Booking Cruise on Points?

[turtlekrawl]

After getting word that we closed on our add-on, we finally have enough points to do the seven day cruise. But when I called MS to book it yesterday, I was told that our preferred date of Aug. 10th was not available on points, but there was cash availability. The same was true of all of our alternate dates.

I'm sure there's some sort of allotment that DVC has for each cruise, and that allotment has been met for these cruises. But does anyone know if that's all that will be made available to DVC or will more cabins be allocated to DVC as time goes on? I did ask MS about a waitlist, but I was told that they don't waitlist for cruises.

Thanks
Jim

 

[CarolAnnC]

Which category are you trying to book? Sometimes you can obtain a different category for the same cruise.

There will not be more DVC rooms allotted as time goes on. In fact, the cruises have been sailing at or near capacity, and August during school vacations is certainly a peak time to cruise. I can only suggest that you try some other months as alternative dates. September and October most likely should have some availablility at this point. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[turtlekrawl]

CarolAnnK,
There's five of us, so as far as I know we're limited to a category 4 cabin. And because the kids are still in school, we're limited to the Summer months.

I suspected that there was only a limited number of cabins alloted to DVC. I guess we'll just have to make do with OKW this Summer , and plan to book the cruise early for next Summer.

Thanks
Jim

 

[CarolAnnC]

Actually the category 4 is not the only option for a family of 5. Many choose to book two connecting category 10 rooms for example to accommodate their family.

Come visit our Cruise Board and you will find lots of tips and information to help you plan a possible cruise!

 

[dznymom1]

I just happened to book Aug 10 last week using a mixture of points and cash. There were no cat 6 available, but there were cabins in several of the other cats still available. Remember you can mix points and cash, which really gives you more options. There are 2 other DVC families going that week that I know of, and we're going to have a blast! Be sure to explore all your options!

You can email me at dznymom@aol.com if you have any specific questions about what we ran into when we called.

 

[AnnaS]

We are a family of five. We went with two cat. 11 staterooms. Don't foreget first two people in room, adult points/prices. I think it is about the same or less as the cat. 4 family stateroom. I could not decide between the verandah and the two separate rooms and two bathrooms. We decided on the two instead. My daughter and I in one, DH and two DSs in other. Good Luck!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We are a family of 5 and we are planning on cruising in July of 2003. Hopefully the points chart comes out soon--not only is it the kids in school, but I teach so we are ALL limited to summers. I figured out the point difference between 2 category 11s and a cat 4--about 40 points for a 4 day cruise--but DH isn't that sold on cruising, and I figure if I take him in the bowels of the ship without any windows it will be our last cruise! So I'm hoping a cat. 4 is available the week we need July 2003. I am planning to book in August.
Robin M.

 

[AnnaS]

We did the Magic on 7/01. We went with two other families. We loved it so much, we are also planning on booking in August for the western caribbean cruise. We are aiming for July 5. Originally, we planned on adding a few days at WDW after cruise. I cannot take a chance if one of my kids needs summer school, so I think I will stay a few days before cruise. Hoping (three tuitions just went up- ouch).

 

[Miescha]

Originally posted by CarolAnnK
Actually the category 4 is not the only option for a family of 5. Many choose to book two connecting category 10 rooms for example to accommodate their family.

I am in the process of purchasing a 1,000 point re-sale (OKW) and curious about using some of those many points for a cruise. Between relatives and a friend for my 14 y/o, I suspect I will always travel with a minimum of 5 passengers. This leaves me yearning for the spaciousness of the category 1 "Walt/Roy Disney Suites"

However, I noticed that the hardcover Disney-published DVC promo book only gives points for a category 4. I thought this was b/c anything higher would require too many points, but now I read this thread and wonder if I can ever get a category 1 suite. Any thoughts? Will I need to mix points and cash?

 

[turtlekrawl]

Thanks all for your thoughts.....
It looks like we'll just wait 'til next year.
DW just has to have her balcony .

Jim