Important Announcement - 2006 Member Cruise

[TnRobin]

In the session this morning with JimLewis, Senior Vice Presidentand General Manager of DVC, we are not waiting two years for another cruise. We are going next year. It is a 4 day cruise- October 22, 2006. Details will be released soon.

 

[jarestel]

Nice! Thanks for the update!

 

[kaseyC]

So thats why they have suspended new bookings on that date. We are booked on the Oct. 22, 2006 cruise and received a call from our TA recently to let us know that new bookings for that date had been suspended and that it was possible we would be moved. Good thing we have some back up dates in mind.

 

[Laurabearz]

I sure hope your right on the dates! Someone else mentioned a Sept 3rd date for the cruise (Labor day Cruise) but I would prefer to pull my kids in late October than right at the begining of the school year.

 

[TnRobin]

The information came straight from Jim Lewis, VP and General Manager of DVC.

Ever since his announcement, the DVC cast members here on board the 2005 member cruise have been talking about it too. They mentioned it in the member update later in the day.

 

[CarolA]

YEAH! That would work much better then this years dates.

Now, are they letting you sign up on board. (I actually hope not so I have a shot)

 

[JPC]

In the session this morning with JimLewis, Senior Vice Presidentand General Manager of DVC, we are not waiting two years for another cruise. We are going next year. It is a 4 day cruise- October 22, 2006. Details will be released soon.

Great news. Is Jim ok with you telling us rather than DVC announcing it?

 

[sagwanamu]

I have never been on the Member Cruise... So I have a few silly question...

Do I have to use point to book the Member Cruise? If I can use cash to book, is it usually the same price as other disney cruise or is it cheaper? And is it open to only members and their guests or is it opened to everybody?

And finally, what's so speical about the Member Cruise?

 

[debloco]

YES!

I am so glad they moved it from the early September time frame!

Too close to the start of school, Labor Day weekend airfare, still a little too hot...

Plus, this way it can be a (just a little) late birthday present

I've been so jealous reading the DVC cruise thread!

 

[debloco]

I have never been on the Member Cruise... So I have a few silly question...

Do I have to use point to book the Member Cruise? If I can use cash to book, is it usually the same price as other disney cruise or is it cheaper? And is it open to only members and their guests or is it opened to everybody?

And finally, what's so speical about the Member Cruise?

You don't need to use points.

If you book with cash, it is more expensive than a regular Disney cruise.

Not sure on question #3, but I do know that it sold out within a few hours of being available to book. I think it is open only to DVC'ers.

To answer question #4, scoot over to the Cruise Board and read the DVC Member Cruise LIVE thread!

I'm so sad I'm missing out!

 

[TnRobin]

Why is the DVC Cruise so special.

I will try to sum it up in just a few words.

Remember how some people feel that DVC members are treated as second class citizens -- I do not include myself in that population. Well, on the DVC member cruises, that myth is put to rest. The entire ship has been transformed for us. For example the mouse pad here at the internet cafe are all DVC mouse pads. The Cast members at the front desk are using DVC mouse pads. There are banners everywhere welcoming us home. They are flying the DVC Flag from one of the Stacks. The Statue of Mickey holding the note pad at Mickey's Mate has been changed. His note pad now has DVC notes on it. All the fruit carvings and food decorations celebrate DVC. The general attitude on the ship toward the members is awesome. The gifts from DVC seem to be endless. If I keep going I will miss Castaway Cay.

Okay so it was more than a few words. But yes, this cruise is well worth the money I paid. (I was out of points) Now I just need to get them to do 7 days.


As for does Jim Lewis feel comfortable announcing the next one. I guess so, he is the boss and can do as he pleases. One DVC cast member joked with us that she thought there probably was a ship to shore call to member services shortly after the announcement as no one on land knew about the next cruise.

 

[toddp3]

Yes it was quite exciting to hear this news the other day. Monday night, my wife, cherylp3, and I had been one of the 10 members who dined with Jim Lewis in Palo, and the conversation was a lot of fun. And he had told us then that there would be a "big" announcement during his talk, so you can bet we were very excited even at that point.

And there are just tons of little extras as TnRobin said all over the ship welcoming us. We even get the DVC "welcome home" every time we board the ship (port canaveral, key west, castaway cay). Even the drawings on the way into the Animators Palette have all been re-themed for DVC. Parrot Cay always has a large DVC themed centerpiece.

Its a shipwide transformation. And its a ton of fun. All members should consider going on the next one (or not then we won't have trouble booking )

 

[WDWLVR]

Great news. Is Jim ok with you telling us rather than DVC announcing it?

My DH Mark and I were at the same dinner as Cheryl and Todd. Jim made it clear that he only accounces something that he know can go out to the public.

After the announcement while Robin came and posted here (and on the cruise board) Mark started work on the 2006 web page (he did the ones for 2003 and 2005). When we met with an number of the DVC folks later that day and told them they were thrilled!

So yes they know the news is out. Just one of the advantages of being on the DISboards i guess. I'm sure it will be out to the general DVC membership in plenty of time to book. Our guess is that booking will be at the 11 month window!

 

[debm]

We are currently booked on the Magic the week prior to the 2006 Member cruise. Do you know if we can transfer our reservation to the Member cruise, once it is open for booking obviously, and still keep our onboard credits, etc. I know it will be more expensive but might be worth it. We are paying cash for our 7 night one.

 

[toddp3]

My DH Mark and I were at the same dinner as Cheryl and Todd. Jim made it clear that he only accounces something that he know can go out to the public.

Or his PR person breaks his legs or something like that

 

[BCVOwner2002]

I wonder how long it will take for this one to be filled? This past one took less than 5 hours and I'll bet the next one takes less time. Annmarie

 

[ceejay13]

Hope to actually get in on this one. We just returned from the 14 day repo and can't wait to go again. Any thoughts on when we can make ressies??

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Hope to actually get in on this one. We just returned from the 14 day repo and can't wait to go again. Any thoughts on when we can make ressies??

Someone mentioned it could be the first weekend in December but nothing was definite. I guess we will need to keep watching our member newsletters. Annmarie

 

[WDWLVR]

From the DVC site this afternoon.

"Wonder"-ing about the next S.S. Member Cruise?

When Jim Lewis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club, announced the sailing date of the next S.S. Member Cruise during his well-attended presentation, "A Conversation with Jim Lewis," Members applauded enthusiastically! That's right; plans are already underway for the S.S. Member Cruise 2006, when Members will be "Celebrating Magical Milestones" aboard the Disney Wonder®, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday, October 22, 2006.


Saturday, December 3, 2005, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT, has been set aside at Member Services to exclusively accept reservation requests for the October 22, 2006 sailing. Look for a special event invitation to arrive in homes next month with more details about the next "Wonder"-ful voyage! Moved recently? Be sure to e-mail Member Services with your new mailing address.

Disney Vacation Club will soon debut a Reservation Points chart for this special event on dvcmember.com, allowing Members use of the 11-month booking window prior to the voyage to make their vacation plans. Last year, the S.S. Member Cruise 2005 voyage sold out in just five hours and nine minutes, so be sure to mark your calendar as soon as your invitation arrives in the mail..

When calling in December to book your reservation, be sure to provide your e-mail address so you can receive regular electronic updates through S.S. Member Cruise 2006 Cruise News. This is the best way to learn all about the activities, excitement, and adventures being planned.

Be sure to check back for the latest news and information regarding the S.S. Member Cruise 2006 voyage.

 

[TnRobin]

Wow - you beat me to it Mary. You are fast.