DVC Member Cruise: What can I expect?

[apachesam]

I'm trying to decide if my family and I should go on one of the DVC member cruises. There is one schedule for 29 Sep - 3 Oct 2013 (4 day) out of Port Canaveral FL. The ads for this cruise states DVC extras but the cost in points for the 4 day is 25 points higher (for a family of 4) than the 7 day cruise I have planned in 3 weeks.

My question is: is this DVC Cruise worth it? The published DVC extras are thin in description and I would like to connect with other DVC members who have been on member cruise who can give me firsthand detail of why I would want to book this cruise.

The biggest dollar value is the crew tips are paid for.
Superb gifts and delightful surprises delivered to my stateroom sound nice, but I have enough bags, water bottles and coffee mugs.


We have been on the Magic 4 times and in three week will be our first time on the Fantasy. All of our cruises have been the 7 day eastern & western Caribbean cruise.

Any thought would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jeff S.

 

[disneynutz]

I have never attended but I have been told that the DVC cruises a couple of years ago were better with special guests and better gifts and activities.

You do realize that you are paying for a sales cruise.

Bill

 

[tjkraz]

Here are some photos of merchandise from the last cruise:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program/member-benefits/2072-2012-member-cruise-giveaways

You do realize that you are paying for a sales cruise.

That's a little much. They may make BRIEF mention of add-on point prices--and offer extra incentives to members on the ship--but it's hardly a 4-day extended sales pitch.

 

[disneynutz]

Here are some photos of merchandise from the last cruise:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program/member-benefits/2072-2012-member-cruise-giveaways




That's a little much. They may make BRIEF mention of add-on point prices--and offer extra incentives to members on the ship--but it's hardly a 4-day extended sales pitch.

Not a 4 day sales pitch but it is put on by the DVC sales unit, Disney Vacation Development. That should tell you something.

Bill

 

[tjkraz]

Not a 4 day sales pitch but it is put on by the DVC sales unit, Disney Vacation Development. That should tell you something.

Bill

No, it really doesn't. Over the years I've been to countless cruise member gatherings, Welcome Home Wednesdays and Member Mixers and there's never been more than a token attempt to sell.

 

[disneynutz]

No, it really doesn't. Over the years I've been to countless cruise member gatherings, Welcome Home Wednesdays and Member Mixers and there's never been more than a token attempt to sell.

You are correct, all of the above events are put on by the sales division for DVC. I never stated that attendees would get a hard sell, I was just pointing out who hosts the cruise.

Bill

 

[genmasjoy]

We went on the September 2012 member cruise and had a wonderful time. There were a lot of added extras and special guests. One of the highlights was a Broadway show which featured four performers who have appeared on Broadway in Disney Musicals - Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast - who did a one time show just for the cruise. There's also a camraderie between members who are all Disney fans. I wouldn't plan to go every year but it is definitely worth doing at least once.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I agree that they are expensive. I've been on one in 2005, and am going on the one in January. The experience we had on the first was special enough because of the activites, the gifts, the celebrities and the fellow DVCers who were so friendly and happy to talk DVC and other things with me. I think it did take a Disney Cruise up a level in enjoyment. I've been on 5 DCL cruises now with 4 planned for 2013! I've been on 20 other cruise line cruises. I enjoy cruising.

Bobbi

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Here are some photos of merchandise from the last cruise:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program/member-benefits/2072-2012-member-cruise-giveaways




That's a little much. They may make BRIEF mention of add-on point prices--and offer extra incentives to members on the ship--but it's hardly a 4-day extended sales pitch.

I read several reviews of the 2011 cruise before deciding to skip 2012. Most of them said it was a 4 day sales pitch! Add on city LOL!

But you appear to have a higher tolerance for the sales pitch then I do. I quit going to the Christmas thing because you got to stand in line to buy stuff while they told you how great the next place would be and how it was selling out quickly! I don't think any of them are "token" sales pitch LOL!

I agree that they are expensive. I've been on one in 2005, and am going on the one in January. The experience we had on the first was special enough because of the activites, the gifts, the celebrities and the fellow DVCers who were so friendly and happy to talk DVC and other things with me. I think it did take a Disney Cruise up a level in enjoyment. I've been on 5 DCL cruises now with 4 planned for 2013! I've been on 20 other cruise line cruises. I enjoy cruising.

Bobbi

It will be interesting to see what you think. I heard great things about those early cruises and not so great about the new cruises. I have decided to hold off until the reviews get better.