Cruising on Pts/cash

[Peterd]

We were planning on trying the 3 day cruise in Nov. We currently are in a GV at the BW for 7 nights, but were thinking of staying for only 4 and then go on the cruise the last 3 days. The cruise would be a sweet 16 present for our daughter.
I wanted to know if anyone has done the cruise on points and cash. Which is the cheaper or better way? Pay points for the first two in the rooms and cash on the extra people? or the other way around?
We have 8 Adults (3 of which are teenagers), and 1 child,(8 yr. old). We were thinking about three of the deluxe staterooms, or a 1 BR plus 1 or 2 staterooms.
Thanks for any info you could give us.
Pete

 

[CarolMN]

It varies based on the cruise and how far ahead you can book.

To go through MS, at least one adult per cabin must be paid for with points. You can pay cash for the othrs if you choose. The cash price will be the one that DVC negotatied with DCL - and that price may be more or less than the cash price you can get from DCl direct or through a TA. Don't forget about the $75 booking fee and be sure to ask what happens if you need to make a change or cancel.

Bottom line: You'll have to see what the cash price is for your party and cruise specifcs (cabin, date and cruise length) and then do the math for yourself.

Best wishes -

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We went on the four day cruise on points/cash. We had two stateooms and paid the first person in each room with points.

To get an idea of what you are paying for, I'd suggest you first contact DCL and find out what the per person cost of the cruise is through them. Then contact a travel agent, like Dreams Unlimited and get their price. Finally contact MS at DVC and get the cost breakdown from them for each person.

Doing this will give you an excellent idea of what is a good price and what isn't. We actually received a very good price from DVC which was lower than DCL.

Good luck. It sounds like a great trip you are planning.

HBC

 

[LisaSt]

We looked at doing the 3 day on points but it was not worth the points so we have rented out our points and paid cash and actually had money left over. I would reccomend doing it this way.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

See my example listed in the thread below. In almost all cases, paying for the cruise with cash will be substantially cheaper. Do the math carefully before booking. Good luck sounds like a great trip.

Cruising on points

 

[st92jmdc]

We just booked our 4 night Halloween Departure completely on points (318?). My DW and I decided that is wasn't worth the hassle (at this point) to rent our points out. But, I may reconsider next time.

What is the going rate for point rental these days? $10 or $11?

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Originally posted by st92jmdc
What is the going rate for point rental these days? $10 or $11?

Seems to be in the $10.00 to $12.00 range for points that you are using at the 11 month window. Less for those that are about to expire. It also seems to be based on the home resort as well.

HBC

 

[Peterd]

I've been away, thanks for the replies. I've heard of upgrades, two of my friends got them on cash. Has anyone received one on points? I'm going to start calling tomorrow checking out the combo cash/pt rates. I was hoping to reserve a large room and another room. If we had to get the three rooms, we would, but was just curious if anyone was able to get anything larger than they offer DVC. I just hate to cancel the GV at the BW for our last three days, and find us staying in studios. Thanks again.