Mickey and Minnie Mouse with The Wish
  • On Apr 18, 2025
    Larry from FL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am about to take my first-ever cruise on the Wish (June 16 - 20). I've heard about a "placeholder deposit" for a future cruise. Can you tell me how this works? I am expecting to enjoy my cruise and take another.

    Ahoy, Larry! Matey, it sounds like you already know the treasured moments and memories awaiting you aboard the Disney Wish. Even before you have your sea legs, you are ready to put an "X" on another map and chart your course for a second adventure. Aye, aye, Captain!

    Disney Cruise Line has an "Onboard Offer," also called a "placeholder." You can arrange this anytime while on the cruise. Currently, you pay a $250 deposit on an open-ended placeholder reservation, meaning you do not need to pick an itinerary or know exactly what cruise you will be taking. You just have to use it within 24 months. 

    Here's the magic: The placeholder reservation automagically gives you a 10% discount on most itineraries when you wave your wand and turn it into a cruise reservation. The deposit you paid for the placeholder is also applied to your cruise.

    So what if you don't use it? If you don't convert it into a cruise reservation that sails within 24 months or decide at any point to let it go, the deposit is refunded to you. 

    You can purchase the placeholder on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Once you are at the port or on the ship and connected to DCL Wi-Fi (Disney Cruise Line's Wi-Fi system), your app converts to onboard functionality. The tile to purchase the offer is easy to find. 

    When you are back on shore and ready to set your sights on another horizon, you may want to take at the information I shared to answer, "How do I book my placeholder online?

    Here are a few other first-time tips:

    • Check out the packing list to make sure you don't forget anything. Bring a carry-on bag for your essentials on your first day on board and the morning you disembark. 
    • Make sure you have your required travel documents with you. You can buy or adjust almost anything you forgot, but you cannot board the ship without photo identification and proof of citizenship.
    • Pack magnetic hooks to hang wet swimsuits in your stateroom. Also, fun magnets on your door make the cruise magical and your stateroom easier to find. My family uses a magnetic dry-erase board to note if we are heading to a movie, show or other entertainment on board. 
    • DisneyBand+ is so convenient to open your stateroom door and charge purchases to your account. If you have a MagicBand+ from a previous Walt Disney World Resort vacation, you can also use it on the ship. If you prefer to use the Key to the World card provided, bring lanyards.
    Larry, I am so excited about your upcoming cruise and your membership in the Castaway Club! So much adventure awaits! If you have any other questions, please cruise back by planDisney. We're all aboard to help.

    SEAS the Adventure!
    Jana
thumbnail image for Jana

Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Hi, everyone! I’m Jana, a Disney-loving wife and mom from Atlanta. My boys (my husband and sons) are the greatest joys in my life. We have so many magical memories from our vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. I welcome the chance to share my knowledge and advice in helping you plan your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Learn More About Jana

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