DVC cruise discount question?

[tvwalsh]

What kind of discount would I get on my wife's cruise if I paid for mine with points and hers with $? We were told at the owners' meeting that the discount was substantial.

 

[Dancind]

I have not heard of any DVC discount for the cruise. I guess you could call MS and see what they say. And be sure and let us know if there is! Diana

 

[RobDoc]

I was at the same member's update at OKW (Jan 13).

The discount will depend entirely on which cruise, what category room and how far in advance you are making the reservation.

Since DCL releases it's cruises about 18 months in advance (sometimes even more-sometimes a little less)- the greatest cash discounts are available to those who reserve the earliest. As the ship fills, the discount decreases until the rate eventually reaches the brochure pricing (maximum rate).

DVC negotiates both the point cost and the cash rates in advance. If you are booking a cruise for a popular date within a few months of sailing, the cash rate may for your DW may well be better than what is available thru the cruise line.

Right now, DCL has released 3 and 4 night cruises for all of 2005 and 7 night cruises thru May 7, 2005. The remaining dates for 2005 7 night cruises should be released soon.

To truly know the discount available (if any), you'll need to research the cash rate (you can do it thru Disney online or thru any travel agent) and then contact MS to see what is available.

Enjoy!

 

[Michelemouse]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there really isn't a discount for DVC members on DCL. We've cruised three times now...paying part cash and part points for two of the trips. On both occasions the cash price was actually slightly higher than the price directly through DCL. When you go through Member Services for a DCL cruise you pay a pre-negotiated price (rack rate I believe) that DVC and DCL have worked out. When you book directly through DCL you can often qualify for an Early Booking Discount which is usually lower than the rack rate. Since DCL & DVC are different divisions of the company they act independently from each other.

One other thing that you should be aware of...with bookings directly through DCL you have until 60 days before your sail date to pay the balance of your fare ($250 per person is paid as a deposit). When you book a part points/part cash reservation through DVC you must pay in full at the time of booking.

Again, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[Doctor P]

The cash rate through DVC is substantially below DCL's rack rate in my experience, but also well above the lowest early booking discount and above the early booking discount available at 11 months. As you get closer and closer to the cruise dates, the DVC rate stays constant while the DCL rate climbs and surpasses that available through DVC. By the time our cruise rolled around, the rates were such that our points cruise gave us very, very good value for our points even though this was not the case when we booked at 11 months.