Like a lot of people, we knew we would book a cruise on the Disney Wish ASAP! I wasn’t too surprised to see the booking window open not only by the typical Castaway Club level, but was intrigued when they subdivided the Platinum level, which was us! At that time we qualified in the “All Platinum Members”, which was the 4th day of bookings on Thursday, May 20, 2021. (Three groups opened the 3 days prior based on Platinum cruisers with 25+, 20+, & 15+ cruises.)
Very luckily I had practice before our window opened, as I had a then-new client for whom I was able to book 3 staterooms on the Maiden Voyage when the 20+ window opened. #HumbleBrag 😉
We ended up booking the Sept. 26-30, 2022 sailing for two reasons:
September was far more cost-effective than the summer months - & we typically avoid cruising in summer due to heat and crowds
Sept. 30, 2022 was the expiration date of a Placeholder we had. It was originally supposed to expire in 2021, but Disney Cruise Line extended it due to COVID. Also, it was an “old” Placeholder, so not only did that result in a 10% cruise fare discount, but also provided us $100 of onboard credit!
As we do with most cruises, we opted for a Category 7A - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. After this many sailings we don’t care if we have a very slightly obstructed view, etc. as long as we’re on the ship & preferably starboard. Since bookings were filling fast, I took the first starboard stateroom offered by the rep, #9514 (see red box below). This will be the first-time ever we are sailing in the Forward of the ship!
Since that booking we’ve made a couple of onboard requests, were blessed to have taken three other Disney Cruises since the “re-start”, and took advantage of our 120 day Platinum booking window for Onboard Activities and Port Adventures. For this booking window, the only “activity” we pre-booked was our usual adult-only dining at the new Palo Steakhouse.
The itinerary is:
Mon., Sept. 26, 2022 | Embark at Port Canaveral |
Tues., Sept. 27, 2022 | Nassau, Bahamas |
Wed., Sept. 28, 2022 | Disney Castaway Cay |
Thurs., Sept. 29, 2022 | Day at Sea |
Fri., Sept. 30, 2022 | Disembark at Port Canaveral |
While we really prefer longer cruises, the best part about a four-night is NOT having Disney Castaway Cay on the last night, when there are so many “Mousekeeping” tasks to complete!
As of now, my personal plan is to again commit “Disney Cruise blasphemy” by not disembarking at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay! There’s so much to see and experience onboard this new ship! For both myself and to best guide my travel clients, I feel my time is best spent onboard. (Ok, so maybe I’ll hop off just for lunch - but then right back on!)
Kara: I also don't plan to get off the ship although I do keep stalking the Port Adventures in the Disney Cruise Line app every few days to see what's still available and if anything feels exciting in the moment. I agree with Gayle though - this trip is about experiencing ALL the Disney Wish has to offer us.
Disclaimer: I (Gayle) am a travel agent with Authorized Disney Travel Planner agency - Off to Neverland Travel. Contact me today for a no-obligation quote!