Ahoy there, Teresa!
I’m so glad you sailed by planDisney with your great question about charges made onboard during your Disney Cruise Line vacation. I hope this means you have a fabulous cruise just around the riverbend that you’re looking forward to! Expenses on a cruise are managed differently than a traditional hotel room bill, so I’m happy to share what you can expect onboard. There is no additional step on disembarkation day to finalize any bill or officially "check-out."
During your online check-in (this date will vary based on your Castaway Club Member status), you will designate a major credit card for all charges made onboard during your cruise. All shipboard purchases use your Key to the World Card for the in-person transaction, and ultimately charge to that designated credit card on file. You may see the current list of charges, organized by each Guest in your party, in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.
At any time, you may stop by the Guest Services Desk to inquire about recent charges or discuss a potential error. You may also provide a different payment method in person if you wish to pay down some of the ongoing expenses during your cruise. For example, I like to take my physical Disney gift cards onboard and put them towards my stateroom folio during our sailing. You can also do this ahead of your cruise by purchasing onboard credit for yourself using a Disney gift card.
The final night of any sailing typically sees longer lines at Guest Services as many Guests wish to finalize any different payment methods or resolve potential issues, so I advise you check the running stateroom folio occasionally and visit this helpful team before your final evening to save some time. However, if everything looks aligned to your spending and you do not wish to use a different payment method, there is no final closeout of your tab or any additional “check out” steps you need to take. You can download your final stateroom folio from the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, and you may even access this itemized bill on the Disney Cruise Line website for 90 days past your sailing.
On my last cruise, I spoke with Guest Services and confirmed that they accept the following methods of payment in person should you wish to put anything else towards your balance:
- U.S. Travelers Cheques (American Express brand only)
- Major credit cards
- Disney Gift Cards
- Disney Reward Dollars on a Disney Rewards Redemption Card
- Cash – U.S. Dollars
- Disney Vacation Club Onboard Credit
- Other Onboard Credit
- Please note they do not accept money orders
I hope this gives you peace of mind and hopefully one less “to do” for your last day of vacation, Teresa. Disney Cruise Line makes these vacations so seamless, and they really help take care of everything so you can slip into “vacation mode” and focus on the fun.
Please let us know how else we can help you make the most of this special vacation.
Wishing you a magical cruise,
Amy