Imma be real with you. I got expensive taste, so I really only cruise Concierge.
BUT, I do enjoy finding a good deal and saving money. Plus, I actually enjoy helping people save money too so that’s why I wrote this post.
That said, here are some effective ways to save money on a Disney Cruise, especially if you’re trying to ball on a budget.
Save Money on a Disney Cruise
These are proven ways to save money.
1. Book an Inside Stateroom on the lowest deck
Literally the cheapest room on any Disney Cruise ship will 100% be an Inside Stateroom. And it’ll be even cheaper if it’s on the lowest deck possible.
And for those of you that are unfamiliar with Inside Stateroom, it’s basically just a room without windows, unless it has one of those cool virtual porthole screens.
2. Choose a cheaper destination
Alaska, Europe, and Greece are out of the question if you’re on a budget.
Instead, opt for a cheaper destination like the Bahamas and Castaway Cay.
3. Sail out of a cheaper Port
Technically, the same 3-night cruises to the Bahamas or even 7-night cruise to the easter and western Caribbean are cheaper when they leave out of Galveston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and even New Orleans.
It’s when you leave out of Port Canaveral on one of those fancy new mega-ships like the Wish where you’ll end up paying a hefty premium.
4. Travel during the off-season
If you’re able to take the time off, these times of the year generally have more affordable sailings:
- January (after New Year’s week)
- February
- May
- September
- October
- Early November
- Early December
5. Skip Summer and Holiday Cruises
During the summer, as well as Spring Break, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, you’ll find some serious surge pricing on all cruise staterooms.
6. Skip the onboard internet package
I will never do this because I can’t unplug and need to post on my IG story, but if you are stronger than me, then you can save yourself anywhere from $12-$36 per device per day by not buying the wi-fi package.
7. Skip the Adult-Exclusive Restaurants
Unless you’re a Platinum or Pearl Castaway Club Member, then I recommend you skip these adult-restaurants and stick with rotational main dining rooms, which still dish out some good food.
This will save you $45 to $125 per person.
8. Compare Prices for Lyft/Uber to Port Canaveral if you’re coming from Orlando airport
If you’re coming in from Orlando International Airport, then you have two decent options to get to Port Canaveral – Disney bus for $78 per person round trip or Uber/Lyft for $67-$91 per way.
I like the Disney buses but if you want to save some money, using a ride-share service could save a significant amount of money.
9. Skip a couple excursions
Unless you’re in Alaska or Europe, then you won’t miss much by skipping an excursion here or there.
I can’t tell you the last time we did an excision in the Bahamas.
10. Save 4% when you book through Costco Travel
If you’re a Costco Member, you can actually receive a Costco Shop Card valued from $165 to $2,210 depending on your stateroom category if you book through Costco.
11. BYOB
Guests 21 and over area allowed to bring 2 unopened bottles of wine and champagne or 6 beers.
12. Order the Drink of the Day
The drink of the day is always the cheapest coastal during your cruise and it only costs $5.50!
13. Stick to the free onboard activities
95% of the actives onboard the ship are free including movies, trivia, games shows, theater shows, fireworks, drawing classes, character meet and greets, and more.
The rest of the activities like bingo, the spa, salon, wine/alcohol tastings, and a few sport deck options cost money.
14. Skip the food at most bars and lounges
At least from personal experience, the food at the lounges onboard are not the best. The drinks are good, but most food is lacking. But that’s just me.
15. Use a Disney Visa
If you have a Disney Visa credit card, you can save 10% on your onboard purchase of $50 or more when it’s liked to your onboard account.
16. Look out for Discounts
Disney Cruises surprisingly has a few year round discounts as well as some seasonal promotions.
Some popular discounts include the special military rate on select sailings, Disney Cast Member rates, and even Florida and Canada resident deals.
You’ll basically save around 10% on any stateroom category besides Concierge.
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Hopefully this will help you save a few bucks here and there. Thanks for reading and I hope to run into you on your next cruise!
