Using points to cruise.

[cbhelms]

Has anyone used their points to combine a stay at DVC and a go on a cruise? If so, how did it go?


Thanks
Bryant

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

cbhelms:

We did just that this past April. Went on the four night cruise then back to the BWV for three more nights. While it would have meant less points to do the three night cruise because it is Thursday-Sunday, we really wanted the four day experience. Seven of us had a great time and would do it again in a minute. Next year we are cruising using cash, then driving back to Hilton Head for a little R&R.

HBC

 

[SusanU]

We have done it both ways. We always stay before & after the cruise on points. But the best way for us has been to pay cash for the cruise & save the points. Last yr I had already borrowed points for 8 nights at BWV in January. The $99 special came out (take a January cruise & get a fall one for $99 per person). It was too good to pass up, but by cancelling some room nights I was still short about 18 points to pay for 1 person taking the cruise. Also I would have to pay $350 more for the 2nd person in the room who I was already paying cash for, because MS doesn't give the same discounted rate but a standard higher rate. Rather than try to rent the 18 points I still needed, I decided to put my nights or points on the Rent/Trade board. Someone quickly needed them and paid me the $10 per point which almost paid for both cruisers. It is somewhat extra work, but definitely worth the money and points I saved. If you have never tried the Rent/Trade Board, I would highly recommend it. Everyone is so helpful & nice. I have used it 4 times for both buying & selling.

 

[cbhelms]

Well Here's what we want to do next year in may:

We want to stay at BCV for Sun - Wed and then do a cruise from Thur - Sunday. Therefore we have a few questions:

How does Member Services handle things like this?
How do we get to Port Canaveral from disney?
Do we have to drive?
What time do the ships usually leave the dock and arrive back?

Thanks All!
Bryant

 

[J.P.]

Bryant,
We just booked our second cruise using points. The first time we went on the cruise we paid cash for the kids and we had no problems. Member services can handle all your reservations and needs. You can take a bus from disney to port Canaveral-they have disney cruise buses that go from the resorts to the cruise ship. As far the times go, I am not sure on departure time to leave to go on the cruise. But on our way home you depart the ship based on your dinning time.
We usually go to VB and spend a few days there and then drive up to Port Canaveral for the cruise. The we go to OKW for few more days and then fly home. When wo go to Florida we always rent a car. I hope this answered some of your questions. JP