Everything You Need to Know About Deadlines and Cancellation Windows For Your Disney Cruise
For those sailing with Disney Cruise Line for the first time or for those who have sailed but not recently, its important to keep up with the final payment deadlines and cancellation options for your sailings. Unlike a Walt Disney World vacation package with a standard final payment/cancellation policy of 30-days prior, Disney Cruise Line’s vary depending on sailing date and stateroom class. DCL firmly adheres to these deadlines and failure to pay in time may result in the termination of your package. Similarly, those cancelling after the designated date can incur a hefty penalty.
But don’t worry! The team at MickeyBlog will keep you in the know and save you from any unwanted surprises with our quick overview of final payment deadlines and cancellation policies!
Final Payment Deadlines
Here’s a look at the current Final Payment Deadlines for all Disney Cruise Line sailings:
For Sailings of 1 – 5 Nights
- Standard Rooms:
- Final Payment: 90 days before sailing.
- Cancellation fees: 89-45 days loss of deposit, 44 – 30 days 50% of the package price, 29-15 days 75% of the package price, 14 days or less 100% non-refundable.
- Suites and Concierge Staterooms: (Deposit is ALWAYS nonrefundable on these rooms)
- Final Payment: 180 days before sailing.
- Cancellation fee: Up to 90 days loss of deposit, 89 – 56 days 50% off the package price, 55 – 30 days 75% off the package price, 29 days or less 100% non-refundable
For Sailings of 6 Nights or More
- Standard Rooms:
- Final Payment: 120 days before sailing.
- Cancellation fees: 119-56 days loss of deposit, 55 – 30 days 50% of the package price, 29-15 days 75% of the package price, 14 days or less 100% non-refundable.
- Suites and Concierge Staterooms: (Deposit is ALWAYS nonrefundable on these rooms)
- Final Payment: 185 days before sailing.
- Cancellation fee: Up to 90 days loss of deposit, 89 – 56 days 50% off the package price, 55 – 30 days 75% off the package price, 29 days or less 100% non-refundable
Booking Under a Last Minute IGT, OGT or VGT Fare
Disney Cruise line rarely offers discounted sailings instead offering the greater savings the earlier out you book. However, they will occasionally offer Guaranteed Stateroom fares if it is getting close to sailing date and they still have staterooms available. Under this discount guests receive considerable savings by not knowing what stateroom you’ll have ahead of time. An IGT guarantees you an inside room OGT and outside room and VGT a Verandah but these could be anywhere on the ship. Because of the deep discount associated with these sailings, Guaranteed Fares are n on-refundable at the time of booking with the entire payment being due upfront.
For more information on nabbing an IGT, OGT or VGT discount check out this article.
Making Changes to Reservations After the Final Payment Deadline
Even after you’ve made your final payment you may need to make changes to your reservation. Guests can always look for upgrades, organize ground transfers, opt to pre-pay for gratuities or purchase photo packages. In some instances, you may even be able to switch your dining times. All this can be accommodated after the final payment deadline. However, any more substantial changes like date changes will result in the penalties outlined above!
What Happens If I Have a Last-Minute Medical Emergency or Miss My Cruise?
Last-minute problems do arise. That’s why when it comes to sailing I am a HUGE advocate of taking out one of Disney’s Vacation Protection Plans to cover you in the unlikely event that you miss your cruise due to a medical problem or failure to arrive at the port on time. To get insured directly through Disney will set guests back 8% of the per person voyage fare at a minimum cost of $29 per person to a maximum cost of $399 per person. The cruise insurance can be taken out anytime UP UNTIL YOU MAKE YOUR FINAL PAYMENT. Failure to get the insurance before you make your final payment would mean you would need to get insurance coverage on your own as you would no longer be eligible for Disney’s policy.
For more information on Disney’s Cruise Line Coverage check out this PDF.
Unlike a Walt Disney World vacation, the policies of Disney Cruise Line (as you can see above) are slightly more involved. When in doubt, I suggest enlisting the services of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner like MickeyTravels. We can keep tabs on important deadlines and help you plan out all of the exciting deadlines (from staterooms to port adventures) that will really make your sailing your own! Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect stateroom to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your cruise truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.