Before you start searching for deals, visit the Disney Cruise Line's website. and choose a specific cruise. Once you know where you want to go, you have a few options for searching for deals. Remember to consider free onboard amenities, prepaid tips, discounted shore excursions and other perks, as these also help lower the total cost of your cruise.
Booking Buddy
Booking Buddy is ideal for comparing prices and offers. Enter your cruise information, and the site will give you several websites offering price quotes on the same cruise. Many sites may require you to register, but don't be shy. You'll receive regular emails on deals as they become available, and you can unsubscribe at any time after you've made a decision.
Disney Cruise Website
Make sure to check out the Special Offers section of the Disney Cruise Line website, which typically showcases deals on cruises that the line is particularly anxious to sell. The site also gives information on standard discounts such as Military (both active retired members and their spouses, including Department of Defense personnel) and special rates for Florida residents. However, it neglects to mention the discounts for airline employees (both current and retired employees are eligible, provided the airline is still in business). If you are, or were, an airline employee, see your employee handbook to find out how you can take advantage of special discounts.
Group Blocks
Some travel agencies that do a lot of business with Disney Cruise Line are able to hold "group blocks" at the lowest available price offered for that sailing. By choosing one of the group block sailings you can save a significant amount of money. What's more, you don't have to reserve more than one stateroom or participate in group activities to be eligible for the discount. Ask your travel agent if he or she offers this option.
Form a Group
The best way to get deep discounts is to form your own group. Like most cruise lines, Disney offers special incentives for blocks of at least eight cabins. If you're planning a family reunion, or have a group of parents and children planning a cruise vacation at the same time, this can be an effective way to lower the cost. If you are in a position to form your own group, try negotiating directly with the cruise line before booking.
Passholder Discounts
Occasionally, the line will offer discounts to customers who have purchased a Disney World Annual Pass. Once again, the Disney Cruise Line website is a good source for this information, along with a number of the specialty sites named above.
Airline Miles and Hotel Points
If you're a member of an airline frequent flier program (such as American Advantage. Delta Sky Miles or US Airways Dividend Miles ) and mileage accrual is important to you, begin your research on your preferred airline's website. You're likely to find attractive incentives in the form of bonus miles for booking your trip through them. Similarly, if you belong to the Hilton Honors program, you can accumulate a pile of Hilton points by making your arrangements through a dedicated Cruises Only site.