Cruise - onboard booking discount with points?

[FredS]

There is currently a promotion that if you book another cruise while onboard you get 10% off cash price and $200 stateroom credit. I have heard that there may also be a discount for those booking with points, but have not gotten any definitive info.

Is anyone aware of a recent discount on booking onboard using points and what type of discount it is (particular # per stateroom, percentage of usual # needed or ??) Thanks!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by FredS
There is currently a promotion that if you book another cruise while onboard you get 10% off cash price and $200 stateroom credit. I have heard that there may also be a discount for those booking with points, but have not gotten any definitive info.

Is anyone aware of a recent discount on booking onboard using points and what type of discount it is (particular # per stateroom, percentage of usual # needed or ??) Thanks!

I am very interested in this answer, as well.

 

[RudeMNcruisers]

I have a discount point chart at home from our 11/01/03 cruise. I will try and post tonight (if someone else has not already done so) what some of the discounted points are. I don't own a scanner or I would scan it for you, but it is specfic to criuse days and catagory of room.

Also, the rule is you don't have to do it while on board, but you must call DVC reservations within 3 days of the end of your cruise to get the deal.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by RudeMNcruisers
I have a discount point chart at home from our 11/01/03 cruise. I will try and post tonight (if someone else has not already done so) what some of the discounted points are. I don't own a scanner or I would scan it for you, but it is specfic to criuse days and catagory of room.

Also, the rule is you don't have to do it while on board, but you must call DVC reservations within 3 days of the end of your cruise to get the deal.

If you don't mind, could you tell me what the point amount would be for a CAT8, December 28, 2004 - January 4, 2005 per adult (2 adults in one stateroom)?

If you can't I understand.

Thanks!

 

[sitchu2]

7 Night eastern
value season 2004 regular season
cat 4 225 292
cat5 186 241
cat6 174 229
cat7 161 216
cat8 137 177
cat9 117 164
cat10 103 151
cat11 97 145

7 Night Western

value regular
Cat
4 239 306
5 197 252
6 185 240
7 173 228
8 149 195
9 130 182
10 117 169
11 110 163



discounted points only apply to booking for first and second passenger. Must call dcl within 3 days of disembarkation with on board dvc booking voucher to qualify.

 

[FredS]

THANKS !!!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by RudeMNcruisers
Also, the rule is you don't have to do it while on board, but you must call DVC reservations within 3 days of the end of your cruise to get the deal.

But you must book then if you're within the 11 month window and you can't get the discount more than 14 months out. Even if you can't book due to the 11 month window, you must call within 3 days.

Fred, when I talked to Jackie about it she led me to believe it was about 10% reduction as well but I don't think you get the credit.

 

[FredS]

I'm still not clear on this. It crossed my mind about the eleven month window, and how it seems that many people would want to book for the "same cruise next year" which would not be possible.

Thanks for bringing this up, although I'm not quite following you, Dean, about the fourteen month thing, and calling even if you can't book. Can you somehow "hold" a reservation until it is within the usual time frame for making a reservation?

Also, comparing to the above chart above for the discount with the new vacation planner chart, there are some reductions which make booking with points much more attractive, it seems particularly in the lower categories. I had completed a card on the Wonder to get info about booking onboard and also briefly spoke with the rep who assured me that she would contact everyone who filled out and left a card but we never heard a word from her. Definitely one of my top three negative experiences with a Disney CM. (Actually, I think that there have only been three which is why I am such a Disney fan!) It is rather frustrating that this might actually have been a viable option for us and we missed it because she didn't do her job. But we will be better informed on the next cruise and it might work out.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by FredS
I'm still not clear on this. It crossed my mind about the eleven month window, and how it seems that many people would want to book for the "same cruise next year" which would not be possible.

Thanks for bringing this up, although I'm not quite following you, Dean, about the fourteen month thing, and calling even if you can't book. Can you somehow "hold" a reservation until it is within the usual time frame for making a reservation?

Also, comparing to the above chart above for the discount with the new vacation planner chart, there are some reductions which make booking with points much more attractive, it seems particularly in the lower categories. I had completed a card on the Wonder to get info about booking onboard and also briefly spoke with the rep who assured me that she would contact everyone who filled out and left a card but we never heard a word from her. Definitely one of my top three negative experiences with a Disney CM. (Actually, I think that there have only been three which is why I am such a Disney fan!) It is rather frustrating that this might actually have been a viable option for us and we missed it because she didn't do her job. But we will be better informed on the next cruise and it might work out.

Fred, let me try again about the 11/14 month option. Remember that Cruise lines usually keep about 18 months ahead for pricing and booking availability. This does vary somewhat with the cruise line and the time of year as well as the issues of the times (9/11). You can only book DVC with points 11 monhs out, PERIOD. For cruises between 11 and 14 months out, you contact DVC within 3 days of leaving the ship. They note it on your acccount then you call back at 11 monthts. From what I can gather, if you want something more than 14 months out but is available, you are out of luck.

To be more reasonable, the points would have needed to go down about 20% in most areas. Instead they went down in some and up in others. With the changes, esp those iin the children's prices and extra people costing an increasing amount for higher cabins, I look at it overall as an increase.

Still, had you contact DVC within 3 days, it's likely you would have gotten teh discount.

 

[FredS]

For the particular category and date on our next cruise, it would not be a better deal. However, looking at the current pricing versus points for a potential future cruise date and category it would likely be the least expensive route. Since the number of points won't increase as the cash price does it wasn't actually a problem in this instance, as we should be able to book it the next time we are onboard.

I think it really odd how the chart itself varies so much in the discount for different sailings. The percentage off is negligible for some categories (which seem to already require far too many points) but significantly greater for some which aren't too far from the early booking rates.

 

[Muushka]

FredS, what charts are you using to compare?

I think it really odd how the chart itself varies so much in the discount for different sailings. The percentage off is negligible for some categories (which seem to already require far too many points) but significantly greater for some which aren't too far from the early booking rates.

All I have are the current DCL/DVC point chart in the member's book and the info that sitchu2 posted. Is that what you are using? Also, besides the points, and the $75 fee (is that X2 for 2 adults?), are there any other charges like port fees or whatever?

Thanks!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Thanks so much for the point listings, sitchu2!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Also, besides the points, and the $75 fee (is that X2 for 2 adults?), are there any other charges like port fees or whatever?

Muushka: That's it except for parking and tips (which can add up). Excursions of course are extra.

HBC

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by Muushka
FredS, what charts are you using to compare?



All I have are the current DCL/DVC point chart in the member's book and the info that sitchu2 posted. Is that what you are using? Also, besides the points, and the $75 fee (is that X2 for 2 adults?), are there any other charges like port fees or whatever?

Thanks!

I was using Sitchu2's post versus the DCL point listing in the new DVC Vacation Planner. A couple of quick examples: Value Season, Eastern, Cat. 11 is 97 points instead of 123 (a decrease of 26 points/22%) while a cat. 4 for the same cruise is 225 points instead of 237 (a decrease of 12 points/5%)

I am sure that there is SOME reason for the variation, but it just adds another set of factors which you should take into consideration before deciding if using points for a cruise is a good idea. While I generally think not (if you are at all comfortable renting to get cash for cruise, and you are able to take advantage of early booking discounts) but I am convinced that in some circumstances, weighing all options, it can be a wise decision.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by FredS
I was using Sitchu2's post versus the DCL point listing in the new DVC Vacation Planner. A couple of quick examples: Value Season, Eastern, Cat. 11 is 97 points instead of 123 (a decrease of 26 points/22%) while a cat. 4 for the same cruise is 225 points instead of 237 (a decrease of 12 points/5%)

I am sure that there is SOME reason for the variation, but it just adds another set of factors which you should take into consideration before deciding if using points for a cruise is a good idea. While I generally think not (if you are at all comfortable renting to get cash for cruise, and you are able to take advantage of early booking discounts) but I am convinced that in some circumstances, weighing all options, it can be a wise decision.

Still, some of those cruises can be gotten for as low as $649 for the first two adults with a lot more flexibility and options using cash and likely even an extra credit or discount from many of the TA. It does vary significantly by sail date and cabin.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by Dean
Still, some of those cruises can be gotten for as low as $649 for the first two adults with a lot more flexibility and options using cash and likely even an extra credit or discount from many of the TA. It does vary significantly by sail date and cabin.

Unfortunately, I have not yet encountered that low a rate for any cruise which we might take! Compared to "real world" total cash price quotes through Disney as well as through numerous travel agencies for the "better" dates, for us, included in Value Season (mid-May and October, for instance) the onboard discounted points cost for the higher-numbered stateroom categories is easily in the same price range (even if you assume $9-10 value on renting out points.) And if you are booking close to the sailing date and don't want to deal with hassle and risk of renting then it could certainly end up being a better deal overall.

Again, it just is odd that there is not a standard discount percentage for DVC point booking as there is for cash bookings onboard.

 

[sitchu2]

I found that if you are booking for regular season, and especially July cruises, you are almost comparable to cash prices in say cat 8 and 9.

If you dont have that much available cash, but have points available , why agonize over it. Part of the value of points is the experience . You are absolutely getting a fair trade off with dcl, its not like you are trading for a broken down condo on antigua or something similar.

You are also getting meals, and rather nice ones at that. Its like tradeing for an all inclusive.

In some situations, you get much more for your money if you rent and pay cash, deffinately, and sometimes , when you factor in all your options (inclucing the fact that time is money) points are indeed the way to go.

The call in 3 days worked out well for me last year, I called within 3 days for a cruise more then 11 months out, and they noted it on my account. Now I didnt have to book on the spot , I had time to ponder and compare but still had the option to get the discounted points if I decided to deffinately cruise dcl, the glass was half full in my situation.

This summer I did called within 3 days and being 11 months out had to book there and then, It was alot of pressure and initially took cat 9 for the 26 point savings, but then dh couldnt live without his verandah so just last thurs, I paid another $75 and changed categorys. The 14 month thing can really work for you.

You pay $75 only once as a booking fee, and you pay again only if you change your origional booking. They will allow you to switch rooms within your same category without paying, but if you change passengers or categorys they charge you.

ps( im so happy about my change, although I didnt save as many points technicaly, I got the cat 7 room that was really a cat 5 but there is a bit of metal on the side so they changed it to cat 7 , but it is really an open verandah with plexiglass, looking at the deck plans on travelocity it is still classified as cat 5)

Any more questions about points booking just ask I have a few experiences with it now.

 

[Muushka]

Originally posted by FredS
I was using Sitchu2's post versus the DCL point listing in the new DVC Vacation Planner. A couple of quick examples: Value Season, Eastern, Cat. 11 is 97 points instead of 123 (a decrease of 26 points/22%) while a cat. 4 for the same cruise is 225 points instead of 237 (a decrease of 12 points/5%)

I am sure that there is SOME reason for the variation, but it just adds another set of factors which you should take into consideration before deciding if using points for a cruise is a good idea. While I generally think not (if you are at all comfortable renting to get cash for cruise, and you are able to take advantage of early booking discounts) but I am convinced that in some circumstances, weighing all options, it can be a wise decision.

Thanks Fred! Yes, there is a difference if you want a nicer cabin, isn't there!

We were booking our cruise for a very big birthday for me (a milestone year ) and looked into points. Oye, way too high.
So at Dean's suggestion on these boards, we checked into what he suggested and were able to sail at regular season. CAT 6 for 2 adults for $2990. If we had used points it would have been 482 points. Through DCL it would have been about 2K more. So there are some bargains out there.

Believe it or not we are a little point heavy at this point. I looked at the value season for booking while on the cruise we are going on in March. If we sailed CAT 8 it would be 274 points, which is not too bad if all you have to add is $75.

I know we could sell the points, but we went through that a few years back and it was a bit of a pain. It would be great to sell a whole bunch of points as a simple transfer into another members account for a lower price. Maybe I should start advertising!

PS thanks Dean for your great advice

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by FredS
Unfortunately, I have not yet encountered that low a rate for any cruise which we might take! Compared to "real world" total cash price quotes through Disney as well as through numerous travel agencies for the "better" dates, for us, included in Value Season (mid-May and October, for instance) the onboard discounted points cost for the higher-numbered stateroom categories is easily in the same price range (even if you assume $9-10 value on renting out points.) And if you are booking close to the sailing date and don't want to deal with hassle and risk of renting then it could certainly end up being a better deal overall.

Again, it just is odd that there is not a standard discount percentage for DVC point booking as there is for cash bookings onboard.

The prices I quoted were the cheapest for advance purchases that I've generally seen though there have been some deals at $599 pp. Comparing to "real world", our cruise for next March 20th (Regular Season and our Spring Break) was $799 pp with a $75 room credit and free soda program (AAA). Had I booked it using points (don't have the discount points for that time), it would have been 466 points for a cat 11 for 3. The actual price was $2432. Assuming a discount of 25%, you're still talking 400 points, $6 pp. June 12 would have been more like $8.50 pp compared to the on board discount. Unfortunately, booking using the onboard discount isn't real world either for most people so June would actually have been more like $7.50 pp.

Higher cabins will be a better value using points are they are not discounted as much. Using the onboard booking discount certainly makes a difference is the decision. To me, even at $10 pp value, I'd rather rent out my points and pay cash. Far more flexibility and options but that's not for everyone. Remember that if you're going with multiple people in a room, the value is decreased signficantly and that's even more true with the new gouge of paying more for extra people in the higher cabins over what it would be for lower cabins.

While an individual may get stuck in the situation of comparing the points to a a higher cash price that has increased from it's lowest point, that should not be true for most on this board. Lets say that one starts looking 18 months out for a second cruise and their first is 6 months from the point they are looking. If they decide to wait and book onboard (either cash or points), in most cases they should compare to the early booking price at 18 months out and not the time of their first cruise, 12 months out.

Does anyone know if you can book multiple rooms for the onboard discount, this would make a difference as to the value for 4 or more people traveling.

 

[sitchu2]

Yes you can book multiple rooms for the onboard discount , it applies to the first and second passenger in each room. I just booked 2 rooms and got onboard discount for both.