Very confused on using points for cruise

[Lisa D]

We just got back from 5 days at BWV and 3 day cruise on the Wonder (used points for BWV and cash for cruise). Now we all want to do a 7-day cruise in June 2005.

Even with banking and borrowing, I will have to pay for some of the cruise in cash. How do you go about making a reservation that is part points, part cash?

Also, I've heard that you can get a better deal using cash so some people rent their points - I also have no clue how to do that.

Finally, I saw a thread about a points discount if you book within 3 days of disembarkment (which for me is tomorrow). How in the world does that work?

I hope these questions aren't too stupid and that some of you very experienced people will be able to clear things up for me a little.

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[mickeyc]

The use of points for a cruise is not always the best option. For example, I used 168 points on the four day Disney Wonder this past January, 2003. The next day after booking the cruise using points Disney steeply discounted the cruise. I was not able to change the transaction. The price of the cruise was $399 per person and you would get a $100 in ship credit.

I could have rented those points for $10 per point and would have covered the cost of the cruise plus my maintance fees for the year.

When I discussed the issue with member services I was advised that they have no way of knowing when the cruise is going to provide a cash discount. There is no computer link at this time.

We had a great time on the cruise and would recommend it to all. However, check the various travel resources prior to using points. At times it maybe better to pay cash. Good luck!

 

[Dean]

To use the discount, you must be within 14 monhs of the next trip and contact DVC within 3 days of being on the ship. Cash will be cheaper overall but if you decide to do points, you must pay one adult with points and the rest you can do with cash or points as long as you pay for a full person only one way or the other. You could pay one adult points and another cash while paying for a child with points. Rememer that it's another $75 to book with points plus $75 for even minor changes. You must pay any cash up front and if you cancel, there are substantial penalties to the points used. Good luck.