Dcl ?

[pigget74]

Okay I must make a decision and make it soon. My family of 4 wants to go on a cruise--now how do I do it. Should I do all points, half points and cash or just cash? If I go cash can I still book this through DVC and say I want to pay cash? Really confused on what is the best and cheapest way to do this. Was thinking point for the adults and cash for the kids or vice versa. Thanks for all the input.

 

[tjkraz]

If you're open to the prospect of renting your points, get a quote on the cash price for the cruise and compare to the point cost. You should be able to get at least $10 per point in a rental. So, to use fictitious numbers, if the cruise will run you 300 points or $2500 cash, you can come out $500 ahead (spending money?) by renting points instead of just applying them toward the cruise. That's not even including the $75 fee to book the cruise in the first place.

And, as I understand it, the cancellation policy for cash ressies is a lot more liberal than if you book on points. If you cancel a trip on points, those points remain "Reservation Points" which can only be used on non-DVC stays, and must still be used by the end of the Use Year.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by pigget74
Okay I must make a decision and make it soon. My family of 4 wants to go on a cruise--now how do I do it. Should I do all points, half points and cash or just cash?

You'll have to do the math for yourself - it will ultimately depend on the cash price available for the cruise you select. Get a cash quote. Compare it to $10/point required (average going rate for renting points).

Then consider if you even want to rent - it may be more than you want to take on. The convenience of using points is worth something. Renting is not always as easy as you might think from reading posts on the DIS. There is definitely risk involved.

Weigh the savings (it's most likely that renting the points will be more economically advanatgeous) against the advantages of a cash reservation - these include no $75 fee, more generous cancellation policies, availability of all levels of cabin categories, etc.

If I go cash can I still book this through DVC and say I want to pay cash?

Yes, but at least one adult per cabin must be booked for points to go through MS. The cash price available through MS may be more or less than the cash price available elsewhere. Again, you will have to do the math based on your situation.

Really confused on what is the best and cheapest way to do this. Was thinking point for the adults and cash for the kids or vice versa. Thanks for all the input.

Best wishes -

 

[Dean]

Compare cash price to just points to points plus cash. With one limited exception so far, you must book through DVC with at least one adult on points. In general cash will be cheaper and better but work out the variables for yourself with the actual info in front of you. Know you'll need to pay any cash through DVC up front and that there are considerable penalties to changes or cancellation on any type of points stay. One thing you can do is book cash now and then see how things go later. You could always book points later and cancel the cash reservation if you chose to.