Dvc cruising: No way

[toniosmom]

At the end of the day if you had the points and not the cash, and really wanted to go on a cruise, it makes sense to do so.

Well said! Thank you!

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

Some lucky DVC'rs have 2000 plus points, some even more than that, paid for. If they want to use those points to cruise, so be it. It wouldn't make sense with my 210 points but if you have a surplus of points then who's business is it anyway.

Many DVC'rs don't mind paying the $95 to transfer out, the fee really torks me so I don't. I don't have to justify how I use my points anymore than someone else has to justify how they use theirs or agree on how I use mine.

At the end of the day if you had the points and not the cash, and really wanted to go on a cruise, it makes sense to do so.

Not keep beating a dead cat,,,,,,,,,,BUT! Even if your points are paid for in full,why would you use 1100 points that have a rental value of at least $11000 to take a cruise that you could buy for $3800. I don't mean to insult or ruffle anyones feathers. All I am trying to convey is that whether you agree with me or not, DVC points use for cruising is a very expensive option.

 

[tjkraz]

Not keep beating a dead cat,,,,,,,,,,BUT! Even if your points are paid for in full,why would you use 1100 points that have a rental value of at least $11000 to take a cruise that you could buy for $3800. I don't mean to insult or ruffle anyones feathers. All I am trying to convey is that whether you agree with me or not, DVC points use for cruising is a very expensive option.

You're still not comparing apples-to-apples. You can't book a DCL voyage for the price you paid for NCL.

If you want to compare the DCL cash to points value, that's certainly valid. But there are some very tangible reasons why people choose to sail on Disney cruise ships even though the trip may cost significantly more than NCL or any other carrier. It's no different than choosing to purchase a Lexus or BMW when a Ford or Honda will accomplish the same primary goal.

 

[bobbiwoz]

A few years ago, we were at VB and met some long time DVC owners who owned at VB, but used their points largely for cruises and loved everything possible about DVC and Disney especially the cruises.

I looked at her and thought of all the things that I've read here about DVC and using points for cruises, but I said something along the lines of, "How nice, I'm glad we own DVC also."

Using your points is very personal, and I don't think anyone has the right answers for anyone else's utilization. Also, there are people who would never cruise DCL, people who think other cruise lines are much better buys. We just booked a 3 night RCCL cruise for next May. I wouldn't deny our DGC another chance to sail with Mickey and Friends, (that's my trip countdown, our next all family DCL cruise) but DH and I do fine with others. Our Baltic cruise is on Princess. DCL doesn't go to Gdansk, neither do many of the other major lines, Princess does, so it got our money!

Bobbi

 

[Dean]

Some lucky DVC'rs have 2000 plus points, some even more than that, paid for. If they want to use those points to cruise, so be it. It wouldn't make sense with my 210 points but if you have a surplus of points then who's business is it anyway.

Many DVC'rs don't mind paying the $95 to transfer out, the fee really torks me so I don't. I don't have to justify how I use my points anymore than someone else has to justify how they use theirs or agree on how I use mine.

At the end of the day if you had the points and not the cash, and really wanted to go on a cruise, it makes sense to do so.

While I'd agree one can do what they want with their points, pointing out the relative plusses and minuses is absolutely fair game. Once can pay more than MSRP on a vehicle as well if they want as well, same thing only usually cheaper on the car.

 

[crisi]

Not keep beating a dead cat,,,,,,,,,,BUT! Even if your points are paid for in full,why would you use 1100 points that have a rental value of at least $11000 to take a cruise that you could buy for $3800. I don't mean to insult or ruffle anyones feathers. All I am trying to convey is that whether you agree with me or not, DVC points use for cruising is a very expensive option.

I think owning DVC points to stay at Disney is a very expensive option and not the best financial decision - much less using the points you own to cruise. But I still own the points, even though I know there are plenty of ways to do Disney for cheaper, and possibly just as comfortably for cheaper.

 

[tmgandolph]

My 2 cents...
While I agree that the DVC point rates are outrageous when trading into DCL and stomach wrenching when trading into Adventures by Disney...it isn't correct to assume that 1100 points equals $11,000 given that you only have one transfer per contract. Depending on how the points are broken into to smaller contracts, points might be left over if the renter does not need the full amount of points you have to rent.
Renting is difficult and not always successful.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Not keep beating a dead cat,,,,,,,,,,BUT! Even if your points are paid for in full,why would you use 1100 points that have a rental value of at least $11000 to take a cruise that you could buy for $3800. I don't mean to insult or ruffle anyones feathers. All I am trying to convey is that whether you agree with me or not, DVC points use for cruising is a very expensive option.

I will try to provide some insight here so that you may understand where some of us are coming from - you do not have to agree, but perhaps you may understand..

My points are paid for. I have 1100 points to use. I have x amount of vacation time at work. I do not rent out my points. If I take $3800 out of pocket to cruise, I am out that money from my wallet. If I use my points, I spend $95 out of my wallet. If I use the $3800 cash, I am left with my 1100 points that I cannot use (assume some banked) and I am out $3800. I do not rent out points - how does this put me ahead?

As other stated, DVC alone is the luxury way to experience WDW. We could all stay at the Value resorts and save money. But that is not the point. How one spends their points truly is their own business. And it is not for others to pass judgement. To each his own....

 

[tay72699]

Had to put my to two cents in also,

Since I was already looking at disneycruise.com (another kids free promo!) I did some quick checking...I just couldn't see a DCL 7 night European cruise for $3800. Well, maybe an inside stateroom.

June 5, 2010 7 night European Cruise
Cat. 6 -- full balcony: $7,000 for two adults
This includes the insurance and ground transfers at approximately $450.
DVC Points for the same cruise: 964 for two

You have to compare the points to the cost of the DCL cruise, not the NCL at $3800...apples to apples.

As for using points for DCL, I agree -- to each his own.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

My 2 cents...
While I agree that the DVC point rates are outrageous when trading into DCL and stomach wrenching when trading into Adventures by Disney...it isn't correct to assume that 1100 points equals $11,000 given that you only have one transfer per contract. Depending on how the points are broken into to smaller contracts, points might be left over if the renter does not need the full amount of points you have to rent.
Renting is difficult and not always successful.

I would never actualy do this. I am just making an example that an average rentl fee of $10 per point woulod equal $11000.

We are considering a crise again in 2011. I may rent out my 260 points that year. If I choose to do so that will pay for most of my cruise. I also fully understand that comparing DCL with Carnival, Norwegian, or Holland are completely different experiences. I restate that DVC cruising is not for me. I am sure many DVC'ers cruise on their points and make memories on those voyages that will last a lifetime. However when it comes to cruising I personaly do not need a Disney theme, and I almost prefer a non Disney cruise. To each his own. This is my opinion, I do not mean to insult those who see it diferently. My thoughts behind my OP are slightly motivated by Disney shoving the cruise option down our throats almost everywhere they hock DVC memberships. I am sure most readers will not argue this point with me. Also some replies to this thread have shunned the notion of renting points for other uses. I have rented points on 4 occassions. All positive experiences. DVC in our contracts also points out that while there are some rules, renting is legal. Therefore the value of rented points should not be looked at as if there were something wrong with it.

 

[toniosmom]

I have 1100 points to use.

Ahhh...........unfortunately, only in my dreams.....

Although, I'd hate to see your MF bill!

 

[Dean]

Had to put my to two cents in also,

Since I was already looking at disneycruise.com (another kids free promo!) I did some quick checking...I just couldn't see a DCL 7 night European cruise for $3800. Well, maybe an inside stateroom.

June 5, 2010 7 night European Cruise
Cat. 6 -- full balcony: $7,000 for two adults
This includes the insurance and ground transfers at approximately $450.
DVC Points for the same cruise: 964 for two

You have to compare the points to the cost of the DCL cruise, not the NCL at $3800...apples to apples.

As for using points for DCL, I agree -- to each his own.

That's about $6.70 a point assuming the insurance and transfers are not covered by the points. Plus you have the additional inherent risks of a points reservation. So a return less $2 a point over dues for most places, for VB, less than $1 a point.

I would agree that for this calculation you need to compare DCL only, but for the decision which cruise lines to take, one should compare to other options then decide if the extras (if any) is worth it or not.

 

[mnra]

I have used points to go on the cruise and maybe it is not the financially best decision it worked for me. In addition I feel all rentals should be banned. If you want to let a family member use the points I don;t consider that rental but if you just want to rent points to strangers I as a dvc owner do not like it.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Dean]

I have used points to go on the cruise and maybe it is not the financially best decision it worked for me. In addition I feel all rentals should be banned. If you want to let a family member use the points I don;t consider that rental but if you just want to rent points to strangers I as a dvc owner do not like it.

Just my 2 cents

Your option to wish that but given it's a right within the POS and legally as well, I don't think it's a realistic wish. Also it would likely mean the end of all cash type exchange options because DVC wouldn't be able to rent member related inventory as well.

 

[marynvince]

Our points have been paid off for many years. We do not value them at a price that a rental would bring in as we are not interested in renting out our points. Therefore, we value them at the cost of dues which would calculate upwards of 50% less than your calculation.

doesn't appreciate in value?

Points do have a real value that is most easily represented in what they can be rented for, which appears to be $10 on the conservative side. From a simple value standpoint, a cruise is not the best use of points if its cash cost is less then the point value * $10per. If it's close, I can understand not wanting the hassle of renting points and using that money to pay for a cruise. But when there is a huge gap, I don't get it. Doesn't everyone buy into DVC with the thought that they are saving money in the long run vs. paying cash for each reservation?

 

[mnra]

Your option to wish that but given it's a right within the POS and legally as well, I don't think it's a realistic wish. Also it would likely mean the end of all cash type exchange options because DVC wouldn't be able to rent member related inventory as well.

Maybe I am dating myself but I remember the guide telling me they where trying to prevent travel agents from buying so they couldn;t just rent the units all the time. I know it might be a person right to rent just a wish and hey nothing wrong with making wishes is their

 

[pilferk]

My DW and I just returned from a western mediteranean cruise. It was my first cruise, and I was instantly hooked on cruising. I actualy made another reservation for 2010 on the day I returned home. A short while ago I remembered DVC has a cruise option available. I just looked at the required points and my jaw hit the table. A 7 night trip to Europe in a comparable cabin to what we just sailed in would cost the two of us about 1100 points. That is absurd. We paid $1800 plus $2000 for airfare = $3800
1100 pointa rented at a modest $10 per point would cost $11,000

Am I missing something here?

Nope, you pretty much hit the nail on the head.

A much more economical suggestion made on these boards is to RENT your points, take the cash, and pay for your cruise. It might not cover it 100%..but it's likely it will cover a greater % of the costs than simply USING your points to trade, straight up, for one.

 

[Dean]

Maybe I am dating myself but I remember the guide telling me they where trying to prevent travel agents from buying so they couldn;t just rent the units all the time. I know it might be a person right to rent just a wish and hey nothing wrong with making wishes is their

Simply put and trying not to get off on a tangent too far, there is a clause about "commercial renting" on a larger scale and the ability to rent. The ability to rent is protected in the POS which is a legal document. But the larger point is that a major crack down would likely have far reaching effects that many members do not want to see including the reduction or elimination of cash equivalent exchange options.

 

[mnra]

Simply put and trying not to get off on a tangent too far, there is a clause about "commercial renting" on a larger scale and the ability to rent. The ability to rent is protected in the POS which is a legal document. But the larger point is that a major crack down would likely have far reaching effects that many members do not want to see including the reduction or elimination of cash equivalent exchange options.

Ok yes I don;t mean to hijack this thread but why would stopping rentals also have an effect of eliminating cash exhange options.

 

[A10560]

I am new to the whole dvc thing. We just bought in in April and haven't used any points yet. My question is when basing the points per dollar amount on a cruise vs using them at disney how do you factor in the cost of food, activity's and free child care that you are receiving on the cruise?

Disney is expensive and I have young children. They often say they want something to eat and then change there mind when it arrives to the table. This is a benefit to us on the cruise that we can just get them what they want.We could never eat as good of food at Disney as we do on the cruise. We just couldn't afford to do it. Also with young kids when we want adult time we can put them in kids clubs and know they are safe.

I just wonder if the people who are so against using your points to cruise have figured out what the actual cost would be with the benefits you receive on the cruise.