Ahoy, Meredith!
Welcome aboard planDisney! I love that you’re thinking ahead so your future self can simply show up, step onboard, and sail away without a care in the world. It’s like you’re building your own happily-ever-after at sea—complete with the financial fairy godmother work done well before embarkation day!
Now, while I wish I could wave a magic wand and book your dream cruise two or three years in advance, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t quite open the storybook that far ahead. Currently, new itineraries are typically released about 18 months before sailing—though with more ships joining the fleet, there’s always hope we might see that window open a little wider in the future (one can dream!).
That said, you can absolutely start charting your course now! Here’s how I like to plan when my dream itinerary hasn’t been released yet: I find a similar sailing on the current schedule to use as my “treasure map” for estimating costs. I match the time of year (holidays, school breaks, summer), the ports of call,
the ship, and the stateroom category so I get as close as possible to what that future cruise might cost. Once I have that ballpark figure, I start setting aside a little each month—kind of like filling a treasure chest one gold coin at a time. Then, when those magical itineraries drop, I’m ready to book,
pay the deposit (or more), and feel like I just pulled off the ultimate Captain Jack Sparrow move.
As you’re saving, remember to
factor in gratuities and those extra splashes of magic: keepsake souvenirs, a
romantic dinner at Palo Steakhouse for the grown-ups, that adorable popcorn bucket you’ll tell yourself you don’t need (but absolutely do), or maybe a few refreshing “Drink of the Day” moments by the pool. Those little details are what make a Disney cruise feel like more than just a trip—it’s an adventure where every moment counts.
I hope this helps you set your compass toward smooth sailing and stress-free planning! Until your ship comes in, may your plans be as steady as Moana’s wayfinding and your future cruise as magical as Peter Pan’s flight over London—second star to the right, and straight on ‘til embarkation day!
Sea ya real soon as we ride the wave of summer’s final stretch in Disney style,
Dustin