Disney Cruise Prices: How Much Will This Vacation Cost?

With a fleet of five luxury cruise ships — and a sixth coming in December of this year — featuring waterslides, Broadway-quality shows and Disney fun for the entire family, Disney cruises are an attractive vacation option. The ships sail in all parts of the world, and Disney even has its own private island.

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If that all sounds like the makings of a perfect family vacation, you’re likely not wrong. But you’re also likely asking: How much does a Disney cruise cost? In fact, Disney cruise prices vary as wildly as Captain Jack Sparrow’s moods. But there’s no magic in divining if a Disney cruise is worth it for you or not, or how you can save money and still step aboard the “happiest place” on water.

How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

Assuming you don’t want to fly to Sydney for a two-night cruise to Brisbane, Australia, and then fly home again, Disney cruise prices are least expensive if you leave from Florida. For example, a three-night, one-way cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, was $1,494 as of March 20. As far as round-trip cruises, a four-night western Caribbean cruise leaving from Galveston, Texas, and visiting Progreso, Mexico, was priced at $1,518. On the West Coast, a three-night Baja cruise from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico, and back again ran $1,712.

All these prices were for two adults sharing an inside cabin. The rates also included all taxes, fees and port expenses.

The Cost of Leveling Up to a Nicer Cabin

As mentioned above, Disney cruise prices cover a vast range. And while they’re not among the most expensive cruise liners, they can get pricey. The above cruises, as well as other cruise offerings, offer a number of different cabin types. For instance, for the Fort Lauderdale cruise listed above, here are the price differences for cabin types for two adults:

Longer Cruises Are Generally More Expensive

As you might expect, in addition to the port of departure and the level of cabin, the length of your cruise will have a major impact on its price. Disney offers cruises lasting anywhere from two to 15 nights.

The most expensive cruise GOBankingRates could find was a 12-night Mediterranean cruise visiting eight ports, ranging from Greece and Turkey to Spain and Italy. An inside cabin for two adults on this cruise ran $11,417, while a Concierge-level cabin tilted the scale at $33,665.

With more than 600 cruises on offer around the world, however, cruises can be found at virtually every price point between the low and the high.

How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost for a Family of 4?

There aren’t many brands that scream family louder than Disney, which is why it offers pricing for families of four. If two of those guests are under 18, it does not double the price. It does increase it substantially, however. For instance, for a three-night, one-way cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan, an inside cabin comes in at $1,494 for two adults and $2,506 for a family of four with two under-12 children.

And that 12-night Mediterranean cruise visiting eight ports, which ranged from $11,417 to $33,665 for two adults? It’s $17,501 for an inside cabin for four and $45,141 for a Concierge-level cabin.

Are Disney Cruises All-Inclusive?

Most of what you are probably going on a cruise to experience is included, but there are some notable exceptions. For instance, while all your meals, including 24-hour room service, are included, bottled water and alcohol are not. There are also luxury dining experiences that are not included.

As far as entertainment goes, there are Broadway-quality shows, firework displays, Disney character experiences, movie screenings, pools, waterslides and more included. You’ll also enjoy in-room movies, nightclubs with live music, adult pools and fitness centers for free. However, there are plenty of add-ons that can add up fast.

Here are some vacation necessities and favorites that aren’t included in the price of the cruise:

• Airfare/transportation to or from the departure or final port

• Pre- or post-cruise hotel stays

• Certain family and kids experiences

• Bottled water, alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks

• Gratuities

• Wireless internet

• Vacation protection plan

• Adult-exclusive dining

• Spa and salon visits

• Many Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island) amenities

What Is Disney’s Private Island Like and How Much Is a Cruise There?

Disney’s private island, called Disney Castaway Cay, lies in the Bahamas, and as the name implies, it is exclusive to Disney cruise guests. A tropical island, Castaway Cay has white sand beaches, clear blue water and picturesque palm trees. However, this is a family fun-themed island, so there are plenty of amenities and adventures.

Things To Do on Castaway Cay

• Beach Time: Grab one of the plentiful beach chairs and umbrellas available.

• 5K Run/Walk: Run or walk the 5K trail around the island; complete it and earn a medal.

• Character Appearances: Take advantage of a photo op with one of the many Disney characters on the island.

• Sports Beach: Play a game of volleyball or tetherball.

• Snorkeling Lagoon: Follow the two underwater trails and search for the hidden Mickey.

• Serenity Bay: Relax at an adults-only beach with massages, a bar and BBQ.

• Pelican Plunge: Slip into one of two twisty water slides or a water play section.

• In Da Shade Game Pavilion: Play table tennis, foosball, billiards, and basketball in the shade.

• Teen Hideout: Let your 14- to 17-year-olds enjoy an exclusive spot of their own.

• Boat Rentals: Rent a kayak, paddleboat, aqua trike or stand-up paddleboard.

• Shopping: Shop for your favorite Disney souvenirs.

The Cost of a Cruise to Castaway Cay

For two adult guests staying in an inside cabin, the least expensive cruise to Castaway Cay that GOBankingRates found was a three-night trip from Fort Lauderdale for $1,631. On the opposite end of the spectrum was aboard Disney’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, for its maiden voyage. This was a seven-night trip visiting Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay for $11,279, for a Verandah-level cabin (the only level offered).

How Can I Save Money on My Disney Cruise?

In addition to some of the more obvious ways to save money on a cruise, such as using credit card points for airfare and any hotel stays, avoiding add-ons like spa treatments and excursions, and choosing round-trip cruises departing from ports nearest your home, there are some unexpected ways to save money on your Disney vacation.

BYOB

Alcohol is not included in Disney cruise prices, but you can bring a limited amount of your own aboard. Guests 21 and older (18 and older in Australia) can bring up to two bottles of wine (750 milliliters each) and six 12-ounce beers on board at the start of their journey and at each port of call. However, you will be charged a $27 corkage fee if you choose to drink the wine (or champagne) in one of the ship’s dining rooms.

Special Offers

Disney Cruise Line lists several special offers. For instance, you can enjoy up to 25% off select cruises designated by the cruise line. These offers do come with some restrictions, however, like allowing Disney to choose your cabin, and are nonrefundable. Other discounts include up to 25% off on select sailings for Canadian residents and special military rates.

Costco Travel

Costco Travel has partnered with Disney Cruise Line and offers significant discounts on select cruises for its members. For instance, a quick search found a four-night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral, visiting Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, which retailed for $2,303 per person on Disney Cruise Line’s site, offered at $1,284 per person on Costco Travel’s site. So if you are a Costco member, it’s worth shopping Costco Travel.

Prices and deals are accurate as of March 20, 2024, and are subject to change.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Disney Cruise Prices: How Much Will This Vacation Cost?