We have a spreadsheet to figure actual cost per pt (including purchase price, closing costs if any, MFs, future earnings had we not spent the money and invested it instead). We have an accurate view of the cost of each of our points by individual contracts and what it is actually costing us to vacation. Yes, we have a large yearly bill for MFs, but we are vacationing a lot for that amount of money. We could not spend as many nights in a similar hotel for the price we are paying through our DVC points. We have definitely saved money with our DVC purchases.
We have cruised a lot these last several years, and do not use our DVC pts for cruising. Using the above information, it is a better use of dollars to pay cash. However, we are fortunate to be able to increase our vacation budget beyond our timeshare ownership. There are two ways to look at it: 1) actual cost / actual dollar value or 2) this is your only vacation budget so use it how you want to!
Since you are near the port, last minute deals are great. We did the DCL Panama Canal for 50% off last minute!
