Using Points + Cash for DVC Cruises? Help?

[BobH]

We have never taken a crusie and own a moderate number of points (240). Can anyone recommend whether using points for one person and cash for the second person is an accepted practice or even a good idea? At this time we may not want to bank and borrow enough to use points for a 2 person crusise. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[CarolMN]

Many members pay points for one person and cash for the other(s) in the same cabin. MS will not think you are wierd or strange if you ask to do this.

Only you can decide if using points for a cruise is a good use of YOUR points. There are good points on both sides of this issue, but only you know what is best for your situation.

 

[EROS]

It all depends how you value your points, BOB. Some people around here place them at $10/point, the going rental value. I personally value them at $5-$6/point, my out-of pocket cost. Generally, people find that it's worthwhile to use points for Adults and to pay cash for kids. We've taken two DCL cruises and used only points on both for the three of us. There are 1 0r 2 cruises/year with discounted point requirements for DVC members. There also are frequent cash discount offers available too. Good Luck.............

 

[BobH]

Thank you for your helpful insight With two kids in college sometimes I use points for vacation that might make more sense to otherwise pay cash for - if I didn't have a major cash flow going to colleges. My thought on paying for one person and using cash for the other was to get some cash savings from using points but also save some points for use at regular DVC Resorts. From your replies (Eros and CarolMN) I get the impression that the Disney Cruises (like the non-DVC options) are a more costly use of points than using points at HH, Vero,OKW, BW, VWL or the Beach Club.

 

[EROS]

Originally posted by BobH
From your replies (Eros and CarolMN) I get the impression that the Disney Cruises (like the non-DVC options) are a more costly use of points than using points at HH, Vero,OKW, BW, VWL or the Beach Club.

Bob, I think that's true. Of course, I would point out that on DCL, you're also receiving 3 meals which you DON'T get at BWV .

Overall, we use our DVC points both on and off-site and don't worry about ABSOLUTE value. We purchased them essentially to pre-pay vacations in the future. If we were really concerned about saving cash, we would NEVER have joined DVC, would stay ONLY at Motel 6 in Orlando, and book Comfort Inns around the country on other trips. .We used DVC points to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont last summer.......an expensive use of points, but we had a GREAT TIME ........

 

[timC]

Wow, what a timely post BobH... I was just about to ask basically the same question! :

I've just spent the last hour figuring out if I can change my June 2003 WDW trip to a WDW/Cruise combo...we can only afford point for DW and I. We'll pay cash for DS12 and DS9.

 

[BobH]

TimC,
I find that this forum provides great information and ideas on how to use your DVC ownership interests. Have a great time!

 

[nancyv58]

We just recently booked a 3 day cruise for 10 people using points and cash. We are also staying at either OKW or HH for 3 days so I did quite a bit of research before finally booking. We booked 2 cat. 4 rooms and the grand villa. We will be celebrating 2, 50th aniversaries. We could never afford to pay for that many people so we used points from 2 years. We think it is worth it to give our parents (both sets) a memorable anniversary (neither have ever been on a cruise)

 

[BobH]

Nancyv58 - I am going to save your posting and leave it lying around for my kids to see... Have a wonderful time.