Finding a cheap Disney cruise to take the family on isn't impossible—it just takes a little time and determination. A Disney cruise will most definitely keep your kids entertained. As a parent, seeing your kids have days filled with so much fun that they fall exhausted into bed each night is a great experience. And it's made even more wonderful on a Disney cruise because you don't have to pick up after your little ones!
First, remember the general rules for saving money on cruises, because this applies to Disney cruises as well. Ships are highly packed during spring break, the summer vacation period, and around holidays. If you can travel at times other than these, you can almost guarantee yourself some savings.
Try to find a departure port that's less than a day's drive from where you live. No flight needed, no overnight stay. If you do have to fly to your departure port, compare the full cost of the cruise with airfare included against the cost without airfare. Many times you can book airfare cheaper on your own, especially if you have companion tickets or air miles to help defray the cost.
Make a list of what you'll pack ahead of time. Pack layers—an undershirt, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and a windbreaker, for example. Lay out the toiletries you'll need, and double-check everything before it goes in the suitcase. Buying toothpaste, sunscreen or sunglasses aboard ship can really cut into your fun money. Take either your own camera or several disposable ones to avoid having to pay for the expensive shipboard photos.
Keep track of what you spend on board! Cruise ships are going the way of the casinos and giving you cards instead of allowing you to pay cash for drinks, gambling, tips and the like. Why? Because it's easier for you to spend money when it's not "real". Besides, with cash you can reward exceptional service or let it be known your attendant can do better, before the trip is over.
But the bulk of your vacation money will be spent on the cruise itself. How do you help keep the cost cheap, while still finding an enjoyable Disney vacation? Do your first searching on the Internet, and be flexible with your dates, if possible. Cruise prices change according to market demand, and even one week's difference in departure date can save a hundred dollars or more per ticket.
Check directly with the cruise provider. Disney itself offers specials on its web page. You can search for various departure and destination locations, and compare prices on different dates. Sometimes great deals, called "Magical Rates" are on the home page. If not, type that phrase into the search box in the upper-right hand corner, followed by your destination ("Magical rates Caribbean") and you'll get a long list of offers.
Check with Disney specialists. They often compile listings of Disney-related bargains, and that can include cruises. Some focus on the parks, but also cruise information.
And finally, don't forget to check Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Kayak, and the other travel search engines. You may find a hidden bargain there. A cheap Disney cruise need only be cheap in the amount you pay for your family's vacation. The experience will most assuredly be priceless.
Technorati tags: disney cruise disney disney cruise line cruise disney cruise vacation disney cruise line cheap disney cruise
0 comments:
Post a Comment