Booking cruises on points - how far out?

[Lynne M]

I've been finding myself with leftover points for the last couple of years, as I've sometimes split my time between a DVC resort and staying with friends when I visit Orlando. I've rented points out, it's a pain.

So, now I've gotten interested in cruising. I booked a DCL cruise on cash for April 2012, and am thinking about another one for April 2013.

I know this is heresy , but if I were to book a cruise on points, how far in advance can I do it? 11 months?

 

[com_op_2000]

Up to 24 months in advanced.

 

[Lynne M]

Ooh, awesome! Now I'll have to watch for the 2013 itineraries to be announced.

Thanks!

 

[karana]

Keep in mind that using points for cruising is a high cost exchange of points versus what you save on your cruise and you don't get any promotions of OBC ( On Board Credits) that are given for cash reservations.

We rent our points to "buy down" our DCL ressies. If you have many extra points, and you don't want the hassle of renting, then you might as well use the points for a cruise. Just something to think about if your point balance is tight again and you are hooked on cruising- which happens, believe me!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi if the magic goes to the med in2013 I will be booking it for dh and myself (probably using DVc points)

Just wondered if dh cant make it due to work commitments could I change it to my mam instead? Is it ok changing name of adult?

 

[fitnessmouse]

So 24 months? Does that mean, that if they announce 2013 itineraries in october, i can not book for ex thanksgiving or Christmas cruise on points?

 

[jpabst17216]

Changing the name on a cruise reservation is the equivalent of canceling the reservation and rebooking. You will be held to the cruise line's cancellation policy for DVC members and can actually lose points if you don't change the names far enough in advance.

 

[com_op_2000]

Hi if the magic goes to the med in2013 I will be booking it for dh and myself (probably using DVc points)

Just wondered if dh cant make it due to work commitments could I change it to my mam instead? Is it ok changing name of adult?

Make sure you are the lead on the reservation. You can change the other people on the reservation up to your cancellation period.