Cruising using points

[Scotfan]

Is it worth using points for the Disney cruise? rather than paying for it directly.
We could do the 4 night for around 300 pts.
Anyone done it?
Thanks.
Not an owner yet but did the tour for the second time last Thursday!!.

[Kevin Stringer]

We have done the cruise using points.

Most people will tell you that it is better financially to spend money buying a cruise and keep your points for DVC use, but have a different view.

After we bought our points I saw that as money that has gone. Now our holidays cost us only our annual dues.
As long as the points for a cruise don't go through the roof, I think it is fine to use them.

Kev

[Scotfan]

Thanks, we are being quoted roughly £1200 at current exchange rate for a 4 night cruise. Now away to do some sums.

[caledonia]

I have been on several cruises with my kids last one was during the October break i used points as they were about to expire. its an expensive option much better value paying for it. I own a travel agency and found that some of the u.k tour operators were reasonable value for money when booking for clients, 7 night cruise better value per night than the 3 or 4 hope this helps if you need any further info email me at hamiltonhogg@aol.com regards ian

[macca_uk]

I agree with Kevin, i see our DVC points as a prepaid holiday. There is a temptation to maximise the point value (ie rent points and pay for cruise with cash) but in my mind I prefer the convinience and cost control of sticking to my point allocation. Its all a matter of personal choice and opinion.

[dcbrown]

I have done all....used all pts ....points for me and cash for kids....and this time all cash. I have found the best value to be all cash for alot of reasons....but the biggest one is that it is cheaper!!

When you book any portion with DVC you have to pay the entire cash balance right away. You are also limited to booking 11 mos out. DVC also has their own price list which apears to be more expensive than most.

When you book outside of DVC you can book anytime for the best choice of cabins. You can make payments with the final due 60 days out. The best is that you can shop around for the best price. If you go on the dis cruise boards there is a wealth of info on the best prices.

I say, if you are using all points and have no other vacation plans, go with DVC ..otherwise it is better to shop around.

DCBrown:Pinkbounc :smooth: :Pinkbounc :smooth: :Pinkbounc pirate:

[daipp]

If you are not in DVC, you will pay for your cruise year after year after year. Whereas if you are in DVC, you have paid for your cruise for the next 38 years!!!

What a fantastic investment!!

David:cool: