When you book a Disney cruise during a cheaper time of the year, you can experience a magical vacation for an affordable price. How else can you lower the cost? Here’s a look at the cheapest month to book a Disney cruise so you won’t break the bank!
Which Month is Cheapest for A Disney Cruise?
Cruises are less expensive several times of the year, but one month stands out as the cheapest.
Overall, September is the cheapest month to book a Disney cruise. This is due to two factors: the schools are back in session after the summer recess, and hurricane season is underway. Because of these factors, the Bahamas and Caribbean are less popular during September, which results in lower fares.
When it comes to European sailings, the shoulder season has the lowest fares. The Mediterranean’s least expensive months are March, April, and November. May and October are the most affordable for Northern European cruises.
Some places are not at risk from hurricanes (such as Europe and Alaska), but if you intend to sail to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, you should be aware of the hurricane threat. While this is a risk, it could be worth it because the rates are less expensive, and the weather is pleasant despite the possibility of storms. Travel insurance may be wise if you plan to take a Disney Cruise during hurricane season.
In addition, September isn’t a popular month to go on vacation because children are back in school after Labor Day, and parents are usually back at work.
Other Months When Disney Cruises are Cheaper
January and Early February
January (except around New Year’s) and early February are cheaper than average. The weather is still pleasant in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, so you can take advantage of lower prices and escape the cold winters back home.
May
May is another cheaper month to travel. The weather is starting to heat up in many destinations, but you can find good deals on airfare and accommodations. Students are still in classes during May, so families usually don’t take summer vacations until June, July, and August. For these reasons, May is another great month to take a Disney cruise.
October
September is usually the cheapest month to take a Disney Cruise, but October can also be affordable.
Since the weather is cooler, you will not have to worry about the heat. Since it’s not peak season, you will find cheaper airfares. You can also take part in Halloween-themed cruises during October.
Early November and Early December
Early November and early December are also typically cheaper months to book a Disney cruise.
This is the shoulder season in many places, so you can find great deals if you’re flexible with your travel dates. Just steer clear of Thanksgiving week/weekends and the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s because they are very popular (and expensive) weeks to book a Disney cruise.
May and September Alaska cruises have lower prices | Image © Disney
What Months are Expensive for Disney Cruises?
Disney cruises are most expensive during holiday weeks and summer. The higher prices are due to higher demand, as kids are on school break and families have more time to go on vacation. In other words, the best time for prices isn’t necessarily the best time for your schedule.
The most expensive time to take a Disney Cruise is during the summer months. The reason for higher prices is a higher demand: when kids are on school break, families have more time to spend on vacation — and Disney tops the list of best cruise lines for kids. If you’re looking for the cheapest month to take a Disney Cruise, avoid June, July, and August.
The holiday season and increased demand make mid-December through New Year’s week an expensive time to travel. Thanksgiving week also tends to be a costly week for cruises since very few schools are in session.
Other times to avoid February vacation, Spring Break, and April vacation. Disney cruises with special themes may also be more expensive. Examples include Pixar Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime Cruises.
If possible, it’s best to avoid these dates altogether and wait until an off-peak time. You’ll experience lighter crowds and cheaper fares on Disney cruise ships.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Time to Book a Disney Cruise
Off-Peak / Off-Season Times to go on a Disney Cruise
If you want to save money on your Disney Cruise, try to travel during the off-peak season. Off-peak cruises occur during the weeks and months when families are less likely to travel. Most of the time, off-peak coincides with the school year, especially during the summers and holidays or long weekends.
As outlined in the previous section, notable off-peak times include January through early February, May, September, October, and Early November and Early December. You’ll be able to find lower Disney cruises fares and lower airfare when fewer people are traveling.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
When booking your Disney Cruise, consider whether it’s cheaper to travel during the week or on the weekends (if the itinerary you’ve chosen sails on different days of the week throughout the year).
It’s often cheaper to travel during the week because fewer people are vacationing at this time. However, some weekends may have special deals, so check both options before booking. The more you’re flexible with your travel dates, the more chances you’ll have for finding the cheapest dates to book a Disney cruise.
How to Make your Disney Cruise Cheaper
You should consider these factors when trying to find the best Disney cruise fares.
Book Early for Cheaper Cruise Fares
You should plan and book a Disney cruise as early as possible for several reasons.
First, you’ll get the best price when you book early. Unless you luck out on a last-minute deal, Disney cruise prices are cheapest the day they go on sale and increase in costs as the ship fills up.
Secondly, you’ll have the best selection of cabin types. If you wait too long, you may only have a few options, and they may not be the ideal stateroom for you and your family. Higher-priced stateroom categories may be the only choices remaining because staterooms with the lowest prices sold out earlier.
Finally, booking your cruise a year in advance gives you more time to plan your trip and ensure everything is in order before leaving. By doing this, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or changes. It also gives you more time to pay down your trip if you have set up a payment plan with your travel agency.
So don’t wait – book your Disney cruise today!
Book with a Disney Travel Agent
There are a few different ways that a Disney travel agent can find you the cheapest Disney cruise ship departure. They will search through all the available sailings to find one that meets your needs and budget.
They can create a custom package for you that includes all your activities and help create a payment plan so you don’t have to pay it all at once.
Travel agents also have access to special rates and discounts that you may not be able to find on your own. So, if you’re looking for the cheapest Disney cruise ship departure, be sure to talk to a travel agent. They’ll be able to help you find the best deal for your family.
If you need help navigating your Disney Cruise Line vacation plans, we highly recommend contacting The Vacationeer.
Their team of experienced Disney travel agents will help you find the lowest price and the best itineraries, and there’s never an additional charge for their services!
Look for Onboard Credit
Onboard credit is a type of credit (or free money) used towards expenses on a Disney cruise ship. Guests can use it to pay for excursions, alcohol, souvenirs, or tip crew members.
Disney travel agents typically give onboard credit to guests who book their cruise through them (as a booking incentive). The onboard credit amount varies depending on the book method and the cruise cost. For example, guests who book an $8,000 cruise through a travel agent may receive $400 in onboard credit (or $200 if it’s an onboard bookings/transfers). It’s a great perk!
We again recommend The Vacationeer because they offer some of the highest onboard credit rates in the industry.
Onboard credits go towards your on-ship purchases through your onboard account.
Not familiar with the onboard account? Here’s an overview:
Check for Special Offers, Deals, and Promotions
If you plan a Disney Cruise trip, you must be aware of Disney’s special promotions. These deals can make your Disney cruise less expensive no matter which month you book.
It is common for Disney Cruise Line to run limited-time promotions for specific sailing dates, departure ports, cabin types, or even residents of particular states or countries. While there may not be a lot of Disney cruise deals to choose from, you may be able to find one that meets your needs and budget.
Disney Cruise Line frequently offers special discounts on cruises for Florida residents, US military members, Castaway Club members, and Disney Vacation Club members.
It is essential to read the fine print on the promotions page, as some deals may be for guaranteed fares with many restrictions. You can also ask your travel agent to check for any discounts you may qualify for. In some cases, they can ask Disney Cruise Customer Service to add a newly-announced discount to your existing booking.
The best way to save money on Disney cruises while still receiving the magical cruise of your dreams is by taking advantage of Disney’s special promotions and sailing during the months when Disney cruises are cheaper.
Last Minute Restricted Guarantee Staterooms May Be Available
If you’re flexible with your travel dates and stateroom type, you can save money on your Disney cruise by booking a Restricted Guarantee stateroom.
With this type of stateroom, you won’t know your exact room assignment until about two weeks before your cruise, but you’re guaranteed to get at least the stateroom type you booked. So if you’re willing to take a chance on your stateroom assignment, you could save money on your Disney cruise.
While we like the idea of the Restricted Guarantee stateroom in principle, we still recommend booking well in advance to get the best fare and room of your choice.
Shorter Cruises Are More Affordable
If you want to take a Disney cruise but are worried about the cost, booking a shorter one might be the best option. Shorter cruises are less expensive per night, so you can save money while still getting the whole Disney cruise experience.
Disney offers three- and four-night cruises to Baja, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. If you have never been on a Disney cruise before or are worried about seasickness, these shorter cruises are the perfect way to try them out. They’re also less expensive per night than a week-long cruise, so you’ll get all the benefits of a Disney cruise without breaking the bank.
Inside Cabins Are Cheaper
Consider booking an inside cabin if you want the lowest fare on your next Disney cruise. Inside cabins are without a porthole window or a veranda/balcony, making them the most affordable option on any cruise line. On Disney ships, inside cabins have a few added features that make them feel less dark and enclosed.
For example, Disney Wish has a giant piece of artwork on the wall of its inside staterooms. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have inside staterooms with a porthole-shaped mirror on the wall. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy take it one step further with magical portholes – round video screens that show a real-time view of the outside, along with a bit of additional character from time to time.
So if you’re looking to save money on your next cruise, consider booking an inside cabin on a Disney ship. You may be surprised at how comfortable and spacious they are.
What is the cheapest time of year to take a Disney cruise?
Let’s sum up this article, shall we?
- September is the cheapest month to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, but some off-peak weeks and months are also more affordable. If you want the lowest fares, avoid holidays, school vacation weeks, and the summer.
- There are often discounts for Florida residents, military members, Castaway Club members, and Disney Vacation Club members, as well as other limited-time promotions. Check to see which one you may be eligible for before booking your Disney cruise.
- We recommend working with a knowledgeable Disney travel agent. They will help you plan and book your trip, apply applicable discounts to your package, and set up a payment plan if you wish. They can also give you valuable onboard credits to apply to your stateroom account.
- If you want to save more money, consider shorter cruises, inside cabins, or booking a Restricted Guarantee Stateroom. However, your best bet for the lowest fares and best selection of staterooms is to book as early as possible.
When you combine these ways to save on a Disney cruise with an off-peak time to sail, you have the best chance of getting the lowest possible fares.
We hope our Cheapest Month to Book a Disney Cruise article has been helpful. Enjoy your magical cruise!
Book your Disney Cruise Now, and Save!
Working with an experienced travel agent is the best way to ensure smooth sailing, and The Vacationeer is ready to help you find the cheapest month to go on a Disney cruise in 2024 or 2025.
Their team of Disney travel agents can arrange every part of your cruise and provide a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases and activities while you’re on the ship.
There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services! Click HERE to get a free quote today.
We went last September. The weather was fantastic, and luckily, we avoided hurricanes! We found that the Disney Cruise Line was more affordable during that time of year.
That’s great to hear, Virginia! My wife and I love that time of year. Thanks for your feedback!