Small Direct Add On; Access to Member Cruises - Worth It?

[AppleDisneyDad]

Anyone seen an analysis of whether this would be worthwhile?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

There would not be any way to an "analysis" Only you can decide if the member cruise is "worth" it. I have access and haven't been able to justify the member cruise pricing so I know to me it would be "not worth it"

 

[bobbiwoz]

Member cruises cost more than regular cruises. For the 3 night January MC this year, we paid $200 more per person than they are advertising the DVC special price cruises this August. So, I do not think that anything like a "cost analysis" would tip the scales. You either want to go on Member Cruises or you don't, and if you want to go you have to have direct purchase points now.

I have been on 2 and absolutely enjoyed them both and would do one again. DH went on the first with me, he passed on the second. He does not enjoy DCL cruises like I do, he prefers RCCL or Princess.

 

[JWG]

Silly question, I assume member cruises can be paid for with cash versus points? Not sure we'd have enough points to do multiple people on a member cruise.

 

[nabi]

I just look at it as a perk... wouldn't pay direct prices just to have cruise access. Then again, I've never been, nor read a trip report from a member cruise.... guess where I'm going on the DIS threads next!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Silly question, I assume member cruises can be paid for with cash versus points? Not sure we'd have enough points to do multiple people on a member cruise.

Yes, you can pay cash for everyone if you like. You do not have to use points, you just have to own some directly purchased points.

 

[Greysword]

Anyone seen an analysis of whether this would be worthwhile?

No, buying points for access to a cruise would not be financially worthwhile, since you will pay the annual dues for decades in order to satiate a present whim. In the end, you would loose money, and I doubt the benefit of attending these cruises (versus attending other DCL cruises) would outweigh the additional cost in dues and purchase price.

I vote not to do it; this is not a good reason to join DVC.

 

[AppleDisneyDad]

Ahhh, sorry for not being clear. I was thinking of a very small add on so I could pay cash. Silly me thought there was a discounted cash price for member cruises, not an increased price...

 

[bobbiwoz]

Ahhh, sorry for not being clear. I was thinking of a very small add on so I could pay cash. Silly me thought there was a discounted cash price for member cruises, not an increased price...

These special last minute deals are the bet we can hope for. It's a good price if you can go. We're doing a cruse with the family in July, or I would consider it.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Not like I have the money for it but the email for the August cruise price got me thinking that maybe we should try it. I did not buy direct. Are you saying I can't take advantage of this price or go on a member cruise as I am not a direct purchaser? Not a big deal. We just took our first cruise ever this year with Norweigian. I enjoyed it, but not enough to pay the prices they cost for another.....but we would like to try DCL sometime.

 

[disneynutz]

Not like I have the money for it but the email for the August cruise price got me thinking that maybe we should try it. I did not buy direct. Are you saying I can't take advantage of this price or go on a member cruise as I am not a direct purchaser? Not a big deal. We just took our first cruise ever this year with Norweigian. I enjoyed it, but not enough to pay the prices they cost for another.....but we would like to try DCL sometime.

It depends on if you are an included owner or an excluded owner. If I remember correctly owners who bought resale before March of last year are included, those who bought after are excluded.

Bill

 

[brertoad]

Why do member cruises cost more? How does it differ from a regular cruise?

 

[AppleDisneyDad]

Why do member cruises cost more? How does it differ from a regular cruise?

I have been searching the other forums and somewhere I read that it was due to the giveaways and a potential 2nd visit to the Private Island.

That being said I am having a killer time comparing prices. I cannot find anything I would consider definitive.

 

[BestDadEver]

No, buying points for access to a cruise would not be financially worthwhile, since you will pay the annual dues for decades in order to satiate a present whim. In the end, you would loose money, and I doubt the benefit of attending these cruises (versus attending other DCL cruises) would outweigh the additional cost in dues and purchase price.

I vote not to do it; this is not a good reason to join DVC.

The said add on so I am assuming that they already have points , and they would use them with there other points down the road . I guess that's for to op to decide from themselves if its worth it . Probably not IMO , I heard they have a few famous guys on the boat usually , and they give you gifts is really the only difference . I never been on a a MC I plan on going eventually but , I don't think the difference is with buying direct just to go on MC

Not like I have the money for it but the email for the August cruise price got me thinking that maybe we should try it. I did not buy direct. Are you saying I can't take advantage of this price or go on a member cruise as I am not a direct purchaser? Not a big deal. We just took our first cruise ever this year with Norweigian. I enjoyed it, but not enough to pay the prices they cost for another.....but we would like to try DCL sometime.

I don't thing the discounted cruise we got in the email yesterday is for MC I think it's a regular cruise discounted . I am guessing just to fill the boat .

 

[brertoad]

I have been searching the other forums and somewhere I read that it was due to the giveaways and a potential 2nd visit to the Private Island.

That being said I am having a killer time comparing prices. I cannot find anything I would consider definitive.

I thought I read something about them having guest speakers. I'm still trying to find out why it's more expensive and if it's worth doing a member cruise vs. regular cruise. I haven't tried pricing them out seriously yet. It might be a couple years before we plan for a cruise.


Because we bought a resale in 2012, does that mean we do not have the ability to book a member cruise?? Sorry, it's just dawning on me now.

 

[AppleDisneyDad]

I thought I read something about them having guest speakers. I'm still trying to find out why it's more expensive and if it's worth doing a member cruise vs. regular cruise. I haven't tried pricing them out seriously yet. It might be a couple years before we plan for a cruise.

Because we bought a resale in 2012, does that mean we do not have the ability to book a member cruise?? Sorry, it's just dawning on me now.

That is my understanding. All my points are resale so I was trying to decide if I wanted a tiny add on at one of my home resorts so I could pay can for member cruises

 

[brertoad]

That is my understanding. All my points are resale so I was trying to decide if I wanted a tiny add on at one of my home resorts so I could pay can for member cruises

Actually, I think all DVC members are able to book a member cruise using cash. I don't know though.

Those of us who purchased via resale can not use our points for paying for a cruise.

I would give member services a call and ask them.

This is what I found online on the DVC member website:

•As of March 21, 2011, Members who purchase their Ownership Interest through Disney Vacation Development, Inc. are eligible to book reservations for all Member Getaways collections. Members who purchase on the resale market after this date will not be able to use those vacation points to make reservations for the Member Cruise.

 

[dmunsil]

Actually, I think all DVC members are able to book a member cruise using cash. I don't know though.

I just called and asked tonight. It's true - if you don't own any direct-purchased points, you are not welcome on the member cruise.

Frankly, I don't want to go on the member cruise, but I find this really eyebrow-raising. What's next? When you check in, they see the "resale" note on your account and make you wear a scarlet R on your chest for the rest of your stay?

 

[brertoad]

I just called and asked tonight. It's true - if you don't own any direct-purchased points, you are not welcome on the member cruise.

Frankly, I don't want to go on the member cruise, but I find this really eyebrow-raising. What's next? When you check in, they see the "resale" note on your account and make you wear a scarlet R on your chest for the rest of your stay?

Thanks for posting an update after talking with member services.

Wow, that is really sad. I was really hoping that it didn't make a difference if we purchased a resale or direct. When we purchased our resale contract, they only told us that we wouldn't be able to use points for certain vacation collections, that is common knowledge. They never said we would not be able to purchase a DVC member cruise by paying cash. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, spending $3500 for a 25 pt. add on in order to go on the member cruise is a big splurge for us - not including the cost to go on the cruise too.

I do feel a little left out.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I just called and asked tonight. It's true - if you don't own any direct-purchased points, you are not welcome on the member cruise.

Frankly, I don't want to go on the member cruise, but I find this really eyebrow-raising. What's next? When you check in, they see the "resale" note on your account and make you wear a scarlet R on your chest for the rest of your stay?

Yes, and I see this as an unnecessary stab at resale purchasers. We are eligible ourselves but I just personally think that all owners should be able to book if they wanted to. I just can't believe that the few people that have felt the need to add on direct in order to pay DVC to go on the very expensive cruise can be worth it vs the ill will that it can cause - even with people that it doesn't effect such as myself.

But I obviously don't make the decisons!