Using DVC points for Disney Cruise

[wrighter]

We're considering using points to take a Disney cruise - way, way WAY in the future. Like 2012. But since we'd likely need to bank and borrow points to do it, we need to start thinking about logistics now. I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping some of you veterans out there might be able to answer:

1.) It doesn't seem like there are many 7 night cruises during the summer months. Anyone know why? (We'd like to do a 7 night in June.)

2.) Is this really a good use of points? The cruises seem so expensive. (We're looking at a cat. 4 room.)

3.) If I understand correctly, if you book a cash room early you get a discount. Does the same apply to points? If I book a cruise as soon as booking opens, will it cost fewer points?

Thanks for any insight on this one. I'd really really like to do this - just not sure we can make it work.

 

[Inkmahm]

We're considering using points to take a Disney cruise - way, way WAY in the future. Like 2012. But since we'd likely need to bank and borrow points to do it, we need to start thinking about logistics now. I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping some of you veterans out there might be able to answer:

1.) It doesn't seem like there are many 7 night cruises during the summer months. Anyone know why? (We'd like to do a 7 night in June.)

2.) Is this really a good use of points? The cruises seem so expensive. (We're looking at a cat. 4 room.)

3.) If I understand correctly, if you book a cash room early you get a discount. Does the same apply to points? If I book a cruise as soon as booking opens, will it cost fewer points?

Thanks for any insight on this one. I'd really really like to do this - just not sure we can make it work.

1) I have no idea, I cruise in December not the summer.
2) Cruises are a very bad use of points, IMHO. They are MUCH cheaper paying cash. Consider a transfer of the points you won't be using to another member. Use the cash to pay for the cruise.
3) No discounts for paying with points.

Our next cruise is a 7 day eastern in December. We love DCL but would never use our points to cruise.

 

[wrighter]

Thanks, Inkmahm. I haven't crunched the numbers, but your response reaffirms my thoughts on this one. It seems like the only good use of points is at the traditional DVC resorts, whichever way you look at it. Not that I'm complaining! We can always rent out our points and use the cash for DCL or Adventures by Disney.

Just out of curiosity - who do you book your DCL through?

 

[Anal Annie]

First, summer is peak period so expensive both on cash OR with points. Cat 4's are also a luxury we'd never do. If you're looking at a Cat 4 because you have more than 4 people it is often cheaper to book 2 adjoining lower Cat rooms like Cat 9's. We did a 4 nighter on points last summer. We booked that one like 16 months out...they have since raised the point charts to near absurd levels IMO. Doubt we will ever cruise on points again. I didn't like being out of points (also had banked points to do it). I believe you can get a small point discount if you re-book onboard. We re-booked onboard but for cash. They offer a 10% discount + a $200 Onboard Credit for 7 n. cruises. I believe cruising on points is expensive for peak periods. Your points will go further in an off-season or in a lower category. It is a better deal to go on cash if you can do it.

Regarding the 7 n cruises in the summer....not sure what you were looking at that you say no 7 night cruises in the summer. Currently they only have the 2 ships. They are adding 2 more ships. One in 2011 and the other in 2012. No itineraries have been announced that far out yet. In the past they have had the Wonder doing the 3/4 day Land & Sea packages and the Magic usually does a repositioning cruise and goes somewhere else for the summer. This year she's staying in the Caribbean to do 7 nighters (doing Tortola & St. Croix I think). Last summer she did the Mexican Riviera (7 nighters). Now NEXT summer she's going from April - Sept. to Northern Europe and the Med. (10/11 night cruises). Nobody can say for sure what will happen when they get the new ships but there will be more choices of itineraries to pick from. Nothing official has been announced...so for when you want to go who knows. Stay tuned.

 

[Inkmahm]

Thanks, Inkmahm. I haven't crunched the numbers, but your response reaffirms my thoughts on this one. It seems like the only good use of points is at the traditional DVC resorts, whichever way you look at it. Not that I'm complaining! We can always rent out our points and use the cash for DCL or Adventures by Disney.

Just out of curiosity - who do you book your DCL through?

It ended up being a good deal to use points to stay at the Grand Californian in August this year because we were staying during the week. Points are less for weekdays and more for weekends. The hotel cost doesn't vary though based on week days or weekends though so for us, it worked out to use points instead of cash and pay less.

For DCL, we booked onboard for the discount and then transfered the booking to Dreams Unlimited. If we book another cruise on our cruise in December, this time I'll probably list Dreams Unlimited from the start. We previously used a different TA for our first 2 DCL cruises.

 

[CarolAnnC]

We're considering using points to take a Disney cruise - way, way WAY in the future. Like 2012. But since we'd likely need to bank and borrow points to do it, we need to start thinking about logistics now. I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping some of you veterans out there might be able to answer:

1.) It doesn't seem like there are many 7 night cruises during the summer months. Anyone know why? (We'd like to do a 7 night in June.)

2.) Is this really a good use of points? The cruises seem so expensive. (We're looking at a cat. 4 room.)

3.) If I understand correctly, if you book a cash room early you get a discount. Does the same apply to points? If I book a cruise as soon as booking opens, will it cost fewer points?

Thanks for any insight on this one. I'd really really like to do this - just not sure we can make it work.

There will most likely be 7 day cruises to choose from in 2012. By then at least one of the new ships will be sailing, if not both of them. As mentioned above, the Magic will be heading to Europe in 2010 (and so will I!)

The points are fixed, except for the very rare offer of a discount. When done previously, this was a special offer in Hurricane Season only. You can book at least one guest on points and can do the remainder on cash. The cash price is fixed in a contract each year between DCL and MS. It is neither the lowest available, nor the highest price either.

I have sailed on cash only, totally on points and also on the combination of cash and points. I have personnally found the points comparable. For my Mediterranean cruise in 2007 for example, had I rented the points I would have received just under the value I used in points.

The cruise is all inclusive, which offers a value. This value can be illustrated now by the RCI trades that offer all inclusive for a set price in four figures over and above the points for that trade.

For our family of 4, with all meals, lodging, transportation and entertainment included, it is an excellent value. Some do not agree, and we are all able to decide for ourselves what works, what doesn't and what the best perceived value is.

You do not mention why you are selecting category 4 or how many passengers you are traveling with. We have found a category 6 with verndah and category 11 across the hall for our two daughters to be more cost effective. Some report booking two connecting category 10 staterooms which provide them with the two bathrooms, as well as the connecting sleeping arrangements. So there are alternatives you can explore.

Just another point of view for you!

 

[SnowWhite2]

You have to decide once the itineraries and schedules come out for 2012 if the points make sense for your travel dates.

Our Feb 08 cruise was on points. The cash price with 10% booking discount was $4200 for 4 people in cat 8. I called within 3 days of disembarkation and got the return discount with points and paid about 470 points. MS was able to convert my on-board ressie into a point ressie.

I feel it was a good use of points since I paid less than $6/pt with purchase price and dues which made my equivalent price under $3000. I personally thought it was a good deal. Others feel that they could rent the points for $10/pt and would get the $4700 and be ahead. For me, that is too much work and too much risk. I didn't buy into DVC to become a leasing agent, I purchased it to take vacations. I'm also the type if I purchase the DDP, I feel good as long as I eat more than the $39/nt cost. I don't need to maximize the benefit and eat the most expensive thing at the most expensive restaurant. I just need to come out ahead.

What type of person are you? That will tell you whether or not the cruising on points may work for you.

 

[mooneyda]

I have taken a cruise when I just bought in and after the cruise I decided it was not a great use of points and any cruise now will come out of pocket

 

[MommaX03]

I booked on the 4 day Wonder in Dec 2008 all on points through Disney. The reservationist, as noted above, explained that I could use less points if I got connecting rooms, but I went with the Family veranda because it was our first cruise.

Once you are on the cruise, as a DVC member, regardless of on points or not, you can choose to rebook another cruise on a reduced point schedule, 6-9 points less per person, within 3-4 days after returning. Alternatively, you can book another cruise on cash with a 10 percent discount, but it must be done while on board. You cannot mix the cash and points offers for these return discount options.

I did have to bank and borrow to do the cruise. We are thinking about another cruise in 2011, but we will weigh whether or not booking on cash will be the way to go given the economy. DCL may do more offers.

As mentioned above, whether on cash or points, the cruise is an excellent experience. The meals were awesome. Every night there was a Broadway-style show. For a mom of 3, the included child care of my kids over the age of 3 was a great value and the children loved it. They showed first-run Disney movies in their movie theatre. So our family of 5 got to see HSM3 and Bolt without going to our mall. We had a fantastic Pirate party one night with fireworks off the ship! Castaway Cay is amazing, and the food on that island is included. Of course, if you want to have alcohol, spa treatments, and do excursions, they are extra.

Explore on the internet what the costs are and weigh that against the price per point. Staying at the WDW-based DVCs and HHI and VB is the best value on a per point analysis. We opt to pay extra for APs and the Dining Plan. That is what we consider part of our WDW experience, but it is an extra cost over and above the points.

In comparison, on the cruise, we did not have to pay for park tickets, and the cruise cost included the food, room service, gym, entertainment, childcare, etc offered. It seemed as if the point charts went down (at least for now) on the DCL. That was my impression when doing a quick check for a future cruise. There is a $95 fee to do the cruise on points, which we do not have to pay for a DVC-based resort. Also, for nonbounceback offers, you can do the cruise on a mix of cash and points.

Like another poster, I am not the type to lease out my points. The family chose to use the points on a cruise. We know that our next DVC trip will not be for a while because we are out of points. We are okay with doing non Disney trips in the meantime. I know not everyone would be.

I am not sure for the 2012 schedule because of the impact of the two new ships. Prior to that, the summer months do not have a lot of 7 day cruises in the Med. because the ships are going to Europe. At least that was what I was told by staff while on my cruise.

Happy Planning! Either way the cruise is a terrific experience!!! Order a free DVD and you will want to be onboard the next day!

 

[CalicoKitty2000]

Our guide told us that many people pay for the first 2 people using points and the rest using cash since the 3-4th passengers is much cheaper.

I personally will probably never use points for a cruise as I am a Fl resident. The Fl resident rates are about half the price, but the points are the same regardless.

With that said though, I LOVE the disney cruises!!!! I can't say enough about how great they are. I have cruised on Royal Caribbean and Carnival as well, but they just don't compare in my book. Especially for those of use that love disney.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

.

Once you are on the cruise, as a DVC member, regardless of on points or not, you can choose to rebook another cruise on a reduced point schedule, 6-9 points less per person, within 3-4 days after returning. Alternatively, you can book another cruise on cash with a 10 percent discount, but it must be done while on board. You cannot mix the cash and points offers for these return discount options.

I am very interested in this. I am going on a Wonder 3 night cruise in May 2009. I know I will rebook for a 7 night Western for 2011 as this is our 30th anniversary present to each other. Question......if the itinerary and or points charts are not available (as I'm sure will be the case), will I still be able to book taking advantage of the reduced points per person? It would be a fall 7 night cruise if available.

 

[MommaX03]

I am very interested in this. I am going on a Wonder 3 night cruise in May 2009. I know I will rebook for a 7 night Western for 2011 as this is our 30th anniversary present to each other. Question......if the itinerary and or points charts are not available (as I'm sure will be the case), will I still be able to book taking advantage of the reduced points per person? It would be a fall 7 night cruise if available.

I was out of points and cash to do a bounceback offer on either points or cash from my Dec 200 cruise.

You probably are right that the reduced point charts presented on your May 2009 trip will not include the 2011 itineraries. (The point charts for my Dec 2008 trip included the rest of 2008 and all of 2009.) Hopefully, the 2011 points charts will appear on the DVC website and a DVC planning book by the spring. If so, you may have a greater chance of having 2011 included in your reduced points chart found one evening in your stateroom.

Regardless, that may not mean you are excluded from a 2011 reduced point offer. I definitely would call MS to ask them. You may even want to do that call right before your cruise because you can weigh that answer against the possible benefits of a reduced all cash reservation done on board (10 percent off, must book onboard). The reduced points offer can be done within 3 to 4 business days post cruise. You may want to know the answer to your question from MS in order to do the cash reduced offer. Note, my DH was specifically told that you cannot do a mix of points and cash to combine the reduced points and 10 percent off cash offers. You must choose one offer. (This is different from when ordinarily can book a mix of cash and points.)

Happy Planning!

 

[buck4568]

1) Cruises are a very bad use of points, IMHO. They are MUCH cheaper paying cash. Consider a transfer of the points you won't be using to another member. Use the cash to pay for the cruise.

"Cruises are a very bad use of points, IMHO. They are MUCH cheaper paying cash."

You only pay for the points once! Why do people think it is a bad use of points?

We have been on over ten DCL cruises and have never paid all cash. Either all points of a combination of points and cash. We have done members cruises, The Med cruise etc., and are on an upcoming seven day western. I would never pay all cash for a cruise. Or go through the headache of renting out the points or transfering them to someone. Thats why we bought the points! To use on vacations where ever we want to go.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We have been on over ten DCL cruises and have never paid all cash. Either all points of a combination of points and cash. We have done members cruises, The Med cruise etc., and are on an upcoming seven day western. I would never pay all cash for a cruise. Or go through the headache of renting out the points or transfering them to someone. Thats why we bought the points! To use on vacations where ever we want to go.

I like how you think!!!

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

"Cruises are a very bad use of points, IMHO. They are MUCH cheaper paying cash."

You only pay for the points once! Why do people think it is a bad use of points?

We have been on over ten DCL cruises and have never paid all cash. Either all points of a combination of points and cash. We have done members cruises, The Med cruise etc., and are on an upcoming seven day western. I would never pay all cash for a cruise. Or go through the headache of renting out the points or transfering them to someone. Thats why we bought the points! To use on vacations where ever we want to go.

I totally agree!

 

[MommaX03]

"Cruises are a very bad use of points, IMHO. They are MUCH cheaper paying cash."

I would never ...go through the headache of renting out the points or transfering them to someone. Thats why we bought the points! To use on vacations where ever we want to go.

Here is another who agrees!

 

[wdwscout]

I would think you must have a substantial amount of points to be able to do that.
Those who buy in at the minimum point level will not have that choice.
We only have 285 points. Even for us- it's really too many points to consider using on just one week's vacation. 2 year's worth of points for a Cat 6 for 2 people on many dates. That way we would not have the choice to "vacation where ever we want to go." Our preference is to visit WDW more times each year. It's what works for us at our point level.

There are many factors to consider in trying to decide if using points makes sense.

 

[AnnaS]

Here is another family that has done 4 cruises (Eastern, Western, West Coast and 11 N. Med. cruise).

For each cruise we have always reserved two cabins for our family of five and different category each time. We have also used each time a different combination of points and cash.

If we have the points (460) and might not do another big vacation that year - we might use more points. It really all depended on finances, time, where we were going, etc. We paid cash for our points (not all at once, lol - add-ons) so we just calculate the $4.00 (average) main. fees in.

We also do not want the hassle of renting out our points - I would rather bank them if I am going to use cash. We would never have been able to do the 11 N. Med. cruise without our points. I paid cash for my dh and I - cat. 8 and points for a cat. 11 across - three big children - but my dd stayed in my cabin once on-board.

 

[photobob]

My wife and DD went on a 3 night cruise and for the two of them I believe it was about $1600. The number of points it would have taken times what points are renting for was over $2300. So cash is definitely the way to go for cruises.

 

[Inkmahm]

"Cruises are a very bad use of points, IMHO. They are MUCH cheaper paying cash."

You only pay for the points once! Why do people think it is a bad use of points?

We have been on over ten DCL cruises and have never paid all cash. Either all points of a combination of points and cash. We have done members cruises, The Med cruise etc., and are on an upcoming seven day western. I would never pay all cash for a cruise. Or go through the headache of renting out the points or transfering them to someone. Thats why we bought the points! To use on vacations where ever we want to go.

Because the points are a ridiculous price compared to cash. I use $10 per point as my value when making the comparison.

I won't rent my points, either. But for about a total of half an hour of work in doing a transfer to a fellow member (total time to write a post and email back and forth plus to call MS) I WILL do transfers of any extra points I have. And for cruises, half an hour of work to save hundreds of $ by paying cash instead of using points makes sense to me.