How many points for a Disney Cruise?

[JimmyDisney]

Can DVC points be used for a DCL trip? If so, how many points for an off-season 4 or 7 day cruise? Thanks in advance!
Jimmy

 

[wildcatwmn]

...waiting for the 2006 rates. I just called and Candice apologized tha tthe yare not out yet and teh ycannot take points ressies, only cash....ughhhh.

 

[tjkraz]

What category of cabin? How many people (plus ages if kiddies)?

The quick and easy answer is that it's ridiculously expensive. You'll probably end up paying the equivalent of $6-7 per point by using DVC points over cash, and there's even a $75 (cash) booking fee.

If you're willing to expend a bit of time and energy to rent the points and pay cash, you'll get a lot better value.

 

[JimmyDisney]

We would want a standard category (inside) & just 2 adults.
Jimmy

 

[tjkraz]

Cat 11 for 2005 Value Season Eastern 7-Night Cruise is 141 per adult. So, 282 for the two of you, plus the $75 booking fee.

Cat 10 is 148 each. Cat 9 is 165 each. Cat 8 is 187 each.

These rates are for 2005 departures on Sep 3, 17, Oct 15, 29, Nov 12, 26. 2006 rates are certain to be higher.

Points can easily be rented to non-members for $10 each. So, if the cash rate is less than $2900 (and I suspect it's significantly less), you'd be better off renting your points and paying cash.

There are also limitations to how the points can be used if you have to cancel or re-schedule a cruise booked with points. And you pay the $75 fee every time you change anything about the reseravation.

 

[JimMIA]

There are also limitations to how the points can be used if you have to cancel or re-schedule a cruise booked with points.

I used to think the points cost was the main reason for paying cash and renting points, but I now think this point by tjkraz is even more important. You can really shoot yourself in the foot by using points for a cruise!

Check the answers to my post earlier today http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=766804

and then go over to the Rent/Trade Board and look at the people desperately trying to unload cruise points they can't use at DVC now that they've cancelled a points cruise. In fact, you may be able to get your cruise from one of them and really save some money!

 

[TW1]

how many points for an off-season 4 or 7 day cruise

Too many

 

[Muushka]

We are booked for the Dec 22,2005 Wonder.

CAT 9 Points: 340 + $75 fee
CAT 9 Cash: $1850

Hmmmm, which one will I choose???? CASH

 

[JimmyDisney]

Thank You all. Very good info, & helpful. My wife was wondering and liked the idea of being able to use the points for DCL. I like the idea of renting them better. Expedia.com lists a 7 day DCL @ $599 PP. I'd pocket $1000+ if I rented the points & paid cash.
Jimmy

 

[CharlesTD]

We can use them for the cruise but IMHO it is not the best way to use your points we would rather rent them oout for 12.00 each and then use the cash for the cruise.