Is there ever a bad time to take a Disney Cruise?! These magical ships are floating resorts that sail to beautiful locations around the globe!

However, you might be wondering WHEN to take your Disney Cruise. Are there times of the year that are better than others? Of course, there are plenty of considerations such as crowds, pricing, extra costs, discounts, weather, holidays, themed sailings, and itineraries.

We’re all about helping our readers with difficult Disney decisions. And in this case, we’ve been on our fair share of sailings, so that we can bring you our best tips on when to book a Disney cruise!

Let’s get you closer to saying “Bon Voyage”!

Cruise Fares

First up, you might be wondering about overall cruise fares. Prices are steep on Disney Cruise Line (DCL) compared to other cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean. Therefore, you could save some money by looking for the cheapest pricing, avoiding extra costs, and looking for discounts.

Pricing

It’s not surprising that the most expensive time of the year to cruise is during holidays as well as summer. After all, these are the dates that many families have open on their calendars. School is out, work might be slow, and extended families find these dates easier to coordinate.

January and February can be very affordable months to sail — just steer clear of holiday weekends!

The cheapest time of the year to cruise is fall. That’s because kids have gone back to school and hurricane season is in full swing.

Extra Costs 

Special themed and seasonal cruises are offered throughout the year. In 2023, look for Silver Anniversary at Sea sailing dates, which celebrate DCL’s 25th anniversary! These will be priced at a premium.

Holiday Cruises

Perhaps you’d like to have some not-so-spooky FUN on a Halloween on the High Seas cruise!

These seasonal sailings are available on ALL Disney Cruise Line ships on most itineraries from late September through Halloween (of course!).

Or what better way to celebrate the holiday season than aboard a Very Merrytime Cruise!

These seasonal sailings are available on ALL Disney Cruise Line ships on most itineraries in November and December

Themed Cruises

Select sailings (starting January 6, 2024 through March 2, 2024) on the Disney Fantasy will feature a Pixar Day at Sea!

Get ready to dine, sing, play, dance, and even make a splash with Pixar pals!

In 2024, Marvel Day at Sea is being offered on 10 five-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

You can expect exclusive entertainment, including the appearance of over 30 heroes and villains.

Click HERE to see MARVEL-themed TREATS for Marvel Day at Sea!

How to Get Discounts 

The Disney Cruise Line has tiered pricing, meaning you’ll find lower rates the earlier you book.

Travel Agents like our friends at Small World Vacations can be an amazing tool when planning a cruise. These travel agents are experts at looking for discounts. Best of all, their services are free!

Also, watch for Disney Vacation Club, U.S. Military, and other discounts that are sometimes offered.

You can get started booking a cruise through Small World Vacations right here!

Crowds

Summer, spring break, and holidays are the most crowded times aboard the Disney ships.

If it’s important to your family to avoid crowds, look to fall dates, which offer more stateroom availability.

Some staterooms, including suites, will still require passengers to book far in advance.

Check out our ultimate guide to the Disney Cruise Line in 2023 here!

Weather

Weather is an important consideration when taking any vacation, but especially on an ocean voyage. The weather will depend on where your departure port is located and the Ports of Call on your itinerary.

Best time to travel based on destination

Bahamas/Caribbean
If you want to avoid the summer heat, we recommend sailing in winter or spring. Try January or February — most kids are back in school after the Winter Break, and pretty much everyone has settled back into their post-Holiday work rhythm.

You’ll also want to keep hurricane season (June 1 through November 30) in mind.

Alaska
The best time to sail to Alaska is in the summer months.

This works perfectly for families with school-age children.

Europe

Summer is also the best time to voyage to European ports. This is especially true for the most northern ports, which can experience harsh weather.

Mexico

With the exception of Spring Break weeks, sailings to Mexico are typically best in the spring.

Itineraries

Some cruises, such as Alaska, are not offered year-round.

Look INSIDE Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship — The Treasure

List of Ships and Where They Sail

Here’s a quick glance at the Disney fleet and where they are currently sailing. The Disney Cruise Line is made up of five – soon to be seven – ships. The ships include the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Dream. The fleet will be joined by the Disney Treasure in 2024! Disney Cruise Line has also recently purchased the Global Dream cruise ship.

• Disney Magic – Bahamas and Caribbean; October – November sailing from San Diego; look for many sailings from Galveston and New Orleans in 2024
• Disney Wonder – summer 2023 in Alaska, then Hawaii and Australia
• Disney Dream – summer 2023 in Europe; then departures from New York to Bermuda, followed by departures mostly from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean and Bahamas
• Disney Fantasy – Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral
• Disney Wish – 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral

Complete Guide: Disney’s Alaska Cruises for 2023, 2024 and Beyond

Overall 

So, deciding the best time to sail will depend on when you can sail and what Ports of Call you would like to visit. Beyond those considerations, remember to factor in your budget (including any interest in themed or holiday cruises) and the weather.

We’ve enjoyed wonderful cruises at all times of the year! Happy sailing!

When did you decide to cruise? Tell us in the comments.