pros and cons of points for cruise

[huey duey & luey]

We are thinking of going on a cruise in 06, we will have unused 05 points. Should we use them dor the cruise, I feel like renting them can be a hassle Any suggestions? thanks
Tara

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

Most people advise you to rent the points and then book with cash for the best value for your dollar.

With that beening said, I have booked two cruises with points, each of them for two cabins. The first was two cat 10 cabins and the second (in Oct 05) is for a cat 6 and a cat 11 cabin.
I personally could not see trying to rent such a large number of points (the Oct 05 cruise is for 7 day western) and did some playing around with the calculator. I found we would come out about even for our cost of the points (everybody has a different idea what a point is worth) verses cash, but I could have rented the points for 10pp, which I would have come out way ahead for. I do not remember how many points I used for the cruise at this moment, but with such a large number (I think it was around 700 plus points) I knew I would have to make MANY reservations and the chance that one would go down the drain was too large.

Hope my logic in my decision helped you some!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Using points is expensive, especially if they could be sold for $10. However, we have booked 2 cruises using points because it was easy. I would not make a good "landlord" something COULD happen that would make me want to refund money to the renters. DH is not willing to do the work involved in renting and he agrees with my assessment of myself.

They announced the Members Cruise after we had already booked a cruise for my spring break, (next week, yeah!) and our cruise money was already spent. So, we used points, for the MC, borrowing from '06. I think this will be the last time we will use points for a cruise, if we can't find the cash to go, I think we'll pass the next time. You know, I say that, but I'm not sure, part of me would still use the points for an inside cabin, we have found DCL's shorter cruses are very enjoyable in an inside cabin, we were surprised. (That's why my tag says I have 2 opinions, I'm always talking myself out of what I have just decided !)

Bobbi

 

[maminnie]

I personally would rather just use points to cruise or part points and cash. Unfortunately the points to cruise is getting so high as is the points/cash combined that it just does not seem to make sense anymore. One thing that really concerns we is the number of points you move into one use year to pay for a cruise. If you have to cancel, the points all remain in that use year. I could finally stay at the Grand Floridian for many nights trying to use up all those points!!!!!!It would be my luck there would not be availability for the time I could go!!!!

We have cruised two times; four night all on points and 7 night points and cash. We have a cruise booked for next year all on cash. Unfortunately the points for '06 aren't even out yet as of last week so I can't even check yet to see if points would make sense or not. If anyone can tell me why it takes DCL and DVC so long to determine this I would love to know?????????

It will be interesting to see what the points or points/cash will be for this cruise. My guess the cash will win by quite a bit. Hopefully I am wrong and I can use my points. Then again there probably won't be availability!! The cruise was a key part of DVC's sales pitch and one of the reasons I bought.

 

[bongo59]

always rent the points............using points for a cruise never makes sense....................

 

[Sarahsal]

You need to check the price difference for your particular cruise. In 2003, we went on a cruise and the cash price was so low compared to the points that it just wasn't worth the points. But we used points for a cruise last August during 'value' season. I got a quote from DU, and for that particular cruise in a Category 9 cabin, the return per point was much better. I could have paid a few less dollars if I had rented out the points, but it just wasn't worth the hassle. It all depends on the time of the cruise, the level cabin, the number of people, and especially how far out you are booking.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I suggest you do what you are comfortable with and makes you happy. Not everyone is cut out to rent points. If you don't want to or feel uncomfortable doing it, then don't. Use your points for the crusie and have fun.

But on the other hand, if you don't mind getting into renting, it is a sure fire way to get the most from your points. We rented out points to pay for a cruise this April.

Do what will make you happy. That's why you bought points to begin with.

HBC