Need Cruise Help

[ClarabelleCow]

Okay, we are thinking of doing the 7 day cruise next April (2004), Either April 3 or April 17. If I book now, supposedly you get the best discounts (HAHA) Is there any reason why I shouldn't book now and wait for 2004 point info to come out, and then see if its worth it to use some or all points, and if its worth it, cancel my cruise and book using points. Also can you book through an agent for the adults and then use points for the kids, or does it all have to go through DVC/DCL???? Thanks in advance

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by want2buydvc
Okay, we are thinking of doing the 7 day cruise next April (2004), Either April 3 or April 17. If I book now, supposedly you get the best discounts (HAHA) Is there any reason why I shouldn't book now and wait for 2004 point info to come out, and then see if its worth it to use some or all points, and if its worth it, cancel my cruise and book using points.

I assume you mean book now for cash. You can do that, but be sure you understand the cancellation policies/deadlines. You may not be able to get the same cabin if you later cancel and then book for points.

Also can you book through an agent for the adults and then use points for the kids, or does it all have to go through DVC/DCL???? Thanks in advance

If you want to use points for any person in the cabin, you must book everyone through MS. The cash price for anyone who is not booked on points will be the one that was specially negotiated by MS with DCL. It may be more than or less than the DCL cash price for the specific cruise you chose.

 

[shelly3girls]

Although I do not remember who, someone on an earlier post reported that they were able to call and convert a cash reservation into a points reservation without losing their room or seating time at the 11-month window. I do not know how this works or if it is standard, but I am sure someone will know.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

thanks for all the info, does anyone know when the 2004 cruise point rates come out???? I am having issues with MS because I still havent received my member guide yet, it was sent on January 9!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone know how it comes, Fedex or USPS, I will call again tomorrow, but this is crazy!!

 

[Mojomanny]

Based on posts over the years as well as my own planning for Next February's Cruise (2/14/04....1 Year, 1 Day and counting!!!!) I have the following observations.

My Cruise through MS using points a Cat 7 cabin with 2 adults and 1 child was going to be 578 points. (This is based on same date and cabin as 2003 points, does not include an anticipated points increase)

Valueing the points between $9.50 and $10 per point, that means the "point" cost was between $5491 and $5780.

Going through Dream Unlimited the cruise would be booked at roughly $5300 less a $200 rebate for a cost of roughly $5100.

Going through Costco my cost was $4349.

I have been renting out my points for the range above and should recoup a lot of my airfare.

This is based on my true life experience. You actual mileage may vary. Fast performance has no bearing on future expectations. No deposit No Return.

 

[pigelet]

We were planning to use points for our recent DC. What they wanted was too much point wise and cashwise. Since the TA so so much less we went w/that. I did ask if we could use a TA for 2 of us and points for the other 2 and was told only if they were different rooms?

 

[Luv2Dream]

We are on the April 17, 2004 7 night cruise (Eastern). It will be nice to have other DISers on board if you pick this cruise. We went thru Dreams Unlimited paying cash.

 

[lsutiggeratwk]

Nothing to add to the discussion except that we're on the 4-17-03 eastern cruise too! Booked it this week with cash!

 

[Mojomanny]

Perhaps I should change to the April 17th cruise?

(actually, We already did the 7 Day EC cruise....it was great, now we are doing the WC cruise!)

 

[rae519]

I had the "cash" reservation and converted it to points.

I made the reservation and paid the $750 deposit while onboard ship (9/28) for the 2003 Halloween cruise. I called DCL recently and asked if I could use my points for it.
While I was on hold, the DVC rep called DCL - cancelled my reservation, booked me on DVC credit, I kept my same room and dining time. My $750 was refunded back to my credit card. I was NOT able to keep the $200 onboard credit that booking on ship gave me - but that was fine since I did keep my room and early dining.

I was EXTREMELY pleased with the DVC rep and service received.

Rae

 

[ClarabelleCow]

What I have noticed is if you book directly with DCL, you are paying a premium, even with a 200 on board credit, they are still almost 750 higher for what I am looking for, if I book with a cruise agent, could I still convert to points if I wanted to??

 

[rae519]

Since I dealt directly with DCL and DVC, I'm not really qualified to answer it. I can't imagine why you couldn't just cancel with the TA and then rebook with Disney.

Best wishes!
Rae

 

[ClarabelleCow]

thanks - I just got off the phone with MS, not really helpful, they said I can't book a cruise till the 11 month window, so not to worry because points aren't out yet, but what about the people that want to cruise in January, isn't there 11 month window open???? Anyway, they said I could book a cruise with my agent, then if the points come out and its a better deal, then I can just cancel my cruise with the agent and book with them. But that I couldn't convert my rate and knock the kids off and use points for the kids, I would have to use their adult rates.

 

[rae519]

I really wish they would come out with the 2004 points for DCL the way they have with the resorts. But then again, I'm a control freak and this is driving me nuts!

Rae