Member Cruise: I don't get it

[codina818]

Are the DVC points the same or are they more for the member cruise?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Thanks for sharing about Statue of Liberty. Would love to do this at some point.


Some of those gifts look really nice!


Are the member cruises always less crowded than the regular cruise? And are member cruises only for booking by DVC members? Does DCL open it up to non-DVC bookings if not full enough?

LOL! Disney's goal is to fill up every cabin so assume the cruise may even be MORE crowded than a regular cruise. You might get lucky and it's less crowded, but....

As for me the "Gifts" premium doesn't justify the price premium. I would rather get a cheaper cruise and buy stuff I select rather then the "marketing" stuff DVC wants me to have (If they want me to advertise they need to pay me not vice versa!)

 

[erionm]

Are the member cruises always less crowded than the regular cruise?

They are a little less crowded since there are more couples and less families. The cruises almost always sell out.

And are member cruises only for booking by DVC members?

Booking is handled by DVC, so only DVC Members can book. Members can book additional staterooms for guests that don't have to be members.

Does DCL open it up to non-DVC bookings if not full enough?

Nope. DVC charters the entire sailing.

 

[erionm]

Are the DVC points the same or are they more for the member cruise?

Member Cruises are typically more expensive than a comparable cruise during the same time frame.

 

[bumbershoot]

Booking is handled by DVC, so only DVC Members can book.

And only direct members and those grandfathered in at a certain point, right?

 

[MouseOfCards]

And only direct members and those grandfathered in at a certain point, right?

That's a good question. Can any DVC member book if they are using cash and not points?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

And only direct members and those grandfathered in at a certain point, right?

Yes, you have to either own some points you purchased directly or have your resale purchased prior to The March 2011 changes in order to get in the cruise with either cash or points.

That's a good question. Can any DVC member book if they are using cash and not points?

Nope and it's the restriction that I really disliked from the first round of restrictions. You have to be a qualified member with direct purchase or resale purchase prior to the March 2011 date.