Booking DCL with cash and points

[jel0511]

Well, I'm thinking of doing a shorter summer stay so we can cruise on DCL in Nov 03 also. I'd only have enough points to book one adult and would have to pay cash for the other adult and both of my children. Can I do this?? Also, if I want transfers, I'll also have to book them and pay cash as well? I can't book the cruise until next month, so I'm just trying to see what my options are. THANKS!!

 

[DVC-Don]

Worth a call to MS. We are cruising on points for my wife and I and paying cash for the 2 kids in February.

 

[jel0511]

Thanks for the advice on calling, I did and did find out some interesting information. You can book a DCL cruise with MS by just booking one person in the room on points, it can even be an infant!!!! I thought that was interesting!! Oh well, now to decide what we're doing... A week this summer and DCL or two weeks!!! Oh, decisions, decisions.....

 

[CarolMN]

Be sure you do the math and compare the cost of booking totally with cash vs booking some in your party for points & the rest for cash.

When you book with MS and pay for some with cash, you do not pay the DCL advertised cash price. You pay the cash price that MS/DVC negotiated with DCL for the year. That price may be more or less than DCL's current advertised cash price.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[jel0511]

Thanks CarolMN for that advice. I didn't know that. That might definately make a difference in whether we take the cruise or not. I was just basing it on what DCL is now charging, and it'a definately one of their cheaper sailings for next year!!! I'm guessing that DVC's price will be higher!!!! Unforunately, I'll have to wait until 12/2 to find out!!

 

[Dean]

I don't think you can book just one child or infant to schedule a DCL cruise with points unless you're paying the adult price, I know you couldn't previously with the Alaskan cruise. What you should be able to do is book one adult then any combination you want. I'd also recommend you compare the combination through MS to the cash price through DCL, I suspect you'll be much better off doing the cash. You may want to consider booking now for cash then if things are better for you using points, you can cancel the cash reservations. Good luck.

 

[DebbieB]

I got my AAA paper today and in the travel section they had some DCL cruise specials. For 11/15/03 they are showing a 7 day Disney Magic, Brochure Rate $2,004, AAA Rate $1,069, almost 1/2 off! Includes roundtrip air from PIT. So checking around for cash prices might be better.