For those who have booked member cruises before

[LOLA2]

When I book member cruise this sunday can I pick out specific stateroom? I read in the info section on DVC website to have a a couple room categories picked out, not sure if this is just for people who are clueless so they don't take up alot of time or if this is so people cannot pick out specific rooms.

I have been researching the different rooms for weeks will sort of be a bummer if we cannot pick out specific room - especially since we want to rooms and its going to really stink if I have to trek to otherside of ship to help out my husband with our son all the time hopefully if the assign rooms they will do them somewhere nearby.

Also does anyone know which promp you pick when calling member services to pick cruise?

Thanks!!

 

[erionm]

Yes, you can select specifics staterooms if they are still available.

The option to press to book the MC will most likely be announced at the beginning of the phone menu once your call finally connects.

 

[disneynutz]

Good possibility that the cabin you want won't be available so you need several standby plans.

I just don't see the attraction, paying a premium, waiting on hold to book a cruise and maybe not getting the cabin or category that you what, just not my cup of tea.

Bill

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think it will help if you have the deck plans in front of you. Do you want the rooms to be connecting? Do you want them across from each other, as 1 with a veranda and the other inside?

I have booked MCs twice before on the initial call day. The CM helped me find a suitable room each time. On another cruise we decided just a few months before the cruise and once again we got something that suited us to a T!

for you!

I hope there's an option to press a number for the particular cruise you want. The ships are so different, I think it would help if the CM's were specialized. It will be an adventure.

 

[disney54us]

Sometimes by the time you get through the category you want may not be available. Which is why they want you to have several choices so you can go to plan B or C. Good luck

 

[CMOORE185]

Good possibility that the cabin you want won't be available so you need several standby plans.

I just don't see the attraction, paying a premium, waiting on hold to book a cruise and maybe not getting the cabin or category that you what, just not my cup of tea.

Bill

You are right, also IMO it is not worth paying a premium. I did go on one and had a good time and got to see Roy Disney talk. But I probably would not go again.

To the OP, I believe we just asked for a specific category and area of ship we wanted and they looked for the closest thing to my request. Good Luck!!

 

[HookdonWDW]

It's great that some people find it not worth booking. Otherwise, the Member Cruises would be even harder to book! Just like everything else, the perceived value is different for different people. I don't understand why someone would pay the ridiculous prices charged for breakfast at the castle, but since it sells out, others obviously do...

 

[CMOORE185]

It's great that some people find it not worth booking. Otherwise, the Member Cruises would be even harder to book! Just like everything else, the perceived value is different for different people. I don't understand why someone would pay the ridiculous prices charged for breakfast at the castle, but since it sells out, others obviously do...

You are absolutely right on the perceived value thing. If people think it is worth it they should definitely book it and go. Some might think DCL in general is not a good value, but it is my first choice for cruising. It was just my opinion that the member cruise was not worth the premium, but many think it is.

 

[LOLA2]

Thanks for the replies. To me since I have never done a member cruise before, the timing is working out with daughters college being done, its a new itinerary to us- this all together makes it worth it to us. I of course think so prices are extremely high- we are using the Disney visa for the 6 months free financing and I am borrowing a tad from my 401k (I know shame on me, its just a small loan and I will be paying it back). I am excited to see what special treats are in store and hope the shops carry DVC member cruise Alaska hoodie to add to my collection!

On the lighter side what time should I start calling? 5 minutes before or should I way to exact time of. I will try using my cell and home phone. Just trying to figure out best strategy.

 

[CMOORE185]

Thanks for the replies. To me since I have never done a member cruise before, the timing is working out with daughters college being done, its a new itinerary to us- this all together makes it worth it to us. I of course think so prices are extremely high- we are using the Disney visa for the 6 months free financing and I am borrowing a tad from my 401k (I know shame on me, its just a small loan and I will be paying it back). I am excited to see what special treats are in store and hope the shops carry DVC member cruise Alaska hoodie to add to my collection!

On the lighter side what time should I start calling? 5 minutes before or should I way to exact time of. I will try using my cell and home phone. Just trying to figure out best strategy.

I remember we had three people in our house calling starting about a minute before it started. I think it took about five minutes until one of us got through.

They use to have a rule if you got it the previous year you could book the current year unless it didn't sell out. Is it still that way?

 

[bobbiwoz]

....
They use to have a rule if you got it the previous year you could book the current year unless it didn't sell out. Is it still that way?

Good question. I'm going on this year's, but DH is not. We both want to go on next year's...maybe I should call today to ask. I did go on one in 2013, January and there was no problem with my booking this year's.

 

[HookdonWDW]

I think they got rid of that rule right after they changed the eligibility for resales, and they had the cruise that didn't sell out right away.

 

[twoj]

I own resale points but I have considered buying 25 points direct so that I can book member crusies and Adventures DVC member adventures.
How much is the premium on the member cruises?
Or what is teh percentage increase in price. I looked at the pricing for August 2015 and it seems like it would cost about 5500 for a family of 5 to go and that seems steep to pay over 1000 a night...