DCL & DVC: no first-time cruiser onboard credits??

[mickeylvr]

We will be taking our first cruise in January and booked using points. Some of our friends are also going and they booked through the DCL since they are not DVC members and got an onboard credit for being first time cruisers. Why are DVC members not given this same credit?

 

[MikeBW]

Call DVC and asked for the discount REF. We did this when we cruised in April. When you get on the ship, check with Guest Services that they have the credit on your account. If not, they will have to call DVC and straighten it out.

 

[mickeylvr]

Thanks for the reply, I just called DVC and they said that they do not offer onboard credit to DVC members because we booked through them and not the DCL. It seems very unfair to me that just because I used points to book part of the cruise I am not allowed the same benefits as other cruisers.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Just another example of how Disney Corp. views DVCers as a captive audience that they don't have to cater to. Since you paid with points, the cruise didn't cost you anything right. Or at least that is what DCL believes

 

[MikeBW]

I guess they must have changed the policy, it doesn't seem right. That REF code is for people who have a card filled out for them by a Castaway Club member. Maybe you should ask about this on the Cruise board, they are very knowledgable about DCL over there.

 

[mickeylvr]

I actually used points for four of the people and cash for two others. In the end, I think that I am paying more for the cruise than most people because of the point system and how much the points cost. I am in way complaining about the cost of the trip, I just think that all paying customers should be treated the same. I could understand if they did not offer the onboard credit to people who win cruises or get them at very little cost, but everyone else should be treated fairly. The interesting thing is that I did post this question on the DCL board and about half of the people who responded did get the onboard credit when they also used points. Where is the fairness?!? I guess it just depends on the CM taking care of you

 

[ncligs]

We booked our 4 day cruise through DU(DreamsUnlimited) and got the onboard credit and rebate by using cash. Going through DVC they wanted 286 pts for 2 adults and no rebate or onboard credit , going with DU it only cost us $1600 total for a catagory 6 (full verandah).
So you can see why it isn't the wisest use of points when going on the DCL.You are almost better off renting your points and paying cash for the cruise.