Ahoy, Samantha, and welcome to planDisney! I love that you’re thinking about a last-minute Disney cruise to kick off the new year. What a magical way to start, especially for your very first cruise!
When it comes to choosing between a
Verandah Stateroom Guarantee (also called a VGT) and picking your own stateroom, it really comes down to what matters most to you. A VGT can be a nice way to save some money, which is especially appealing for a last-minute January sailing. Disney guarantees you a verandah stateroom (or possibly even better), but you won’t know the exact location until closer to sailing; sometimes just days before. These fares are paid in full upfront and are non-refundable, with no changes allowed, so that’s something you have to be comfortable with. The upside is the lower price, and occasionally a pleasant surprise if Disney assigns you an upgrade.
If knowing exactly where your cabin is located will give you peace of mind, or if you think you’ll really enjoy spending time on your balcony, choosing your own verandah and it's location may be worth the extra cost. Many first-time cruisers find that reassuring, especially when everything else about cruising is new.
As for Concierge, it really is a lovely, elevated experience. You’ll have priority boarding, access to a private lounge and sun deck, and Concierge Hosts who can help with just about anything. I’ve sailed both Concierge and non-Concierge, and there’s no doubt that Concierge feels special. That said, on a short 3-night cruise, you may not fully experience everything that comes with it the way you would on a longer sailing. One of the best things about Disney Cruise Line is that the service is fantastic no matter where you stay, from your dining team to your stateroom host and the Cast Members around the ship.
For many first-time cruisers, I often suggest trying a non-Concierge stateroom first so you can really get a feel for the ship and the experience, and then deciding if Concierge feels like the right splurge for a future cruise. But truly, there isn’t a wrong choice here. It really comes down to your budget, availability, and how much you want that extra level of pampering.
Hopefully, this gives you enough information to help you make your stateroom selection! The next step would be to
give Disney Cruise Line a call so an agent can walk you through current pricing and stateroom availability. They’re wonderful at helping you compare options, especially with last-minute sailings.
Samantha, once you’re booked and know which ship you’ll be sailing on, please feel free to write back. We'd be happy to share even more tips to help you make the most of your holiday!
Sea ya real soon,
Eean