Cruising on points - any downsides?

[Crystal_27]

I don't see this subject come up a lot, but how do you all feel about using points to pay for cruises? DH loves to cruise whereas I prefer the parks, but we are already planning on banking and borrowing to schedule a cruise for 2011 on points since we will be using our "free" incentive cruise for a 2010 land/sea trip. Is there any downside to cruising on points? Are you still able to pick your stateroom and dining preferences? Any input would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

[Opie100]

I am not an authority on this, but from those I have asked, it is more cost effective in some cases to rent out those points and use the proceeds to buy the cruise with cash incentives (i.e. through Costco, etc.). I recommend putting a spreadsheet together to calculate the bottom-line cost both ways before committing.

 

[disneychic]

We live in Central Florida, so we don't use our points to stay on property all that often. We use our points to cruise at least once per year. For us, it works. You do not get to pick your room, the same way you would if you were booking using cash on the DCL website. You can request a room when calling, as well as a preferred dining time (main or late seating). What happens is when you call DVC MS, they take your info and put you on hold while they call the cruise line and make the reservation. Then they come back and give you your confirmation #, room #, etc. Also, there is a $95 charge at the time of booking.

 

[MrsG]

We use our points to cruise all the time. Is the the dollar for dollar most cost effective way to do it? No. But we love the fact that we don't have a huge outlay of money at one time. We did the Med cruise, and will do the Baltic one on points, one on cash. We are doing the Eastern Carribean both on points. There is a $95 fee to book cruises, but being able to use DVC for cruises is one of the reasons why we bought in and why we've added on so much.

PS We were able to choose our stateroom #, as long as it is available when we book.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've used points to cruise, and I'm seriously considering a cruise next year. The biggest downside for me would be if we had to cancel, those points would be reservation points, and I don't know how we would use them. Paying cash and cancelling before a certain time you get your whole deposit back. Cancelling hasn't been an issue so far with our booked on point cruises (2 of them), but now it does worry me. (Getting older and more things could come up.)

Bobbi

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We live in Central Florida, so we don't use our points to stay on property all that often. We use our points to cruise at least once per year. For us, it works. You do not get to pick your room, the same way you would if you were booking using cash on the DCL website. You can request a room when calling, as well as a preferred dining time (main or late seating). What happens is when you call DVC MS, they take your info and put you on hold while they call the cruise line and make the reservation. Then they come back and give you your confirmation #, room #, etc. Also, there is a $95 charge at the time of booking.

I booked our cruise on points, and I was able to select a room number at the time of booking.

 

[FOXFIELDZOO]

I Was Looking At The Cruise Points Chart, Does Anyone Know How Those Points Are Calculated? For Example. If I Book A Room That Holds 5 People Are The Points For That Room For Each Person Booked Or Is It Like The Resorts That The Points Are For The Room Regardless Of How Many People Stay In It?? Thanks

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I Was Looking At The Cruise Points Chart, Does Anyone Know How Those Points Are Calculated? For Example. If I Book A Room That Holds 5 People Are The Points For That Room For Each Person Booked Or Is It Like The Resorts That The Points Are For The Room Regardless Of How Many People Stay In It?? Thanks

They change the points season to season, year to year. There is no ryhme or reason....every year is different. Now I will say, 2009, they created more "seasons". Also, when you return for another cruise, you get the chance to cruise on "reduced" points....you must make the decision to rebook within 3 days of debarkation.

 

[Donna M]

The first two people pay a certain amount of points and then the third and fourth persons pay a reduced amount of points. Children are even lower.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The first two people pay a certain amount of points and then the third and fourth persons pay a reduced amount of points. Children are even lower.

Actually, only one person needs to use points for the cruise, person 2 and on can pay cash.

 

[Crystal_27]

You guys ROCK. Thank you very much for the information - - just what I was looking for!