Disney Cruise with points

[Albytaps]

Hi all. So I want to go on a Disney Cruise one of these upcoming years. We are a family of 6 but we might take my mom so it'd be 2 or 3 adults and 4 kids. I always see the cruise packages for a family of 4, so how would I do this with 6 or 7 people?

We get 300 points per year. Would we be able to pay for the trip just on points or would I have to shell out some cash too? It'd be great to be able to stay all in one suite... or should I do 2 rooms? What are the best options for my family?

Thanks!

 

[RobPickles]

Most likely you will have to be shelling out some cash for some of your trip. I beleive the point rates listed are PER PERSON. So, 300 points for 7 people, most likely would not cover everyone - of course depending upon length of the cruise, room type and time of your trip - OR if you bank/use/borrow - then you might be able to get everyone covered.

 

[tammymacb]

Do yourself a favor. Rent some of your points and use that cash towards booking the cruise.

You'll get a much better deal, your plans will be more flexible and if you're lucky you may even snag "kids sail free", which is NEVER available with points.

 

[MrShiny]

Here is an example. Let's say 7 of you wantto go on a 3 night Dream cruise to the Bahamas in Jan/Feb of 2012 (one of the less expensive cruises).

You could do 5 in a category 8 and the other 2 in cat. 11 for example.

The point cost:

Cat. 8:
Person #1 adult 68
Person #2 adult 68
Person #3 kid 51
Person #4 kid 51
Person #5 kid 51

Cat. 11:
Person #1 adult 55
Person #2 kid 55

I'm assuming the kids are all 6-12. Thereare cheaper rates for <2 and 3-5, and 13+ is the same as an adult.

So the total here is 399 points. That is doable with your points (bank or borrow 99), but you could probably rent out a reservation made with those points for $3,999 and this 3 day cruise wouldn't cost that much most likely.

Basically, pick your cruise and figure out the points - keep in mind there is a range depending on how early you book - the earlier the fewer points. Multiple that by 10. Check out the cash cost. If it's less than pointsx10, rentring might be better (it usually is). Weigh the savings against the ease of booking with points vs. the hassle of renting.

YMMV