? Re: Using points on cruise

[Tiger926]

We are wondering if we can book a cruise with Costco as we normally do, but then we also want to use points to pay for the baby's cruise (only 26 points) through DVC. Can this be done? We want to book through Costco because they offer good discounts, but I'm not sure that this can be done as using points would be a separate reservation, wouldn't it?

Also, do we get DVC discounts on cruises by using cash? Would the cash price be close to Costco's do you think, and then we could use our points for baby?

Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Tiger

 

[CarolMN]

If you want to use points to pay for any portion of the cruise, you must make the reservation through MS. At least one person per cabin must pay with points. The cash price is whatever DVC negotiated with DCL and it may be more or less than the price currently available through a TA or DCL directly. The first two people in the cabin must pay the adult price - doesn't matter if they are paying cash or points.

Can't answer the question on discounts - not sure I understand what you are asking.

Best wishes -

 

[Mary Anne]

I think you need to call members services but I have to say off the top of my head that DVC's cash price will be far more then member services and once you get a "cash" room via anyone other then DVC you cannot add someone via points.

I would be interested in hearing what you're told (including the cash price via member services) Good luck to you.

 

[Dean]

To do any portion of a cruise through DVC, you have to book at least one on points but all must be booked through DVC. Thus you can't combine the discounts of a Costco, Sams or AAA reservation with using points. And since the cash price per person through DVC is almost always more than the discounted price elsewhere, you're giving up a lot of savings to book through DVC.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks! That's what I thought. I am confused by what Mary Anne said:

"Since DVC's cash price will be far more than member services."

What are you referring to? Isn't the only way to book a cruise through Member Services if using points - isn't DVC and MS one and the same?

So, basically you are all saying that financially it's better to book through Costco as we'll get more of a discount than through MS - which I just remembered as I read in the book that we still have to pay a $50.00 booking fee on top of that - do most of you DVC members book your cruises through other agencies? But am I right in understanding that MS can't quote me a price that's higher than calling DCL myself, right?

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Mary Anne]

Sorry, I meant DVC Member services would be more then doing cosco, my fingers were not typing what my mind was thinking.

The exchange via Member Services if you're booking on points is $75 (that is what it was last year when I did it.)

If I cruised again with disney, I'd rent my points and pay cash.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks for the clarification, that's what I thought!

Not interested in renting out our points at all, but thanks for the suggestion. Will call Costco tomorrow for a quote and Dreams Unlimited Travel.

Thanks, Tiger