Disney Cruise Line quietly makes big change passengers will love
Disney Cruise Line vacations are generally more expensive than most mainstream cruise vacations, requiring many families to budget and carefully plan far in advance.
Related: Disney cruiser shares genius money-saving hack any cruiser can use
To get the best price on a Disney cruise, travel agents usually recommend booking as soon as new cruise itineraries are released.
A few times a year, the cruise line releases a few months of itineraries at a time about 15-18 months in advance of their sailing dates. For example, summer 2026 itineraries were released in February 2025, and fall 2026 itineraries are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Although you don't have to pay the entire cruise fare at the time of booking for a Disney cruise, you are required to pay a deposit to secure your reservation. And putting that initial down payment on a cruise is big commitment for many families.
But just before the next batch of cruise itineraries is released, Disney Cruise Line has quietly made a big change to its required deposit amount that will make it easier for many families to book their dream Disney cruise far in advance.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
In the past, Disney Cruise Line has occasionally run a limited-time 50% off required deposits special offer, but now, the cruise line is making that discount permanent.
As of June 18, Disney Cruise Line has reduced the standard deposit amount due at the time of booking from 20% to 10% of the cruise fare (before taxes, fees, and port expenses).
That means booking a Disney cruise now costs much less up front.
Related: Disney Cruise Line quietly makes big plans for Texas
For example, the deposit amount required for a Disney Treasure cruise for a family of four that costs $6,500 (including taxes, fees, and port expenses) is now less than $600 at the new 10% deposit rate rather than about $1,150 at the previous 20% deposit rate.
Under the new deposit policy, passengers with an open-ended Placeholder Reservation made on board a Disney cruise will pay even less up front when booking a cruise of seven nights or longer. When they choose a sail date for their Placeholder Reservation, Disney cruise passengers will only be required to pay a 5% deposit on voyages of seven nights or longer.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
After booking a Disney cruise and paying the deposit, you'll be required to pay the remaining balance of the cruise cost by a specified final payment date. That date varies based on the cruise length, but is usually 90 to 120 days before the sail date.
To make the cruise cost more manageable, many Disney cruisers will spread payments out over the months between booking and their final payment due date. Disney Cruise Line allows passengers to pay at their own pace, making Disney cruise payments at any time and in any amount they choose up until the date that the final balance is due.
Related: Savvy Disney vacationers use this service to save big on trips
Disney gift cards can also be used toward Disney cruise payments. Smart planners are sometimes able to purchase discounted Disney gift cards to use for their cruise at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, when they're available. Target Circle Card holders can also purchase Disney gift cards for 5% off face value at Target stores.
If you change your mind about your Disney cruise or need to cancel for any reason, you can typically get a refund if you cancel most cruises before 120 days in advance of your sail date for most stateroom categories. For some shorter cruises, you may be able to get a refund if you cancel more than 90 days before the sailing date.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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