Using Points for Cruises

[Namsupak]

We've only used our points for DVC rooms so far but want to use them to take a cruise next Jan. I know that using them that way isn't the best way to get the most bang for your buck, but we can only take 1 vacation next year and won't be able to bank a lot of our points since they are already from this past use year.

The question I have is what do you get when you use your points? Does it include the ME? What about the trip insurance that the website always adds in? I know you have to pay the $95 fee. But I just wasn't sure if there were going to be more hidden costs.

TIA!

 

[CarolA]

I did this not too long ago.

On the DCL there is no ME you have to pay for transfers. These are not included.

As of now you also have to pay a fuel surcharge.

On the boat you will have to pay for the normal stuff, tips, booze, spa treatments etc.

Trip insurance works just like it does with your DVC booking. You get the little "purple" sheet with the confirmation, call the place and add it if you want. I did just because my friends mother is in poor health and I wanted SOME reimbursement for all those points if I had to cancel late.

I know folks say it's a "waste of points", but they are my points to waste LOL! (And I don't do rentals!)

 

[DeeCee735]

My personal opinion.....anyway you choose to use your own points isn't a waste of points at all, not if they allow you to take the vacations you want to take

Enjoy!

 

[Ksp]

We are thinking of using points (at least some) for a cruise, too -
CarolA, since you have used points for the cruise, maybe you could help me -I'm finding the points sheet on DCL a little confusing.

The points sheets say "X amount of points, based per person, double occupancy" for the first two in a room... so if a room is listed at 300 points, it would actually cost me 600 to have double occupancy?

Thanks, in advance, if you can lend a hand & tell me how this works

 

[CarolA]

Yes, you have it right. We did the three night cruise so it wasn't near that many points.

I "think" you can do one person on points and one on cash. I know years ago we did a family cruise and we paid for the kids in our cabins!

 

[Ksp]

Thanks, CarolA!

If we use points, I think we would pay cash for some of us and use points for the others -- it is hard to see all those points go for one thing, even though I know that food is included, etc.

We've take the DC once before, but as paying passengers. My DH's parents paid for us all to go (my husband, his 3 siblings,along with all the various spouses and grandkids) and we couldn't talk them into investing the cruise cost into DVC instead.... ah, well, maybe another time!

 

[Namsupak]

Thanks so much for answering! I can't believe all the extra costs though.

Ksp- Maybe you can convince your parents to invest it in DVC... it makes vacationing tons more fun to plan and so much easier IMHO.

 

[CarolA]

My personal opinion.....anyway you choose to use your own points isn't a waste of points at all, not if they allow you to take the vacations you want to take

Enjoy!

Thanks

Generally when this comes up folks post all kinds of things telling me how "Wrong" it is! LOL!