Points & cash for cruise

[MrsM]

We are thinking about using our points for a Disney cruise. We have 4 kids, so we would have to book 2 rooms. I was thinking of using points for 1 room and paying cash for the other.

I just wondered if anyone has experience with something like this. Are we better off paying for the second room through DVC or would we get a better rate booking that room separately? Of course we would like to have adjoining rooms and it seems like it could get messy trying to arrange that with 2 separate reservations. Any suggestions? (I thought about renting points for the additional room but it doesn't seem to be cost effective.)

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We have four kids too and are doing what you are talking about in 7 weeks. We did a combined points and cash reservation but paid for the first person in each room with points, everyone else with cash. That got us the adjoinging rooms we needed through DVC/DCL. I know it is not the best use of points for everyone but it really lowered the cash outlay for our cruise.

HBC

 

[MrsM]

Thanks for the info HBC - with our kids ages at the time, the oldest would be considered an adult and the other 3 would still be considered children. I'm assuming that we would have to pay the adult price for the oldest (being the 2nd adult in one room) as well as one of the younger ones (being the 2nd passenger in the second room). Maybe your kids are older and all considered adults anyway, but does that sound correct?

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

My kids are 15, 14, 10 and 8. The 15 and 14 year olds count as the adults. Then we paid the going rate for the 8 and 10 year old. We are planning to do the same thing next year. What you are saying sounds correct. Have fun.

HBC

 

[VJMorrell]

Hi,

We have done combinations on all three of our cruises. Some say it is not the best use of points, but I think if you want to cruise than it is!! You can cut down on the cash amount significantly and remember, your points are giving you room, meals, entertainment and travel to the ports!! Have fun.

Valerie