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For many travelers, part of the excitement of planning a vacation comes from maximizing rewards and loyalty perks. Whether you are booking hotels, flights, or cruises, loyalty programs allow you to make the most of your travel investment. When it comes to Disney Cruise Line, frequent guests often ask: “How do I use my loyalty points with Disney Cruise Line?”
The answer depends on what type of “loyalty points” you’re referring to. Disney Cruise Line operates the Castaway Club, which is its official loyalty recognition program. Unlike traditional point-based systems, Castaway Club does not use points—it’s based on the number of cruises you complete. However, Disney does offer loyalty points through the Disney Visa Card program by Chase, which can be redeemed toward Disney Cruise Line sailings, onboard purchases, and more.
This article breaks down the two systems—Castaway Club and Disney Visa Rewards—so you can clearly understand how to use your loyalty benefits with Disney Cruise Line.
The Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program, designed to reward returning cruisers. It is not a points-based program but instead is tiered based on the number of Disney cruises you have completed.
Silver: After your first completed cruise.
Gold: After 5 cruises.
Platinum: After 10 cruises.
Pearl: After 25 cruises.
Each tier unlocks new benefits, including priority boarding, early booking windows for excursions and activities, exclusive gifts, and even complimentary dining or photo packages at higher levels.
No. Castaway Club does not involve earning or redeeming loyalty points. Instead, it offers perks and privileges that enhance your experience. Think of it as a “recognition program” rather than a “points program.”
So, if you are specifically looking to redeem points for Disney Cruise Line, you’ll need to look at Disney’s financial partner program: the Disney Visa Card Rewards by Chase.
While Castaway Club does not use points, Disney Visa Cardmembers can earn Disney Rewards Dollars, which can be redeemed toward Disney Cruise Line vacations. This is where the concept of “loyalty points” really comes into play.
Disney Premier Visa Card: Earn 2% on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations. Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Disney Visa Card: Earn 1% on every purchase.
For example:
Spend $100 at a grocery store → Earn 2 Rewards Dollars.
Spend $100 on everyday shopping → Earn 1 Rewards Dollar.
One Disney Rewards Dollar = 1 USD when redeemed for eligible Disney purchases.
Now let’s dive into how to actually use your loyalty points (Disney Rewards Dollars) for your cruise experience.
You can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars to pay for your cruise fare. This includes the base fare, taxes, and fees. Simply transfer your rewards to a Disney Rewards Redemption Card and apply them to your booking.
During your cruise, Disney Rewards Dollars can be used for:
Shore excursions booked through Disney.
Onboard dining, including specialty restaurants like Palo or Enchanté.
Merchandise purchases in onboard shops.
Beverages, snacks, and room service charges.
Spa and wellness treatments.
Gratuities for your service team.
This flexibility makes Disney Rewards Dollars very practical for enhancing your trip.
At Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, charges are billed to your stateroom account. Since you can use Disney Rewards Dollars to pay off your account, your points essentially cover island activities, souvenirs, and food extras.
Use your Disney Visa Card for everyday spending to accumulate points.
Before your cruise, request a Disney Rewards Redemption Card from Chase. You can do this online or by phone. Transfer your earned Disney Rewards Dollars onto this prepaid card.
Call Disney Cruise Line reservations to apply your Rewards Dollars to your cruise balance.
Or wait until your cruise and use the Redemption Card to pay for onboard purchases.
Here’s where things get magical: you can enjoy both Castaway Club perks and Disney Rewards Dollars at the same time.
For example:
As a Platinum Castaway Club member, you enjoy priority boarding and a complimentary Palo dinner.
With your Disney Visa Rewards Dollars, you pay for shore excursions or spa treatments.
This combination allows you to maximize recognition-based perks (Castaway Club) while saving money with loyalty points (Disney Visa Rewards).
Book Early – Use your points to secure your cruise and lock in lower rates.
Pay Off Onboard Expenses – Instead of using cash, pay with your redemption card for gifts, dining, and activities.
Combine with Promotions – Disney Visa Cardholders often receive special cruise offers, including onboard credit or reduced deposits.
Use for Family Travel – Points add up quickly on family expenses like groceries and dining—perfect for reducing cruise costs.
Keep an Eye on Expiration – Disney Rewards Dollars don’t expire as long as your card remains active, but your Redemption Card balance should be used within the timeframe indicated.
Yes. If you use your Disney Visa Card to pay for purchases onboard, you earn Rewards Dollars on those transactions.
Absolutely. You can use Rewards Dollars for part of your cruise balance and pay the rest with another form of payment.
No. They are non-refundable but remain on your Redemption Card for future Disney purchases.
No. Castaway Club is free, and membership is automatic after your first cruise.
FeatureCastaway ClubDisney Rewards Visa
Based OnNumber of cruises completedDollars spent on purchases
Rewards TypePerks & recognitionPoints redeemable as dollars
Examples of BenefitsPriority boarding, gifts, early bookingPay for cruises, excursions, merchandise
Membership CostFreeCredit card account required
This table highlights that both programs are valuable but serve different purposes.
Between Castaway Club’s exclusive benefits and Disney Visa’s reward dollars, frequent cruisers and Disney fans have multiple ways to enhance their vacation. While you don’t “spend points” with the Castaway Club, the recognition-based perks are incredibly valuable for convenience and experience. Pair that with actual redeemable points through the Disney Visa program, and you can enjoy discounts, free experiences, and magical upgrades on your Disney Cruise Line vacations.
So, how do you use your loyalty points with Disney Cruise Line? The answer lies in combining two systems:
Castaway Club – A recognition-based loyalty program that rewards you with perks and privileges based on the number of cruises you’ve completed. No points are earned or spent here.
Disney Rewards Visa Program – A true points-based program where you earn Disney Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed for cruise fares, onboard purchases, and Disney experiences.
By understanding the difference between these two programs and leveraging them together, you can stretch your travel budget further while enjoying a premium Disney cruise experience. Whether you’re saving money with Disney Rewards Dollars or enjoying priority access as a Castaway Club member, your loyalty to Disney Cruise Line is rewarded in more ways than one.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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