Cruising on points - are we treated the same?

[imgoingtodisney]

When cruising on points are we treated the same as passengers cruising on cash? (Yes, I did pay cash for the points - lol)
Do we get to ask for our preferences with member services? Are there rooms set aside for us or can we reserve what ever we would like as long as its still available? What should I tell MS when I call Dec 31st?

 

[Pluto4President]

same as cash. Request what you want. Any rooom except cat's 1,2 or 3.

 

[TnRobin]

I have cruised on points and on cash. We were treated exactly the same each time - Excellent. Only difference is with points there is no huge final payment to contend with.

Tell MS all your request and he/she will ack just like your TA. We requested a specific room and our MS castmember was glad to check for that room.

 

[danicaw]

We just got back from cruising on points. We were treated great and either way if you are DVC go to the DVC reception.

 

[Renee']

Gotta love those points! All three of our cruises have been using points. You aren't treated any differently at all. When you book the cruise you will have a non-refundable $75 transfer fee for using points. Be relatively certain of your plans as if you change anything about the ressie once it's made (date of sailing, category, stateroom number, adding or deleting people) you will incur another $75 fee on top of the original one. Also, once on-board you will receive an invitation to the DVC member only cocktail reception.

Happy planning - you're gonna love it!

 

[LIDisneyFan]

Renee' (or anyone else)


Normally when I book a cruise,I always buy trip insurance (it's the only time I do). Is there something similar available when booking on points?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

If I later add-on the Disney bus transfer from Orlando airport to the ship is that another $75?

 

[Renee']

Normally when I book a cruise,I always buy trip insurance (it's the only time I do). Is there something similar available when booking on points?

Yes, you will be offered the same trip insurance. I don't think you'd incur the $75 transfer fee for the bus transfer but I'd check with MS before booking to be sure.

Happy sailing!

 

[Towncrier]

Trip insurance is (or at least was) available if you book using points. If you have to cancel for any of the reasons listed in the policy, you receive a cash equivalent, not points, for your refund. I prefer to skip the travel insurance and then sweat bullets the night before we set sail.

 

[Dean]

I think there is more than one way to answer this questions. As for being treated personally on the cruise, I'm certain it's the same overall. There may be some items like a member reception that are in the favor of DVC members. I do think more perks (champagne, flowers, etc) are given to cash paying customers but this is hit and miss with both groups. The area where DVC members are treated differently is on discounts and refunds. With cash, if the price drops, you get a refund. With points, you get points back if they drop the points costs but not if they change the cash price only. Also, you cannot take advantage of any non points specials even for the portion you are paying cash. Lets say they run a special for $199 per child for the cash people, that will not spill over to those paying cash for the kids but cruising on points themselves. This is all OK as long as one realizes the limitations up front and is prepared for the consequences.