Using points for a cruise

[LilGMom]

Please bear with me. I have zero knowledge on booking a cruise, cash or points, and we've never used our points for anything but DVC resorts.

We are starting to really get the itch to go on a Disney cruise and are thinking about using our points to do so. We'd probably take a three night cruise (to test the waters so to speak) and I'm not sure that I'm figuring the point requirement out right. As an example - It looks like if we were to take a three night cruise during value season and stay in a Cat. 11 that it is 67 points for an adult. Is that 67 points per night or for the entire cruise? And if we are a family of four is that 67 points for the first two people and then the other two (kids) would be figured at a different/lower point level? And there is a $95 transaction fee? TIA and anything else that anyone can think of to help me get my little brain around the right info would be appreciated.

 

[CarolMN]

Please bear with me. I have zero knowledge on booking a cruise, cash or points, and we've never used our points for anything but DVC resorts.

We are starting to really get the itch to go on a Disney cruise and are thinking about using our points to do so. We'd probably take a three night cruise (to test the waters so to speak) and I'm not sure that I'm figuring the point requirement out right. As an example - It looks like if we were to take a three night cruise during value season and stay in a Cat. 11 that it is 67 points for an adult. Is that 67 points per night or for the entire cruise? And if we are a family of four is that 67 points for the first two people and then the other two (kids) would be figured at a different/lower point level? And there is a $95 transaction fee? TIA and anything else that anyone can think of to help me get my little brain around the right info would be appreciated.

Appears that you are looking at the 2010 point chart for the 3 night Bahamas Cruise.

If so, then it is 67 points for each of the first two people in the cabin. That is for the entire 3 night cruise. Assuming the cabin you choose can accommodate 4 people, then the kids would be figured at the 3rd & 4th person rate appropriate for their ages.

Yes, there will be a $95 dollar fee to make the reservation. Some changes require another $95 dollar fee.

Some sailing dates may have a surcharge. MS will be able to answer all your questions for a particular cruise.

FWIW, you should look at the 2011 chart, too before you decide when to go. Value season is slightly less points in 2011 than in 2010.

Disney Wonder - Point Chart for Bahamas 2010 3 night Cruises

Disney Dream - Point Chart for Bahamas 2011 3 night Cruises

 

[LilGMom]

Thank you so much for the info.

 

[Crystal_27]

We actually used points to book our June, 2011 cruise on the Dream. MS couldn't have been more helpful, nice, and accommodating when I called. They walked me through the entire process and helped me with all the banking and borrowing that needed to be done (I had to bank 2010 points into my 2011 UY and also had to borrow a few 2012 points to pay the cruise in full *but* it got complicated because I also had to leave myself enough 2010 points to book a December, 2010 trip). MS was also able to recommend the best stateroom available and got me First dinner seating. All of my dealings with MS have always been great, but when I booked the cruise I was probably on the phone for about 40 minutes and I was never made to feel bad about asking questions or raising concerns.

The only other thing to be aware of is that if you make *any* change to your cruise (change dates, stateroom number, add/delete guests, etc.) you will have to pay an additional $95 fee. Also, know going in that you will not be eligible for any discounts that DCL releases (for example, kids sail free - those booking on points have to pay full fare for their children). Also, if you don't have enough points, you can pay partially using points and partially with cash (although you have to pay for all of your parties upon booking). Hope that helps - - happy sailing!