Using Points for an already booked cruise...

[JimGarth]

Sorry if this has been addressed already...

We recently booked (via regular CASH reservations) the 7-day Eastern
Carribean cruise for July 8th, 2006 (next year).

We currently have 250 points / year for DVC usage. Next year, we have
200 points that we could use, and will have the ability to borrow 250 more
(450 total). Is it possible, even though we have a deposit (cash) for
the cruise next year, to apply points to the cruise and reduce our out of
pocket cost for the cruise?

I know that the cruise for our family of 4 will probably (based on this
years points) will be upwards of 800 points for the week....realizing that
even if we borrow, we will not have 800 points, I would at least like to
find out if we can apply points to the cruise (again, we have already
booked it with a cash deposit).

Anyone know if this is possible?

Thanks!
Jim

 

[JimMIA]

I don't know the answer to your basic question about your options with your current reservation. However, most of the advice you will get here will tell you not to use points for cruises. Most feel you do much better renting your points to cover all or part of your cash outlay.

Points usually rent for about $10 per point, and a lot of folks say they can rent half the points they'd use on a cruise and pay cash. I'm sure they depends greatly on when you cruise, but it's something to consider.

 

[shelly3girls]

Hi Jim,
We tried to do this for a cruise in December and were told that it is impossible. We had to book the cruise using points and cancel the original cash reservation. Like stated before you are probably much better off renting out the points than using them for the cruise, but we liked the simplicity of the transaction.

 

[Dean]

Hi Jim,
We tried to do this for a cruise in December and were told that it is impossible. We had to book the cruise using points and cancel the original cash reservation. Like stated before you are probably much better off renting out the points than using them for the cruise, but we liked the simplicity of the transaction.

Technically that's the answer however one person reported on this board that she was able to get MS to call DCL and while on the phone cancel then rebook with the same cabin. You should realize that the cash portions of a points plus cash cruise will be higher than the discounted price you're looking at now for the same items. It will vary with the cabin level though. Get a quote from DVC for what it would be and compare to what you have now so you know where you stand and can make decisions.

 

[ferastu]

The guide I've been speaking to about purchasing said that she would be able to do that after I mentioned to her that I have a Nov 2005 cruise already booked. However, I don't have any intention of using my points that way. I'm going on the cruise and then getting to SSR as soon as I can!