Hello, Leslie,
I'm glad you are already thinking ahead. I wish we had begun taking advantage of the onboard placeholder reservation offer earlier in our history of cruising. I think that would have encouraged us to advance through the Castaway Club levels even faster. It turns out I took some notes when I booked a placeholder reservation during our family's cruise on the Disney Wonder earlier this year. I hope this helps make the process as smooth as possible for you.
You will find the onboard offer for savings on a future cruise listed on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. I located it under the ☰ feature menu. But I believe I sometimes saw it highlighted on the app's home menu as well. For me, it was labeled "Save 10% or More on Your Next Cruise." To begin, click the "Reserve Your Placeholder" button. Each household may book a placeholder reservation for up to two staterooms on one future cruise.
After deciding whether to reserve one stateroom or two, you will enter the email address you use for your Disney Cruise Line account. If you used a travel professional to book the cruise you are on, you may choose to automatically link your placeholder reservation with the same agent. Or you may decline if you will manage your future cruise reservation on your own or if you plan to switch to a different provider within 30 days after booking the placeholder.
The next step is to submit payment for your placeholder reservation. If you reserve two staterooms, you will pay the amount for two deposits. You may use the credit card you have on file for your account. Or you may enter a new credit card for payment.
After reviewing the Disney Cruise Line Placeholder Reservation Terms and Conditions, you will create a transaction PIN, confirm having reviewed the terms, and then tap the button to complete your placeholder deposit payment. Just in case something unexpected happens, I usually take a screenshot of the last few screens of the placeholder reservation process in the Navigator app. After your deposit payment is processed, you will receive an email with your placeholder confirmation. The confirmation email will show only your name associated with the reservation. But don't worry, you'll be able to add other passengers when you convert the placeholder into a confirmed reservation later.
Next, comes the fun part! That's when you get to pick which future cruise you will go on. Given that most future cruises are eligible for the 10% or higher discount, you'll also save a bunch. But even if you should choose an itinerary on a blockout date, you may still apply your placeholder deposit toward it. You can view your placeholder on the My Reservations page, where you can also search for eligible itineraries. Once you find one perfect for you, you'll confirm passengers, including at least one who was on the original sailing when the placeholder was booked, select your stateroom, and complete the conversion from placeholder to confirmed reservation. Should any additional assistance be required, you may also call the Disney Cruise Line to convert your reservation.
I hope you enjoy that future cruise, Leslie. Please let us know if we can offer any more advice as you again get ready to see Where Magic Meets the Sea.
~Tony