DVC DCL on-board offer

[Jhalkias]

When we cruised last October, we went to the DVC meet on board. At that meeting, we were given a sheet for a DVC on board offer. There was a reduction in points based on the category, if you sailed in 2004.

At the meeting, I specifically asked when you had to book, and was told anytime within the offer period - even though it said "on-board offer". We were told if we booked anytime in 2004 we were OK. (some of you on the Magic Halloween 2003 cruise may remember this too).

Soooo last week, I tried to book our December cruise, and was told that the offier was only good within three days of sailing. I told the person at MS what happened, and luckily, I still had the offer sheet with me. NOWHERE on that sheet did it say that it was only good within three days of sailing.

Happily, after I faxed the sheet to MS, they honored the point discount because of the lack of disclaimer, and the fact that it was a newer program when we sailed, and the CM on board must have been unclear as to the conditions.

Just posting this in case anyone got the same mis-information, and was also hoping to book similarly to what we did. I was happy to see them admit the mistake, and honor the discount!

The DVC CM that I spoke with was Aixa, and she was VERY polite and helpful!

 

[mbb]

 

[Sneaky3]

Hi there if I may ask what was the point difference and where did you go to do it. Also which ship is it offered on both.

Thanks

 

[Jhalkias]

The on-board offer applied to all the cruises (3 night, 4 night, 7 night Eastern and 7 night Western). The point savings varied based on the cruise duration, Category, and Eastern or Western Cruise. The savings were for the first two booked in the cabin and were as little as 7 points per person up to 26 points per person.

Bookings were done through DVC MS. The offer was given out at the reception for DVC members on our last cruise.

We saved 20 points each (total of 40) on our upcoming 7 night Western Cruise.

John

 

[Doctor P]

They were very explicit with us. You had to call DVC within 3 days of leaving the ship, even if you were not within the 11 month window. They then recorded that you were eligible for the point reduction when you got to the 11 month window. We did not use this for our next cruise, but when we went last July they were very, very clear about the procedure even if it was not on the sheet.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Originally posted by Doctor P
They were very explicit with us. You had to call DVC within 3 days of leaving the ship, even if you were not within the 11 month window. They then recorded that you were eligible for the point reduction when you got to the 11 month window. We did not use this for our next cruise, but when we went last July they were very, very clear about the procedure even if it was not on the sheet.

Which I find interesting because on the 7 day western cruise we were on in February they were not clear at all. We were told that we didn't have to call for a reservation using points and the discount until the points for the 2005 cruises were released. I even asked about the 3 days and was told no need to call.

Thankfully I wasn't planning on booking a cruise with points for next year or it would have turned into a fiasco. We booked on board but paid cash.

With all of the business DVC and DCL do, they should make sure that everyone is giving the same message.

HBC

 

[Doctor P]

Actually, what you are saying (or maybe I am interpretting) is not inconsistent. It is true that you do not need to call for a reservation right away, but you do need to call to activate the onboard offer. They have access to whether you were on the cruise and whether, obviously, you are a DVC member and then note your eligibility for the onboard booking discount (as I understand it). If you are within the 11 month window, however, you must book within three days of the end of the cruise.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Actually, what you are saying (or maybe I am interpretting) is not inconsistent. It is true that you do not need to call for a reservation right away, but you do need to call to activate the onboard offer.

DP: I think you are interpeting. I had heard about the 3 day call from these boards. When I asked about it, the CM at the member gathering acted like she never heard of a 3 day requirement to call to activate the offer. The 2 other people with her didn't correct her either. I was really surprised and even posted it here when I returned home.

Obviously from others who have cruised, they have had the same experience about not being told about the 3 day call. But at least DVC is still honoring the offer if people weren't told.

HBC

 

[CarolAnnC]

The last cruise I took was the DVC Member Cruise and they were very clear as to the guidelines in which to book and receive the discount.

I am glad it worked out for the OP, in spite of the miscommunication.