One week DVC cruise vs. short DVC MEMBER cruise?

[epicureangirl]

I haven't found any threads on DVC member cruises for 2008 -- I have no idea when they announce them, but I understand they are very popular. I'd like some advice from our experienced DVC cruisers...

Looking at the point schedules for former years, it seems that a one week Value season Eastern Caribbean cruise is about the same price/point value as the 4 day DVC members cruise in October.

For the price, would you go on the 7 day cruise, or are is the DVC Members cruise, though several days shorter, worth the money? Has anyone done both types of cruises with DVC? Would love to hear from you all. Thanks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've been on one DCL 3 night cruise, and the '05 DVC Members Cruise which was 4 nights. Both were great. For us, the difference was the people. We're not all cookie cuts, and it was great spending time with people who own at DVC...are loyal to THEIR resorts, and I suppose there was a bit of trying to one up each other with stories and exploits. It was good fun and the extra guests, I remember Art Linkletter's talk, and meeting Jim Lewis made it all worth while. We made an "e-mail" friend on each of the cruises.

We don't have another DCL cruise in our near future...we have a Carnival cruise booked up for Easter and a Princess Cruise of the Baltic penciled in for September ''09. IF I had to choose between a 7 day Eastern and a 4 day Members Cruise, it would be a tough choice, but I would go with the Members cruise. For the special experience...then you decide if you want to do another one.

The gifts we got each night were fine...I've given most of them away to people who appreciated them, but I did keep one of each pin, they are cute.
Oh and the DVC beach towels, yes, they are keepers, but I'm too afraid they will be stolen if I use them.

Bobbi

 

[epicureangirl]

For us, the difference was the people. We're not all cookie cuts, and it was great spending time with people who own at DVC...are loyal to THEIR resorts, and I suppose there was a bit of trying to one up each other with stories and exploits. It was good fun and the extra guests, I remember Art Linkletter's talk, and meeting Jim Lewis made it all worth while.

Thanks, Bobbi. Do you think it would be just as fun (or as valuable) for a new DVCr? I will have 0 DVC stories to share... Also, is there enough for kids to do (even my 3 year old) to keep them busy enough that I have time to enjoy the other talks and social activities?

Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are empty nesters...haven't brought the DGC on a DCL yet! I think that Disney cruises are good with children...your little one will have a ball!

Also, because we didn't have children, we were able to spend the time chatting with other DVCers and most of the ones that we spoke to didn't have young children with them either. So, I suppose in your situation, I would pick the best time for a cruise and do the Eastern Caribbean. That's the other downer about a Member Cruise, they pick the dates (one "downer" is the extra expense).

The private island Castaway Cay is fabulous, and if you can get a cruise that goes there twice, double dip, that's the one I would pick. I do think this member cruise, or maybe the last one did that. I work as a p/t college instructor, and decided that I couldn't take a week off in October. So, when am I going to WDW with my family ?(seeing DGC for Halloween ), well, lo and behold, in October, I found a sub and am off to enjoy the world, in hopefully less heat.

Bobbi

Bobbi

 

[epicureangirl]

So, I suppose in your situation, I would pick the best time for a cruise and do the Eastern Caribbean. ...
The private island Castaway Cay is fabulous, and if you can get a cruise that goes there twice, double dip, that's the one I would pick.

Great advice. Maybe when we're seasoned DVC'rs and our kids are a bit older we can enjoy a members cruise. I also think that after our recent trip to Disneyland, DH is a bit Disneyed out (heaven forbid) so won't really appreciate some off the special guest speakers and that sort of thing. I'll look into the dates for the double dip cruises as soon as those itineraries are released.

Cheers and have a fantastic trip!