If you have been on just one Disney Cruise Line (DCL) voyage, you are part of the Castaway Club. What is it, you ask? Well, there is no secret handshake, no initiation rules. Once you have completed your first DCL cruise, you are automatically a member of the Castaway Club. I’m hoping this article will help you to understand the different levels and the benefits of being part of the Castaway Club.

Levels

There are three levels based on the number of cruises that you have completed. You will be a Silver Castaway member after your first completed cruise. After your fifth completed cruise, you will be a Gold Castaway member. After your tenth completed cruise, you will be a Platinum Castaway member. Benefits are based on your Castaway Club level.

Benefits for All Levels

All Castaway Club members enjoy benefits such as advance booking of port adventures, spa appointments, and dining reservations at Palo and Remy.  Members also receive a “Welcome Back” gift (one per stateroom) on their next cruise.  As a member, there is also exclusive content on DCL’s website to keep you in-the-know!  Only members receive the Castaway Club Compass newsletter.  When checking in at the port terminal for your next cruise, there is a designated check-in line for Castaway Club members.  You will be given lanyards for each member of your cruising party indicating your Castaway Club level.

Gold level Castaway Club onboard gift (tote bag and photo album) – Photo by Mary Spina

Benefits at Higher Levels

As a Gold Castaway Club member (working hard to get to that Platinum level), I love having early access to online booking for port adventures (shore excursions), spa appointments and Palo and Remy reservations.  First time cruisers can book these activities 75 days prior to sail date.  As a Silver member, activities can be booked 90 days prior to sail date.  Gold members can book 105 days prior to sail date and Platinum members can book 120 days prior to sail date (same as those sailing concierge).  You must be pay in full for your cruise before you can book at any level.  For those wanting those hard-to-get cabanas on Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island), your level can make the difference.

Once you reach Gold and Platinum levels, you will be invited to a special onboard reception to mingle with some of the ship’s officers.  Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres are served at this hour-long event.  In addition, Gold and Platinum members enjoy a discount at the onboard shops.

Once you have reached the highest level, Platinum, members enjoy priority check-in at the port terminal and received priority boarding after concierge guests.  Platinum members also receive a complimentary dinner at Palo.

Phelan Ebenhack, photographer

Are you a Castaway Club member?  What’s your favorite perk?

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