Cruise...advice on points vs cash

[goofy4dvc]

Thinking about taking a 3-day cruise on or around April 29, 2004. Cash for a Category 5 room would be $2,215 for 4 people. DVC doesn't have the 2004 points out yet, but points for the same time in 2003 would be 318. I realize that might change some, but probably not significant.

From what I've read on this board, some people prefer to just use points for the simplicity of it. Some people suggest renting out your points for the cash. If we do that, and based on $10/point, we would need to rent out at least 222 points just for the cost of the cruise. Or we could rent out 250-300 points to help pay for airfare or park passes, as we plan to stay at WDW 4 or 5 nights prior to the cruise. I've never rented out points before so I am wondering how feasible it would be to rent out the points needed to make the cash ressie. We have points at Vero Beach and BCV. Also, is there any difference as to whether you use points or cash for the cruise as far as perks or privileges are concerned? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Regina]

You can always place the room on hold now with an $800.00 deposit. That way you have it. When the point schedule comes out, you can compare the two and take it from there.

I'm not sure what you mean about perks and privileges that are tied to your method of payment.

As far as renting your points, take a look at the Rent/Trade board to get a feel for the market and what to expect.

Who ever thought planning a vacation would be so much work?

 

[alisbarc]

There are 2 major advantages to paying cash for you Disney crises.
1. It cost less than the current point value.
2. You do not have to wait until the 11 window to book and therefore qualify for the early booking discount and have more choices on available cabins.

The downside is that you do have to spend some time and effort renting your points and there are some risks.

We decided to rent our points and pay cash for our Nov 03 7 day cruise. Made enough from renting out the number of points needed for a cruise to pay cash for the cruise and have enough for airfare and there are 6 of us (2 cabins).

I have now done over 10 rentals and would be happy to give you some advice. Email me at dwbarc@aol.com and I'll tell you what I know.

ttfn
david

 

[VJMorrell]

I would hold the reservation with your deposit for now until the 11 month booking window. I did this for Presidents week this year due to the fact that it is such a busy time. I then booked two adults on points and payed for my twelve year old. They did give me the same room. Did you know that you can book some of the cruise on points and the rest on cash? You can split it this way , but only through DVC.

Valerie