Using DVC points for cruises- better to rent out and pay cash?

[kalishea]

Hi, we just purchased a 300 point direct Aulani contract on our recent cruise. My father is now a widow and wants to use the points for cruises, mainly. I know this is a horrible use of points but that's what he wants to do and he bought the contract so I can't argue. My question is, should I just let him do this or should I look into renting our points and paying for the cruises with the rental income? Also, DVC members get discounts on certain cruises, correct? Where do I find that list? The gal we bought the contract from onboard showed us a list of cruises, but now I can't find it.

Thanks!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Almost always. There are instances where using for a cruise can work to your advantage, but you're better off using a cruise swap program. Avoids the 1099 and gets you further with fewer points.

DVC members do not get discounts on cruises. There are occasional "book on points" discounts where they discount the point charts, but there is not a 15% or whatever off discount out there.

 

[kalishea]

Thank you! I haven't heard of the cruise swap program. Where do I go to learn more about that?

We must've been show the discounted cruises with points chart. It was on select cruises and they were 30% of the regular points rates.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

https://dvcrequest.com/dvc-owners/dvc-cruise-swap-program is a popular option. Works beyond DCL as well.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you use points for a cruise, there is a $95 fee to book it. If you need to modify it, it's another $95 fee. And if you need to cancel the cruise, you cannot use the points to book a DVC resort because using them to book the cruise converted them to reservation points. You'd need to use them for another cruise, for Adv by Disney or a Disney hotel (non-DVC).

 

[kalishea]

If you use points for a cruise, there is a $95 fee to book it. If you need to modify it, it's another $95 fee. And if you need to cancel the cruise, you cannot use the points to book a DVC resort because using them to book the cruise converted them to reservation points. You'd need to use them for another cruise, for Adv by Disney or a Disney hotel (non-DVC).

Good to know, thank you for the information!!