How many of you use points for cruise?

[Disney Fans]

We really like the DCL and staying at the WDW too!
We have been going back and forth about possiblity of DVC. I was told by a DCV-agent that the DLC could never be sure of how many points would be needed. She said that they want to keep the right to have the points cost and so therefore I could run into maybe getting a better deal when an TA has sales. At least she was honest.
Wanted to know what you all thought about this?

 

[bobbiwoz]

A lot of people who post here have successfully rented their points and used cash for the cruise. Many have even paid for the excursions on the cruise with the extra money that they made because they rented the points and didn't use the points for the cruise. We have used points for 2 cruises. One was in November, and really, the point price wasn't bad, and they were "bonus" points through a resale. We also used points for booking the Members Cruise that's coming up. We're fine with that, many, many people who post here are not.

Bobbi

 

[goofy4dvc]

We used points to book the member cruise in September. While it seemed like alot of points, I really didn't want to hassle with renting out points and worrying if I would get them rented or if the agreement would fall through. Plus with that amount of points, I probably would have had to rent to more than one person. If we go on the 7-day cruise, I might consider renting out points to pay for it because of the number of points required for a 7-day cruise.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We booked a cruise at the last minute for January 05. It was a 4-night cruise and I don't regret the use of points at all.

 

[Dean]

We really like the DCL and staying at the WDW too!
We have been going back and forth about possiblity of DVC. I was told by a DCV-agent that the DLC could never be sure of how many points would be needed. She said that they want to keep the right to have the points cost and so therefore I could run into maybe getting a better deal when an TA has sales. At least she was honest.
Wanted to know what you all thought about this?

You were told correctly. Just buy less DVC points and plan on cash for DCL, you'll be FAR better off.

 

[quentina]

We booked the 7 night western cruise for January of 2006. My hubby and I cost $799 each and my 7 year old was $350.00. With all the taxes, airport transfers etc, it came to $2100.00 (I think). If we would of used points, it would cost 157 point for the adults and 83 for my son...Total of 397. If I rented these at 10 bucks a pop, I made enough spending money for my trip.

Now....I could never rent my points since I am forever in the borrowed state.

I think if you call Disney, you can get a decent rate. Do not book via their web sight. The prices were much higher than the ones I got when I called. For the same trip, the web had $3400.00.

Oh yeah, we booked catagory 10. Not the best, however, it is our first cruise and noone wanted a window. We are nervous about being on the water. Also, it was what we could afford.

Kim

 

[Laurajean1014]

We went on two cruises both with our points.

One next door neighbor (whom paid $$ through a travel agent) spent $700 more than us for the same accom. and people in their suite. We stayed on the 7th deck, which was pretty high end.

I talked to our next door neighbor about DVC and the next day he knocked on our door to tell us that he joined DVC last night.

I think if you are staying on the lower decks, it maybe cheaper than with points;
it's a matter of choice.

Buying less DVC points has never been advantageous.

 

[crainbow]

My DW and I used points for our Oct 04 Western cruise. I do not regret the use of the points. WDW will still be there next year and so will the memories of the great time we had on the cruise.

Chuck

 

[WDWLVR]

To me buying points just to use on the cruise is not a wise move. We have used some of our points for cruising and will do so again in the future if it makes sense.

We bought our points first and foremost to stay in great accomodations at WDW and love our one bedroom villas at the Boardwalk!

 

[JimC]

We have not used points for DCL. We prefer to pay cash and keep our points for WDW.

 

[Dean]

We went on two cruises both with our points.

One next door neighbor (whom paid $$ through a travel agent) spent $700 more than us for the same accom. and people in their suite. We stayed on the 7th deck, which was pretty high end.

I talked to our next door neighbor about DVC and the next day he knocked on our door to tell us that he joined DVC last night.

I think if you are staying on the lower decks, it maybe cheaper than with points;
it's a matter of choice.

Buying less DVC points has never been advantageous.

The difference will be less for the high end suites. Did you friend book a year or more out or fairly short notice?

 

[Dean]

Tim Larison's cruise comparison

 

[MommaluvsDis]

We bought our points mainly for cruising. That's what we like and that's what we do. I like the fact that I can call and tell DVC CM that I'm ready to cruise. I know I probably would come out ahead by renting them out but I'm not too savvy on that yet. We'll see. But, if we had to choose between cruising and WDW, we'd cruise..... Of course, we don't have little children either. That would change things I'm sure.