DVC points for the cruise line

[mr. figment]

Looking for some help...my wife and I are contemplating becoming DVC members. We love WDW, but also like to cruise. We have not gone on Disney Cruise line yet. Can anyone tell me if the points for 3-4 day cruises have changed since you joined DVC? If so, what have they gone up to? Plus any other tips.

 

[Plutofan]

The points can go up yearly and often do since this is a trade out. We just got back from a 4 night cruise in July and when we compared the cash rate with the early booking discount we were only getting $6.5 per point so we paid cash and rented out the points. Also the trip insurance and cancellation policy for using points is not very good compared to a cash reservation.

 

[crisi]

The 2001-2002 Member Guide and the cruise we have taken (for cash):

Feb 4 night category six 142 points per adult (middle of the month).

Currently 183 points per adult.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Hi mr. figment and Welcome to the DIS!

DVC should be purchased primarily for WDW vacations in order to get your best value. That being said, I have taken many cruises using DVC points, the most recent being this summer's Mediterranean Cruise.

The points can increase for cruises (and have), but have not drastically changed thus far. The types of cruises offered include 3, 4, 7 and special cruises such as the 10 and 11 day Mediterranean cruises. You can book them completely in points, or you can mix points with a pre-arranged DVC cash discount price. This price is usually somewhere between the best DCL early booking discount, and the highest DCL rack rate.. So it is not your best price, but is fair.

As mentioned, some people will rent out their DVC points then use the cash towards booking the cruise totally on cash. I prefer not to rent, but it is an option if one desires.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hi mr. figment and Welcome to the DIS!

DVC should be purchased primarily for WDW vacations in order to get your best value. That being said, I have taken many cruises using DVC points, the most recent being this summer's Mediterranean Cruise.

The points can increase for cruises (and have), but have not drastically changed thus far. The types of cruises offered include 3, 4, 7 and special cruises such as the 10 and 11 day Mediterranean cruises. You can book them completely in points, or you can mix points with a pre-arranged DVC cash discount price. This price is usually somewhere between the best DCL early booking discount, and the highest DCL rack rate.. So it is not your best price, but is fair.

As mentioned, some people will rent out their DVC points then use the cash towards booking the cruise totally on cash. I prefer not to rent, but it is an option if one desires.

Can you explain how you went about making that ressie using your points? Are there only so many rooms dedicated for DVC? How early did you make your ressie?

 

[CarolAnnC]

You can book your Disney Cruise through Member Services using points or a combination of points and cash.

There is a $75 fee to do this, payable at time of booking. After January 1, that fee will rise to $95. The cash portions (if you book this) are due in full at time of booking using credit card.

There is a fixed number available for DVC. For example, for my 2007 summer cruise, I was able to obtain guaranteed category 6 ressies, but staterooms were still available on the DCL website. I have to say, howevere, that I have not encountered any problems ever booking the categories I wanted for any cruise through DVC.

The best part about booking on points, is that you can do so at a late date, and the price for points and cash does not change. It is fixed. Booking direct through DCL (or a travel agent) you get your best price far in advance as they use a tier booking system of discounts. In other words, the price rises as time goes on.

I have booked 8 months ahead, and I have booked only a month or two ahead and always had success. If you are choosing a "special" cruise such as the Med cruises, or repositioning cruise, booking ahead is preferable as these sell out sooner. Be sure to visit our DIS Cruise Board for lots more info on the Disney Cruises, too!