Ahoy, Ammy!
Welcome aboard,
planDisney! I love the idea of ending the year with a magical voyage on
Disney Cruise Line. It's such an easy way to travel and the perfect way to relax after the holidays.
Ammy, it's typically easier to reserve the cruise for the extra Guest ahead of time, since rates and occupancy come into play. But with your situation, there are a few things to weigh before booking. If the rate is higher when you add the friend, you'll pay the current fare for the 4th Guest instead of the original fare you paid when you booked. Occupancy can be tricky because although your
stateroom may sleep 4 Guests, safety and lifeboat requirements may limit who you can add to your reservation later. If you book the cruise for all 4 of you and pay the full amount due,
cancellation fees will apply if the friend can't join you. (A full refund is offered if the friend is taken off the reservation before final payment.) With just over 100 days to go, final payment may be due at booking (depending on how many nights you've selected) or in the coming days. Restricted or
guaranteed staterooms can be tricky too, as they often don't allow changes and require a non-refundable payment at booking. You can change a name on the reservation up to 45 days before embarkation with no fee, and a nominal charge applies if you make the change less than 45 days before embarkation.
So while it can be done, there are a lot of things to consider when adding that 4th Guest to your cruise reservation. The timing makes your situation a little more unique. I hope my answer gives you the guidance needed to make the best decision for your crew. If you have any other questions, please let us know.
Best of luck with your magical plans,
Nancy