Cash & Points for DCL in 2006

[dkddis]

My use year is June and I will have 218 pts available (200+18 banked). I want to book a DCL cruise sometime in the first half of 2006. I have thought of using my points and paying cash for the rest. 2 adults two kids DD4 and DD12 (at the time of the cruise). MS says I can do this but I need to wait until June to make the reservations. However I have heard that advanced purchases offer the best fare in most cases. Will there be any significant difference in price between now and June? I am not sure what month to pick but we want to take the new two Mexico stops cruise. Any advice? Should I just pay cash for the whole thing and bank my points?

 

[CarolMN]

The points and cash that you will pay for 2006 will be what MS negotiates with DCL. Once they negotiate, it will not change. The points will depend on the date, cabin, itinerary, lenfth of the cruise, and ages of the children.

I don't know anything about the cash prices through DCL as far as when they go up. You might ask on the cruise board. I do know that they go up the closer you get to the departure date.

Most here value their points at $10 each (or more), because that is what they can rent them for. If you agree with that philosophy, (and are willing to do the work to rent your points), it is almost always a better economic value to rent your DVC points and pay cash for the cruise. You'll also get better cancellation options and will be able to book more than 11 months in advance if you go the cash route. That means you will get a better choice of cabins. It's really up to you.

Best wishes -