Using points to book cruise

[aprince&princess]

Hi, I hope this is in the right place. Can someone let me know how far ahead you can book a Disney cruise with points? We are considering an April '08 cruise.

Since we just came back from WDW and just joined DVC with a Dec use year, we thought we would bank our points and use them with next years for a cruise.

 

["Got Disney"]

W would like to have that questioned answered also. We cruise alot and would like to bank some points for that also...althoght that is not the best bang for the bucks!!! pts used are not bad for a 7 day cruise but to high for 10 day cruises and that is what we prefere. Did not ask Anne our sales rep about this question..so inquiring minds would like to know????

 

[CarolAnnC]

I believe it is an 11 month booking window for DCL.

 

[CarolMN]

Call MS and ask - IIRC, there have been some reports that MS will now allow members to book up to 2 years in advance, so I think the old rule of 11 months may have changed.

Keep in mind that the points required to cruise may not be known so far in advance so there are some risks involved if you book before point charts are released.

Also, each reservation change requires payment of a new $75 fee and if you have to cancel, the points cannot be used for a stay at a DVC resort.

The best times to call MS (times when they are less busy) are mid afternoons in mid to later in the week.

 

[aprince&princess]

CarolMN, thanks for your help. You are right about the two year window. I found that information in the book that had come with all of our paperwork. Also correct that the point charts might not be out at the two year mark.

We were thinking April 2008, but will have to see the school vacation schedule too since I don't want to pay the $75. fee more than once.

 

[scurutchet]

Ok, so if the point charts are not out yet then how do you book, what do they go by? Sorry if it's a dumb question

Is it possible to book a reservation and put cash down payment and then transfer it to a points reservation??

Thanks!