Member Cruise

[erionm]

So, I am considering this cruise on a cash basis (not using pts). Is the only way you can book it by calling the DVC MS #? Can I book it myself on-line or through a TA? And what is the deal with Nov 3rd? Why on earth would they want all members to call on one day at the same time? they already have more call volume than they can handle!

From the Member Cruise details page on DVCMember.com:

Member Services will only accept reservations by phone. Booking requests will not be accepted by fax, email or live chat.

The cruise is a 100% charter and not bookable except via DVC.

In prior years, they only took calls related to check-ins during the upcoming 10 days or so while booking the Member Cruise. This year:

Member Services will be open to service all calls, but due to the popularity of this event, wait times may be longer than normal.

 

[hmansure]

With the premium rate they charge, 10 years sounds right the amount of time needed to save up $$$$ to go on one!

ain't that the truth!

 

[holula]

Really want to go but I need to sell an arm AND a leg to pay for it!

 

[conandrob240]

How do you know that? Are prices listed somewhere?

 

[stmize]

When we priced it for this yr it was several hundred dollars more for a cash price. Obviously ill still be checking for next yr to compare. Prob won't be able to go tho since I have a 7 day planned on the fantasy in nov for our 20th anniversary

 

[erionm]

How do you know that? Are prices listed somewhere?

Details are on DVCMember.com:
https://dvc.disney.go.com/members/member-extras/special-events/member-cruise

Cash/Point Rates: http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...ollection_DisneyDream_MemberCruise_101713.pdf

 

[conandrob240]

Ah, thank you! I was just going by the flyer I received in the mail.

 

[mvlimmex]

We received this flyer too and it sounds like a lot of fun! I looked at the links and is it true that this cruise is suppose to paid in full right away. We are a family of 2 adults and 6 children and it is a lot of money to put down right away. We are new DVC members, so are new to the DVC cruise, but not the Disney cruises. Also, are tips included in your fare?

Thanks, Vicki

 

[conandrob240]

It isn't actually that much more expensive than a regular 4 nt cruise. If you price out the Aug 17th 4 nt cruise, for example, by the time you add in the taxes and port fees, the lowest category is just around $930 or so compared to $1015. And with this cruise , you get CC twice which, IMO, is worth more than that small price difference.

 

[erionm]

Also, are tips included in your fare?

They have been in prior years, but from the details it's unclear if they are this year. I would suspect that they are, but they just omitted that information.

 

[mvlimmex]

Thanks for the info. I guess it really isn't that much more esp. when you include all the extras and 2 days at CC. I thought it would be a lot more!That would be nice if they did include tips. One less thing to figure in price wise.

 

[Kim&Chris]

How does it work if you don't have enough points? I'm shy about 75 points, so would they somehow figure out the difference in cash?

 

[BestDadEver]

Really want to go but I need to sell an arm AND a leg to pay for it!

The cash prices seem pretty reasonable to me . Considering how much Disney charges for everything else it's not shocking . IMO a good deal when you on,y need to pay OOP for alcohol .

How does it work if you don't have enough points? I'm shy about 75 points, so would they somehow figure out the difference in cash?

Let's say you need 150 points per adult and 95 per kid with a family of 3 . If you had 375 points you can use your points for both adults and pay cash for the kid . But you can't use the 75 points to prorate the cash price .

 

[Kim&Chris]

Let's say you need 150 points per adult and 95 per kid with a family of 3 . If you had 375 points you can use your points for both adults and pay cash for the kid . But you can't use the 75 points to prorate the cash price .

Oh, I understand. I'll only have enough points for one adult, so basically I'd have to use the appropriate amount of points for one adult, and the other would be paid with cash.

THANKS.

 

[conandrob240]

If tips are included, the prices for this cruise are essentially the same as a regular 4 nt cruise during that time of year. I think we are going to go for it.

 

[TLPL]

If tips are included, the prices for this cruise are essentially the same as a regular 4 nt cruise during that time of year. I think we are going to go for it.

Please explain more. Are tips included with MCs??

 

[mvlimmex]

I just called DVC on the Member's cruise today and she said that the gratuities were included.

 

[holula]

It isn't actually that much more expensive than a regular 4 nt cruise. If you price out the Aug 17th 4 nt cruise, for example, by the time you add in the taxes and port fees, the lowest category is just around $930 or so compared to $1015. And with this cruise , you get CC twice which, IMO, is worth more than that small price difference.

That's only if you usually cruise in peak time. We paid $1250 for two last year on the Dream in October. The member cruise works out around $600 more for two if you priced out that cruise with tips.

 

[BestDadEver]

Oh, I understand. I'll only have enough points for one adult, so basically I'd have to use the appropriate amount of points for one adult, and the other would be paid with cash.

THANKS.

Yup

I just called DVC on the Member's cruise today and she said that the gratuities were included.

That's awesome news , I definetly need to go on one soon

 

[papertraveller]

So tempted by this cruise, largely because we were already planning on heading to WDW at that time of year anyway. I like the fact that we could go with our daughter without pulling her out of school. Two stops at Castaway Cay are a big plus, as well.

So some questions:
1. I can see the costs in points and cash. But is it worth it for the experience?

2. I also notice on the member website that it says some stateroom categories disappear quickly -- any idea which are the most popular?

3. And finally, while it is a DVC charter as a previous poster noted, does the cruise count towards our Castaway Club total?

Many thanks!