walk me through cruise questions with points

[daisyx3]

DH, DS and I are going on a 4 night Dream at the end of March. I am currently thinking of our options for mid-March 2017 (finally my spring break is not around Easter!). It will be just DH and I since DS will be in college and his break is the week before.
One option is another cruise, just DH and me.
As for DVC points, we have 132 points I will be banking at the end of the March for 2015, 160 coming in 2016. We are not going to WDW this summer as my oldest is having a baby in August.
The 7 night Eastern on the Fantasy would be comparable to another line if I borrow my about 50 2017 points, and I will still have some to go back in 2018. I know some people don't think this is a wise use of points but I would rather use them than go through the process of selling them.
Here are my questions:
1) I know when I book a cruise with points that the balance is due when I book. If I book this as a placeholder on our cruise this March, and then book one person with points, so I still get the discount and OBC?
2) Since I have to use some of my 2017 points, do I have to wait to book until August 1 when my use year starts?
Thanks for any input.
Daisyx3

 

[erionm]

1) I know when I book a cruise with points that the balance is due when I book. If I book this as a placeholder on our cruise this March, and then book one person with points, so I still get the discount and OBC?

You can't book a future cruise on-board using points. If you call MS with in 7 days of your cruise ending, you can book a future cruise and receive a discount in points of approx. 10%. You will not be eligible for any OBC that DCL offers as those aren't available using points.

2) Since I have to use some of my 2017 points, do I have to wait to book until August 1 when my use year starts?

A March 2017 cruise would fall during your Aug 2016 UY and you could borrow points from your Aug 2017 UY when you make the reservation. You can make a future cruise reservation up to 24 months in advance if the cruise dates have been released by DCL.

 

[disneynutz]

Don't forget there is a $95 booking and change fee and that you may not have access to all cabins when booking with points.

Bill

 

[daisyx3]

I would be looking for a cat. 4, 5 or 6 room, higher up the better, don't care about midship, etc. I'm willing to stay on the phone with MS as long as needed, LOL. By the time we book we will be almost 11 months out.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I would be looking for a cat. 4, 5 or 6 room, higher up the better, don't care about midship, etc. I'm willing to stay on the phone with MS as long as needed, LOL. By the time we book we will be almost 11 months out.

Make sure you understand the cancellation penalties if you book using points and then have to cancel. -- Suzanne

 

[Barbydoll8]

Have you considered renting your points and using the cash for the cruise? Usually a better value per point, you can book a future while on the cruise and get your on board booking perks.

 

[daisyx3]

I have but I'm afraid my points won't rent. Do you think points at SSR would rent? I would use one of the agencies. I have 132 for 2015 (I have to bank by end of March) and 160 coming in August.
Daisyx3

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have but I'm afraid my points won't rent. Do you think points at SSR would rent? I would use one of the agencies. I have 132 for 2015 (I have to bank by end of March) and 160 coming in August.
Daisyx3

I know that I've seen David post before that he's never had points go unrented.

 

[com_op_2000]

You can book a DCL using points as far out as 24 months. You do not have to wait until you are within your UY to book.

 

[mort1331]

I have but I'm afraid my points won't rent. Do you think points at SSR would rent? I would use one of the agencies. I have 132 for 2015 (I have to bank by end of March) and 160 coming in August.
Daisyx3

my points are SSR and never had issue renting both with Dave and by myself. if not sure yourself, then first time go with Dave, worth the small cost.IMHO