, or the Disney details in every corner of the ship, the magic is ever-present.
No Casinos: Unlike most other cruise lines, Disney ships don’t have casinos. This adds to the family-friendly atmosphere and ensures that the onboard activities are focused on entertainment rather than gambling.
Private Island: Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a highlight for many cruisers. It’s a pristine, Disney-managed oasis with activities for everyone, from water slides to adult-only beaches.
The Best Time to Go on a Disney Cruise
Choosing the right time to go on a Disney cruise can impact your experience and your budget. Here’s what you need to know:
Popular Themed Cruises: Disney offers special themed cruises like Halloween on the High Seas (mid-September through October) and Very Merrytime Christmas cruises (November through December). These sailings are incredibly popular, often leading to higher prices and fuller ships.
Off-Peak Periods: If you’re looking to avoid crowds and save money, consider booking during off-peak times. This includes late January to early February, late April to early May, and early September before the Halloween cruises begin. These times typically see fewer crowds and better pricing.
School Holidays: Disney cruises during school holidays, including summer break, Thanksgiving, and spring break, tend to be busier and more expensive. If you can travel during non-school periods, you’re likely to find better deals.
Final Thoughts
A Disney cruise is a magical experience that your family will cherish forever. By leveraging points and miles, you can make this dream vacation more affordable. Knowing what to expect and when to book can help you plan the perfect trip that balances cost with the full Disney experience. Whether you choose to sail during a themed cruise or take advantage of off-peak periods, a Disney cruise offers an unforgettable adventure for everyone in the family.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
