Cruise Point Reduction History

[ngb2w]

We did the 7 day Magic cruise in Early December 2001 on points. We probably booked it at the 11 month window. As the date approached and space was available, Disney reduced the points needed for the cruise. We haven't cruised since then but are thinking about booking another cruise for Jan or Feb of 2006. My question is...is it fair to assume they may again discount the number of points needed. If memory serves me correctly, we saved about 80-100 points on our last cruise.

I have been out of the loop for awhile, where can I look to see any discounted point charts. I only have the 2006 DVC Vacation Planner brochure.

Thanks!

 

[CarolMN]

I think that was a one time deal - haven't heard of any other point reductions for a cruise.

My thought is that the DCL was having big trouble filling up cruises in the latter part of 2001 after September 11. When we went to WDW in early December 2001, the resorts and the parks were really empty. No foreign visitors to be seen or heard anywhere. Spooky.

Best wishes -

 

[AOPI57]

We first cruised July 01 on the Magic using points and cash. We've done 2 cruises since- July 2003 and Just 2 weeks ago- July 2 West Coast using points and cash. We didn't get any reduction in points. The ship ON july 2 was full. My friend and my parents (DVC members also) wanted to do a cash upgrade at the port- nothing was avaviable.

I agree- I think the poiint reducttion was because few were traveling because of Sept. 11.

 

[ngb2w]

Thanks for the QUICK responses...now that you mention it, yes, that reason makes sense.

 

[MCazer]

Although the September 11th explanation seems plausible, I do believe the reduction came out before that date.

We went on the Halloween cruise on the Magic in 2001, and from what I remember, the points went down before September 11th. Whereby we changed from a window to a balcony with the extra points we saved.

We have gone on 2 more trips on the Magic since (all off season) and have not used our points as they were too high.

I believe the 4 of us (2 adults, 2 children) used 381 points for that first trip in a cat 5 stateroom. Well our last trip in January of this year would have used more than 600 points for a cat 6. I think that is rediculous.

I ended up renting points and using the cash to pay for the cruise. I saved almost $3,000 by doing this. Disney really needs to lower the points if they want people to use there precious points for a cruise!

 

[kcashner]

There have been a couple of times with point reductions for the cruise, but none recently. If you rebook while on the ship, you are eligible for a reduced point chart (which compares to the cost reduction DCL gives for rebooking while on board.)

We've cruised 12 times on DCL, only one time on points...and that was while they were "on sale." It is a little hassle, but you can do far better by renting out your points and booking the cruise with cash. This also gives you more flexibility. For instance, if you need to change your cruise in any way and you booked on points, you will pay another $75 charge for the change. This fee doesn't apply if you book with cash. Also, if you book with cash, there are discount travel agents available who will give you a price break beyond what DCL gives. The cost of a cruise on points is just too much!

The only benefit I've seen from booking with points is that you get an automatic invitation to the members update. If you "check in" with the DVC desk, the CM there will send you an invitation...they just don't know that you are a DVC member unless you sail on points.