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.
A Disney Cruise is one of those trips that sticks with you forever. We’ve taken some pretty incredible family vacations over the years, but this one was pure magic. I knew it was special when my daughter came home and built an entire LEGO version of the Disney Kids’ Club, totally unprompted.
Disney-level magic comes with Disney-level pricing. And while you can’t book a Disney Cruise directly with airline or hotel points, you can still find ways to save on Disney Cruises. You just have to know where to look.
If you’re still new to the world of points, I’d recommend starting with my beginner’s guide. It breaks down how families can start earning flexible points for travel (and yes, even cruises like this!).
How We Used Points to Save on Our Disney Cruise
There’s no official way to redeem airline or hotel points directly for a Disney Cruise, but that doesn’t mean points can’t help. We used a mix of strategies that made a big dent in the total cost, and they’re super doable for families.
1. Use a Card That Lets You Erase Travel Purchases
One of the easiest ways how to save on Disney Cruises? Use a card like the Capital One Venture X or Capital One Venture One Rewards to pay for your cruise, and then erase the charge with points.
Every purchase that codes as travel (like cruises, hotels, flights, excursions, and even theme park tickets) can be wiped out at a rate of 1 cent per point.
There’s another card that lets you pay yourself back for travel purchases if you can’t get approved for a Capital One card (sometimes you have to wait in between applications for approval). You can find that card on this list, and remember it’s co-branded (sorry I can’t say directly cause of affiliate rules!)
We paid for our Disney Cruise in full, and then used miles to erase part of the charge. It felt so good watching that balance drop. If you need a new card, make sure you check out all of the best offers here for a card that’s elevated.
2. Maximize Cash-Back with Gift Cards
Why is cash back cards number 2? For me, even when you are maximizing your points for travel, I use cash back last because of peace of mind. You can use the cash for anything at all OR move them to premium cards and transfer the points if needed. Learn more about cash back cards vs. flexible points here.
Another smart strategy? Buy Disney gift cards with cash-back credit cards that earn bonus rewards at office supply stores, supermarkets, or on your top spending categories. Multiple cards earn 2% cash-back on all purchases, or even 5% cash-back in specific categories. Use these gift cards for your cruise booking, park tickets, or any Disney purchases.
Here’s my list for favorite cash-back cards.
3. Save with Getaway Today
If you’re pairing your cruise with a visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, don’t book tickets directly through Disney. We always use Getaway Today instead.
They often have discounted prices on Disney and Universal tickets, and the best part? The charge usually codes as travel. That means you can earn extra points and erase the cost later using your travel card.
My favorite part about booking through Getaway Today is if they run a sale like Adults at Kids’ Prices they will adjust your ticket. All you have to do is call. It takes five minutes, and there is absolutely zero push back. This works when you book your Disney Cruise too!
Want more travel tips like this? Join my email list for weekly updates on deals, points redemptions, and family-friendly travel ideas, or come hang out with us in the Rewards Mom Facebook group!
4. Cover Flights, Hotels, & Extras with Points Instead
If you can’t cover the cruise itself, focus on the other pieces of the trip that are points-friendly:
- Flights to your port city, either by transferring points to airline partners or booking through a travel portal. This is my favorite strategy. These domestic programs are also really excellent.
- Pre-cruise hotel nights, especially valuable if you have points with hotel programs. Hyatt is my favorite, but you can can also find some good deals with Marriott (Swan and Dolphin are amazing for Disney World add ons after the cruise) and Hilton free night certificates.
- Excursions and onboard spending often code as travel and can be erased later
Bonus: Alternative Points Options (But Read the Fine Print)
You could book through Marriott Cruises and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, but you’d only get 0.4 cents per point, significantly less than the 0.7 cents they’re typically valued at. Similarly, United Cruises lets you use MileagePlus Miles at about 0.7 cents per mile instead of the 1.2 cents you’d get for flights. The value isn’t great, but if you’d rather cruise than fly, it’s an option.
Where to Book Your Disney Cruise (and Get the Best Deal)
Once you know how you’ll pay, where you book matters just as much. Depending on if you choose a method below, or another travel agent, you could get hundreds of dollars in onboard credit. This is credit that is waiting for you in your state room, which can cover everything from tips to specialty coffees or cute merch.
How to Book a Disney Cruise (Without Missing Perks)
Call Disney Cruise Line Directly First
Before you commit anywhere, call Disney directly. They can help you understand ship layouts, cabin numbers, and which rooms are best for your family. Not all cabins are created equal: some are slightly bigger, have larger windows, are better for seasickness, or are closer to elevators (great for mobility needs) or dining areas. Their website is also easy to browse if you want to compare itineraries and dates first.
Book Through a Travel Agent for Extras
Travel agents often have the same cabin knowledge and can sometimes add onboard credits or other perks you won’t get booking directly.
Travel Sites (Good When the Perks Fit Your Family)
These can be worth it when you’re comparing benefits side-by-side. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the cancellation and change policies.
Booking through Costco often comes with a digital Costco shopping card. It’s not a discount on the cruise itself, but if you already shop there, it’s money back in your pocket.
You can find extras listed under each itinerary on Cruise Direct. Personally, I prefer Getaway Today for customer service and flexibility with price adjustments.
Check-In Early to Pick Your Boarding Time
Complete your paperwork and check in as soon as your window opens. First-time cruisers can check in 30 days before sailing. If you’re a returning guest, Disney’s Castaway Club gives you early check-in based on how many cruises you’ve taken:
- Silver (1+ cruises): 33 days before
- Gold (5+ cruises): 35 days before
- Platinum (10+ cruises): 38 days before
- Pearl (25+ cruises): 40 days before
Checking in early means better boarding times and less wait at the port, as well as earlier booking of specialty dinners and excursions.
Why Disney Cruises Are So Worth It
Still wondering if it’s worth all the planning? Here are a few things that made this cruise unforgettable for our family:
- Broadway-style shows that truly rival anything we’ve seen in NYC
- Character meet & greets that made my kids feel like royalty
- Rotational dining where the staff remembers your name and your kid’s favorite drink, and they even cut your kids’ food so you can enjoy your own meal!
- Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island), which was hands down one of the best beach days we’ve ever had with truly amazing snorkeling (iykyk)
- Incredible kids’ clubs that my daughter still talks about
- No casinos, which honestly makes it feel more relaxed and family-focused
When to Find the Best Deals
Disney Cruises aren’t known for being cheap, but you truly get what you pay for, especially when it comes to families. There is no one who caters to family like Disney.
A few tips:
- Avoid major school breaks and holidays
- Look at early January, late April, or early September for lower fares
- Consider a repositioning cruise; these are often one-way and cheaper
- Book right when the schedule is released; usually a little over a year before
- Themed sailings like Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises are magical but book early (and cost more)
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Points for a Disney Cruise
A Disney Cruise is absolutely worth the splurge if your family loves Disney, cruising, or both. And when you can use points to shave down the cost, whether through travel eraser cards, travel portals, or covering flights and hotels, it feels so much more doable.
Here’s what I’d do next:
✔ Check out the Capital One Venture One or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cards if you want to start earning miles you can use toward a cruise
✔ Browse Getaway Today for theme park tickets, cruise bookings, and promo deals
✔ Join me on Instagram or subscribe to my email list for more family travel tips every week
Here’s my FULL LIST of favorite cards to use to discount a Disney trip.
Planning a Disney Cruise? I’d love to hear what you’re thinking. Feel free to message me anytime with questions!
VIEW THE COMMENTS