New DVC'R cruise/points question

[Cruella 66]

Okay, my husband and I have heard/read from different folks that it is a pretty good deal if you use points for a cruise and pay for the kids'.

I looked up the '10 charts and with the use of three years of points, we could do that for the adults BUT...how do I do this? How do I find out how much the kids' portion will be in cash? How soon can I book the cruise? We have 180 now and our user year is in Feb. Do I have to bank my 180 now, wait until Feb '10 for the next 180 and book then with some of the '11 points too?

Thanks for everyone's input! Cindy

 

[arthur06]

Okay, my husband and I have heard/read from different folks that it is a pretty good deal if you use points for a cruise and pay for the kids'.

If this is what someone told you, they are wrong. They are your points so feel free to use them in anyway you feel. however, I think that you will find out that many people will tell you rent the points and pay cash for the cruise. Anything off of WDW property, VB, and HHI are not the most practical use of points.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Okay, my husband and I have heard/read from different folks that it is a pretty good deal if you use points for a cruise and pay for the kids'.

I looked up the '10 charts and with the use of three years of points, we could do that for the adults BUT...how do I do this? How do I find out how much the kids' portion will be in cash? How soon can I book the cruise? We have 180 now and our user year is in Feb. Do I have to bank my 180 now, wait until Feb '10 for the next 180 and book then with some of the '11 points too?

Thanks for everyone's input! Cindy

When you call to make the reservation for the cruise, they will take care of your points you will be using. You can call now, as long as the points have been published (and they have for 2010 cruises) you can call and book regardless of use year.

MS will then assist you with the information on the price for the cash passengers. Keep in mind, if you book at that time the $95 booking fee, as well as the cash portion, will all be due at that time via credit card.

I am one who uses DVC points to cruise on. Some folks like it, while others do not. It is your decision whether or not it is right for you. Good luck..

 

[Cruella 66]

You can't just put a deposit down and pay up to so many days? Hmmm....

 

[MouseMomx2]

No, when you reserve a cruise through DVC the cash portion (if any) must be paid in full at that time. The $95 booking fee is also taken at the time of booking.

 

[AnnaS]

We have also used a combination of points and cash for our four cruises. We have had two cabins, two different categories each time.

Call MS and get all your information, points, cash prices, cancellation policy, etc. and then decide what's best for you.

Good luck.

 

[supersuperwendy]

OP...once you have the pricing info for the kids would you be willing to post it? I'm curious about this! I never knew you could do that!

 

[Cruella 66]

Sure, let me figure out what MS is...I'm very green with this! I don't think the ink has dried on the check.

 

[LIFERBABE]

We cruised on cash last month. We are not adverse to using points, but have not yet but will most likely in the future.

We added 2 additional children (12 and 9) to our category 12 7 day booking a few weeks before the cruise and it was $568 each to give an idea. We had 2 staterooms.

There are some caveats to using points that you should be aware of prior to booking, but I really dont feel it is a bad use of points considering all you get on the cruise included in your points. (daily cleanings, food, soft drinks, entertainment, child care etc.)