Giving up on using DVC for Alaska Cruise 2007

[bb_brianb]

We've been trying very patiently to book an Alaskan cruise in June, 2007 on HAL using our DVC points. We called DVC every week and as of Friday the 13th of October, 2006, the story is still the same, "DVC and HAL are still negotiating their contract." Well DVC, negotiate to your hearts content - we are going to spend some U.S. American dollars and book it on our own. The early booking discount deadline is Oct. 31 on Princess, so we really can't wait any longer.

I guess we will just be forced to plan some other vacation to use up our 2007 DVC points. Sigh ... such a burden

 

[dianeschlicht]

Have fun using your points for their intended purpose! Actually, exchanges are always a bit tenuous, so I always think it's a bit better to use cash unless it is something that would be a good exchange with DVC.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

We've been trying very patiently to book an Alaskan cruise in June, 2007 on HAL using our DVC points. We called DVC every week and as of Friday the 13th of October, 2006, the story is still the same, "DVC and HAL are still negotiating their contract." Well DVC, negotiate to your hearts content - we are going to spend some U.S. American dollars and book it on our own. The early booking discount deadline is Oct. 31 on Princess, so we really can't wait any longer.

I guess we will just be forced to plan some other vacation to use up our 2007 DVC points. Sigh ... such a burden

Why not just book the cruise on Princess, and then once the HAL/DVC info comes out, if its good, then book it and cancel Princess? You will definately get your deposit done, and then your definately going to Alaska?

 

[Mtnman44]

Could someone post the basic points requirements for Alaskan cruises? I'm very curious and this information would actually help me in my purchase decisions. Thanks!

 

[bb_brianb]

Could someone post the basic points requirements for Alaskan cruises? I'm very curious and this information would actually help me in my purchase decisions. Thanks!

Well, if they could actually book the cruises, this is what is listed under the DVC "Adventurer Collection" - 7-night cruise on Holland America. Itinerary choices are round trips from Seattle or Vancouver, or a one-way between Vancouver and Seward, AK. For a "large outside stateroom" the points per person for the 1st two adults range from 166 in low season to 230 in premium season. Additional adults are 94 points each and children are 68 points each. They don't say exactly what the dates are for the seasons, but I think early May and late September are low and July, August are high.

 

[Mtnman44]

Thanks.
Wow. 320+ points for the low season for two people with outside statemroom. That is kinda pricey. I see the temptation to save points and just buy the cruise.

 

[WDWguru]

We're taking our third cruise to Alaska on HAL next August (we did do one with points) and Alaska is always pricier than other cruises. Even the "low season" is relative as the season is very short as it is. The average Alaska cruise will cost two to three times more than a cruise to the Caribbean. It may not be the best use of points, but it's a better deal than a lot of the trade outs. When we did it, we were allowed to pay cash to upgrade our cabin, too.