Booking a cruise with points? How does it work?

[Crystal_27]

In 2010, we are planning on using our banked points for 2009 and 2010 points to go on a cruise plus a 4 night's stay at BLT before our cruise!!! But, we will be paying out of pocket for DD since we won't have enough points for her. Can anyone tell me how this process works? Does MS take the money immediately or does the money just have to be paid by 90 days like regular DCL cruises?? Also, can we transfer our reservation to Dreams Unlimited to get a stateboard credit like typical DCL reservations? Any input is very much appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

[prettypixie]

Hi Neighbor!

I just did booked a 3 day trip for Nov 09 using the balance of my 08 incentive points and 09 points. I know that once your reservation is confirmed with DCL they will charge the $95 transaction fee and any additional out of pocket fees like you mentioned. Not sure about transferring ressie to Dreams, I'd like to know that too! Didn't even think about it. Maybe I will send them an email.

 

[Anal Annie]

You will have to book the cruise thru DVC MS and it will have to STAY with DVC - you will not be able to xfer to DU for any onboard credits.... And I believe that you do have to pay any cash amounts up front at the time of booking. You are not booking directly with DCL or with a TA but with DVC so the monies are all paid up front. Sorry...

 

[Crystal_27]

Hi Neighbor!

I just did booked a 3 day trip for Nov 09 using the balance of my 08 incentive points and 09 points. I know that once your reservation is confirmed with DCL they will charge the $95 transaction fee and any additional out of pocket fees like you mentioned. Not sure about transferring ressie to Dreams, I'd like to know that too! Didn't even think about it. Maybe I will send them an email.

You will have to book the cruise thru DVC MS and it will have to STAY with DVC - you will not be able to xfer to DU for any onboard credits.... And I believe that you do have to pay any cash amounts up front at the time of booking. You are not booking directly with DCL or with a TA but with DVC so the monies are all paid up front. Sorry...

Thank you both for the responses!! I figured that the reservation couldn't transfer to Dreams, but I thought it might be worth a shot to ask - LOL. And, it's great to know that we'll have to pay for DD upfront...I'll just plan on that. Thanks again to you both for responding!

 

[CarolAnnC]

The above is correct. You are booking with DVC Member Services, not a travel agent. Your price will be an agreed upon price contracted each year between DVC and DCL. It will not be a price you could find through a travel agent, or with DCL directly. It may not be the most expensive, but it will not be the cheapest, either.

At time of booking, you will pay the cash portion in full on a credit card, along with the DVC $95 booking fee.

I have cruised on points and points/cash many times, and it has always worked well for me.

Good luck, and don't forget to visit our Disney Cruise Board here on the DIS

 

[Deb & Bill]

When you use points for a cruise, they become reservation points. So if you decide to cancel the cruise, you'll only be able to use them for non-DVC reservations and pay the $95 fee again.

 

[Crystal_27]

The above is correct. You are booking with DVC Member Services, not a travel agent. Your price will be an agreed upon price contracted each year between DVC and DCL. It will not be a price you could find through a travel agent, or with DCL directly. It may not be the most expensive, but it will not be the cheapest, either.

At time of booking, you will pay the cash portion in full on a credit card, along with the DVC $95 booking fee.

I have cruised on points and points/cash many times, and it has always worked well for me.

Good luck, and don't forget to visit our Disney Cruise Board here on the DIS

When you use points for a cruise, they become reservation points. So if you decide to cancel the cruise, you'll only be able to use them for non-DVC reservations and pay the $95 fee again.

Well, it sounds like the process is fairly streamlined. Thanks very much for your input!!

 

[KevGuy]

Is it possible to pay for one adult via points, and then a second adult and two children under 12 via cash?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Is it possible to pay for one adult via points, and then a second adult and two children under 12 via cash?

Sure, but you'll pay the DVC rate for other guests.

 

[Crystal_27]

Sure, but you'll pay the DVC rate for other guests.

The "DVC rate" being a 25% discount, right? I thought that was what my Guide said, but we had so much information coming at us during our tour that my recollection may be a bit fuzzy.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The "DVC rate" being a 25% discount, right? I thought that was what my Guide said, but we had so much information coming at us during our tour that my recollection may be a bit fuzzy.

Nope, it's the rate that DVC has negotiated with DCL for cash passengers. And it's often higher than you can get directly with DCL or through a Travel Agent.

The 25% off rate is only on DVC villas when it is available (and it's not always available). No discount on DCL staterooms through DVC.