GTY...What Is It and Is It Right For You?

For anyone who doesn't know me, I must tell you, my new love is cruising...Disney Cruise Line has stolen my heart (and my wallet) and it's my ideal vacation, the adult pool beckons to me, Mickey dances on stage every night and there's a different towel animal every night; what's not to love?!
The more I book Disney Cruise Line (for those of you who haven't sailed yet...what are you waiting for?!?!) the more I see GTY categories coming up. I get a lot of questions about this so I decided to fill you all in.

First things first, this isn't a scam. When you hear there is a "GTY" or a "with restrictions" stateroom what you should be hearing is "a DEAL with restrictions". Some people are in it for the deal, they don't care where they sleep, the less windows the more money in their pocket for their next Disney cruise. Some people enjoy the luxury of the suites and verandah staterooms. Whatever strikes your fancy, DCL has something for you. Here is what to know about a GTY (besides the reduced price!) Ok, let's look at the important stuff:

• A GTY is not a scam, it's a legitimate offer from the cruise line for a guaranteed category stateroom (for example you can be guaranteed an inside, oceanview or verandah room) at a reduced rate...here's the catch: you CANNOT choose your own stateroom. Your stateroom will be assigned to you by the cruise line about a week before your sail date, no requests, no negotiations.
• A GTY is not a stable "category" you can select, it's a surprise deal given out at the discretion of the cruise line, for random sailings throughout the year. It's one of those little bonuses they use to fill the ships and to keep us all hanging on the website waiting for those three little letters to pop up and our bank account to sigh with relief.
• There are restrictions--This isn't fine print, DCL is very clear about it, but you NEED to know what these restrictions are...this could effect your decision, don't skim...read!

Here are the restrictions:

•  You will not be able to select your stateroom or make special requests, the only guarantee is the stateroom category you booked (inside, oceanview or verandah)
• The GTY applies to new bookings only. Existing reservations cannot be modified to these new categories.
•  Full payment is due at time of booking. Booking holds are not permitted.
• Reservation is non-refundable
•  Reservation and applied payment is non-transferable
• Full legal names and birthdates for all stateroom occupants are required at time of booking.
• Name changes after the reservation number is confirmed will not be permitted
• Sail date, stateroom category and cruise itinerary changes are not permitted once a reservation number is confirmed
•  not combinable with any discount or promotional offers
•  The "verandah" (VGT) category allows for a maximum of 4 stateroom occupants
• Restrictions and booking rules are subject to change, it's important to review the complete list of restrictions that accompany the category when it appears online.

And there you have it folks, if you are looking for a bargain, email me and i'll do all the work for you. Just sit back, relax and wait for the magic!