Current Promotion: $25 Onboard Credit and Discounted Initial Deposit
Disney Cruise Line is currently running a special offer where you pay half of the deposit when you book a cruise (the remainder is due with final payment) and you receive $25 onboard credit when you book online by Sunday December 16, 2012. This offer is valid for all sailings through December 31, 2013.
When will the 2014 dates be released?
This is the most searched topic on the site. There are two possible dates that stick out when looking at a calendar, December 17, 2012 and January 7, 2013.
- December 17, 2012
The end date of the latest promotion leads me to believe the 2014 (and maybe 2015) dates may be released on Monday December 17, 2012, one week before Christmas. I have my doubts Disney would release new itineraries during the holiday weeks of 12/24 and 12/31. Sure, they could release them during the next 3 weeks, but this would overlap with the current promotion. Waiting until the second week of January (first week would be broken up by the New Year’s Holiday), would inconvenience some families looking to rebook their yearly vacations onboard starting in 2014. - January 7, 2013
If Disney does not release the itineraries before Christmas, then the next likely date would be after the holidays on January 7, 2013. The week of 1/7 represents the first full week where passengers would not be able to book a year in advance while onboard (the days in yellow would represent the first sailings in 2014 for the fleet).
I know people are accustomed to taking vacations during the same week year after year. Not being able to book next year’s vacation could cause some to look elsewhere, leading me to believe the 2014 itineraries will be released in December. Disney could however release these at any time. There is the clause in the current promotion that limits the promotion to sailings departing through December 31, 2013. However, Monday is a likely day for an announcement. In early November, Disney announced itinerary changes for the Galveston sailings.
Unless there are drastic itinerary changes (a few weeks ago there were some new Caribbean and European ports of call briefly shown) the Dream will continue to sail three and four night Bahamian cruises, and the the Fantasy will continue to alternate seven night Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises. The Magic and Wonder are the wild cards, but you can read some of my thoughts on possible 2014 Itineraries and sailing dates here.
I am not sure why there is a delay releasing at least the Dream & Fantasy itineraries other than trying to get people to book what is currently available. Back in June, I asked the rebooking agent onboard the Fantasy when the dates would be released and she said September or October, but that ship has sailed. Recent passengers have been told January which in the above scenario points to 1/7/2013. When do you think Disney will release the 2014 dates and what are your thoughts on the apparent delay?
With the other promotion ending, do you think there will immediately be a new promotion? Or will they wait a few months before offering something else? Any idea what those promotions might look like? Does Disney generally cycle through similar promotions each year?
Looking to book on the Fantasy for Feb of 2014, and I don’t want to miss out on anything for rushing in and getting it on the books!
More than likely the best deal you will get is the opening day price.
Is it true that one gets the best price if booked on a current cruise?
Yes, that’s correct. Both a percentage off, and a lower deposit needed.
Not necessarily. The best price is opening day. If, when you cruise, you reshop your booking, it may be a better deal. Where you get the BEST deal is booking a dummy cruise on board & then moving your booking to a cruise on opening day. This give you 10% off opening day prices PLUS the rebooking on board credit.
You really have to be savvy.
“… if booked on a current cruise?” Does this mean booking a future cruise when you are one the ship? Tough to do if they release the itinerary dates late !
See my reply above.
Emily, what’s an opening day cruise? First cruise for that port?
Or is opening day the first day it goes on sale?
It’s the first day the sailing is available to book.
How do you book a “dummy cruise?” I am not currently booked for a cruise.
Basically, you just book a cheap 3-night cruise that you have no intention of sailing on. When new dates are release you or your travel agent move the cruise to the sailing of your choice. Note you must pay the difference in deposit and you need to make sure you move it before the paid in full date.
Do you need to book the type of room you are REALLY going to need and the correct number of people going when booking a dummy cruise?
The room type is not necessary, but the number of people (especially kids) is important. DCL limits the number of people per muster station, and the number of kids to avoid overcrowding of the kid’s clubs. There could be issues adding people at a later date.