FROM: Disney Travel Tips from Mouseketrips Published Saturdays
Disney Cruise Line Special Restriction Staterooms
Disney cruises are expensive. And often it's difficult, if not impossible, to dig up a discount on your stateroom. Enter Keith Anderson! If you're flexible and not too picky, Keith shows how to set sail for less in a special restriction stateroom.
Last minute cruise deals are the staple of bargain seeking cruisers and cruise companies alike. If you can travel last minute, you can often find a fantastic deal on a cruise.
Saving Money on Disney Cruises
The Disney Cruise Line has always shied away from last minute discounts. With nearly 100,000 Disney employees within an hour of Port Canaveral, Disney often gives employees last minute deals as a sort of perk.
By not offering these same discounts to guests, Disney hopes to encourage them to book cruises early since the cost will only increase the longer they delay.
In January, Disney Cruise Line started a new program entitled Special Restriction Staterooms, their version of last minute deals that really aren't last minute deals. The discounts become available only after a cruise has passed its final payment due date, which is typically 75 days before sailing. If you book a cruise during these final 75 days, look for the following types of stateroom:
- Inside Stateroom with Restrictions (GTY IGT)
- Oceanview Stateroom with Restrictions (GTY OGT)
- Verandah Stateroom with Restrictions (GTY VGT)
If you book an inside stateroom with restrictions, for example, you will be guaranteed one of those staterooms (or better), but you can't select its location or other particulars. You can save some decent money, usually 30% or more, if that doesn't bother you.
Restrictions on Special Restriction Staterooms
Be aware that if you have an existing reservation, you can't switch to an 'unrestricted stateroom', because they become available only after the end of the cancellation period for regular staterooms. You would have to first cancel your reservation, incurring cancellation fees, and then rebook.
Keep in mind the fine print when you book an unrestricted statement:
- Disney Cruise Line will assign your specific stateroom
at a later time, based on availability. - Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
- Sail date and stateroom category changes are not permitted.
- The stateroom offer can't be combined with any other discount or promotional offer.
- Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.
These specials only will be available on selected cruises. Don't plan your vacation in the hope of getting one, as they are few and far between.
But If you are can live with the restrictions, and there is availability on your cruise, definitely take a look at this option to save some money on an expensive Disney cruise.
While you're waiting for Keith's next Disney tip, why not ask him to plan your next Disney trip? Mouseketrips does nothing but Disney - and they're really good at it! Hook up with them at their website, through Twitter, or on Facebook.
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