Points for Cruising ??

[shellbelle1971]

I know this isn't usually the most economical use of points, but here are my questions about using points for DCL:

1. Are the points charts for 2008 and 2009 DCL cruises available yet? Where?
2. Do you have to use points for the use year you're in when you make the reservation? Or the UY the cruise falls in? Can you use banked/borrowed points?
3. If you choose to transfer in some points to make up a shortfall, what point expiration issues, if any, do you need to look out for?
4. If you choose to pay cash for some of the passengers, do they just pay the regular cash rate? Where would I find that?
5. Anything else I should know?

THANKS!

 

[Dean]

I know this isn't usually the most economical use of points, but here are my questions about using points for DCL:

1. Are the points charts for 2008 and 2009 DCL cruises available yet? Where?
2. Do you have to use points for the use year you're in when you make the reservation? Or the UY the cruise falls in? Can you use banked/borrowed points?
3. If you choose to transfer in some points to make up a shortfall, what point expiration issues, if any, do you need to look out for?
4. If you choose to pay cash for some of the passengers, do they just pay the regular cash rate? Where would I find that?
5. Anything else I should know?

THANKS!

The points schedule has generally come out in March or April for the following year. As far as I know, 2008 is not yet out nor are any of the non DVC points charts like Concierge Collection or the Disney Collection. A cruise is paid with points that would be usable in the use year of the travel time. The exception would be in you reserve a cruise 2 use years ahead, you can pay in either the current use year or the next one. Cash prices are paid at the contract rate, usually a fair amount higher than the per person rate using early booking. You'd have to talk to MS on a case by case basis for the cash price and to book a cruise that does not yet have a point amount announced.