Transfer points and cruises

[Sandisw]

I am contemplating going on one of the 4 day Disney cruises next summer with my DD.

If I decided to seek a transfer of points from another member, would I be able to use these to book a cruise? If so, does home resort matter? I own BLT and would be combining them with some of my BLT points for the cruise.

Just trying to see what all my options are. I do not want to get in to renting my points, and will be using them to pay for one or both of us.

I am just trying to find out if getting a transfer of points would be easier than paying cash for one of us.

Thanks!

 

[Inkmahm]

Ack. I saw the title and was going to post that FINALLY someone "got it" and was posting about transferring their points to someone to get cash for the cruise. Then I see you want to transfer points IN to pay for the cruise.

If you're willing to do a transfer, why not transfer your points OUT and pay a lot less for your cruise?

 

[Sandisw]

Ack. I saw the title and was going to post that FINALLY someone "got it" and was posting about transferring their points to someone to get cash for the cruise. Then I see you want to transfer points IN to pay for the cruise.

If you're willing to do a transfer, why not transfer your points OUT and pay a lot less for your cruise?

Definitely a possibility but want to know all the different situations that I can use so I can make the one that is best.

I priced out the cruise right now and the cost difference between points (assuming a $10.00 rental/transfer rate) is not that much--a few hundred at most for the two of us, which may not be worth the hassle of a transfer, either in or out. The points were 202, and the cost of the cruise, with taxes, is $1834. Even with the $95.00 fee, it is less than $300.

If I get a transfer in of a different home resort, and use those points instead of my BLT points, I can still bank my BLT points for future stays.

 

[Inkmahm]

Definitely a possibility but want to know all the different situations that I can use so I can make the one that is best.

I priced out the cruise right now and the cost difference between points (assuming a $10.00 rental/transfer rate) is not that much--a few hundred at most for the two of us, which may not be worth the hassle of a transfer, either in or out. The points were 202, and the cost of the cruise, with taxes, is $1834. Even with the $95.00 fee, it is less than $300.

If I get a transfer in of a different home resort, and use those points instead of my BLT points, I can still bank my BLT points for future stays.

Is that 202 points per person?

If you're going to pay someone for points to transfer in, you are definitely better off just paying that cash to DCL to reserve your cruise. You will pay less, avoid the $95 fee, have an easier time of making any changes or cancellation in the future, etc. It really makes no sense at all to transfer points in to your account only to use them to pay for a cruise.

 

[Sandisw]

Is that 202 points per person?

If you're going to pay someone for points to transfer in, you are definitely better off just paying that cash to DCL to reserve your cruise. You will pay less, avoid the $95 fee, have an easier time of making any changes or cancellation in the future, etc. It really makes no sense at all to transfer points in to your account only to use them to pay for a cruise.

No, it was a total of 202 points (101 per person) and I own 180. So, I would need only 22 points. I could borrow, but prefer not to do this. I was planning on seeking a transfer of some points in the next few years so may do it sooner rather than later and use them for this.

We don't even know if this is the plan for 2011 yet. My DH and I are going on a couples cruise with family members so I am giving my DD 14 some options for her summer trip next year. It can be a 4 day Disney cruise, or a week in WDW. She is still deciding but I want all the info so once she does, I can take care of things.

Thanks for all the advice. I know that using points for cruises is not the best, but that is why I have them--so that I can use them to go on vacation. While we will mostly use them for WDW, there will be times when we trade them for something else.

 

[Inkmahm]

How many points were you considering transfering IN at some point? Maybe the answer is that you transfer out only the points you don't need. If you were going to transfer in 50, then instead transfer OUT 130 of your 180 for cash to help pay for the cruise at the lower cost.

I haven't checked what BLT points are going for but it may be more than $10 each as it is a popular new resort.

 

[kmc33]

I am just trying to find out if getting a transfer of points would be easier than paying cash for one of us.

This is what I have been wondering... how difficult is it to use points for one person and pay cash for another. I was looking at a cruise that I would need 91 for one adult. The cash price for one adult is $859, so I acutally thought this wasn't too bad of a trade off. But I don't want to use points for both adults and was wondering how difficult it is to pay the cash fare for the second adult.
Thanks!

 

[CarolAnnC]

No, it was a total of 202 points (101 per person) and I own 180. So, I would need only 22 points. I could borrow, but prefer not to do this. I was planning on seeking a transfer of some points in the next few years so may do it sooner rather than later and use them for this.

We don't even know if this is the plan for 2011 yet. My DH and I are going on a couples cruise with family members so I am giving my DD 14 some options for her summer trip next year. It can be a 4 day Disney cruise, or a week in WDW. She is still deciding but I want all the info so once she does, I can take care of things.

Thanks for all the advice. I know that using points for cruises is not the best, but that is why I have them--so that I can use them to go on vacation. While we will mostly use them for WDW, there will be times when we trade them for something else.

Since there is only one transfer in or out per year, you may have a hard time finding someone willing to transfer to you a small amount. There is also the new program where DVC will be offering owners the ability to "rent" points for situations such as this, directly from them.

The use of one's points is very subjective - what is right for an individual does not have to be "right" for everyone. You have choices and that is the nice thing about the flexibility with DVC. You can choose what is best for you and your family.

The cruises on the new Dream will be very enticing for 2011. We have already booked Alaska, though. Best wishes on your decision..

 

[CarolAnnC]

This is what I have been wondering... how difficult is it to use points for one person and pay cash for another. I was looking at a cruise that I would need 91 for one adult. The cash price for one adult is $859, so I acutally thought this wasn't too bad of a trade off. But I don't want to use points for both adults and was wondering how difficult it is to pay the cash fare for the second adult.
Thanks!

Each year DVC contracts with DCL a cash price for members to use for cruises. You can pay points for the first adult and then cash for remaining passenger(s).

This price is not the lowest DCL offers in their booking tiers, but it is also not the most expensive. It typically falls somewhere in the middle. This can be advantageous if you are booking closer to cruise date where the cash prices have risen for non DVC - sometimes dramatically.

You do this by calling Member Services to book your cruise. You will pay the points required, and the cash portion is due in full at booking also. The booking fee of $95 is also due then. Be sure to visit our Cruise Boards here on the DIS for lots more information on cruising, too!