DVC Members cruise ??

[TwingleMum]

Could someone please give me a DVC Members cruise for newbies lesson?? When do they happen usually?? Do you have to use points??? Do they sell out fast?? Is it hard to go get ressies??? Did they do anything special?? Would you go again??? How long was it 3 days? 4 days?? Thanks for the info

 

[WDWLVR]

This years Member Cruise will be the 3rd completely dedicated Members Cruise (they also did one in 2001 I think where they booked about 1/2 the ship).


2003 it was in February
2005 it was in September
2006 it is in October

So they don't have a set date yet for it.

You do not have to use points but if you pay by cash you have to pay the full amount up front. That's because this is a charter. We did 1/2 points and 1/2 cash this time.

Yes they sell out very fast. They set up a special booking day (on a Saturday). First cruise sold out the Monday after. Second and third cruises sold out by the end of the first day.

Yes they do a number of special things. For example the itenerary is usually different than a normal cruise.

2003 was Castaway Cay, Nassau, Castaway Cay
2005 was Key West (not a usual stop on the Wonder), sea day, Castaway Cay
2006 will be Castaway Cay, sea day, Castaway Cay

They also have special entertainment and guests. Last year we were treated to Art Linkletter and Susan Egan. There are also a number of special gifts given out during the cruise.

All 3 Member Cruises have been 4 day cruises. I know many wish they would try a 7 day.

Would we go again? Yes this will be our 3rd.

The points/cash needed for this cruise are a bit more than a regular 4 day cruise at the same time. Again this is a charter and does have different guests etc. Also for 2005 and 2006 the tips were included which isn't normally the case.

Many feel that the DVC Member cruise isn't a good value, but we love it and there are a number of DVC'ers who are also going on it for their 3rd time as well.

If you want to see what the 2003 and 2005 cruises were like click on the monorailgreen link in my signature and go to the DVC page and then to the diffferent crusies.

 

[chrissybear]

We went last year and it was WONDERFUL! We would have loved to have gone this year, but we have other vacation plans. If DH had another week of vacation we probably would have gone. We loved all of the presents left in our stateroom every night. We felt so special, for us it was worth the extra points/$. We did points for our 3 kids and cash for the adults. I can't wait to hear what happens on this cruise!

Mary, will there be live updates from the cruise?

Chris

 

[WDWLVR]

Mary, will there be live updates from the cruise?

Chris

Chris - you bet there will be. Don't know if we'll get the wi-fi package to update with pictures but we'll definately get the internet package to do live updates. The pictures may wait until we are back at BWV after the cruise.

We've got another great group going this year. Wish you could be with us.

 

[TwingleMum]

The member cruises sound wonderful. Where are they announced?? Seems like you have to be in on it very quickly to take advantage.

 

[WDWLVR]

The 2006 cruise was announced by Jim Lewis on the 2005 cruise. That was in September 2005. DVC then did a mailing about the cruise and I believe it was also in one of the monthly e-mails from DVC. Booking day was December 3, 2005. Many of us who were on the 2005 cruise were already chatting away on the cruise meets thread set up for the 2006 cruise the day it was announced. Come booking day there were 38 of us in chat while also on the phone trying to get on. We kept each other company and encouraged those who were still on hold and congraulated everyone who made it. By the end of the morning all the DISers that had tried to get on that day may it on. It sold out later that afternoon. A recently as a couple of weeks ago some people had made it on via the waitlist.

 

[mikayla73]

I would definately love to do this at some point, especially if they have 2 days at Castaway Cay again! I am glad to know there is plenty of notice and a special day for booking.

 

[chrissybear]

Thanks Mary, I am looking foreward to reading the updates!
Chris

 

[TwingleMum]

I hope thye stop at Key West again that sounds fun!! How many rooms are you allowed???

 

[smjj]

Just as a little info, I noticed today when I was on the DVC site that my logo for upcoming vacation countdown ticker was incorrect. The lifesaver(see my signature, just like that) says 2006 but under that it still says 2005 vacation choosen. This is on the website, not here. I wonder if anyone else noticed it. This is the first time I have noticed it and I am on almost everyday...smjj