Who is planning on booking the 2011 DVC Members' Cruise?

[Crystal_27]

I'm so excited about the cruise, and we've already booked the 3 night portion after the members' cruise to make it a full 7 night "experience."

Who else is going to be booking?? Let's share some DVC cruise love as we count down!

 

[bwvBound]

We booked the a 3-night before the member cruise in hopes of making it a 7-night experience!

 

[ssawka]

Not to be a downer, or change the topic of the thread, but what is the advantage of taking the Members' Cruise? I don't think they give you a point discount do they? Do they offer any special activities for Members that they don't offer on the normal cruises?

 

[bwvBound]

Not to be a downer, or change the topic of the thread, but what is the advantage of taking the Members' Cruise? I don't think they give you a point discount do they? Do they offer any special activities for Members that they don't offer on the normal cruises?

Discount? No, generally the point costs are significantly higher. The benefits relate to special speakers brought in, the anticipation of "insider info" being shared with the community, and the fun of hanging out with other DVC members.

 

[Brandis]

And going to Cast Away Cay twice, and not going to Nassau

We are also booked on the cruise after the Member Cruise but won't be on the Member Cruise as the booking window isn't ideal for us, on Oct. 2 we are on a plane pretty much all day from Europe to WDW.

 

[bwvBound]

And going to Cast Away Cay twice, and not going to Nassau

We are also booked on the cruise after the Member Cruise but won't be on the Member Cruise as the booking window isn't ideal for us, on Oct. 2 we are on a plane pretty much all day from Europe to WDW.

Brandis -- you weren't able to convince a friend to call for you?

As noted in prior threads, we'll also be flying -- but hope to get through on the phone before boarding our first flight. We'll arrive the airport extra early (4:30a local time?) and then juggle priorities of phoning MS vs airline check-in when the airport begins to "wake up" at the same time the phone lines open.

I'm thinking the ship's larger size works in our favor. More staterooms, more opportunity. Do try to get through ... even if phoning on the next day?

 

[DopeyDave]

I'll be dialing MS on Saturday morning!!

 

[Crystal_27]

Discount? No, generally the point costs are significantly higher. The benefits relate to special speakers brought in, the anticipation of "insider info" being shared with the community, and the fun of hanging out with other DVC members.

And I think they give you little gifts in your stateroom each date, if this cruise follows the other member cruises. As to the cost, we are paying cash, not using points, and the cost difference between the member cruise and the 4 nighter the next week is right at a $1,000 for our family. However, it will be a very special thing for our family and likely not something we'll do in the near future, so the higher cost is worth it.

Good luck to us all who are calling on Saturday!

 

[TheGeddings]

I'll be dialing MS on Saturday morning!! We have 3 DVC couples getting together for brakfast, that is 6 cell phones, plus the kids cell phones. Hopefully we can get through with one of them!

 

[4disneykids]

Husband said last night if I want to go we'll go!! We did our first members cruise just this month and had a great time. We are doing a med. cruise next August with the 4 kids and didn't expect him to be "game" for another cruise so soon. We will leave the kids home for the members cruise. Now if I can just get through on the phones on Saturday. Last year it took me around 2 1/2 - 3 hours to get through and then on hold for another 45-60 minutes and then around 15 minutes to do the reservation.

 

[Brandis]

Brandis -- you weren't able to convince a friend to call for you?

As noted in prior threads, we'll also be flying -- but hope to get through on the phone before boarding our first flight. We'll arrive the airport extra early (4:30a local time?) and then juggle priorities of phoning MS vs airline check-in when the airport begins to "wake up" at the same time the phone lines open.

I'm thinking the ship's larger size works in our favor. More staterooms, more opportunity. Do try to get through ... even if phoning on the next day?

It would be too complicating to give our friend 3 credit cards and then we wouldn't know how much is charged if our original choice isn't available.

Calling myself would also be too much of a hassle, getting off the transatlantic flight in Philadelphia, where we have 2 hours layover but have to go through immigration (no phones allowed) and the another 3 hours on a plane to MCO.

So it's just easier and of course a lot cheaper to go on the 3 nighter. I'm sure there will be more member cruises in the future. Besides, we plan a 7 nights med cruise for 2012 already.

 

[LocustPoint]

I'll be calling Saturday as well. If I get through yeah if not it wasn't meant to be and it will be on to plan B. Now I just have to come up with a plan B!

 

[beeadude]

I'm so excited about the cruise, and we've already booked the 3 night portion after the members' cruise to make it a full 7 night "experience."

Who else is going to be booking?? Let's share some DVC cruise love as we count down!

How were you able to book after the cruise? Isn't it 11 months out? Thanks

 

[tomandrobin]

We will be calling Saturday too!

This will be our first Members Cruise.

 

[erionm]

We're going to be calling.

 

[erionm]

I'm so excited about the cruise, and we've already booked the 3 night portion after the members' cruise to make it a full 7 night "experience."

Who else is going to be booking?? Let's share some DVC cruise love as we count down!

How were you able to book after the cruise? Isn't it 11 months out? Thanks

Maybe Crystal_27 is booked on the 3 night cruise that sails right after the Member Cruise.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

What time do they open on Saturday?

 

[pyrxtc]

well, I am going to be trying for the Member Cruise on Saturday, just an inside stateroom. But, if I get that, then I will also be booking , on the next booking day, a room for the cruise afterwards also. I am just torn whether or not to get an inside stateroom again or an ocean view room. I have never cruised before but figured while I'm down there....

Also, if we use points to book the cruise, do it cover tips and such or how much should I bring to cover that ??

 

[pyrxtc]

What time do they open on Saturday?

8 am EST

 

[pyrxtc]

Will I be considered a Castaway Club Member for the 2nd portion of my trip if I book the 3 days right after ? Also, if I book the same category, will I get to keep the same room and not have to unpack and re-pack my stuff ?