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Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Membership Levels

The Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty rewards program for repeat cruisers. DCL grants membership the moment a guest completes their first cruise. Membership comes with perks, and the more cruises you take, the more perks you can get.

Like all loyalty programs, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club has several levels – three to be exact: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Your status is based on the number of cruises you have completed. 

Silver: Guests who have completed 1-5 voyages with Disney Cruise Line. On your 5th cruise, you are still considered Silver. However, the moment you step off the ship from your 5th sailing you are immediately upgraded to Gold status.

Check out some retired Castaway Club merchandise and gifts here.

Gold: Guests who have completed 6-9 voyages with Disney Cruise Line.

Platinum: Guests who have completed 10 cruises. Again, your 10th cruise will be your final Gold-level cruise, and afterward, you will be Platinum.

Castaway Club Membership Perks

Disney grants perks to guests based on their membership level. The higher the level, the more perks you will receive. 

Silver: 

• Book new itineraries 1 day earlier than the general public and cruise activities 90 days prior to sailing.
• Unique Castaway Club member communications
• Dedicated Castaway Club phone number
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
• Welcome Back Aboard gift
• Book new itineraries 2 days earlier than the general public and cruise activities 105 days prior to sailing.
• All Silver member benefits
• Special discounts (See next section)
• Book new itineraries 3 days earlier than the general public and cruise activities 120 days prior to sailing.
• All Gold and Silver member benefits
• Complimentary dinner at Palo for you and guests sailing in your stateroom. 

About Those Onboard Discounts

Even if this is your first cruise, always ask the crew member about discounts when making purchases. Disney Vacation Club members, Disney Visa Cardholders, and other Disney affinity groups have access to discounts on qualifying purchases onboard Disney Cruise Line. But you have to ask!

Castaway Club Perks That Have Sailed Away

Perks come, and perks go. Some perks disappeared during the pandemic and have yet to make a reappearance. 

• Gold and Platinum Onboard Reception (for cruises 8 nights or longer) : This has been “paused” since the resumption of cruising operations, and we have not heard of its return at this time.
• Advance check-in:  Before the pandemic, Castaway Club members had access to early cruise check-in at the same time they booked onboard activities and Port Adventure. Now all guests are eligible to check in 30 days prior to sailing. This means everyone has an equal shot at grabbing a coveted early Port Arrival Time.
• Special Merchandise: This is an unofficial report. On my last cruise ( Disney Dream – May 2022) I did not see any merchandise for Castaway Club members in any gift shop. The selection was always small – usually a mug, cap, or maybe a t-shirt – but it seems to be missing now. If you’ve seen any merch, let us know!

Gifts change from time to time. Below is the beach bag that I received in 2016. The previous bag was from a 2010 European Sailing.

Platinum (and Beyond)

Until recently, Disney Cruise Line has only recognized three main levels of membership: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. However, as DCL ages, the number of Platinum Level Castaway Club members has increased.

When booking opened up for the Disney Wish , we were all expecting tiered opening dates based on Castaway Club level, but DCL threw in a little curveball. Platinum members were divided into four groups:

• Members with 25+ cruises
• Members with 20+ cruises
• Members with 15+ cruises
• Members with 10+ cruises

Each sub-group had its own date to begin booking on the newest ship. The result: The Inaugural sailing was sold out the morning that Platinum members with 10+ cruises could book.

Castaway Club Program Benefits

What do you think about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club? Have you enjoyed the perks and gifts? What would you like to see DCL do differently with its loyalty program ?

About Post Author

Melanie Clatfelter

Melanie is the mom of three young adults. She is a native Floridian who now lives in North Carolina. She is a Gold Castaway Club Member who has sailed on all four of the current ships at least once and is ready to set sail on the Disney Wish this fall.

See author's posts

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Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Benefits and Levels Explained

Disney Cruise Line has a multi-tiered loyalty program for past passengers known as the Castaway Club.  You only need to sail once on a Disney cruise ship to automatically be added to the club and have access to the membership benefits.  Once you are added to the club, you will receive a membership card in the mail that has your membership number.

The Castaway Club only has three levels based on the number of cruises sailed: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.  Here are the levels and benefits of each level:

SILVER CASTAWAY  (Begins after 1st completed cruise)

GOLD CASTAWAY  (Begins after 5th completed cruise)

PLATINUM CASTAWAY  (Begins after 10th completed cruise)

AT-HOME BENEFITS:

**Early booking for New Itineraries: Members have access to book the newest itineraries before the general public.  Castaway Club members can book before the general public through the call center or their travel agent can do this on their behalf.

Silver: 1 day before general public; Gold: 2 days before general public; Platinum: 3 days before general public.

**Early access to activity planning online: Advance access to online booking for cruise activities including Specialty Adult Dining, Character Greeting requiring tickets, Character Dining, Port Adventures and more.

Silver: 90 days prior to sailing; Gold: 105 days prior to sailing; Platinum: 120 days prior to sailing.

**Castaway Club Member Communications: Periodically, members will receive updates just for members.

**Dedicated Castaway Club Phone Number: There is a members-only direct line for information and assistance.

**In addition to the above at-home benefits, Gold and Platinum members have early access to select port arrival times. Platinum members can board at any time once boarding commences.  Gold members will be able to select a preferred port arrival time upon completing their eDocuments.

ONBOARD BENEFITS:

**Exclusive cruise terminal check-in:  All Castaway club levels can utilize a dedicated members-only line for check-in at the terminal.

**Welcome Back Aboard Gift: All Club Members will find a special gift that is unique to their level waiting for them in their stateroom.  (One gift per stateroom)

**Gold and Platinum members Onboard Reception: On 8-night or longer cruises, there is a private reception with special entertainment for Gold and Platinum level members.

**Platinum Priority check-in at Cruise Terminal: Platinum Castaway Club members enjoy the benefit of check-in at the concierge area of the cruise terminal. They will receive priority boarding following Concierge guests.

**Platinum Complimentary Dinner at Palo: One complimentary dinner at Palo is available to the Platinum member and Guests staying in the member’s stateroom.

Don’t forget that while you are on board a Disney Cruise that you can get special savings on future cruises.  Make sure that you stop by the future cruise desk to check on the details and offers.  If you booked your current cruise through a Travel Agent, make sure that their information is listed if you would like for them to continue to serve as your agent.

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What to Know About Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Line's Loyalty Program

Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, including membership tiers and exclusive perks.

Jacqueline Dole is a freelance food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things.

Castaway Club Membership Tiers

Tips for making the most of your status.

• Disney Cruise Line Tips and Tricks

Amy Smith/Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has gained a huge following since the Disney Magic first set sail in 1998, and for good reason. With Broadway-quality shows, some of the best food on the open seas, and unparalleled customer service, travelers of all ages are loyal to the line. Disney Cruise Line rewards this loyalty with the Castaway Club, a program with tiered categories based on how many voyages you’ve completed. Each of the different tiers holds unique perks, from free meals at Palo, an adult-exclusive restaurant on board, to discounts on merchandise and even free gifts each time you sail.

Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, starting with the status tiers. 

Steven Diaz/Disney Cruise Line

Guests are awarded Silver status after completing one voyage with Disney Cruise Line. “Silver Castaway Club Members receive their membership perks as soon as they complete their first sailing. This means that when it’s time to book your second sailing, you have early access to both reserving new itineraries and planning your cruise activities for your upcoming sailing online. To make the most of your benefits, be sure to keep up with Disney Cruise Line’s itinerary releases,” says Adrianna H., a PlanDisney Specialist . Silver status allows guests to book new itineraries at least one day before the general public can. This is a huge advantage for some of the more popular routes and even new ships, like the upcoming Disney Treasure . 

Silver Castaway Club members can book onboard cruise activities like spa treatments and specialty dining as well as Port Adventures, Disney’s lingo for shore excursions, 90 days before sailing. Some of the more popular activities and restaurants fill up fast, like reservations for the private cabanas at Disney’s island, Castaway Cay , and brunch at Palo, the adults-only Italian restaurant on board, so this extra time can help ensure that you get to spend your vacation exactly as you’d like. 

Silver Members can complete online check-in, select their port arrival time, and register children for youth clubs 33 days before sailing. By securing an early port arrival time, you’re able to board the ship early and start your vacation right away. 

Some ports also have exclusive cruise terminal check-in for different tiered members, allowing you to access a shorter line for day-of check-in protocols. Silver members are also given an exclusive phone number to call for any questions or requests before their sailing. 

All Silver members receive a “Welcome Back Aboard” gift during their sailings. Castaway Club members of every tier receive a Castaway Club lanyard for easy access to their Key to the World card, which allows you to charge purchases to your room, open your stateroom door, and enter and exit the ship while at port. “My favorite Castaway Club perk is the Welcome Back Aboard gift.  The lanyards are a great conversation starter with fellow passengers. I love to hear about everyone’s favorite ship and itinerary. It’s these connections with other guests that make cruising with Disney special,” according to Tracie M., a PlanDisney Specialist . In addition to the lanyards, Silver members currently receive a complimentary tote bag, which is great for carrying towels to the perfect beach lounger at Castaway Cay.

Guests are awarded Gold status after completing five sailings with Disney Cruise Line, and they receive all the same perks as Silver members, plus some new ones. With this status, members can book new itineraries at least two days before the general public. As some itineraries sell out quickly and prices generally only go up as the sail date gets closer, it’s a good idea to book your trip as soon as possible.

Gold Castaway Club members can add onboard activities and Port Adventures 105 days before sailing, and they can complete online check-in, select port arrival time, and register any children for youth clubs 35 days before sailing. These extra two days might not seem like much, but on crowded sailings, it can be the equivalent of additional hours on board as the early time slots fill up quickly. 

Gold members are also invited to a private reception for higher-tier Castaway Club members on sailings that are eight nights and longer, featuring special entertainment, refreshments, and a chance to meet the ship’s captain and officers. And that’s not all — sometimes Gold sailors can get exclusive access to other members-only experiences on the ship. “On a transatlantic itinerary I experienced last year, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at one of the musicals in the Walt Disney Theatre,” says Adrianna H.

Once you reach Gold, you receive a small discount on select experiences and merchandise on board, generally about 10 percent. “To make the most of your status, I recommend visiting the Disney Cruise Line website to see your exclusive perks because sometimes they can change. My son’s favorite perk is the discount in the gift shop. He recently added the towel animal plush elephant to his collection. He even used his Platinum discount to purchase it himself,” says Tracie M. from PlanDisney. Gold members also receive a Castaway Club lanyard denoting their tiered status, the tote bag gifted to Silver members, and a wet/dry bag.

Guests are awarded Platinum status after completing 10 sailings. This tier allows you all the same benefits as the Gold tier, with some additional perks. Platinum Castaway Club members can book new itineraries at least three days earlier than the general public and add onboard activities and Port Adventures 120 days before sailing. Platinum-level members can also complete online check-in and select their port arrival time 38 days before sailing. 

Platinum members receive a Castaway Club lanyard denoting their tiered status, the tote bag gifted to Silver members, the wet/dry bag gifted to Gold members, and a beach towel. “One benefit that Platinum guests sometimes forget is the Platinum Member Gift. Once on board, they can call room service and ask what the gift options are — for example, a cheese and fruit platter, a truffle chocolate box, or a bottle of Prosecco,” says Chris Konecny, owner of DCL Cruising Dad .

Finally, one of the most exciting benefits of being a loyal passenger aboard Disney Cruise Line is a complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse, an adults-only restaurant aboard the fleet of ships. The Northern Italian-inspired menu is a fan favorite, offering a four-course prix-fixe menu for $45 per person or the option to order à la carte. If you opt to order à la carte, you will receive a $45 credit per guest to apply to the final bill. Only guests 18 years and older can dine at Palo, and reservations are subject to availability, so be sure to book as soon as possible. 

The newest Castaway Club tier, Pearl, debuted last May. To qualify for this level, guests must have completed 25 sailings, and members of this elite tier are granted all the benefits from the Platinum level, as well as some additional advantages. 

Pearl Castaway Club members can book new itineraries at least four days before the public, and they can add onboard activities and Port Adventures 123 days before sailing. Pearl Members can complete online check-in and register children for youth clubs 40 days before sailing. Plus, Pearl Castaway Club members are not required to select a port arrival time when checking in for an upcoming sailing. They are automatically placed in the first boarding group for their cruise, a perk they share only with guests traveling in concierge staterooms. 

Additionally, Pearl members are given a complimentary unlimited digital photo package which allows guests to download all the photos from their journey. Pearl members also receive a Castaway Club lanyard denoting their tiered status, a tote bag, a wet/dry bag, and the beach towel and room service offerings provided to lower tiers, plus a pair of insulated stemless flute tumblers. 

Finally, the highest honor of all: Once you have completed 50 cruises with Disney Cruise Line, you will have the opportunity to display your family’s last name on a commemorative display at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

• Utilize your Castaway Club status to book itineraries as soon as they are released as prices will generally only go up as room availability goes down. “Use your early cruise booking window for best pricing and room availability. The prices for Disney cruises typically only go up after opening day, and room types become more limited on special sailings,” advises Brian Flock and Samantha Kanner, hosts of the DCL Duo Podcast . 
• Figure out which popular activities you want to do and prioritize these as soon as your booking window opens. This includes Palo reservations — especially brunch and seatings on Pirate Night — private cabanas on Castaway Cay, and any popular Port Adventures you may want to experience, such as the Glacier Explorer onboard Alaska itineraries. 
• Be sure to use your status to your advantage and check in for your sailing as soon as you can. Select the earliest possible port arrival time, and if you’re a fan of swimming, either wear or pack your swimsuit. One great way to spend these first few hours is to hop in the pools before everyone else does; in the past, I’ve had the whole pool deck to myself on the first day, something that rarely happens for the rest of the voyage. 

Related: Disney Cruise Secrets and Tips You Should Know Before You Go

Disney Cruise Line Tips and Tricks 

• Fans of DCL: Don’t wait too long to book your next trip. As of December 2023, Disney Cruise Line changed the eligibility requirements for Castaway Club membership effective immediately. In order to maintain their status, Castaway Club members must book or sail on at least one eligible cruise within five years of their last voyage. 
• If you find yourself plotting your next Disney Cruise Line vacation before you even disembark, take advantage of the placeholder deal before you leave the ship. “For a small deposit, you can make a placeholder reservation for a future Disney Cruise. It’s a great way to save some money on your next Disney vacation at sea,” says Tracie M. This placeholder includes a 10 percent discount on your next voyage, as long as it’s within 24 months after the placeholder reservation is booked.
• If you see something you want in the gift store, don’t wait. Adrianna H. explains, “If you see something in the onboard stores that you can’t live without, it’s a good idea to purchase it sooner rather than later. Some popular items sell out and do not get restocked during your voyage.”
• And don’t be afraid to try something new on your next trip. While the onboard restaurants are all fantastic, sometimes the best days are the most spontaneous ones, and you might as well take full advantage of Disney Cruise Line’s unique complimentary room service policy. “If you’ve never skipped your dinner seating to enjoy room service in your stateroom while watching a Disney movie, the next cruise you take is the perfect opportunity to do so. Don’t forget to order a Mickey Bar!” says Adrianna.

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Disney Cruise Line’s Loyalty Program — Castaway Club [Review]

Ashley Onadele

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Table of Contents

Castaway club loyalty program, castaway club membership benefits [tier levels], booking your disney cruise line cruise, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

In addition to Disney theme parks around the world, Disney provides magical cruise vacation experiences for guests of all ages on Disney Cruise Line. Castaway Club, the cruise line’s loyalty program, rewards cruisers with status and perks after completing just 1 cruise.

Frequent cruisers can take advantage of early booking privileges and even have their family name memorialized on Disney’s private island. The program is simple, and there’s nothing you have to do to participate except take a cruise. Here’s what you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club.

Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program . All it takes to join the program is to sail on 1 Disney cruise, though the more you cruise, the more perks you receive. Entry into the program is free and automatic after completing your first cruise with Disney Cruise Line .

There are 4 Castaway Club membership tiers: Silver Member, Gold Member, Platinum Member, and Pearl Member . Each status level is earned by sailing 1, 5, 10, and 25 sailings, respectively. Pearl Members who take 50 sailings or more get additional benefits.

After your first completed sailing, you’ll automatically receive Silver Member status, and then it’s only up from there.

The program is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line’s ocean cruises . River and expedition cruises offered by Adventures by Disney do not count toward member status.

Below is a breakdown of each Castaway Club tier and its benefits.

Silver Member: 1 Completed Sailing

• Book new itineraries at least 1 day before the general public
• Add cruise activities 90 days before sailing
• Select port arrival time and complete online check-in 33 days before sailing
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in, where available
• Exclusive Castaway Club Member phone number and member communications

Onboard Benefits

• Welcome aboard gift

Gold Member: 5 Completed Sailings

• Book new itineraries at least 2 days before the general public
• Add cruise activities 105 days before sailing
• Select port arrival time and complete online check-in 35 days before sailing
• All Silver Member benefits
• Private onboard reception
• Exclusive member discounts

Platinum Member: 10 Completed Sailings

• Book new itineraries at least 3 days before the general public
• Add cruise activities 120 days before sailing
• Select port arrival time and complete online check-in 38 days before sailing
• All Silver and Gold Member benefits
• Complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse

Palo Steakhouse is only available on Disney Wish, while Palo is available on Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy. The adults-only dining venue has a formal or semi-formal dress code and requires a reservation.

Pearl Member: 25 Completed Sailings

• Book new itineraries at least 4 days before the general public
• Add cruise activities 123 days before sailing
• Select port arrival times and complete online check-in 40 days before sailing
• Complimentary Unlimited Digital Photo Package
• All Silver, Gold, and Platinum Member benefits
• Guests who complete 50 or more sailings can choose to have their family name displayed at Disney Castaway Cay, while supplies last

For each member level, kids earn the same status as adults .

When booking a Disney cruise , you can pay the old-fashioned way with cash or book your cruise with points and miles .

Earning Points on Your Disney Cruise

If you’re looking to earn points for your Disney Cruise Line purchase, there are great ways to do that, too. When planning to make a big purchase, opening a new credit card to earn a welcome bonus offer might be a good idea .

A travel credit card that earns transferrable rewards, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , is great to have on hand for additional expenses that come with a cruise vacation. If you must fly to where your cruise departs, the card’s annual $300 Capital One Travel credit can help you get there. Earning 2x Capital One miles minimum on every purchase, your rewards will add up quickly. You can redeem your miles for a hotel before or after your cruise or use your miles to pay for travel purchases like ride-shares or tours (within 90 days of purchase).

Disney Credit Cards

The Disney ® Premier Visa ® card and Disney ® Visa ® Card offer 10% off select purchases when using your card for onboard purchases over $50. Cardholders also receive 10% off non-discounted Disney Cruise Line digital photo packages and 20% off select onboard spa treatments. Special Disney vacation financing on cruises is also available.

There are no discounts on cruise fare or complimentary perks when sailing Disney Cruise Line when you hold a Disney credit card. However, you will earn Disney Rewards Dollars that you can redeem for Disney theme park tickets or Disney cruise packages. Unless you exclusively cruise or vacation with Disney, other cards offer more valuable perks.

Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club is a straightforward loyalty program. The more you cruise, the higher the status you earn. Unlike some cruise lines, it doesn’t matter how much you spend or what category cabin you sail in. The benefits are a little lackluster, but the value is not so much in the bells and whistles.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is disney cruise line castaway club.

Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s way of recognizing its loyal cruisers. Membership is free and automatic after completing 1 sailing.

How do I find my Castaway Club number?

After sailing at least 1 Disney Cruise Line cruise, you will be assigned a Castaway Club number. You have to log in to the Disney Cruise Line website with your Disney credentials to find your Already Booked cruises. At the bottom of that page, you’ll select Castaway Club under the My Account section.

How do you become a Castaway Club member?

It’s free to join Castaway Club. An account will automatically be created for you after completing your first sailing.

What do you get for being a Silver Castaway Club member?

Castaway Club Silver  Members receive several perks, including an exclusive phone number, member communications, and the ability to book new itineraries at least 1 day before the general public. You automatically become a Silver Member after your first completed sailing.

Is the Castaway Club worth it?

Castaway Club is free and automatic, so there’s nothing that you need to do to join except complete 1 sailing. From there, you’ll receive various benefits based on how many Disney Cruise Line sailings you complete.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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Disney Cruise Line

NEW DETAILS: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Castaway Club Membership Tier

by Jacqueline Logan , Public Relations Manager

As part of our countdown to the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” Disney Cruise Line celebration , we’ve been sharing details about the newest tier of Castaway Club, Pearl. And today, we’re excited to reveal more of the magic awaiting our most loyal guests.

What is  Castaway Club  you ask? Castaway Club is our special way of recognizing Disney Cruise Line guests who have continued to sail time and time again. Members are rewarded with exclusive at-home and onboard benefits that add an extra layer of magic to their Disney cruise experience. 

For nearly two-and-a-half decades, members of the Castaway Club have played an integral role in the Disney Cruise Line story. The new membership tier was named “Pearl” to honor the valued relationship we have formed with guests over the years and is inspired by the time it takes for a pearl to be formed in nature. With the launch of Pearl this summer on May 1, cruisers who have sailed on at least 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations will have access to more rewards and perks than ever before. 

Unlimited Digital Downloads: Bring Home Memories That Last a Lifetime

On every Disney Cruise Line sailing, professional photographers capture pictures to help families preserve their most precious vacation souvenir of all – the memories made at sea. As a special “thank you” from Disney Cruise Line, Pearl Castaway Club members will unlock unlimited complimentary digital downloads, so they can cherish each magical moment for years to come.

The First to Know: Book Disney Cruise Line Vacations Before Anyone Else

When it comes to the ever-expanding list of exciting  Disney Cruise Line itineraries , Castaway Club Pearl members will be the very first guests to reserve their spot! The new membership tier introduces an early booking window that opens four days before the general public will gain access.

  Early Access: Customize Your Cruise Ahead of Time

Whether you’re seeking unplugged relaxation, active excursions abroad or enchanting encounters with beloved characters, Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of onboard and onshore activities that let you customize your cruise. From  character dining experiences  and adult-only  beverage tasting seminars  to  Port Adventures  and  Senses Spa & Salon  appointments, there is something for everyone. Pearl members will have the added benefit of scheduling activities before anyone else with an exclusive booking window that opens 123 days before the date of their next cruise beginning later this summer. 

Stateroom Surprises: Receive a Warm Welcome from Disney Cruise Line 

This summer, all Castaway Club members can look forward to a refreshed assortment of welcome aboard gifts awaiting them in their staterooms. As a part of this special surprise, Pearl members will receive a pair of beautiful pearlescent tumblers that are perfect for hydrating in style during their Disney Cruise vacation. Gifts will be limited to one per stateroom and are always subject to change and based on availability. 

Complimentary Dinner at Palo: Be Our Guest During a Signature Dining Experience 

Beloved by new and returning cruise goers alike for its Italian-inspired cuisine and romantic atmosphere,  Palo  is one of Disney Cruise Line’s signature adult-exclusive restaurants. Being hosted for dinner at Palo has become a favorite perk for Platinum Castaway Club members over the years. And now, guests who have earned Pearl membership status can also look forward to a complimentary dining experience at Palo during their next voyage, based on reservation availability. 

Ready to join the best club on the high seas? If you’ve sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, you’re automatically a member! You can learn more about Castaway Club and our 25 th  anniversary celebration on  disneycruise.com.  And make sure to keep following the  Disney Parks Blog  to discover even more surprises in store during Disney Cruise Line’s “Silver Anniversary at Sea”!

Destinations: Disney Cruise Line

I would think that after 25 cruises the pearl level should get a Disneyband+ as a complementary gift. A mug isn’t something you would bring on another cruise but the band would be a great token of you appreciation to loyal cruisers that you would bring each time.

Thank you Disney, these tumblers look nice, all the pictures are part of the magic for me so I am very happy they will now be included!! i would like to see Pearl get automatic boarding groups though.

This is really disappointing. You add a top tier that is 15 cruises higher than the last tier and is supposed to be for your most loyal guests and the best you can do is photo downloads and a set of tumblers? Think about the financial investment we have made to sail on 25 cruises and this is the additional perks you reward us with especially since you took so many away. It’s time to bring back boarding first, onboard reception, and how about dinner at Remy’s or spa treatment or tasting seminar for an upgrade . Currently there is nothing to brag about being Pearl, just that we have spent too much money. I love DCL and booked an extra cruise this year to ensure I would be Pearl this summer only to be disappointed that there is nothing special and no new experience I get for achieving it. You still have time to fix this, unveil some added experiences! Your loyal customers deserve it.

I am not understanding, I guess? I already get a complimentary PALO dinner for Platinum based on availability.

This is meh at best. Come on Disney.. you offer no enticement for cruisers to desire to be Pearl. Photo package is laughable, settling, as if you didn’t want to offer something great… Here’s an easy one NO PAT for Pearl status… Complimentary tary Palo or Remy, Complimentary beverage tasting or spa treatment, $200 OBC, 20% off merchandise, private meet n greet w characters for Pearl status… any of theses would be better then photo package.. come on Disney, get in touch with your audience

What, still no differentiated online or port check-ins! This ‘perk’ needs to come back for all levels of Castaway Club. It helps cruisers and DCL to spread out the crowds, BRING IT BACK PLEASE!

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How Does the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Work?

Your guide on how to join, castaway club benefits, and everything else you need to know.

The Castaway Club with Disney Cruise Line is a loyalty program that rewards cruisers with various perks, freebies, and discounts for sailing with Disney Cruise Line multiple times. Membership benefits increase based on the number of cruises you take. Members are categorized into four levels based on how many sailings they’ve completed: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Pearl. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of this program when sailing with Disney Cruise Line!

Prefer To Speak With Someone? Vacationeers Are Standing By!

How Do I Join the Disney Castaway Club?

You’re automatically enrolled in the Castaway Club after you complete your first sailing with Disney Cruise Line. There’s no formal way to sign up — you simply need to have sailed with DCL previously and use the same information when booking your next cruise. After your first Disney cruise , hang on to your Key to the World card (or write down the Castaway Club number shown on it) for future reference so you can use it when booking your next cruise and logging into your Castaway Club account . The benefits and perks of being a Castaway Club member don’t go into effect until your second (and subsequent) sailing. The great news is you’ll always have a reason to return for another Disney Cruise Line sailing, as you’ll start getting the benefits of being a Castaway Club member on your second cruise!

Castaway Club Benefits

Everyone who is a part of the Castaway Club can access special perks only available to members. Here’s a rundown of the benefits all Castaway Club members receive:

Early Cruise Booking

All Castaway Club members receive early access to new ship bookings and itineraries. How early you’ll get to book these sailings before the general public depends on your membership tier (which we will discuss in detail later). Since inaugural sailings and new itineraries sell out quickly, early booking gives you the best chance to get the cruise you want at the best price possible.

Advanced Cruise Activity Booking

Castaway Club members can book onboard cruise activities, specialty dining , and excursions (which DCL calls “port adventures”) before first-time cruisers, who can book their activities 75 days before sailing. Like early cruise booking, how early you book your activities depends on your membership tier.

Book with The Vacationeer to Get Credit Toward Shore Excursions and Other Onboard Spending

Welcome Back Aboard Gift

Every member receives a special gift in their stateroom upon arrival. The type of gift may vary based on your membership tier, the ship you’re sailing on, and the specific itinerary you booked. Gifts change periodically, so it’s unlikely you’ll get the same exact gift twice unless you’re cruising in rapid succession. However, you may receive different versions of a similar gift—like sling bag in various colors. These gifts usually include the “Castaway Club” emblem, ship name, or specialty sailing logo.

A Cruise-O-Grams game previously provided as an onboard gift

Examples of welcome aboard gifts provided in the past have included:

• Backpack coolers
• Luggage tags
• Whiteboards
• Photo albums
• Water bottles

Disney recently announced that welcome aboard gifts will be refreshed and updated this summer. Disney also announced that all Castaway Club members will receive a limited-edition Captain Mickey art print in their staterooms to celebrate Disney Cruise Line’s Silver Anniversary at Sea . All members who cruise on any Disney cruise ship between May and September 2023 will receive this special gift.

Exclusive Terminal Check In

Castaway Club members can access a separate member embarkation queue at the port. This allows you to skip the lines and get on the ship as fast as possible!

Earlier Online Check-In / Port Arrival Time Selection

This benefit gives Castaway Club members an earlier chance to complete their online check-in; this gives them a slight head start on selecting their preferred port arrival time, letting them start their time on the ship just a bit earlier than everyone else!

Other Benefits

Castaway Club members receive “exclusive communication” from the club — though updates are pretty sporadic. Members can also access a member-only phone line for cruise planning assistance and questions, saving you hours waiting on hold. However, we recommend skipping staying on hold altogether by having a dedicated Disney Cruise Line Travel Agent, like the ones at The Vacationeer , book your cruise for you!

Plan Your Cruise With Your Own Dedicated Agent — No Waiting On Hold!

Castaway Club Levels

All Castaway Club members are entitled to the benefits listed above. However, how early you can book your cruise and activities, the type of gift you’ll receive, and additional benefits vary depending on your membership tier. There are four Castaway Club tiers currently available. Each level comes with enhanced perks, so the more you sail, the greater your benefits are. Here’s a detailed list of the current tiers and the benefits that accompany each one.

Silver Castaway: 1 to 4 Completed Sailings

Onboard Activity Booking:

90 days prior to sailing

Online Check-In:

33 days prior to sailing

New Ship & Itinerary Booking:

1 day before the general public

Once you’ve stepped off the ship from your first Disney cruise, you’ll automatically become a Silver Castaway Club member. While booking your next cruise, you can take advantage of benefits like early cruise and activity booking. On the ship, you can use the member-only check-in line and receive a welcome aboard gift when you arrive in your stateroom.

Gold Castaway: 5 to 9 Completed Sailings

105 days prior to sailing

35 days prior to sailing

2 days before the general public

Gold members get all the benefits of a Silver membership plus a few extras, including an earlier activity booking window and early access to new sailings. Gold members also get a small discount (about 10%) on select experiences and merchandise aboard. Another benefit is an exclusive onboard reception (**temporarily paused**) for sailings that last longer than eight nights. The reception includes special entertainment, food, and drinks. You’ll also get to meet the ship’s captain. Castaway Club member receptions were paused during the pandemic, and no return date has been announced at the time of publication.

Platinum Castaway: 10 to 24 Completed Sailings

120 days prior to sailing

38 days prior to sailing

3 days before the general public

One of the most sought-after benefits of being a Platinum member is receiving complimentary specialty dining at Palo or Palo Steakhouse . Note: these two dining locations are for adults only; guests must be 18 and older to dine there. Platinum Castaway Club members also receive upgraded welcome aboard gifts, such as boxes of truffles, sparkling wine, or even Bluetooth speakers.

Pearl Castaway (NEW!): 25+ Completed Sailings

123 days prior to sailing

40 days prior to sailing

4 days before the general public

Cruisers who have completed at least 25 Disney Cruises are placed in this brand-new Castaway Club tier that began on May 1, 2023. In addition to all the perks of being a Platinum member, you’ll also receive an unlimited digital download photo package of all the professional photos taken by photographers on the ship. Pearl members will also get an enhanced onboard gift: a pair of pearlescent tumblers with shimmering blush and white accents.

Getting the Most Out of Your Castaway Club Membership

Since you automatically become a Castaway Club member after your first complete sailing with Disney Cruise Line, taking advantage of your membership is easy for your second and following cruises. One of the best ways to take advantage of your membership is to utilize the early booking windows for new cruises and activities. You’ll get the best pricing for your cruise and the first chance to book experiences like excursions, specialty dining, spa experiences, and more.

To advance your membership as quickly as possible, consider booking multiple short cruises. Membership tiers are based on the number of cruises you take, not how many days or miles you sail. This means someone who took three four-day cruises may receive a higher membership level than someone who booked one 14-day cruise.

If you want to collect onboard welcome gifts, sail on different ships with multiple itineraries. Onboard gifts may vary by ship and change at random times, so picking new sailings will give you the best chance for variety.

Everyone connected to your reservation who stays in the same stateroom with you becomes a Castaway Club member—including infants and children. This allows your entire family to enjoy the perks of being a Castaway Club member for the rest of their lives. When your children are old enough to book cruises on their own, they could have already racked up some great perks and be in one of the top membership tiers!

Castaway Club memberships do not necessarily have an expiration date, but you do have to cruise at least fairly regularly to maintain your current level of membership or advance to a higher tier. Make sure that no more than five years passes between cruises or you’ll have to start over at the bottom Castaway Club tier.

Ready to Join Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club? Book Your Cruise Today!

Whether you’re booking your first cruise with Disney Cruise Line or are already part of the Castaway Club, let the travel agents at The Vacationeer help you plan your cruise!

Their Authorized Disney Vacation Planners can help you book onboard activities and off-shore excursions based on your unique booking window. They’ll also help you ensure you have all the correct information entered, so you get credit for each sailing. And you’ll get to take advantage of all their first-hand experience — they love taking Disney Cruises as much as they love booking them!

Plus: Cruisers who book through The Vacationeer receive a free onboard credit — that’s up to $1,000 of free spending money for activities, excursions, dining , and souvenirs onboard the ship!

Best of all, there’s absolutely no charge to use their planning services and your cruise price won’t be higher just because you used a travel agent — it might even cost less thanks to their expert knowledge of Disney Cruise Line discounts and money-saving tips!

So to recap: it won’t cost more — it might cost less — and you get free spending money! Why WOULDN’T you book with the Disney Cruise Experts at The Vacationeer ?

For more information about taking a Disney cruise, check out the resources in our other Disney Cruise Line articles , such as how to book a Disney cruise , how to save money on a Disney cruise , an overview of destinations and ports , and our guide to onboard credits .

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Castaway Club Benefits – A Complete Guide For 2024

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What are the Castaway Club Benefits for repeat Disney Cruisers? Once you have sailed on a Disney Cruise you automatically become a member of the Castaway Club.

But what does this mean and what perks do Castaway Club members have?

And scroll down to see information about the new tier.

Disney Castaway Club Levels

The Castaway Club is the Disney Cruise Line loyalty club.

There are four Disney Castaway Club Levels of membership:

• Silver – Begins after your first completed cruise
• Gold – Begins after your fifth completed cruise
• Platinum – Begins after your tenth completed cruise.
• Pearl – Begins after your twenty-fifth completed cruise.

Termination of Benefits

This one shows you that you really must read the fine print.

I usually do. My legal training means that I often really do read all the terms and conditions! However, I admit I did not read the Castaway Club members rules.

To remain in the program, Castaway Club Members must book or sail on at least one eligible cruise within 5 years of their last Disney voyage.

DCL made this major change to their Castaway Club eligibility back in March 2023. This change only came to light for the majority of Disney cruisers when the FAQ section of the DCL website was changed.

If you read the terms and conditions they have a wide open discretion:

“Membership in the Program will automatically terminate without notice if Member does not book or complete an eligible DCL cruise within the “Activity Period.” The Activity Period shall mean the five (5) year period after debarkation day of the Member’s last eligible DCL Cruise. However, DCL may (but is not required to) extend the Activity Period and/or continue making Program Benefits available to Member if Member does not book or complete an eligible DCL cruise within their Activity Period; such decisions shall be in DCL’s sole discretion”.

So what does that mean?

It means that DCL has left it open to change this requirement. Again, not sure why they added this as they can’t change the rules at any time without notice. And it seems they just have – or that they did in March 2023 and no one actually noticed!

New – Pearl Level of Membership

For 2023 there is a new level of Castaway Club membership.

Beginning on May 1, 2023, if you have sailed 25 Disney Cruises you will be awarded the new level of membership – Pearl.

This level introduces a very valuable perk – a complimentary Unlimited Photo Package.

DCL also announced that there will be new Welcome Back Aboard gifts for all levels.

For anyone who has so many of those sling backpacks and luggage labels they don’t know what to do with them, this is good news.

No announcement yet on what the gifts for other levels will be, but Pearl will find these drinking tumblers in their stateroom.

Note that you move up a level after you have completed your first, fifth, tenth, and twenty-fifth Disney Cruise.

In other words, if you are sailing on your 10th cruise, you are still at Gold Castaway Club level. When you sail again on a Disney Ship you will move up to Platinum Level.

What are the advantages of moving up the levels?

There are 2 types of benefits – those before you sail and those during your sailing.

How to Pack Like a Cruise Travel Expert

Castaway Cay Club Benefits – At Home

Perhaps the most valuable of the Castaway Club perks are these first two.

Early booking for the actual cruise itself and early booking for activities once you are actually booked on the cruise.

Disney Cruise Early Itinerary Booking

Disney Cruise Itineraries are usually released just three times a year.

As there are five Disney ships right now (soon to be seven with the Disney Treasure and the as yet renamed Global Dream that Disney purchased ) the competition for cruises, particularly certain sailings, can be fierce.

For instance, the Disney Magic European cruises tend to sell out in days and the Disney Cruises to Hawaii sell out extremely quickly.

Also, usually, the prices for Disney Cruises tend to go up over time .

As a general rule, the cost on the first day of release is the lowest you will see it.

We have been following Disney Cruise price changes for some time now and it is interesting how much prices change.

You can see here our Disney Cruise Wish Prices Guide and Disney Cruise Alaska Cost to see how prices change and usually increase.

Of course, there are exceptions to this, and military and Florida resident discounts are offered (usually for the Disney Dream).

However, unlike some other cruise lines that discount unsold staterooms closer to the time of sailing, Disney tends not to have a lot of unsold staterooms – so very few discounts.

So it is a very definite perk that once the new Disney Cruise sailings are released, all Castaway Cay members can book them earlier than the general public.

This is usually the pattern for the release of sailings for Castaway Club Members.

• Silver Castaway – 1 day prior to sailings being released to the general public
• Gold Castaway – 2 days prior to sailings being released to the general public
• Platinum Castaway – 3 days prior to sailings being released to the general public
• Pearl Castaway – 4 days prior to sailings being released to the general public

Disney Cruise Early Activities Booking

Another one of the major Castaway Club benefits is being able to book activities on board the ship earlier than non-members.

Some activities are extremely popular and get booked very quickly.

For example beverage tastings, Frozen Meet and Greet, Palo Brunch or Dinner, and the notoriously difficult-to-get Castaway Cay Cabana reservations.

I know that people do get very concerned that they have not been able to book certain activities online prior to their Disney Cruise.

However, don’t despair!

Often, there are still spots available once you board the ship as not all activities are released prior to sailing . The best example of this is Palo Brunch .

Every sailing, guests are concerned prior to boarding that they haven’t been able to get a reservation for Palo, particularly brunch.

However, not all of the available reservations for Palo are available online prior to boarding – they always hold some back.

So when you board the ship, always check to see if Palo or whatever other activity was “sold out” online is available. You can do this at guest services, or by going to the designated place where the dining room team will be there to help you.

Here are the priority dates for online reservations according to which level of Disney Cruise Castaway Cay member you are.

• First-time Guest – 75 days prior to the sail date
• Silver Castaway – 90 days prior to the sail date
• Gold Castaway – 105 days prior to the sail date
• Platinum Castaway – 120 days prior to the sail date
• Pearl Castaway – 123 days prior to the sail date

Concierge guests always had priority over Platinum as they could request reservations and activities 5 days prior to Platinum members.

I assume that now Concierge will be 5 days prior to Pearl members.

The activities are released on the same day, but in reality, Concierge will have priority over Platinum.

So, if you want to book a Castaway Cay Cabana you really need to sail concierge to maximize your chances.

Disney Cruise Port Arrival Time

Another great perk for Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members is Early Access to Select Port Arrival Times .

When you check in online you are allocated a port arrival time. If you are a Gold Castaway Club member you can select your port arrival time online.

This is subject to availability – the earlier times may all have been allocated, so you may still get a late boarding group.

It used to be that Platinum Members had the excellent perk of automatically being allocated the earliest Port Arrival time and having a Group 3 boarding group.

Now you have to be Pearl to enjoy early boarding times automatically. Pearl Members do not need a port arrival time. They can arrive at the port and go into the terminal as soon as it is open. They will be allocated an early boarding group.

Here is a Complete Guide To Embarkation on a Disney Cruise so you can see how the boarding process works and what to do on your first day.

At the port, Castaway Cay members will also have a dedicated check-in line. This is a nice perk as the lines are usually quite a bit shorter than the general line.

Platinum Members have the same line as Concierge, so this usually goes pretty quickly.

It remains to be seen if Pearl will replace Platinum or if they will have their own separate line.

Castaway Club Disney Cruise Phone Number

The final pre-cruise benefit of being a member of the Disney Cruise Castaway Club is the dedicated helpline 1-800-449-3380.

Disney Castaway Club Benefits Onboard

Castaway Club members also have benefits available once they have boarded their Disney Cruise Ship .

Every Castaway Cay Member gets a welcome back aboard gift . These gifts vary according to your membership level.

Over the years I have had some really useful gifts, although it became a little disappointing when you already have the exact same backpack and luggage label you have been given for the previous years!

Fortunately, DCL has now updated the gifts.

The last time I sailed I did get a new gift of a cool bag and a towel which was a welcome change.

Gold, Platinum and Pearl Discounts

Discounts in the store are a very nice perk. This is usually 10% discount on most goods in the store.

Gold Platinum and Pearl Onboard Reception

In days past they used to have these on all sailings which are 7 days or more.

However, in recent years this has been cut to just holding the reception on cruises that are 8 days or longer.

What this means is that these Castaway Club Receptions don’t happen very often anymore! Most sailings are 7 nights or less, so they don’t have a reception.

I have attended them on Panama Canal sailings and they were held around the Goofy Pool on Deck 9. There were plenty of free drinks and some nice snacks available.

The Captain and the Officers attended and you get a great opportunity to talk to them and ask any questions that you have.

Platinum and Pearl Complimentary Dinner at Palo

This is one of my favorite Castaway Club perks. Once you reach Platinum status you can get one complimentary dinner or brunch at Palo.

The official Castaway Disney Cruise site only mentions dinner, but I have used it for Brunch.

This is a good saving of the $45 cover charge.

Always make sure that you tip your Disney Server though – they work very hard and deserve to be rewarded.

All adults in your stateroom will also get the free Palo benefit even if they are not Platinum or Pearl members.

After 50 Cruises

Disney Cruises has added an additional benefit for those who have sailed 50 cruises and more.

Now Pearl Members who have completed 50 or more sailings will also be given the opportunity to display their family (last) name at Disney Castaway Cay.

This is a limited-time offering, and some restrictions apply. It will certainly be interesting to see how many names are displayed!

Disney Cruise Castaway Club Questions

• How do you access your Castaway Club account?

There is a dedicated site at Disney Cruise Castaway Club where you can log in with your Disney account. This shows you a summary of all the benefits, which cruises you have sailed on, and which membership level you have reached.

• If I am at Castaway Cay Platinum level, but my partner in the same stateroom is only Gold, will we both get a complimentary Palo Dinner ?

Yes. A Castaway Cay membership is personal to the individual and is not transferable, but the exception is that every adult in a stateroom with a Platinum Member will receive a complimentary meal.

• I am a Castaway Cay Pearl member so I can board the ship early, shortly after concierge. Can my partner, who is only Gold, board with me?

In that situation, you can board with your partner even though they do not have Platinum status.

Which Disney Cruise Castaway Club Benefits do you enjoy most?

Should Disney Up Their Game?

Whilst the perks of the Castaway Club are nice to have, it really isn’t until you reach Platinum Level that you get any kind of benefit, which is the free Palo Brunch or Dinner.

Disney does not compare favourably to other cruise line loyalty programs.

Let’s look at the Princess Cruises Loyalty Program

There are four tiers to the Captain’s Circle program where there are 4 levels. Princess uses a system of the amount of cruises, or cruise days. Disney just uses number of cruises.

• Gold  (after your first completed cruise)
• Ruby  (from your fourth cruise credit, or 31 to 50 cruise days)
• Platinum  (from your sixth to 15th cruise credit, or 51 to 150 cruise days)
• Elite  (from your 16th cruise credit on, or 151-plus cruise days)

I have Elite Status with Princess Cruises and the benefits are far in excess of those offered by Disney for Pearl Members. You will get Elite Status after 15 cruises with Princess, but you need to sail 25 cruises with Disney to get your Pearl status.

Here are the Captain’s Circle Elite Benefits:

Gold Tier Benefits

• Invitations to members-only onboard events
• Access to a Captain’s Circle onboard host
• A members-only magazine
• A recognition pin
• Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discounts on cruises
• Preferential Pricing Offers 

So you will see that you only have to sail on one cruise with Princess to get discounts on future cruises.

Ruby Tier Benefits

• An upgrade to Princess’ Platinum Vacation Protection plan when you purchase their insurance

Platinum Benefits

• Priority boarding
• 50% off MedallionNet internet packages
• 10% off spa treatments
• 10% off photos taken by ship photographers
• Early access to Dine My Way reservations

After just five cruises you will get the internet package discount. And the internet whenever I have sailed on Princess cruises is excellent.

Additional Elite Benefits

• 10% discount on shore excursions
• 10% discount at The Shops of Princess
• An exclusive window to preview and book new itineraries
• Priority access to ship-to-shore shuttles
• Priority disembarkation
• A complimentary minibar setup
• Complimentary shoe shines and laundry
• In-room canapes on formal nights
• Complimentary afternoon tea in your cabin (schedule this at least six hours in advance)
• Free admission to an onboard wine-tasting event (one per cruise)
• An Elite member pin

There are some really excellent benefits here. You can get your laundry done for free! This is a huge perk, particularly on longer cruises. There is nothing quite like returning to your stateroom and seeing all your clothes beautifully laundered and ironed!

Priority for the tender boats is also another excellent perk.

If only DCL would add some more benefits to their loyalty program.

But somehow I really don’t think that will happen.

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Sunday 28th of April 2024

What really frosts me is no matter how long (number of days) the cruise is, it only counts as one towards the next level. We have sailed both three day cruises and 10 day and they both had the same “weight “ in regard's to moving up a level. After our ninth cruise we did a 3/4 back to back to finally reach platinum. Using number of days IMHO seems to be a fairer way.

Monday 29th of April 2024

It does seem like an unfair system and I wish they would change it. I have mostly done 7 day and even 14 day cruises which only count for as much as a 3 day. Really doesn't seem like the best system to me.

Friday 22nd of December 2023

Something that has always frosted me. Disney uses number of cruises, not days cruised. IOW, a three day cruise and a ten day cruise all have the same value. We would have reached platinum so much sooner. We have recently started to cruise on RC instead of only on Disney. the loyalty program is so much easier (and cheaper) to obtain/enjoy with RC.

Lisa Peters

Monday 18th of December 2023

I should be silver concierge guest

Friday 24th of February 2023

Hi, I noticed some outdated info in this article even tho it says published on Feb 24th, for example u mentioned there are only 4 ships on Disney fleet, so to be 5 with the addition of the Wish, except that Disney Wish is almost a year old! Thanks for the rest of the info!

Thank you for this! Sorry I missed this when I was rewriting this article this morning but have changed it to reflect this.

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

From the DCL website

Q. I will be sharing a stateroom with a Guest who has a different Castaway Club Membership level than I do. What Member benefits will apply to the stateroom?

A. The Castaway Club benefit level?Silver, Gold or Platinum?is determined by the Guest with the highest membership level in the stateroom. All Guests staying in the same stateroom will enjoy that member’s benefit level for the duration of the cruise.

Guests traveling with you, but staying in a different stateroom, will enjoy the benefit level of whichever member has the highest membership level in their stateroom.

Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club

Posted on Published: 08/13/2023

If you’ve ever traveled on the Disney Cruise Line, you’ve probably heard about the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club. The Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s frequent traveler program/loyalty program, and it’s completely free to join. Unlike airline frequent flier programs, however, you don’t earn free trips or points. Instead, as you level up, you get access to exclusive benefits, including earlier check-in, free Palo meals , and much more.

Whether you are considering your first Disney Cruise, or are already a member, here’s what you need to know about the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club.

Disclosure: I’ve been on a complimentary preview cruise and two cruises through Disney Social Media Moms, as well as over a dozen cruises at my own expense. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.

Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club

How much does it cost to sign up as a disney cruise castaway club member how do you sign up.

You don’t need to pay to sign up as a Castaway Club member. If you are wondering how to become a Castaway Club member, it’s seamless. You’ll automatically become a silver member after your first qualifying cruise (there are a few exclusions, such as media cruises, which do not qualify for Castaway Club status).

Your status is tracked automatically, so you don’t need to worry about it. You’ll be assigned a Disney Castaway Club number, and you don’t need to sign up – you’ll just automatically become a member. You can log in online to see your current status as well as a list of your qualifying cruises.

There’s no other way to “level up” in the system beyond taking cruises – there are no Castaway Club credit cards, bonuses, or other ways to get status upgrades. Just keep cruising!

You’ll Level Up as You Take More Cruises

Unlike frequent flier programs, which are usually based on the length of your flight or the price paid, the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club levels are all based on the number of cruises sailed on the Disney Cruise Line. That means that a 3-night Bahamian cruise counts as much as a 7-night European cruise. Each cruise counts towards your Castaway Club status.

Your Castaway Club Benefits Start After Your Qualifying Cruise

That means you’ll be silver on the cruise after your first cruise, a gold Castaway Club member on the cruise after your fifth cruise, a platinum Castaway Club member on the cruise after your tenth cruise, and a pearl Castaway Club member after your twenty-fifth cruise. You are not a gold member ON your fifth cruise or a platinum member ON the tenth cruise. You need to complete those cruises in order to earn that status. There are currently four Disney Cruise levels – silver, gold, platinum, and pearl.

Your Level Doesn’t Reset

Frequent flier programs on the airlines typically reset every year, so to keep up your status, you’ll need to continue flying that airline. The Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club membership doesn’t reset. Once you obtain a certain level, you don’t lose it. Just keep taking cruises to improve your status within the program.

What Do Castaway Club Members Get?

Disney Castaway Club cruise gifts start after you become a Silver Castaway Club member. With the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club, you don’t earn free cruises with your status. However, you do get lots of other benefits.

For instance, you’ll receive a stateroom gift upon arrival (one gift per stateroom). The gift one year was the tote bag pictured above, along with reusable coffee mugs (gifts can vary). Other gifts have included whiteboards and photo albums. Castaway Club members will also receive a Disney Cruise lanyard in different colors to hold their Key to the World Card. 

Here’s an example of the benefits you can expect:

Disney Castaway Club Silver – Disney Cruise Silver Member

• Early booking opportunities for activity planning (premium meals, Port Adventures, cabanas at Castaway Cay ) – 90 days before sailing, as long as your cruise is paid off. Because some of these things can book early, the advantage of the extra days over the general public is a big benefit. Be sure to take advantage of the extra time!
• Dedicated Castaway Club check-in line at the port (where available)
• Castaway Club lanyards on the first day
• Stateroom gift (these have included backpacks, totes, photo albums, and whiteboards)
• Option to book cruises before the general public. Booking dates are announced in advance.
• Ability to check-in and select a port arrival time 33 days in advance

Disney Castaway Club Gold – Disney Cruise Gold Member

• Earlier access to activity planning (premium meals, excursions, cabanas at Castaway Cay ) – 105 days before sailing, as long as your cruise is paid off. 
• Special check-in line at the port
• Stateroom gift
• Lanyards at check-in
• On-board reception (for cruises of at least 4 days)
• Discount at the onboard gift shops (except for alcohol purchases)
• The ability to book Adventures by Disney trips earlier than the general public. 
• Ability to check-in and select a port arrival time 35 days in advance

Disney Castaway Club Platinum Level – Disney Cruise Platinum Member

• Earlier access to activity planning (premium meals, excursions, cabanas at Castaway Cay ) – 120 days prior to sailing, as long as your cruise is paid off.
• Premium check-in line at the port.
• Stateroom gift – in addition to the regular gift, you’ll also get a few options to choose from, including chocolate, champagne, or a fruit plate
• Complimentary dinner at Palo for everyone over 18 staying in the stateroom
• Early access to book cruises before the general public. Booking dates are announced in advance.
• Advanced booking for  Adventures by Disney trips earlier than the general public. 
• Ability to check-in and select a port arrival time 38 days in advance

Disney Castaway Club Pearl Level – Disney Cruise Pearl Member

• Earlier access to activity planning (premium meals, excursions, cabanas at Castaway Cay ) – 123 days prior to sailing, as long as your cruise is paid off.
• Ability to check-in and select a port arrival time 40 days in advance
• Complimentary Unlimited Digital Photo Package

Frequently Asked Questions about the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club

Do Castaway Club members get a discount?

While members get perks and freebies, you won’t get a discount on your cruise. Depending on your level, you will get a discount at the stores on board the ship, however.

How do you become a Castaway Club member?

You’ll be automatically enrolled after your first qualifying cruise. At that time, you’ll be a silver member. 

Do Castaway Club levels reset?

They do not reset. Once you achieve a specific level, you’ll stay at that level until you move up. Once you are platinum, you’ll always be platinum. 

Is there a fee to join the Castaway Club?

It’s free to join the Castaway Club, and your account will be set up automatically. 

If you want to take a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, be sure to book with Get Away Today. When you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Learn more at the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club website .

Thinking about your next cruise? Read our guides to the Disney Dream , the Disney Fantasy , and the Disney Wonder .

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Lisa peters

Monday 20th of February 2023

I never been on the Disney cruise before it’s going to be my first time

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Silver Anniversary at Sea: New Castaway Club Lanyards and Gifts Debut to Welcome the New Pearl Membership Level

Today, the Silver Anniversary at Sea cruises commence onboard the Disney Wish with the remainder of the fleet following in the coming days and weeks. planDisney shared a look at the all new Castaway Club gifts and lanyards ushering in the new Pearl Castaway Club level which starts today.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by planDisney (@plandisneypanel)

Before we get into the new Castaway Club gifts, Pearl members arriving for today’s Disney Wish Silver Anniversary at Sea sailing will be joining the Platinum member check-in line.

There is a new design for the Key to the World (KTTW) cards.

New Stateroom KTTW cards for #DCL25 https://t.co/3BIw5QbqvK — Scott Sanders (@TheDCLBlog) May 1, 2023

Castaway Club Lanyards

Castaway Club Stateroom Gifts

According to the planDisney video, the stateroom gifts will build based on the Castaway Club level. Silver members will receive a tote bag, Gold members will add a wet/dry bag, Platinum will add a beach towel, and Pearl will add a pair of stemless flute tumblers.

Here is a closer look at the stateroom gifts and the Pearl lanyard.

One last thing, check out these new Cast and Crew Member name tag embellishment.

What do you think of the new Castaway Club gifts and lanyards?

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31 Replies to “Silver Anniversary at Sea: New Castaway Club Lanyards and Gifts Debut to Welcome the New Pearl Membership Level”

Ready! Only 8 days to go…

I would love to see what the back of the lanyard looks like. And for the gifts are they additive? Otherwise i think guests will be unhappy they didn’t get what was in the lower tier in addition to their own.

As mentioned in the article based on the video, the gifts are additive.

With how DCL has handled castaway club gifts, I am surprised. If it is the normal way of the gift matching your level, gold will be disappointed. Hopefully, they do stack!

So you are saying that Pearl will get all 4 gifts? Sorry it just isn’t clear to me from the video or the word “additive”… and I know how stingy sometimes DCL is about gifts!

Yes, all 4 for Pearl.

i still don’t understand why this is only the summer cruises. All other Anniversary celebrations run for a whole year.

Silver Anniversary at Sea ends just before the Halloween on the High Seas cruises are set to resume. Then, there is Very MerryTime before the Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea resume early next year and basically run out 365-day cycle.

Wonder it’s permanent or 25 years event only?!

They all look great; I am excited for my Magic/SSR/Wish cruises to begin. First time DCL cruisers be ready to inherit these goodies beginning on the Magic July 22, 2023. I only “need” one set unless they differ for the ships.

Hmmm. Part of me is sad to miss this with our last sailing just ending… but I don’t know how I feel about the lanyards actually. Too hard to distinguish from far away. I was looking forward to finally getting that black platinum lanyard this year.

Also, are the lanyards just one sided now? No more flipping to show ID on one side and KTTW card on the other?

I’m going to take a wild guess and say the regular silver, gold, platinum, and now pearl lanyard with a clear ouch attached for your KTTWC will be given to you still. These 25 anniversary gifts & lanyards are the celebration items. Just thinking that because the presenter said these items were “one per stateroom”

The gifts are one per stateroom. Lanyards are still per person.

Any mention of the print that was said to be given to all Castaway members as well?

hate how platinum and silver lanyards look pretty much exactly alike…but besides that these are great!

Sad the 8 night Southern Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic May 5-13 is not included in the 25th Anniversary Celebration ?!

We just turned Platinum over the summer on the Maiden Wish. Had 3 more sailings after that on the Wish. While we loved the Inaugural Sailings tote bag, we were really looking forward to the new cooler. Our next 4 sailing are all going to be Silver Anniversary. I know there are worse things to be sad about, but those coolers look really nice.

Do we need to bring our own device to get the pictures with platinum? So I need some sort of drive for them to download the pictures on too?

We were on the Wish in September (b2b) We received black lanyards. We are Gold club members. Does anyone know what the black ones were?

Black lanyards are for Platinum (10+ completed cruises).

Black one is for Platinum member.

OK, so Pearl members get ALL of these gifts? Or the Silver gift + the Pearl gift?

That picture doesn’t do justice to the lanyards Silver and Platinium looks the same but they are not.

Silver is light Grey Platinium is Dark Grey Pearl is White

You can have a better look here: https://twitter.com/StorybookD/status/1653115479266058242?t=H8j3_bh6L0zilk6zORkI5Q&s=19

Thanks for sharing that. That makes it much easier to see the differences.

Are the new lanyards permanent or are they only for the 25th cruises?

So excited for my Wish sailing in 27 days. The 25th merch looks great. Question though…I received my first Silver club gift on my last cruise, despite it being the 25th, do you get the tier stateroom gifts each time you cruise? I assumed once I got the lanyard I would not get another until the next level.

You will receive you level of gifts and lanyard on each cruise.

Did they add any new 25th things at bibbidi bobbidi?

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Travel and Fun Things To Do

New Castaway Club Gifts for Return Cruisers

Disney has released the new Castaway Gifts for the 25th Anniversary Silver Cruises . So long sling bag, I think I have five of them.

Silver will receive a new tote bag, Gold will receive the tote and a wet/dry bag, Platinum will receive the tote, a wet/dry bag, and a beach towel (only one per room), and Pearl will receive all three the tote, a wet/dry bag, a beach towel and the Pearl Tumblers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by planDisney (@plandisneypanel)

All the lanyards are also receiving an update. Also, new today is a change to the check-in dates for Castaway Club members.

What do you think about the new gifts?

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Is a Disney cruise for adults? Here are 5 reasons why I say yes

Gourmet French dinners, $5,000 cocktail experiences , serene infinity pools and penthouse suites that cost thousands of dollars a night might not be the first thing you think of when someone mentions a Disney cruise. But you'll find it all on Disney ships.

I sailed with the line for the first time more than a decade ago, and I didn't want to take the assignment. I'm a child-free adult, I'm not a particularly over-the-top Disney fan, and all I could imagine was a theme park at sea — characters everywhere, souvenir shops galore and, of course, tons of kids.

Simply, I was wrong.

What I found was an absolutely wonderful experience on an elegant ship with superb service, phenomenal entertainment, delicious food and just enough subtle magic to instill a bit of childlike wonder without making me feel immature.

Disney Cruise Line has maintained its four older ships exceptionally well, and its newest vessel, Disney Wish — its first new-build in 10 years — is also pretty great. Across the board, my opinion still stands: Disney cruises aren't just for kids. So, if you're trying to find a Disney cruise for adults, don't worry — they all fit the bill. Here are five reasons why you'll love the experience, even as a grownup.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

You control how 'Disney' you want it to be

Let me allay your fears: When you sail with Disney, you won't be overwhelmed by Mickey and friends the way you might be at the brand's land-based amusement parks. However, that experience is available should you choose to seek it.

The subtlety with which Disney manages to incorporate branded touches on its ships is commendable and classy. You'll find nods to various Disney animated movie classics as you move between decks — a pumpkin on the carpet here, a snowflake on the wall there — but you're likely to find it more tasteful than obnoxious.

If you'd like to avoid a largely Disney-fied ambience, it's easy to do. If, instead, you prefer a more immersive cruise, you're also in luck, as the ships host scheduled character meet-and-greets, themed dining experiences and more.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

There are tons of adults-only spaces

Grownups who wish to keep strictly to an older crowd will love the adults-only venues on all Disney ships.

On Disney's four older vessels — Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy (which is my pick for the best Disney cruise ship for adults ), Disney Wonder and Disney Magic — adults-only bars and nightclubs are clustered into one area, known as The District. After 9 p.m., nobody younger than 18 is permitted inside, allowing the more mature set to let its hair down sans kids.

On Disney Wish, the age-limited spaces are more spread out, a purposeful layout designed to help alleviate crowding and improve traffic flow. Personally, I prefer The District's setup, but the watering holes on the new ship are, frankly, the most impressive in the fleet to date.

What's impressive about these offerings is that most other ships don't have them. Apart from Virgin Voyages , Viking , P&O Cruises and Saga Cruises, all of which sail adults-only vessels , the most other lines offer is an adults-only sun deck or pool here and there. Even where those areas exist, age limits aren't always strictly enforced, and sometimes you have to pay for access, none of which is the case on Disney ships.

Related: Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Even the least expensive accommodations are elevated

Disney cruises are a cut above the sailings you'll find with most other mainstream lines. When it comes to accommodations, even the most basic feel elevated. All have two bathrooms; one has a shower with a tub (rare on cruise ships) and a sink, and the other has a toilet and a sink.

Disney provides its own brand of toiletries in cabin bathrooms. The products are so popular — they smell divine — that the line sells them in its onboard gift shops.

All rooms also offer a dividing curtain that creates two separate areas. Although these features were designed with families in mind, they're also convenient for friends traveling together, adding to the argument that a Disney cruise could make for a perfect girlfriends getaway.

On the high end, the line sells a variety of suite accommodations. New on Disney Wish, the Tower Suite is the most coveted and most expensive, carrying a price tag of several thousand dollars per night.

Located in the ship's fake funnel, the suite is two decks high and includes three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a large living room area. Its understated nautical decor pays subtle tribute to "Moana." Unfortunately, because of the layout, there's no balcony, but you'll still be spoiled beyond belief if you book a stay there.

You can also choose to book concierge-level staterooms , which offer perks like priority boarding and disembarkation, access to a dedicated lounge with free drinks in the evenings and dibs on booking the best spa appointments and shore excursions.

Related: Smooth sailing on a family Disney cruise: Review of concierge level on Disney Wonder

Delicious dining options range from basic to gourmet

Disney Cruise Line's dining options allow you to either join the masses (where there will be children, so take heed) in the free dining rooms, head to the buffet or open-air food court, or opt for an adults-only added-fee option.

On all of the fleet's ships, standard dining is rotational, which means you'll move to a different main dining room each night but with the same table number, tablemates and waitstaff.

In my experience, dining across the board on Disney ships has been absolutely scrumptious and well prepared, regardless of where I chose to eat and how much extra I paid.

On Disney Wish, 1923 is a throwback to the golden age of animation. Split into two parts, it offers a more intimate setting than what you'd find at Royal Court, the more understated free dining venue on the line's other vessels.

For more immersive and somewhat gimmicky meals that are fun but often loud, adult passengers on Disney Wish will want to check out Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure . The former brings Ant-Man and The Wasp tableside (via prerecorded broadcast) to show off their new discovery — a Quantum Core, with which Ant-Man unwittingly shrinks the ship down to the size of a toy boat. During the latter, you'll find much singing and dancing to celebrate the engagement of Anna and Kristoff, two of the main characters from "Frozen." In line with the theme, the menu is largely Norwegian.

On the four original ships, immersive options include Animator's Palate, where "Finding Nemo" characters talk with you as you eat; Enchanted Garden, which feels a bit like a scene from "Alice in Wonderland," where you can watch as the scenery slowly turns from day to night; and Rapunzel's Royal Table, where characters from "Tangled" make an appearance.

Also on the original vessels, Palo is an adults-only Italian eatery . On Disney Wish, it has been transformed into an elegantly styled steakhouse that exudes "Beauty and the Beast" vibes. This is the perfect option for anyone who wants something less casual than the buffet but also wants to avoid crowds and noise in the main dining rooms without paying a fortune.

Before you go in, stop at The Rose bar, which is perfect for tasty pre-dinner cocktails.

Enchante and Remy are two of the most expensive alternative dining options at sea for any cruise line. Both feature French cuisine and are reserved exclusively for adult diners. The latter appears on older DCL ships and was inspired by (and named after the main character in) "Ratatouille."

Enchante is new as of the debut of Disney Wish. It offers a completely revamped menu by chef Arnaud Lallement, who's also the mastermind behind the menu at Remy. Enchante allows for a la carte dining, or you can choose from one of two experiences: Passion, a seven-course meal for $125, or Collection, a selection of surprise courses curated by the chef for $195. (Wine and Champagne pairings cost extra.)

The kids clubs are fantastic

"But, wait," you're thinking. "I thought this was an article about why Disney Cruises are great for adults." You're exactly right, and that's why this one is so important.

The Oceaneer Club offerings on Disney ships are so fun, engaging and technologically advanced that kids often don't want to leave. So, whether you're a parent looking for some downtime or a child-free adult who doesn't appreciate little ones pushing all the elevator buttons or teens clogging up stairwells, you won't have to worry about a barrage of younger passengers.

From babysitting for infants, kids and tweens to phenomenal play areas (think: themes like princesses, Marvel superheroes and "Star Wars"), the line's childcare services are a cut above those provided by all other cruise brands. In fact, they're so cool you'll wish you could spend time there yourself — and you can during designated hours on each voyage.

Bottom line

Although you won't be able to completely avoid children on Disney ships, you can still enjoy the magic of The Mouse in several adults-only spaces found on all of the line's ships. The onboard experience will make you feel like a kid again but in luxurious surroundings and with the excellent service and attention to detail that have become hallmarks of the Disney brand.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

The Best Ways To Save When Booking Your Next Disney Cruise

F orget about the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride, if you want to elevate your Disney vacation to the next level, you can take a real Caribbean cruise aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships. Guests who visit the Bahamas or the Caribbean can also access Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. That's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of potential global destinations, too. In fact, if icebergs are your thing, Disney's Port Adventures partners even have a port of call in Alaska, where you can board the Hubbard Glacier Explorer and wind through an iceberg field for a couple of hours.

Depending on where you set sail and for how long, a Disney cruise can be cheaper, in some cases, than a Disneyland or  Disney World trip. It might not feel that way when you're paying one big amount upfront (after the requisite deposit), but the price of a cruise is generally all-inclusive. It even includes complimentary room service, 24 hours a day. At a Disney theme park, by contrast, a week at a deluxe resort hotel, plus park tickets, meals, and other add-ons, can sometimes total up to a higher cost than a week-long cruise would. If it's your first time going on a Disney cruise , or you're just looking to save on your next one, it helps to arm yourself with some money-saving tips beforehand. With that in mind, here's how you can get the best deals when booking on the Disney Cruise Line.

Read more: Tips For Spending Less On Food When Traveling

Book Through A Travel Agent

One Disney cruise tip you'll often hear is to book through a travel agent. The Disney Cruise Line does have special offers, such as discounts for Florida or Canada residents, or other limited-time deals on select sailings. However, when you book directly with Disney, it can be disorienting trying to make sense of all the different itineraries available through its fleet of six ships. The Caribbean region alone has options from 4 to 10 nights for the Western, Eastern, or Southern Caribbean, with multiple states and territories of departure.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners like The Vacationeer and Small World Vacations can employ their expertise to help you narrow down your choices and get the lowest possible cruise fare. They're just two examples of well-known agencies that have reached Diamond Earmarked status, the highest level for an authorized planner (followed by Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze). Such agencies might be able to give you a fuller picture of the best deals, and they often come with the added benefit of an onboard credit.

A credit starting at $50 for a cruise of $1,000 or more might not seem like much, but fares aren't truly all-inclusive. Sure, the Cabanas buffet is free, but alcohol, gratuities, and certain other restaurants and activities (not to mention Wi-Fi service) all come at additional costs. The onboard credit helps cover these types of things. Currently, Costco members who book a Disney Cruise through Costco Travel can also get a $100 to $200 gift card.

Use A Cruise Search Engine

Travel agencies like the aforementioned Vacationeer and Small World Vacations advertise their services as free, so you shouldn't have to pay extra for your Disney cruise with them. For first-timers, it can be helpful to have someone walk you through the many decisions you'll need to make, like what kind of stateroom to book. However, if this isn't your first Disney cruise, you may prefer to eliminate the middleman and survey all the best booking options yourself. In that case, you can approach your cruise like you would if you were booking a flight or hotel through other third-party sites, like Priceline and Expedia.

Both those sites have their own dedicated Disney Cruise Line page where you can input a destination and dates and find deals, the same as you would for a non-Disney search. These sites are a good option if you already have some idea about where and when you want to go. Another specialty site, which works the same way and frequently comes recommended for Disney cruises, is Undercover Tourist . It offers an onboard credit, and its other big selling point is that it will apply its own discount to your fare. That's in addition to any built-in discounts Disney may be offering, like its reduced military rates.

Book Early And Watch For Last-Minute Stateroom Deals

While "book early" works as a general piece of travel advice, it's an especially good rule to follow with Disney resorts and cruises. This is because of the way the surge pricing system works. Like Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines, Disney tends to offer its best prices when an itinerary first becomes available. As the ship fills up with passengers, prices on the remaining cabins will go up to meet demand.

One way to get around this is by keeping an eye on Disney Cruise Line news via the official site . If you hear about a new itinerary, you can try to book it as soon as it goes on sale. Anyone who's already been on at least one Disney cruise should also be automatically enrolled as a Silver Member in Disney's cruise loyalty program, Castaway Club. Being a member allows you to book new cruises a day or more before the general public, depending on your membership level.

The flip side of booking early is deals that come along on last-minute staterooms with restricted fares. These non-refundable deals usually open up a few weeks or months before a cruise departs, and they require you to pay in full beforehand. Offsetting the price savings is the fact that your room will be assigned at the last minute based on availability. However, they'll guarantee you the room category you reserve or better, so you might even luck out and get an upgrade.

Book A Shorter, Off-Peak Season Cruise In An Inside Cabin

Disney has some European cruises, for instance, that sail for up to 11 or 12 days. However, these can cost upwards of $11,000 for two people. Again, a one-week Disney cruise might be cheaper than a one-week Disneyland or Disney World stay, but a 3- or 4-night cruise could give you an equally enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.

Since Disney cruises are family-friendly, they tend to be more in demand (and thereby, more expensive) when school is out. The same rules about steering clear of holiday breaks apply as much to the Disney Cruise Line as Disney theme parks. If you're looking to save, the best times of year  are January, February, May, October, and before or after Thanksgiving (but before Christmas and New Years). Just keep in mind that weather is also a factor in determining the off-peak cruise season. For that reason, you might want to avoid a cruise somewhere like Bermuda or the Bahamas during the month of September, when it's the height of hurricane season.

Consider, also, what type of stateroom you book. Disney is not so different from other cruise lines when it comes to inside cabins being cheaper. With an inside cabin, you won't have a window, but on two ships — the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy — you will have a "magical porthole." It's a flat-screen monitor with a live camera feed of the outside of the ship. Sometimes, Disney characters join the feed.

BYO Alcohol And Book A Second Cruise While Onboard

Once you know which Disney cruise is right for you , there are other things you can do to save money onboard. This includes being frugal about add-ons and bringing your own alcohol. That's right: passengers are allowed to carry on up to six 12-ounce beers or two 750-milliliter wine or champagne bottles (unopened). If you're on one of Disney's round-trip cruises from Australia or New Zealand, you can bring that much onboard for each port of call.

This could help reduce your bar tab if you plan on drinking. The only catch is that you can't bring your own alcohol into public lounges, and there's a $26 corking fee if you bring a bottle to dinner. With a standard verandah-type stateroom, though, you can always just enjoy sipping your beverage on your balcony.

If your Disney cruise turns out to be an experience worth repeating, one final thing you can do to save on a future trip is reserve your next cruise while you're still onboard the current one. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app gives access to a special onboard booking offer where you can make an open-ended "placeholder reservation" for another cruise within the next two years. You can choose a sail date later, and in the meantime, it will give you a 10% discount on the normal rate. Though you have to pay a $250 deposit, it's refundable if you decide to cancel before you've locked down a date.

Read the original article on Explore .

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Castaway Club – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make plans based on my Castaway Club Membership for Guests traveling with me who are staying in a different stateroom?

Since Castaway Club levels are stateroom specific, you may only pre-book activities and dining for Guests staying in your stateroom. Guests staying in other staterooms will be able to pre-book based on the highest-level Castaway Club member in their stateroom.

Standard booking and Castaway Club pre-booking windows open:

• First-time Guest – 75 days prior to sail date
• Silver – 90 days prior to sail date
• Gold – 105 days prior to sail date
• Platinum – 120 days prior to sail date
• Pearl – 123 days prior to sail date

Please note some restrictions may apply.

Learn more or log in to the MyDisney account associated with your Castaway Club ID .

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Related Questions

What are the exclusive onboard experiences offered to Gold and Platinum Castaway Club Members?

I will be sharing a stateroom with a Guest who has a different Castaway Club Membership level than I do. What Member benefits will apply to the stateroom?

Is there a time limit for using my Castaway Club benefits?