Disney Cruise in 12/06

[calif disney]

I am new to the DVC as well as the Disboards. We usually just purchase a disney package and go on a cruise. Now that I have DVC (510 points a year), I would like to find out how easy it is to get a category 5 or 6 room on a cruise, preferably the 10 day Dec. 06 cruise. I am going on the west coast cruise next week, and while on the boat would like to book the cruise, can anybody give me some advice.
thanks

 

[CarolMN]

If you plan to pay with points, you can only book a crusie 11 months prior to departure.

I have read that you cannot book a future cruise for points while on board. That said, I belive I read something to the effect that some have been able to "reserve space at a special points price" when there was a special promotion going on. IIRC, you got some type of certificate and were to call MS when you disembarked. Still couldn't book until the 11 month mark, but the "price" was locked in. I may not remember exactly, so do confirm this with someone else and ask when you are on your cruise.

I don't think you will have a problem getting a cat 5 or 6 at the 11 month mark, but you may not get the exact cabin you want. Those who book for cash do not have to wait until 11 months to book. They also have more favorable cancellation/refund policies.

If you are set on a particular cruise, you may want to consider booking it for cash now. Then you could rent your DVC points to someone else and use the proceeds to pay for the cruise. This will require some work on your part and it may not be worth it to you.

I think it would be worth it for me to book for cash - if something happened and we couldn't go, I know I could cancel (within the deadline) and get my money back. (You would get your DVC points back, but there would be restrictions on using them for soemthing else and you would forfeit the $75 booking fee). If I did cash, I wouldn't have to pay DVC $75 booking fee and if I wanted to make a change to my reservation, I could without paying another $75 fee. I could also get a better choice of cabin (within the category) because I would be able to make my reservation sooner than 11 months prior to departure.

Whatever you decide - have fun!

Best wishes -

 

[Indea88]

I just booked a 7 day western for Jan. 06 half points half cash.I was able to get a cat 4 without problems. I was told I could take advantage of on board booking with shipboard credit in Jan. then when I return home notify member services and use points if I so desire. Thats my plan. Hope this helps some

 

[wdwstar]

and to also add if you cancel you could use your points only at non dvc resorts, yes you could use them for another cruise and pay another $75 fee.
a 10 day cruise in dec. 2006 5 or 6 cat would run you probably about 500 points per adult .a 7 night cruise dec. 2005 , 5 cat . 389 points per adult, child 13 & up 219 points, child 6-12 189 points, child 3-5 187 points.

a 10 night cruise would be more points per person. 510 points you maybe able to use for one person, plus paying the $75 fee and cash for the rest of the family by calling MS. you will have to pay for the whole cruise at the time of booking. you could borrow next year points for another adult, then you will not have points that next year unless you borrow again and again
you rent your points at $10 a point is $5100 cash towards you cruise, plus you can book on the cruise get a discount plus on shipboard credit. you dont have to rent the points out until you get back from your cruise, you will have to give DCL a deposit when you book on the cruise.