What's the deal with the DVC cruises?

[erionm]

Originally Posted by bobbiwoz

On the Meets thread for this one, someone said the cruise roster was closed. They weren't allowed to book, this was about 2 weeks ago.

If that's the case, maybe it's time for DVC to pull the Sept 2012/Jan 2013 Cruise Details page from the member website. We've done the 2009 & 2011 Member Cruises. Enjoy your cruise.

[DisneyBelle99]

Yes, that was me who tried to book about two weeks ago. No luck. Today, in the mail we got an ad for the September 2013 cruise. We might try for that, but the timing during Hurricane season is giving us a headache. We are NYers, and clean up from Sandy is still going on!

[scrapbookmomma74]

Based on the rate chart that came out last week for the October 2013 member cruise, the rate for a comparable cruise a week later is about $500 less, and the DVC member rate includes gratuities, so its not that different plus you get stuff. We haven't ever done one, we're booked for the January 2013 Member cruise, but are seriously considering the Sept. one.

[sissy_ib]

Originally Posted by scrapbookmomma74

Based on the rate chart that came out last week for the October 2013 member cruise, the rate for a comparable cruise a week later is only about $84 less, and the DVC member rate includes gratuities, so you would actually save money. We haven't ever done one, we're booked for the January 2013 Member cruise, but are seriously considering the Sept. one.

Where are you seeing this? Looking at a the September 29th members cruise vs the Oct 6, 2013 4 night, the members cruise is $2002 for two adults in an 11C and the Oct 6 is $1437 for two adults.
I have a dummy cruise booked in a 5D on Oct 13, 2013. My total (with 10% off) is $1,565. On the members cruise it would be $2,856!!
Gratuities are only $48 a person on a four night.

ETA: are you maybe looking at the January 3 night prices? They are on the same chart.

[ScottakaMickey]

Can someone point me to where you are seeing the cruise fares for the DVC cruise? Isit just doing a booking on the DCL site?

I am curious as this was a heavily discounted period this year with the 4 Day being just over $1000 for three, 2 adult and 1 3yr old, in a CAT 4D.

[erionm]

Originally Posted by ScottakaMickey

Can someone point me to where you are seeing the cruise fares for the DVC cruise? Isit just doing a booking on the DCL site?

I am curious as this was a heavily discounted period this year with the 4 Day being just over $1000 for three, 2 adult and 1 3yr old, in a CAT 4D.

The Member Cruise is a charter by DVC, so DVC sets the rates and controls the bookings. The cruise is not bookable on the DCL website. DVC Members can book by calling DVC on 12/9/2012. Below is a link to the pdf version of the Cash/Point Chart on the Member Website.

http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/...ise_111312.pdf

[JeanfromBNA]

When do you find out what the featured entertainment and speakers will be on board?

Also, Can we invite non DVC friends to join us?

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Originally Posted by JeanfromBNA

Also, Can we invite non DVC friends to join us?

Yes, each member can book a total of 3 rooms, if I recall correctly. We took a non-DVC friend with us.

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Originally Posted by sissy_ib

Where are you seeing this? Looking at a the September 29th members cruise vs the Oct 6, 2013 4 night, the members cruise is $2002 for two adults in an 11C and the Oct 6 is $1437 for two adults.
I have a dummy cruise booked in a 5D on Oct 13, 2013. My total (with 10% off) is $1,565. On the members cruise it would be $2,856!!
Gratuities are only $48 a person on a four night.

ETA: are you maybe looking at the January 3 night prices? They are on the same chart.

I was actually booked on the 29th cruise before it was chartered by DVC so I know the rate we were paying. To go in the same cabin for the same cruise is 1500 dollars more for us. Even though we happen to be dvc members no way are we paying that! Like you say the tips and gifts dont add that much! Plus its all money upfront. Who do they have speaking? It must be somebody good!

[luv2sleep]

Originally Posted by Paula Sedley-Burke

I was actually booked on the 29th cruise before it was chartered by DVC so I know the rate we were paying. To go in the same cabin for the same cruise is 1500 dollars more for us. Even though we happen to be dvc members no way are we paying that! Like you say the tips and gifts dont add that much! Plus its all money upfront. Who do they have speaking? It must be somebody good!

Anyone know why they charge so much more for these?

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Originally Posted by luv2sleep

Anyone know why they charge so much more for these?

High demand I think. Plus they go to castaway cay twice, have guest speakers and gifts even so....

[erionm]

Originally Posted by JeanfromBNA

When do you find out what the featured entertainment and speakers will be on board?

DVC no longer pre-announces featured entertainers.

Originally Posted by ILoveDisney&Cruising

Yes, each member can book a total of 3 rooms, if I recall correctly. We took a non-DVC friend with us.

This year there is a limit of 2 staterooms.

[Barbydoll8]

This is going to be my first member cruise in Jan. My second DCL cruise though. DH and I know it's more but it's about the experience more than gifts. Specialty cruises can be more expensive in general and I always concidered these as specialty cruises.
Yes our gratituity is included and yes we get gifts but again, we are looking for the experience over all.
I understand members not wanting to pay more for the cruise but I guess the real thing here is anything is worth it if you think it is.

Will this be my last members cruise? I don't know yet but I'm open to it.

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Originally Posted by Barbydoll8

This is going to be my first member cruise in Jan. My second DCL cruise though. DH and I know it's more but it's about the experience more than gifts. Specialty cruises can be more expensive in general and I always concidered these as specialty cruises.
Yes our gratituity is included and yes we get gifts but again, we are looking for the experience over all.
I understand members not wanting to pay more for the cruise but I guess the real thing here is anything is worth it if you think it is.

Will this be my last members cruise? I don't know yet but I'm open to it.

Good for you. I really hope you enjoy it. Perhaps you can report back and let us know your thoughts after Jan?

[ScottakaMickey]

Originally Posted by erionm

The Member Cruise is a charter by DVC, so DVC sets the rates and controls the bookings. The cruise is not bookable on the DCL website. DVC Members can book by calling DVC on 12/9/2012. Below is a link to the pdf version of the Cash/Point Chart on the Member Website.

http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/...ise_111312.pdf

THanks for the link. Yea, those prices are highway robbery. It would be $4,000 for my family for the category we like to book, 4D. We cruised on two different 4 day cruises, Sept and Nov, this year and with each of them we paid $1100 for the same 4D category using the FL resident discount and upgraded to Cat V at the pier both times and our total cost for both cruise, 8 Days in a Cat V was less then this one cruise. Sorry, love my DVC, but not that much.

Also, DVC member were given excellent discount rates on Fantasy Cruises this past July and again in Aug/Sept, would rather see discounted rates offered, but as others said, it's popular which drives the price.