S.S. member Cruises

[CarolAnnC]

We have sailed on two DVC Member Cruises and I would not hesitate to go again! DH and I had a wonderful time both trips and we met so many good friends, both new ones and some regulars from the DIS as well.

There is something magical about sailing under the DVC Flag and having so many fellow cruise passengers who "get it" like we do. We never felt any pressure to buy more points, and actually never did any add ons while on those two Member Cruises. That being said, if one is so inclined they do make some fabulous special offers on those Member Cruises

The DVC Member Cruise is not for everyone, but if you are die hard DVC fans and love cruising, it is a magical combination! I am toying with the idea of next year's Member Cruise, DH just hasn't heard about my thoughts yet, LOL! Gotta start saving up a few points..

 

[RAD]

We have sailed on two DVC Member Cruises and I would not hesitate to go again! DH and I had a wonderful time both trips and we met so many good friends, both new ones and some regulars from the DIS as well.

There is something magical about sailing under the DVC Flag and having so many fellow cruise passengers who "get it" like we do. We never felt any pressure to buy more points, and actually never did any add ons while on those two Member Cruises. That being said, if one is so inclined they do make some fabulous special offers on those Member Cruises

The DVC Member Cruise is not for everyone, but if you are die hard DVC fans and love cruising, it is a magical combination! I am toying with the idea of next year's Member Cruise, DH just hasn't heard about my thoughts yet, LOL! Gotta start saving up a few points..

Carol I agree with your comment and would love to do the 2011 cruise, but not at the price that DVC's asking, especially with the economy the way it's been the past couple of years.

 

[calypso726]

We just sailed our first DVC member cruise last week. I can't wait to go again!!! It was such a great cruise and just so much fun! As for trying to sell you more DVC points well no one held me down or dragged me to a sales presentation/pitch so I did not experience any of that. I am sure if one chooses to go to one of those presentations then that is exactly what one should expect No sales pitches during any meals, shows, bingo, martini tastings, excursions etc. It was nice to get to meet a number of people here on the DISboards from the cruise meet thread and participating on an FE exchange. I am looking forward to trying to book on October 2nd for next year! See some of you then!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Aren't the DVC offices also in Celebration? So I just drop the check there.

Probably not.

Most big companies use "lock boxes" for checks and will not be set up to accept it at the front desk. I think that if they give an address, spend the cash and buy a stamp!

 

[RAD]

Before I decided that I wasn't going to go I sent an e-mail to MS asking if the Chase Disney Visa 0% for 6 months deal would apply to the members cruise, the response I got today was:

This offer would not apply for the 2011 S.S. Member Cruise. To take
advantage of this offer you would need to book your cruise reservation
through the DISNEY CRUISE LINE® directly and pay cash for your entire
stay. Since you would be booking your reservation through DISNEY
VACATION CLUB for a special charter sailing, this would not apply.

Just wanted to pass that along so nobody would be surprised.

 

[Bizcanes]

I have several questions...

I was thinking about going on the Member's Only cruise with my wife and 1 year old. However, the prices are $400-500 per person more expensive than the other September 4-day cruises.

So here are the questions...

1. How much should you estimate are the Costs of the Tips for Adults/Children per day, to see how much that comes comes out to.

2. I will be doing the New Years Cruise at the end of this year on the Magic. I heard you get discounts when you book other cruises and/or upgrades. How much of a discount are we talking about. What could this offer for future cruises.

3. Are Member's Only cruises, geared more to adults?

Thanks so much!! Been to WDW over 100's of times... but new to Disney Cruises! Looking very much forward to our NYE Magic Cruise!

 

[pyrxtc]

The cancellation policy for the 2009 Member Cruise was:
Category 3 Staterooms:
45+ days before sailing date: 57 Reservation Points or $400.00 of the cash payment made
44-8 days before sailing date: 50% of Reservation Points or 50% of the cash payment made
7-0 days before sailing date: No refund

Categories 4-11:
75+ days before sailing date: All Reservations Points returned to the appropriate UY or 100% of the cash payment made is returned
74-45 days before sailing date: 29 Reservation Points or $200.00 of the cash payment made
44-8 days before sailing date: 50% of Reservation Points or 50% of the cash payment made
7-0 days before sailing date: No refund

Any modification to a confirmed booking, including name changes or change in the number of passengers, is considered a cancellation and must be rebooked subject to the cancellation guidelines.

May or may not be the same. I believe that this is the standard cancel policy for a cruise of less than 7 nights when booked thru MS.

It seems the cancellation policy you have quoted is not correct for this year's cruise.

From DVC website... " Disney Vacation Club will waive the initial transaction fee associated with booking your Disney Cruise Line reservation for the S.S. Member Cruise 2011.
A non-refundable transaction fee will apply to all modifications associated with an S.S. Member Cruise 2011 reservation. "

I can deal with paying the $95 fee if my MIL cannot go and I have to bring another adult for the 2nd room. I would be very upset if I had to re-book the room if MIL could not go and I lost out on points and maybe the room.

 

[pyrxtc]

I am now torn.... checked out the cruise website to see what the category's were and am considering the cruise in February instead for 7 days.

Are kids still free if we use points to book ?


Guess I will be calling MS to find out tomorrow .........

 

[pyrxtc]

now that I'm thinking more... don't you hate when you do that.....

The more I research and think about this, the more I am thinking that we either don't do it at all or do it just for myself and DH. IF/When we do a family cruise, do a longer cruise when we won't have to take them out of school.

Kids do sail free during our school vacation next year. maybe they will the year after that too ?

 

[Brandis]

So how long did it take for the last 2 member cruises to sell out? I thought they usually sell out on the first booking day.

 

[BigDogHU75]

So how long did it take for the last 2 member cruises to sell out? I thought they usually sell out on the first booking day.

They both sold out the first day. There is a waitlist and people on the waitlist were getting called 4 weeks before the crusie asking if they still wanted to sail.

 

[pyrxtc]

I am now torn.... checked out the cruise website to see what the category's were and am considering the cruise in February instead for 7 days.

Are kids still free if we use points to book ?


Guess I will be calling MS to find out tomorrow .........

Answering my own question in case anyone else was wondering. Called MS and was told we can't use points on an offer that DCL puts out. Full price points or cash to DCL.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Question - When we call on Sat. do we request specific rooms or just categories. I am going to try and book 2 staterooms and would like for them to be adjoining, will they automatically put them next to each other or do I need to ask for something specific? TIA.

 

[erionm]

Question - When we call on Sat. do we request specific rooms or just categories. I am going to try and book 2 staterooms and would like for them to be adjoining, will they automatically put them next to each other or do I need to ask for something specific? TIA.

You could give them cabin numbers if there are specific ones you would like to try and reserve. You should also be able to ask for adjoining cabins in a category if you don't have specific cabin numbers.

 

[tammymacb]

I'm really considering booking tomorrow.

Is it true that if you cancel the points can be returned to your regular account?

 

[erionm]

I'm really considering booking tomorrow.

Is it true that if you cancel the points can be returned to your regular account?

They would be reservation points and could not be used for a DVC Resort Reservation or World Passport Collection Reservation. They will expire at the end of the UY and can not be banked.

 

[CarolAnnC]

We kicked this around a bit and last minute decision - WE ARE BOOKING TOMORROW!!!!!

This one will book up fast! Even with the larger ship. It is the 20th Anniversary year of DVC itself and I believe there will be lots of excitement on this particular cruise!

So excited, will be hard to sleep! But, have to wake up early, so will try to settle down a bit now, LOL!

 

[AnnaS]

I am excited for all of you. Good luck this morning guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Thank you AnnaS, wish you were joining us!

 

[AnnaS]

Thank you AnnaS, wish you were joining us!

Thank you too Carol. I thought next year would finally be the year.

I have always wanted to try it at least once. Previous years - school schedule. Now that dh and I can go on our own, I have three sick family members and I am afraid to plan anything for next year. Any vacation will probably be - now is a good time - let's see what we can get/do.

We shall see how things are - I can always see if there is a cancellation later on or try again next year.

Looking forward later to reading about everyone's adventure this morning.