Tell me about the Member Cruise

[dr&momto2boys]

I'm intrigued by the advertising we just received for next year's member cruise on the Wonder. Can someone please tell me about it or point me to someone's trip report for a member cruise.

What's different about it than a regular Wonder cruise. (Not that I know a lot about that.) Do they do more than one per year. Are the DVC resorts extra crowded from members extending their vacation before and after the cruise?

Does it really sell out so fast that you have to call the day they start making bookings and wait for "extended hold times?"

 

[WDWLVR]

Well the best way I can answer that is to copy what I wrote over on the DVC forum a couple of weeks ago:

The Members Cruises are different than a regular 4 day cruise at the same time for the following reasons:

• Usually a different itinerary than the regular cruise.
  • 2003 was Castaway Cay, Nassau, Castaway Cay
  • 2005 was Key West, Sea, Castaway Cay
  • 2006 was Castaway Cay, Sea, Castaway Cay
  • 2007 was Castaway Cay, Sea, Castaway Cay
  • 2008 was Castaway Cay, Sea, Castaway Cay
• Special guests. Over the years we had talks and tours from different Disney Imagineers, Roy Disney, Art Linkletter, Disney Legends and some wonderful entertainment from some of Disney's Broadway stars.
• Special gifts. Limited edition pins, artwork, and other fun gifts
• Group picture on the beach
• DVC themed DCL shows and games like bingo and who wants to be a mouseketeer.

Now all of this doesn't offer a value to some people and that is great. It isn't for everyone. However the guests are what make it special for us and why we'll be calling to get on our 6th Member Cruise.

BTW - one other thing not listed above. The price for the Member Cruise includes your tips. They aren't included in regular cruises.

Only you can decide what is right for you.

To also help here is a link to our web pages about our past cruises: http://monorailgreen.info/DVC.html We don't have 2008 up yet but you can read our "live from" thread here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1952403

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Thanks!

Do you use your points or pay cash?

DH was thinking the cash price seemed like a better deal.

I look forward to checking this out ( and dreaming) more!

 

[WDWLVR]

Well it is just DH and I so we actually split it and do one person on points and one cash.

 

[ACCREEL]

how many points is it for the member cruise??

 

[JaxFLBear]

how many points is it for the member cruise??

S.S. Member Cruise 2009 Reservation Points Chart

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Well the best way I can answer that is to copy what I wrote over on the DVC forum a couple of weeks ago:

The Members Cruises are different than a regular 4 day cruise at the same time for the following reasons:

• Usually a different itinerary than the regular cruise.
  • 2003 was Castaway Cay, Nassau, Castaway Cay
  • 2005 was Key West, Sea, Castaway Cay
  • 2006 was Castaway Cay, Sea, Castaway Cay
  • 2007 was Castaway Cay, Sea, Castaway Cay
  • 2008 was Castaway Cay, Sea, Castaway Cay
• Special guests. Over the years we had talks and tours from different Disney Imagineers, Roy Disney, Art Linkletter, Disney Legends and some wonderful entertainment from some of Disney's Broadway stars.
• Special gifts. Limited edition pins, artwork, and other fun gifts
• Group picture on the beach
• DVC themed DCL shows and games like bingo and who wants to be a mouseketeer.

Now all of this doesn't offer a value to some people and that is great. It isn't for everyone. However the guests are what make it special for us and why we'll be calling to get on our 6th Member Cruise.

BTW - one other thing not listed above. The price for the Member Cruise includes your tips. They aren't included in regular cruises.

Only you can decide what is right for you.

To also help here is a link to our web pages about our past cruises: http://monorailgreen.info/DVC.html We don't have 2008 up yet but you can read our "live from" thread here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1952403

I really enjoyed readng your cruise reports. They really give me a flavor for the cruises. Thanks, again!

It seemed like there were lots of gifts--sometimes 3 per day? Does each person get the gift or are some of the gifts 1 per cabin? Do you know if there are different gifts for children?

Would you recommend bringing children on the member cruise? Is it a plus or a minus for the kids that there are fewer children on the member cruises?

I would imagine there is plenty of entertainment for the kids too? (Other than the kids club--there are things we can do as a family, right?)

Thanks for your help.

 

[WDWLVR]

I really enjoyed readng your cruise reports. They really give me a flavor for the cruises. Thanks, again!

It seemed like there were lots of gifts--sometimes 3 per day? Does each person get the gift or are some of the gifts 1 per cabin? Do you know if there are different gifts for children?

Would you recommend bringing children on the member cruise? Is it a plus or a minus for the kids that there are fewer children on the member cruises?

I would imagine there is plenty of entertainment for the kids too? (Other than the kids club--there are things we can do as a family, right?)

Thanks for your help.

On the very first Member Cruise the gifts were one per cabin for most. On the subsequent cruises the gifts have been one per person. So yes a family of 4 got 4 of those suitcases filled with goodies. Pins are a big part of the gifts over the years so if you aren't into pins that might not be a good thing. Since there are just two of us we usually keep one of everything and pass the others on to friends. One year it was to a fellow DISer who had to cancel, another year (the one with the photo album) it was to a DISer who had just become a DVC member and had used us as a referall, other times it has been to good friends who are DVC members.

As for the kids - we don't have children so I can't speak from first hand experience, but we have sailed with friends who have brought their children. There are no special gifts for the kids (but some things kids might like (the small suitcases, plush mickey, drawing stuff, etc.). There are way fewer kids in the clubs and on the beaches. Our friends said their kids enjoyed this as the pools weren't as crazy as usual (they have been on both regular and Member cruises) and the family beach was the same way. In fact Serenity Bay (adults only) really gets a workout on the Member cruise.

As for the guests (who we go for) they really aren't geared towards kids so if you child doesn't enjoy the time in the club/lab they may want to spend more time with you which means less time at the special events and then IMHO you would be better with a regular cruise.

There are still plenty of things you can do as a family. All the things you would do on a regular cruise but often with a DVC twist. For example at Bingo they have special kids packs and they offer more prizes (random) with a DVC feel. They still have the regular shows on board (Disney Dreams, Toy Story, Pirate Night) which the kids love, plus a special performance on the last night usually showcasing a singer (from Disney movies or Broadway). Again depending on your child they might or might not enjoy this.

Only you can determine if this is right for you and your family. I hope I have helped. If you do decide to join and call in on 11/2 please join us over on the cruise forums where we have a cruise meets thread already started. The cruise meets thread is a great way to get to know your fellow DISers before the cruise and to me that adds to the fun of any cruise!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Thank you!

 

[ryoung]

All of this is great information. One thing I haven't seen addressed, that maybe someone can help me with. Is the DVC cruise more, less or the same number of points as a regular similar length cruise using points? Thanks

 

[JaxFLBear]

All of this is great information. One thing I haven't seen addressed, that maybe someone can help me with. Is the DVC cruise more, less or the same number of points as a regular similar length cruise using points? Thanks

More. For comparison, the member cruise is 116 points per person for a category 11 (standard inside stateroom). The 4 night DCL cruise sailing on 9/27/2009 is 84 per person for the same category.

 

[WDWLVR]

The Member Cruise is definitely more than a regular 4 day cruise. So if you are looking just for the normal cruise experience (pool, beach, food) than a regular 4 day cruise will be a better value for you. However it is the special touches, especially the guests, that make it a must for us. Think of it as a kind of Disneyana convention. You pay to get in but you have an opportunity to learn so much about Disney history. This isn't for everyone. Also if you are looking to add on then the incentives are usually very very good on the Member Cruises.

Hopefully this info will help others decide if the Member Cruise is for them or not. Keep in mind that DVC is a for profit company so there are sales pitches on the cruise. You don't have to go if you don't want to but they are there. Of course if you do go you have the opportunity to also win some very nice prizes.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

WDWLVR:

Thanks for all the imformation! I think we are going to do it this year. But I have a question. When did you find out the fips were included in the price? I printed the DVC chart but unless I am missing something I did not see it. I know the points are a little more but if they are paying the tips I don't think it is that bad.

thanks

 

[WDWLVR]

WDWLVR:

Thanks for all the imformation! I think we are going to do it this year. But I have a question. When did you find out the fips were included in the price? I printed the DVC chart but unless I am missing something I did not see it. I know the points are a little more but if they are paying the tips I don't think it is that bad.

thanks

Well I haven't seen it in writing but they have been included on the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 cruises. I can't see DVC changing it at this point and usually at least one person confirms it on booking day. You can always call Member Services and ask to be sure.

We still got our tip envelopes but then we also got pre-printed cards with the tip amounts that had been paid on them. Of course we've always gotten such great service on DCL that DH and I added some extra cash to each envelope.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Well I haven't seen it in writing but they have been included on the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 cruises. I can't see DVC changing it at this point and usually at least one person confirms it on booking day. You can always call Member Services and ask to be sure.

We still got our tip envelopes but then we also got pre-printed cards with the tip amounts that had been paid on them. Of course we've always gotten such great service on DCL that DH and I added some extra cash to each envelope.

THanks for getting back to me. I do agree I don't see them changing it either. I agree about the extra to. On are previous cruises I got the tip cards early and just put cash in for great service.
I know I will be one of those up early sitting on the phone and my computer with a cup of coffee.

thanks

 

[WDWLVR]

THanks for getting back to me. I do agree I don't see them changing it either. I agree about the extra to. On are previous cruises I got the tip cards early and just put cash in for great service.
I know I will be one of those up early sitting on the phone and my computer with a cup of coffee.

thanks

Good luck on call in day!

For anyone who books or is thinking of booking - come join us over on the cruise meets board. It is a great way to get to know your fellow DIS/DVC cruisers before the cruise.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1962519

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Good luck on call in day!

For anyone who books or is thinking of booking - come join us over on the cruise meets board. It is a great way to get to know your fellow DIS/DVC cruisers before the cruise.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1962519

Good luck to you to.!

Thanks forthe link I am there now.

 

[TLPL]

I would love to go but I have no point left for this year NOR next year
How much is it out of pocket? Can I book it and transfer to my TA like the regular cruise? Do they offer the guarantee category thing as well? Oh, and do I have to pay in full if they do allow pay by cash?? Thanks for answering my questions in advance.

 

[JaxFLBear]

I would love to go but I have no point left for this year NOR next year
How much is it out of pocket? Can I book it and transfer to my TA like the regular cruise? Do they offer the guarantee category thing as well? Oh, and do I have to pay in full if they do allow pay by cash?? Thanks for answering my questions in advance.

The point chart also has the cash prices. If you are not using points, payment is due in full at the time of booking.

Payment options from the member website:

Disney Vacation Club will accept the following forms of payment for Members not using Vacation Points to book the cruise: Visa® Card, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover or check received by overnight mail. If paying by credit card, please have the credit card number, expiration date and the name that appears on the card available for full payment at the time of booking.

S.S. Member Cruise 2009 Reservation Points Chart

 

[TLPL]

Doh! I still haven't got the VISA statement after our cruise/trip (beginning of this month.) I don't know if I should charge any cruise on my credit card. What to do!?! What to do!!?!!