Disney Cruise Cost: Prices, Fees & Ways to Save

Disney Cruise Line sells family-focused sailings on several ships, from short Bahamas trips out of Florida to week-long Caribbean and Alaska cruises and longer international itineraries. Fares are quoted per person, usually based on two guests sharing a cabin, and they vary with the sailing date more than almost any other factor.

The fare covers your cabin, most meals, entertainment, and kids' programs. It does not cover everything you will want to do onboard. This guide breaks down what cruises of different lengths cost, what the extras add, and where the money tends to go.

Costs scale with the length of the trip. Short cruises of three to five nights to the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Bermuda run $1,300 – $1,900 per person in an inside cabin. Week-long Caribbean or Alaska sailings run $2,500 – $4,000 per person or more, since the upper end is open-ended. International itineraries of ten nights or longer, such as Europe or transatlantic crossings, run $3,000 – $8,000 per person or more.

Those are typical fares, not guarantees. The same ship and itinerary can cost very different amounts on different weeks, which is why timing matters so much.

• Season. Summer break and holiday weeks cost the most. During the peak months from June through September, starting prices for comparable three to five night sailings run $1,400 – $1,900 per person, according to NerdWallet.
• Cabin type. Inside cabins are the cheapest. Oceanview and verandah staterooms cost more, and concierge-level rooms cost the most.
• Itinerary. Short sailings from ports like Port Canaveral are the least expensive. Longer international trips cost far more.
• Number of guests. Fares are per person, but a third or fourth guest in a cabin may be priced differently. Check the booking page for your group.
• Booking window. Prices move as cabins sell, so booking early or watching for promotions can matter.

Shoulder seasons, generally May and September through early November, often offer better value because you avoid both the summer crowds and peak pricing.

Disney costs more than most mainstream lines for a comparable short sailing. The gap is widest in summer, when other lines' starting prices for similar trips can sit well below Disney's. The higher fare buys family-focused programming, shows, and a ship layout built around children, so whether it is worth it depends on who is traveling.

The fare is not the final bill. Budget for the extras you expect to use.

• Specialty dining. Adults-only restaurants such as Palo and Enchanté charge $40 – $75 per person on top of the fare.
• Port adventures. Excursions booked through Disney range from $50 – $300 per person, with some costing more.
• Alcohol. Drinks run $10 – $15 each, although guests can bring a limited amount of their own wine or beer at embarkation and at each port.
• Gratuities. A per-person daily amount is added to your onboard account automatically.
• Spa, Wi-Fi, and photos. These are all optional and priced separately.

Those costs add up quickly for a family. A rough budget that includes a few excursions, a specialty dinner, and some drinks can add a meaningful amount to the base fare.

The fare generally includes your stateroom, meals in the main dining rooms and buffets, entertainment and shows, and access to the kids' and youth clubs. Specialty dining, most alcohol, excursions, spa treatments, and Wi-Fi are extra. Because inclusions can differ by ship and sailing, confirm the details on the booking page.

Book through Disney Cruise Line directly, or through a travel agent who is authorized to sell Disney sailings. Compare the same sailing and cabin on both so you know what you are paying.

To lower the cost:

• Travel in the shoulder season instead of summer.
• Choose an inside cabin if you will spend little time in the room.
• Pick a shorter sailing to start. Three- and four-night trips cost far less than a week at sea.
• Skip specialty dining or pick one night rather than several.
• Plan your own port days where that is practical, since Disney-booked excursions cost extra.
• Bring your own drinks within the allowed limits, if that suits your group.