Ever get upgraded when cruising on points?

[downontheBW]

On the cruise board, I've seen quite a few people get upgrades - does this ever happen when using DVC points for the cruise?

I called MS today and the CM said it never happens - she said that anyone who gets an upgrade would be someone who didn't have an assigned room in the first place. I'm sure this isn't entirely the case and was wondering if that's the story they are supposed to tell us.

I also asked when we should get our cruise docs (since I've read that sometime folk's have come 5 weeks before cruise) and she said between 30 and 14 days ahead - probably closer to 14. We cruise in February and am getting anxious.

 

[TnRobin]

I have been on the cruise boards now for close to 4 years. Here is what I have seen with upgrades.

1. - They do not happen very often.
2.- When you book makes no difference.
3. When you pay off your balance makes no difference
4. If you pay with DVC you have the same chance of being upgraded. (We have seen DVC members get upgrades.)
5. Having a room number assigned does not precluded you from an upgrade (I know this from personal experience)

The only thing that is consistent in the way DCL upgrades is that they must have a need for the catagory in which you booked.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

I wouldn't hope for it, I haven't read about to many upgrades for DVCers booking with points. Someone can correct me if my facts wrong, but I think DCL treats you differently when you book on points. I think you get fewer "perks". Something like the onboard Disney club credit is not available if you book on points. I don't think you are eligible for participation in the castaway club repeat booking discount. Also, if you pay cash, DCL will sometimes reduce the price for your booked cruise, and if you book through them they automatically reduce your cabin price. We booked the 7-day in Nov, and DCL droped our price by $200.00. I bet DVCers who booked on points for the same cruise, didn't get any points back.

After all, your cruising for free, right!

 

[CarolAnnC]

I don't think you are eligible for participation in the castaway club repeat booking discount.

You most definitely ARE eligible for a points discount when booking your next cruise while on board ship. Cash folks get a reduced price, and so do DVC Members. DVC Members also receive the invitation to the Castaway Club Party on board and the gift in your stateroom, which currently is a very nice, plush DCL beach towel.

The wonderful thing about DVC is that if you only want to stay at your DVC Resort, you can do that. No obligation to book a cruise with your points unless you do so voluntarily! Enjoy!!

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Does anyone know what is the castaway club discount is for re-booking on points? How does it compare to the cash discount? Is it a percentage of the cost of the future booking, or is it a set amount (i.e. $200.00 off or 15 points off, etc.)??

 

[ncligs]

CarolAnnK,
DVC members can only book at the 11 month window.So what if a DVC member is on the cruise and wants to book a cruise 12-14 months out??

 

[Windermere]

When we were on in September there was no way to book a future cruise thru DVC. HAs this changed? They said DVC bookings were planned in the future but I was expecting that to be at least 1 year in the future.

 

[TnRobin]

Does anyone know what is the castaway club discount is for re-booking on points? How does it compare to the cash discount?

Currently there is no cash or point discounts just for re-booking a cruise as a past cruise (Castaway Cay Member). The only discounts DCL is offering are if you book your next cruise on board. I was not really impressed with either the cash or point discount, so I did not keep the details.

Windemere - Last May, they offered to let us book with our DVC points to get a discount.