Using Points to Cruise?

[Garthilk]

So I just tried to book a January 21st, 2 night cruise using my DVC points and was told that DVC hadn't negotiated the point cost yet. I'm wondering, how far out does DVC typically negotiate the point cost?

 

[Lost in Neverland]

I got the same answer when I called about the members cruise. They said they had no 2011 information and was not sure when they would have it. That is very worrisome in the fact that most of us plan 12-16 months ahead for our DVC trips and the cruises are even more so planned.

 

[erionm]

So I just tried to book a January 21st, 2 night cruise using my DVC points and was told that DVC hadn't negotiated the point cost yet. I'm wondering, how far out does DVC typically negotiate the point cost?

The 2011 Cruise Point charts are on the member website. I don't see a 2 night cruise on the point charts or on DCL's website.

I got the same answer when I called about the members cruise. They said they had no 2011 information and was not sure when they would have it. That is very worrisome in the fact that most of us plan 12-16 months ahead for our DVC trips and the cruises are even more so planned.

The point chart for the member cruise will probably be released either late Sept or early Oct, with booking in early Nov. This is how it's been for the last several Member Cruises. The Member Cruise is a charter and DVC has complete control over booking and prices.

 

[CarolAnnC]

You can usually book two years out for DCL cruises using DVC points. For example, I booked my July 2010 cruise back in October 2008 using DVC points.

As mentioned, there are no two night cruises.

 

[Garthilk]

The 2011 Cruise Point charts are on the member website. I don't see a 2 night cruise on the point charts or on DCL's website.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/c...t/itineraries/2-night-weekend-getaway-cruise/

 

[bobbidiboo]

What don't have that info?
I think you should call again, last week I just booked two cruises B2B for May 2011 Are you calling member services or Disney Cruise Line?

 

[erionm]

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/c...t/itineraries/2-night-weekend-getaway-cruise/

If there is not a points requirement for this cruise by now, I doubt there will be. The West Coast cruises have had point charts since shortly after they were announced last September.

 

[es45]

So I just tried to book a January 21st, 2 night cruise using my DVC points and was told that DVC hadn't negotiated the point cost yet. I'm wondering, how far out does DVC typically negotiate the point cost?

If you don't mind some unsolicited advice, if you can take a longer cruise, then please do it. Your first day is filled with the drill, unpacking, etc. so that you don't get to enjoy much of the ship. I took a 3-day cruise and then a 4-day and I am amazed at how much more relaxing that extra day made it.

 

[DeeCee735]

If you don't mind some unsolicited advice, if you can take a longer cruise, then please do it. Your first day is filled with the drill, unpacking, etc. so that you don't get to enjoy much of the ship. I took a 3-day cruise and then a 4-day and I am amazed at how much more relaxing that extra day made it.

We just booked the Dream for next April. We originally planned on the 3 day(less points), and changed our minds and went with the 4 day instead, precisely for the above reason. That extra day will make it feel relaxing instead of too packed to relax. This is going to be just myself and my husband. I'm siked, he's having reservations about adults only on a Disney Cruise. I really really want to see the new ship and the Flying Dutchman (is it? or is it the black pearl) on Castaway Cay. I LOVE the characters so I'm into a Disney Cruise, can't wait to get back!

 

[Inkmahm]

If you don't mind some unsolicited advice, if you can take a longer cruise, then please do it. Your first day is filled with the drill, unpacking, etc. so that you don't get to enjoy much of the ship. I took a 3-day cruise and then a 4-day and I am amazed at how much more relaxing that extra day made it.

I agree with this and would add the unsolicited advice that it is far cheaper to pay cash for the cruise than to pay with your points. Rent your points or transfer your points to another member for cash and then use the cash to pay for the cruise. You'll use less points than paying for the cruise directly with your points. You will also save the $95 fee charged to you when you pay with points and have much more flexibility for making changes to your booked cruise.

 

[DeeCee735]

I agree with this and would add the unsolicited advice that it is far cheaper to pay cash for the cruise than to pay with your points. Rent your points or transfer your points to another member for cash and then use the cash to pay for the cruise. You'll use less points than paying for the cruise directly with your points. You will also save the $95 fee charged to you when you pay with points and have much more flexibility for making changes to your booked cruise.

We considered this, but decided less hassle, less uncertainy (no guarantee the points will be rented, or rented without complications, or rented for the price we'd ask), and no guarantee the rent price will pay for the cruise in full...and for $95 out of pocket!! that's exactly why we bought in the first place, no money to cruise or vacation!! WOOO HOOO we're a happy people!!

 

[SnowWhite2]

This must be a "try me" cruise. One day on the boat. Why bother.

 

[disneychic]

I called in Feb. and was able to book our Mediterranean cruise for August of 2011 (using dvc points), so not sure why you weren't able to book for January of 2011

 

[es45]

This must be a "try me" cruise. One day on the boat. Why bother.

I first thought of short cruises because I was worried that for the cost, I wouldn't like it or I would be seasick. I didn't realize how much checking in, the boat drill, securing dining or spa reservations, etc. can take. If you've never been on one before, I can see how this looks appealing. Now I know better.

 

[Crystal_27]

We booked our June, 2011 cruise in November, 2009. We had no problems at all. Perhaps the cruise that you are trying to book is sold out?