Cruise on Cash & Points

[kid@heart]

Can someone tell me how this works? We're a family of 5 and would need a category 4 (family suite). If we used all points it would be 813 points. We have enough points to do half of that. If I get a cash quote for the cruise from DisneyCruiseLine.com the cost is $5800. If I book this through MS will it be approx. 406 points and $2900 cash? Does MS get a better cash rate on the cruise? Just wondering on a Sunday morning in Kansas City. In advance, THANKS for your help!

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I cruised on points and cash 3 years ago.
MS gives you the same price as DCL would give you if you booked directly with DCL. As you are stuck to an 11 month booking window with DVC, try to book as soon as the window opens up- before the cost of the staterooms goes up with demand.

 

[amybethchristiansen]

Points are currently renting at about $10 a point. So, 403 points has a "cash equivilent" of 4,030. As such, the cash and points cost of the cruise is more than the just cash rate. I would recommend just using cash to pay for the cruise, and rent your points.

 

[marthasolar]

We have never used points for a cruise, you are much better of selling the points at $10. or $11. a point and paying cash for the cruise, you will end up with lots of spending $$$$$$$$$.
Martha

 

[AnnaS]

kid@heart,

don't forget you can also get two lower cat. cabins. We are also a family of five and have cruised dcl three times. A different combination for all three. Some rent out their points and pay cash for the cruise which is a great option. We have limited vacation time, we have the points and use them - hassle free - but that works for us.

First time we had two cat. 11 and used points for 4 people and paid cash for 1 child (you will need to pay adult price/point for first two people in each cabin regardless of age and you will list an adult in each cabin also).

Second time we had two cat. 11 cabins but paid first adult with points, one adult cash and child cash - second cabin one adult points, one cash. (we upgraded at port for one cabin to a 6 and paid the difference with $).

Third cruise - one cat. 11 - two adults with points and one cabin cat. 8 - two adults and one (adult/child) with cash.

You have many options - the fun is in the planning and how many points you are willing to use and how much cash you are willing to spend. Good luck.

 

[kid@heart]

I can't wait to call MS to debate my options tomorrow. Have a GREAT weekend!

 

[CarolMN]

I can't wait to call MS to debate my options tomorrow. Have a GREAT weekend!

Just so you know - tomorrow is going to be very busy for MS as there are many DVC members in the process of booking their December/Christmas vacation stays. Don't be surprised to get a busy signal or to have to wait on hold awhile.

FWIW, my advice is to call later in the afternoon.

Best wishes -

 

[Plutofan]

If you can rent points out is is a better value. We booked a cruise for July 8 2007 on cash. I estimated that Disney is giving you a value of $7.5 per point. You maybe able to rent points out for $10 - $12 per point. The best cash prices are for those who book early. They started booking 2007 cruises on 12/21/05. You should go to www.mousesaver.com and read about Disney cruises. One good tip from them is that a family of five could book two category 9 rooms that connect which will give you significantly more room and be cheaper than the suite. Also nothing against Disney but their prices on their website are higher than a travel agent. We used the travel agent recommend by mouseaver and saved a lot of money including getting a cash rebate back after we complete out trip.

 

[CALNEVA DISNEYFANS]

Good info. Looks like points are NOT a good option.