Now that we have explored the wonders and magic found on a Disney cruise, you may ask yourself, "Well, how much does a Disney cruise cost?" Valid question - the short answer is that it depends, but it is typically more expensive than other cruise lines. Before we get into the numbers, let's cover the factors determining a Disney cruise's cost.
Type of Ship
On average, older ships will typically offer a more economical cruise fare compared to their newer counterparts. The older ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet include the Disney Magic (1998), Disney Wonder (1999), Disney Dream (2011), and Disney Fantasy (2012). In contrast, the newer ships, such as the Disney Wish (launched in June 2022) and the upcoming Disney Treasure (set to debut in December 2024), tend to have higher costs due to their larger size and expanded offerings of entertainment and dining options.
Plus, the newer ships are in high demand for those who like to be one of the first to try something new, those who want to say they have been on every Disney ship, and those who prefer to travel with more advanced and innovative features like a newer cruise ship offers. Personally, the newer cruise ships appeal to me for their cleaner and more luxurious look - as such, I do not mind the additional cost of being on one of the newer Disney cruise ships.
Time of Year
The price of a Disney cruise fluctuates over the year depending on when the sailing is. For instance, traveling during the peak seasons of summer or school holiday breaks will lead to paying more on your cruise fare. However, if you go around non-peak times, like January when the kids are back to school from winter break, you will save some money.
Word of warning: We sailed in mid-January 2024 on the Caribbean and Bahamas sailing, and the high was 73 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 63. Although it made it difficult to enjoy the ocean, pools, and water slides, it was one of the more affordable sailing options, and we still had a great time!
Itinerary
The itinerary plays a significant role in determining the price of your Disney cruise. Different regions around the world can have varying prices, impacting the overall cost of your voyage. Port fees incurred during stops can fluctuate based on factors such as available facilities, ship size, and duration of docking.
Additionally, the number of ports visited can affect total port fees, with cruises that visit more ports incurring higher costs. Cruise length and destination also influence pricing, with longer voyages to exotic locations typically leading to higher prices compared to shorter trips to nearby ports.
Stateroom Type
The type of stateroom selected for your voyage is a major factor in the cost of your cruise fare on any cruise line, and it holds at Disney Cruise Line. The best part about the Disney Cruise Line is that they are known for having spacious staterooms compared to the other cruise lines, so you are getting more value and comfort out of your room. Disney offers four stateroom types: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge.
The inside room is the cheapest option, and the concierge is the most expensive. However, sometimes you can find a Verandah room similar in price to an Oceanview or maybe even an Inside, depending on what has been booked and what is left to book. As such, take advantage of those if it fits within your budget. Keep in mind most people do not spend that much time in their room during their cruise as there is so much to do and enjoy around the ship!
Length of the Cruise
Typically, the longer your cruise is, the more expensive it will be due to the incremental cost it would take to feed, entertain, and clean up after your family. Although, longer cruises tend to have a better cost per night - giving you a bigger bang for your buck!
Special Cruises
Another factor for price differences in Disney cruises is the special cruises. These include Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime Cruise, Marvel Day at Sea, and Pixar Day at Sea. These cruises tend to have more decorations, more entertainment, different costumes for the characters, and even different characters than normal! As such, there is an increase in the cost of your vacation, but there is also an increase in activities, entertainment, and food selections during your voyage.
Now, let's jump to some hard numbers and examples!
The following information and screenshots are from the Disney Cruise Line website in early February 2024. Each of the cruise fares listed below includes Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses.
The Cheapest Option for 2 Guests is a 2-night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney ending in Brisbane in an Inside Stateroom for $1,100.
The Most Expensive Option for 2 Guests is a 7-night Disney Dream Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) in a Concierge Suite for $57,120.
These two itineraries may not be relevant for those who live in the States or have kids. So, let us look at some of the cruise fares for sailings departing from the United States for a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids, in an Inside Stateroom.
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Wish for $3,065.
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Fantasy for $3,479.
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Magic - Halloween on the High Seas for $2,785.
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Dream - Very Merrytime for $4,076.
- 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego on the Disney Wonder for $2,740.
- 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston on the Disney Magic for $3,073.
- 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans on the Disney Magic for $3,248.
Based on the previous screenshots, the average cost for a Disney cruise departing from the United States for a family of 4 is about $3,200, or about $800 per person for a 3-night to 4-night cruise.
Extras on Top of your Cruise Fare
There are many things included in your cruise fare. For more details on what is and is not included on a Disney cruise, check out my blog post, What's Included and Not Included in your Disney Cruise Fare.
However, in this post, I will highlight a few items that have an extra cost to them.
- Each port of call offers shore excursions that you can book. Disney refers to these as Port Adventures, and you can book them at the Port Adventures Desk onboard, online before your sailing, or through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App while you are on the ship.
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Adult-Only Specialty Dining
- Internet
- Certain Onboard Activities, like the Royal Tea Parties, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Beverage Tastings, and Spa Services - to name a few
As for the onboard extras, the only mandatory expense is gratuities, which can be prepaid before boarding.
How to Save on a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line offers special offers throughout the year, such as deals for Florida Residents, Canadian Residents, Southern California Residents, and a Military Discount. Keep an eye out for these offers to see if you can save money on your voyage!
Another excellent way to save on your next Disney cruise is by placing a deposit for your next trip before disembarking from your current sailing. This is known as a Placeholder, where you put down a $250 deposit and can save 10% off your next voyage within the next two years; however, block-out dates apply. Learn more about DCL Placeholders on my blog post, Disney Cruise Line Placeholder: What is it and Why Get it.
Another way to save money on your cruise fare is by purchasing discounted Disney gift cards (not Disney+ gift cards) from Target using a Red Card or with a Sam's Club membership. This method can help you save around 4 - 5% on the total cost of the cruise.
Additionally, using a good travel credit card can help offset the cost of the cruise with points earned from the purchase. If you are looking for a great travel credit card that offers 3x points on travel, check out my blog post titled "10 Reasons Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is Worth the Annual Fee!"
Disney Cruise Tips for a Cheaper Fare
- Sail on an older ship
- Do not sail during major holidays or when the kids are out of school
- Book in advance
- Use a travel agent - they are free to use and help take the stress of planning off your shoulders (some travel agents even offer you an onboard credit, out of their commission, for using their services)
For more tips on booking a cheap cruise, check out my blog post, The Do’s and Don’ts on How to Find a Cheap Cruise!
Other Expenses to Consider when going on a Cruise no matter the Line:
- Transportation to and from the Port
- Parking, if driving into the Port
- Depending on the itinerary, you may need a valid Passport
Not sure what to pack for a Disney cruise?
Check out my blog post, Disney Cruise Line Packing List with Printable. The article breaks down what you need for a Disney Cruise and why. You will also find Amazon links to purchase most of the items and a downloadable checklist.
Do you just want the checklist emailed to you?
Fill out this form with your first name and email address below to receive the link for a downloadable PDF version of this listing that you can print out and treat as a checklist.
Ready to feel the Magic of Disney?
Embarking on a Disney cruise promises an unforgettable journey filled with magical memories that last a lifetime. There is so much to do, see, explore, and eat on a Disney cruise! Whether you are sailing on an older ship during off-peak seasons or indulging in a special-themed cruise on the new Disney Wish, the magic of Disney awaits you on the high seas. So, are you ready to feel the magic of Disney on your next adventure?
Check out my other Disney Cruise Line blog posts below:
Disney Cruise Line Port Canaveral: Terminal Info and More - Everything you need to know for getting to and parking at Disney Cruise Line's Terminal at Port Canaveral, Florida! Check it out!
Menus for Disney Wish Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure - Dining at Arendelle on the Disney Wish is an experience like no other! Check out this post for more details on what you can expect to enjoy!
Disney Castaway Cay 5K: Details on How to Participate - Disney Castaway Cay 5K is a fun run for all ages on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay! The best part? It is free and at your own pace!
Your Guide to Disney Cruise Line's Drink Packages - Discover Disney Cruise Line's unique drink options – from beer and wine packages to onboard beverage tastings. Cheers to a magical voyage!
Disney Cruise Line Placeholder: What is it and Why Get it - Learn all about Disney Cruise Line's Placeholder Reservations. Secure your spot & get 10% off future Disney cruise with this onboard offer!
Have you ever been on a Disney Cruise? Would you say the experience is worth the price tag? Let me know in the comments below! Share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
Did you enjoy and find this blog post helpful?
If yes, subscribe at the end of this page to "Join the Fun 🥳" and receive our weekly newsletter so you do not miss out on a blog post!
You can also show your support and rep Dale, Let's Travel! by purchasing our 3x3 inch glossy sticker for $5! Free shipping within the United States. Are you interested in purchasing a sticker or two? Email us at contactus@daleletstravel.com with the subject line "DLT! Sticker" or "Blog Sticker," we can finalize your payment method and grab your mailing address there! Thank you for supporting my small business! 😊
