Costco does sell Disney cruise packages, but only through its travel agency partners, not directly
Costco itself does not operate a cruise desk or sell Disney cruises the way it sells groceries. Instead, Costco members can book Disney cruises through Costco Travel, which is a separate service that partners with approved travel agencies. These agencies handle the actual booking and ticketing. You cannot walk into a Costco warehouse and buy a Disney cruise ticket at the membership desk.
The main reason to book through Costco Travel is the potential savings. Costco Travel offers discounted cruise packages that bundle the cruise fare, onboard credits, and sometimes airfare or hotel stays. The discounts are typically 5 to 10 percent below Disney's direct pricing, though the exact savings depend on the cruise length, cabin type, and travel dates you choose.
Costco Travel packages are available only to current Costco members. You must have an active Gold Star or Executive membership to view pricing and make a reservation. If you are not a member, you would need to join Costco first, which costs $60 for a Gold Star membership or $120 for an Executive membership as of the most recent pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Costco Travel offers Disney cruise packages with discounts typically ranging from 5 to 10 percent off Disney's direct prices, depending on the cruise and cabin type.
- You must be a current Costco member to view and book Costco Travel packages; non-members cannot access the pricing or inventory.
- Costco Travel packages often include onboard credits worth $50 to $200 per stateroom, which you can spend on drinks, dining, or excursions during the cruise.
- The booking is handled by Costco Travel's partner agencies, not by Costco directly, so you will work with a travel agent for changes and customer service.
- Costco Travel does not offer the same package customization as booking directly with Disney; you choose from pre-built itineraries and cabin categories.
What onboard credits and extras come with Costco Travel Disney packages
Costco Travel Disney cruise packages typically include an onboard credit that you can use for beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services, or merchandise during the cruise. The credit amount varies by cruise length and cabin category. A seven-night cruise in a standard cabin might include a $100 to $150 onboard credit per stateroom, while longer cruises or higher cabin categories may offer more.
Some Costco Travel packages also bundle airfare or hotel nights before or after the cruise. For example, a package might include round-trip flights from your home airport plus two nights at a hotel near the port. These bundled packages can represent additional savings compared to booking each component separately, though not all cruises include air and hotel options.
The onboard credit is non-transferable and must be used during your cruise. It does not carry over to a future cruise if you do not spend it. Costco Travel does not add gratuities or port fees to the package price, so you will still owe those costs at checkout or onboard.
How to find and book a Disney cruise through Costco Travel
To view Costco Travel cruises, log in to Costco.com with your membership number and navigate to the Travel section. You can also call Costco Travel directly at the phone number listed on your membership card or the Costco website. The phone line connects you to a travel agent who can discuss available dates, cabin options, and pricing.
Once you select a cruise, the travel agent will collect your payment information and cruise details. Costco Travel accepts credit cards and debit cards. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number and details about your reservation. The travel agent will also provide information about final payment important date, which are typically 75 to 120 days before your cruise departure date.
If you need to make changes to your booking—such as adding a traveler, changing cabin type, or modifying travel dates—contact the travel agent who booked your cruise. Changes may incur fees depending on Disney's cancellation and modification policies at the time you make the change. Costco Travel does not waive Disney's standard change fees.
Comparing Costco Travel pricing to booking directly with Disney
The savings on a Costco Travel Disney cruise package depend on the specific itinerary and when you book. Discounts are usually largest for cruises departing 6 to 12 months in advance, when Disney's pricing is still at full retail. If you wait until a cruise is closer to departure, Disney often lowers its prices, which can narrow the gap between Costco and direct booking.
To compare, get a quote from Costco Travel for the same cruise, cabin type, and travel dates you are considering on Disney's website. Add the onboard credit value to the Costco price, then subtract it from the Disney price to see the true difference. For example, if Costco charges $3,500 with a $150 onboard credit and Disney charges $3,800 with no credit, the Costco package saves you $450 total.
Costco Travel packages do not include the flexibility of Disney's direct booking. You cannot mix and match cabin types, add optional packages like beverage plans, or customize your dining reservations before boarding. If you value that flexibility, the savings may not be worth the trade-off.
When Costco Travel Disney packages are worth the membership cost
If you are already a Costco member, booking a Disney cruise through Costco Travel is almost always cheaper than booking directly with Disney. The 5 to 10 percent discount applies when ready, and the onboard credit is an extra benefit. There is no reason to book directly if you have a membership.
If you are not a member, the math depends on how much you save. A Costco Gold Star membership costs $60. If a Costco Travel Disney cruise saves you $300 compared to Disney's direct price, the membership pays for itself and you come out $240 ahead. However, if the savings are only $100, the membership cost eats most of that benefit. Calculate the total savings on your specific cruise before deciding whether to join.
Costco memberships also provide other benefits beyond cruises—warehouse shopping discounts, gas discounts, and access to other Costco Travel packages for hotels and rental cars. If you plan to use the membership for those benefits as well, the cruise discount becomes a bonus rather than the sole reason to join.
Limitations and things to know before booking
Costco Travel Disney packages are available only for cruises departing from U.S. ports or certain international ports. If you want a Disney cruise from a port outside the United States, check with Costco Travel first to confirm availability. Some itineraries may not be offered through Costco.
The onboard credit cannot be used for gratuities, which Disney charges automatically at the end of your cruise. You will need to pay gratuities separately, either by charging them to your stateroom account or paying cash. Port fees and taxes are also separate from the package price and are due at final payment.
If your plans change and you need to cancel, Costco Travel follows Disney's cancellation policy. Cancellations made more than 75 days before departure typically receive a full refund. Cancellations within 75 days may incur penalties. The exact terms depend on your cabin type and the cruise date, so review the cancellation policy before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Costco cash rewards on a Disney cruise booked through Costco Travel?
No. Costco Travel packages are paid separately from your Costco warehouse purchases and do not earn or accept Costco Cash rewards. You must pay for the cruise with a credit card or debit card. However, if you have an Executive membership, you may earn a small percentage back on the cruise purchase as part of the Executive membership benefit, depending on Costco's current rewards structure.
What happens if Disney lowers its prices after I book through Costco Travel?
Costco Travel does not offer price matching or refunds if Disney's direct prices drop after your booking. Once you have paid, your rate is locked in. If you are concerned about price drops, book closer to your travel date when Disney's pricing is more stable, though this may mean fewer cabin options are available.
Can I transfer my Costco Travel Disney cruise booking to someone else?
No. Disney cruise bookings are non-transferable and must be used by the person whose name is on the reservation. If you need to cancel and rebook under a different name, you will have to cancel the original booking and pay any applicable cancellation fees, then make a new reservation.
Do Costco Travel Disney packages include travel insurance?
No. Travel insurance is not included in Costco Travel packages. You can purchase travel insurance separately through Costco Travel or another provider if you want coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or other travel disruptions. Disney also offers its own travel insurance through its website.
Is the onboard credit the same amount for all cabin types?
No. Onboard credit amounts vary by cabin category and cruise length. Inside cabins typically receive less credit than oceanview or suite cabins. Longer cruises usually offer higher credits than shorter ones. The exact amount for your specific cabin type will be shown in the Costco Travel package details before you book.