Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is the Castaway Club?

Disney’s first private island is Castaway Cay. But the Castaway Club is not a group of sailors who’ve been marooned there. Nope, Castaway Club is the name of Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program. Anyone can become a Castaway Club member by taking a Disney cruise.

As with other loyalty programs, you get higher status in the Castaway Club the more times you cruise with Disney. Other cruise lines work their loyalty programs around days on board, dollars spent, or other metrics. Disney’s Castaway Club tier is simply based on how many times you’ve sailed.

• Silver (after one cruise)
• Gold (after five cruises)
• Platinum (after 10 cruises)
• Pearl (after 25 cruises)

Here’s a quick overview of what you get with each tier, and why it matters for this cruise line.

⭐When Disney Cruise Line releases new itineraries, they go on sale to Castaway Club members first. The higher your status, the earlier you can reserve a cabin. A few staterooms on each ship have hidden perks like larger balconies or unique locations. Earlier booking means you’re more likely to find one of these rooms available.

⭐Once you’ve booked a cruise, you’ll reserve some things like spa appointments, adult dining, and Port Adventures in advance. For each tier of status, your online booking window opens farther ahead of your cruise.

⭐The date when you can complete your check-in varies with your Castaway Club status. The higher your status, the earlier you can check-in. Earlier check-ins give you a better chance at an early port arrival time, and more time spent on the ship on embarkation day.

⭐All Castaway Club Members receive a “Welcome Back Onboard” gift. As you might imagine, these get fancier as your Castaway Club tier goes up.

⭐Some perks are only available to those in higher tiers:

• Gold members and above have an onboard reception and access to some onboard discounts.
• Platinum members and above get a complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse.
• Pearl members get a complimentary unlimited photo package.

One thing that is unique about the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club is that your status can expire. We are all accustomed to the idea that airline frequent flier miles might be use ’em or lose ’em. But in the cruise industry that’s unusual; loyalty status typically lasts forever. However, in 2023 Disney added language to their Terms and Conditions stating that

“Membership in the Program will automatically terminate without notice if Member does not book or complete an eligible DCL cruise within the “Activity Period.”

That activity period is 5 years since the date you debarked your last cruise. Disney does say that may choose not to enforce this policy, but it’s not clear when that would apply. For more details on the nitty-gritty of how the Castaway Club works, see FAQ: Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club.

In 2023, Disney did establish a link between Castaway Cay and the Castaway Club. They installed a display on the island with the names of those who have taken 50 or more voyages on Disney Cruise Line. There’s no word yet on whether they take your name down if your Castaway Club membership expires.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is for first-time Disney cruisers looking to learn about the DCL experience. Got a question about a term that’s unfamiliar to you? Suggest it in the comments below.