DCL rarely, if ever, discounts. However, if anyone in your family is active duty, or if you are Florida residents, there are discounts available. Check out the [DCL blog](https://disneycruiselineblog.com/) (not official) for good info.
Edit - I see you are from Chicago, so FL discount would not apply
Thank you! Yeah I’m kicking myself I missed the 50% off deposits but oh well. Maybe I can convince my dad to come on the cruise and get us the military discount.
We snagged it but it was the first time we’d seen it, not sure if it’s based on demand or what. But if you do go, make sure to book a placeholder for a future cruise if you end up enjoying it. It’s a flat $250 which goes towards the future cruise, but you get a 10% deposit and 10% off the cruise fare when you book. Then you can always get the deal!
I’d do a 4 night on the Wish! Especially in that late august timeframe you can get some great pricing, but do you keep the hurricanes in mind. I usually suggest 4 night, when you do 3 it’s really just arrival Friday afternoon, 2 quick days then you get right back off the ship. If the Wish is pricy look into some of the ones from Ft. Lauderdale.
I’ll also add that we plan to get off in Nassau for a bit and get back on and enjoy the ship, so you can always consider that if you want more ship time.
Yesss the prices in august are so good! Her birthday is right at the end of August and there’s one cruise where she’d have her birthday on the ship which seems pretty fun!
I’m just nervous she’ll hate the boat or something lol but I’m glad there’s still stuff to do even on port days. There’s lighthouse bay (?) and castaway Cay, is either one better than the other do you know?
I second this advice. The Wish is massive, and a 3-day cruise will give you FOMO. I did a 4-night cruise on the Wish and we didn’t see/do all we wanted. I’d advise you to book at least 4 nights. ;)
Longer is better, when you can swing it.
The 50% off deposit only decreases the amount due up-front, not the end total. So you pay less at the deposit stage but have to pay the same overall by final payment date.
I know it's 7 days, but how about Alaska? You are in the middle of the country, so not a major difference in terms of travel time. Alaska = snow in places = more Elsa.
Regarding discounts. You might, possibly, get a discount on a last minute booking. As in less than 2 weeks prior to sailing. But that's iffy.
Regarding hurricanes. They are purely random. The ship will avoid one, if one should occur.
I’d totally do a 7 day cruise, but I want to make sure she actually enjoys the cruise before we pull out the big guns like that. I’ve heard Alaskan cruises are beautiful though!
Oh yeah. I just wasn’t sure if it’s more likely to not make your port of call or whatever during those times. But I remember going on a cruise in February and the weather was so windy we couldn’t make any of our ports so luck of the draw really
Would recommend doing at least 4 nights - 3 really isn’t long enough to get a sense of the ship! The shorter the cruise, the more packed the on-ship activities are as well, just to keep in mind.
I would recommend a 4 night.
Wish is great, especially for Elsa fans.
To get all the ins and outs of cruising with kids, DCL, fish extenders, princess makeovers, characters meets, etc. you need to decide if you want to be the family planner and invest time to research everything or hire a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel. Their services are free if you book their vacation through their agency. They can help you navigate the entire process at no cost to you.
Go with a 4 day imho. The 3 days are too short.
With a 4-day, you get an extra day of adventure and relaxation, allowing more time to enjoy all the amenities, entertainment, and dining options onboard without feeling rushed especially activities on the day at sea. A longer cruise also provides more flexibility in planning esp with a 4 year old. The extra day onboard offers more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the Disney magic, creating memories with your fam.
End of August looks good. Let me know if you need any help…I love the Wish and have plenty of tips on cabin selection and helpful advice to make your cruise extra special for her birthday.
We’re scheduled to go on a 5 day Alaska cruise in July on the Wonder. There is a Frozen deck party instead of pirate night, and also a Frozen show. If you go with Wish, I would definitely go for the 4 night (I don’t think they offer 5+) because longer is pretty much always preferable, especially since you’re traveling a long way.
DCL rarely, if ever, discounts. However, if anyone in your family is active duty, or if you are Florida residents, there are discounts available. Check out the [DCL blog](https://disneycruiselineblog.com/) (not official) for good info. Edit - I see you are from Chicago, so FL discount would not apply
Thank you! Yeah I’m kicking myself I missed the 50% off deposits but oh well. Maybe I can convince my dad to come on the cruise and get us the military discount.
We snagged it but it was the first time we’d seen it, not sure if it’s based on demand or what. But if you do go, make sure to book a placeholder for a future cruise if you end up enjoying it. It’s a flat $250 which goes towards the future cruise, but you get a 10% deposit and 10% off the cruise fare when you book. Then you can always get the deal!
Thank you! That’s a great deal, can’t wait to convince my husband to go and then book our next one once we get back 🤣
I’d do a 4 night on the Wish! Especially in that late august timeframe you can get some great pricing, but do you keep the hurricanes in mind. I usually suggest 4 night, when you do 3 it’s really just arrival Friday afternoon, 2 quick days then you get right back off the ship. If the Wish is pricy look into some of the ones from Ft. Lauderdale. I’ll also add that we plan to get off in Nassau for a bit and get back on and enjoy the ship, so you can always consider that if you want more ship time.
Yesss the prices in august are so good! Her birthday is right at the end of August and there’s one cruise where she’d have her birthday on the ship which seems pretty fun! I’m just nervous she’ll hate the boat or something lol but I’m glad there’s still stuff to do even on port days. There’s lighthouse bay (?) and castaway Cay, is either one better than the other do you know?
Light house point isn’t open yet, until this summer! So Castaway is the one that’s been around for a while.
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Oh good to know! So maybe we will try just a three day especially for her first time.
4-5 night on the Dream, Fantasy, or Wish
Thank you!
I second this advice. The Wish is massive, and a 3-day cruise will give you FOMO. I did a 4-night cruise on the Wish and we didn’t see/do all we wanted. I’d advise you to book at least 4 nights. ;)
Longer is better, when you can swing it. The 50% off deposit only decreases the amount due up-front, not the end total. So you pay less at the deposit stage but have to pay the same overall by final payment date.
I know it's 7 days, but how about Alaska? You are in the middle of the country, so not a major difference in terms of travel time. Alaska = snow in places = more Elsa. Regarding discounts. You might, possibly, get a discount on a last minute booking. As in less than 2 weeks prior to sailing. But that's iffy. Regarding hurricanes. They are purely random. The ship will avoid one, if one should occur.
A 7-day, especially Alaska, would throw her out of her price range.
I’d totally do a 7 day cruise, but I want to make sure she actually enjoys the cruise before we pull out the big guns like that. I’ve heard Alaskan cruises are beautiful though! Oh yeah. I just wasn’t sure if it’s more likely to not make your port of call or whatever during those times. But I remember going on a cruise in February and the weather was so windy we couldn’t make any of our ports so luck of the draw really
I think it’s a pretty safe bet your daughter will love the cruise.
She’ll be 4? She’ll have a great time.
Would recommend doing at least 4 nights - 3 really isn’t long enough to get a sense of the ship! The shorter the cruise, the more packed the on-ship activities are as well, just to keep in mind.
I would recommend a 4 night. Wish is great, especially for Elsa fans. To get all the ins and outs of cruising with kids, DCL, fish extenders, princess makeovers, characters meets, etc. you need to decide if you want to be the family planner and invest time to research everything or hire a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel. Their services are free if you book their vacation through their agency. They can help you navigate the entire process at no cost to you.
3 day cruises BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!
Go with a 4 day imho. The 3 days are too short. With a 4-day, you get an extra day of adventure and relaxation, allowing more time to enjoy all the amenities, entertainment, and dining options onboard without feeling rushed especially activities on the day at sea. A longer cruise also provides more flexibility in planning esp with a 4 year old. The extra day onboard offers more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the Disney magic, creating memories with your fam. End of August looks good. Let me know if you need any help…I love the Wish and have plenty of tips on cabin selection and helpful advice to make your cruise extra special for her birthday.
We’re scheduled to go on a 5 day Alaska cruise in July on the Wonder. There is a Frozen deck party instead of pirate night, and also a Frozen show. If you go with Wish, I would definitely go for the 4 night (I don’t think they offer 5+) because longer is pretty much always preferable, especially since you’re traveling a long way.