MEMBER CRUISE October 22nd, 2006!!

[UsedtobeSmith]

Who else is planning on booking it!

I couldnt do the first two, but I am gun-ho about doing this one. The timing is right, they are giving us enough notice, and I would love to hang out with that many DVCers all at once!!


Sooooooooo who is already siked for the Oct 22nd 2006 MEMBER CRUISE??? :D

http://v50.net/cd/12-03-2005_I+am+on+the+phone+hoping+for+a+Cat+3+on+the+S S+DVC+Member+Cruise_72-61-139.png


LAST YEARS INFO to help in the speculating!! LOL
Here are the prices for this year's cruise points/dollars per person

Cat 12 90 pts $688
Cat 11 90 pts $688
Cat 10 115 pts $782
Cat 9 123 pts $834
Cat 8 139 pts $938
Cat 7 150 pts $1,000
Cat 6 158 pts $1,058
Cat 5 166 pts $1,110
Cat 4 200 pts $1,318
Cat 3 341 pts $2,217


Additional passengers
over 13 68 pts $458
ages (3-12) 57 pts $406
ages 2 and under 20 pts $196

MS waived the $75 fee with the initial booking
points or cash were due in full at the time of booking

The points for the 2005 cruise were a 6-10 (give or take) points more than the regular point price for a 4 day in that season....

[withdisneyspirit]

I am psyched for you, Laura! Our fall break will probably be the week before this :( it would be kinda hard to leave a 14 and 17 year old behind! They might get a little upset...

My mom and dad might get the urge to go; they can always make plans like that :p

[cruise-o-matic]

I'm a newbie on member cruises.

Are the cruises for members only? Or do they have a certain % of rooms for members? If so, do they have a certain floor/section for members or just special events/mixers?

Do you have to book using points? If you can pay cash, are you eligible for discounts like AAA?

[kathleena]

Members only - DVC books the whole cruise.

Can use cash or points. Cash is their cash price - no discounts.

[UsedtobeSmith]

To add to Kathleena... The points and the cash price is a bit higher than the points listed for other cruises in that time frame.

Many people protested the higher charge, but those that went said it was worth it. A lot of member exclsuive mechidise and specal events.

I really want to go!! I am going to talk to DH about it while sitting up on deck 10, after a couple of drinks of the day.... LOL

[cruise-o-matic]

Thanks. We'l have to check into making a cruise maybe in '07 and weighing points vs. cash....probably lean towards cash though.

[UsedtobeSmith]

We just got off the Wonder... I will post a trip report later...

Anyway DH said he wants to do a 4 day... and I want to do a 7 day... I rebooked onboard for a 7 day (planned for 2007) but I think I could talk him into doing the 4 day member cruise in 2006. And keep the 2007 ressie, since I know after the 4 day, he will say lets do 7.... lol
In order to do both, we will have to give up HHI (and at least 1 WDW) for two years running and rent out points.

[MiaSRN62]

We are planning on this if we can get through on the phone (heard it could be a couple hours hold time). :bouncingm
We've done a previous 4 night and 7 night. We'll pull my 2 dd's out of school for this one but we'll have to leave 18 yo ds behind at college (he can only miss a max of 3 classes per semester). I don't think he'd want to come anyway now that he's too old for the teen club. :sosad:
Hoping to get through to MS on Dec 3. :bouncingg

[UsedtobeSmith]

I hope to get thru too! So far the best tip I read is when you get thru, give them your phone number in case you get disconnected!!

I have my room list request all made up. I am shooting for a mid ship Cat 3. If I dont get it, then 2 connecting Cat 6's! I will have at least 3 phones going.... I really really really really want at Mid ship Cat 3. We I really want a Cat 2... but Cat 3 would tickle the pants off of me! LOL

Gotta update my counters!!

[UsedtobeSmith]

I called MS to see how our points are shaping up and asked a bunch of questions about booking the cruise.

First of all they said SOON on the info... HA 38 days out from the calling day isnt soon??

Second all phone options hit 3 then 3 will lead to a MS cruise booker...

I am going for a Catagory 3 if they are offered. I will pay cash for the adults and points for the kids. (I am figuring 60 points per kid)

If we cant get the mid ship Cat 3... I will try for the Forward Cat 3 with connecting Cat. 4.

And if that doesnt work... LOL I willl go for two connecting Cat 4's. We have connecting 6's last cruise and really need a bit more room. I would prefer width over lenght space, but any space is better than not enough.

If we cant get the Cat 4's we will go for the 6's... I hope by then they arent gone! LOL

Hows that for a plan... LOL

Come on... anyone else jazzed??

Lovely 4 day cruise followed by 3 nights at F&W... what is better than that!!

[UsedtobeSmith]

The Member cruise will be a Double dip Castaway Cay cruise..... CC, day at sea, CC!!!

My husbands perfect itinerary!!! He will be excited!! I am excited!! Although I was hoping for Key West... 2 stops at CC is wonderful!

32 days out from calling and still no point charts. How Rude!

[MiaSRN62]

I'm assuming, then, that they'll have the bbq lunch both CC days ? This itinerery sounds fun. Sounds very relaxing..........

[UsedtobeSmith]

I called MS today to complain about no point charts... They said soon...

Yeah I could tell them SOON.

UGH I need to know what this is going to cost me. Geez... if we pay cash it has to be in FULL, and we have to cough up that money right before Christmas... I would like to know if my kids are getting any presents this year or not! LOL

Maybe tomorrow....

[UsedtobeSmith]

Information for the member cruise is up... no point charts, no cash vaule yet, just some information....

[Deep-Thots]

Did you notice that they said the spa would not be available during the cruise? While I was initially thinking that the cruise might be a fun idea, the lack of availability of a spa is making me reconsider my consideration....

Kim

[WDWSTAR]

OMG ! where have i been 32 days before booking, thank goodness i came over here:thumbsup: , i would have missed the boat :jawdroppi :holymoly:

[UsedtobeSmith]

Kim... I did see the spa would be closed. My intial reaction was totally bummed, but I really had to move moutains the last time we were on the Wonder to get to my Spa services I dont think I will miss it much.

I will be shooting for a massage on CC though... maybe one each day!! I think DH can handle the kids on the beach for an hour or so...

Hey Sue!! Glad to see you found us!!

30 days until call in day!!

[WDWSTAR]

Thanks Laura, but if wasnt so busy with the tree lists iw ould have showed up early.

and Thank you for up dating on us when to call.

is the price and or points up on the dvc web yet?

[UsedtobeSmith]

No point charts yet.... soon LOL soon

I check when I wake up, I check while the kids are eatting lunch, I check after dinner and a couple of times before bed.

I know they will be higher than 2005 since this cruise is in a higher 'season' than 2005, the question is.... how much higher??

[WDWSTAR]

ugh, i would like to know how much the cruise is going to be..... i am going to call ms tomorrow morning. :headbange :cellphone

[UsedtobeSmith]

MS wont tell you. They said the info will be put on the Webiste first... so just keep checking there (87million times a day like me)
I am reposting what is currently on the member site....
Celebrate Magical Milestones on the S.S. Member Cruise 2006!

http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/languagespecific/eng/member/justformembers/SSMC06LifeRingLarge.gif

Celebrate Magical Milestones on the S.S. Member Cruise 2006! (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/justForMembers/specialEventsDetail?id=SpecialEventMemberCruise200 6DetailPage#milestones)
Itinerary (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/justForMembers/specialEventsDetail?id=SpecialEventMemberCruise200 6DetailPage#itinerary)
Things to Know Before Calling Member Services (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/justForMembers/specialEventsDetail?id=SpecialEventMemberCruise200 6DetailPage#services)



Celebrate Magical Milestones on the S.S. Member Cruise 2006!

We're setting course for another adventure! Next year, Disney Vacation Club celebrates its 15th anniversary. In honor of this milestone occasion, we're celebrating with a 4-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Wonder®, October 22-26, 2006. You've probably heard about all the special surprises that Members enjoyed during the S.S. Member Cruise 2005. Here's your chance to join your Disney Vacation Club neighbors for our next voyage, "Celebrating Magical Milestones." Our exclusive itinerary will include two scheduled visits to Castaway Cay and a fun-filled day at sea!

To book passage on the S.S. Member Cruise 2006, call Member Services on Saturday, December 3, 2005. We'll have special weekend booking hours for Member Cruise event reservations only from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. If the voyage does not sell out on Saturday, Member Services will resume normal operating hours on Monday, December 5, 2005. Check back here in the weeks ahead for the exclusive Reservation Points chart. The latest updates about the cruise will also be published here in the Special Events section of Just for Members, so there's no need to contact your Vacation Club Guide or Member Services for updates before December 3rd.

More than 2,000 Members joined us for each sell-out, Member-exclusive cruises in 2003 and in 2005. Space is very limited - and expected to sell out quickly. A special invitation will be mailed to your home to remind you to call on December 3rd. Because of heavy call volume associated with S.S. Member Cruise 2006 bookings, your wait time to speak with a Member Services Cast Member may be longer than is customary. We expect this to be a popular Member offering, and apologize in advance for any delay in speaking with you. We recommend having at least two alternate stateroom category choices when calling for reservations, as categories may sell out before your call is answered. We look forward to sailing with you and your Disney neighbors!

Top (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/justForMembers/specialEventsDetail?id=SpecialEventMemberCruise200 6DetailPage#top)



Itinerary*


Sunday: Set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida
Monday: Arrive at Castaway Cay, a Disney island paradise
Tuesday: Experience Member-exclusive events during a full day at sea
Wednesday: Return to Castaway Cay
Thursday: Return to Port Canaveral
*Itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Disney Vacation Club Members will have the unique opportunity to sail aboard the Disney Wonder during a memorable four-night voyage with two scheduled visits to Castaway Cay. When Members take over this private Disney island, there's sure to be magical memories in the making! Join your Disney Vacation Club Cast Member hosts for a memorable group photo opportunity and capture the magic of this Member-exclusive vacation experience.

Check back from time to time as we update this page with news and information about this truly magical celebration!

Top (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member/justForMembers/specialEventsDetail?id=SpecialEventMemberCruise200 6DetailPage#top)



Things to Know Before Calling Member Services

Please have the following information ready when you call:

Member ID Card Number
First, second, and third stateroom category choices - categories sell out quickly for this event
Preferred dining time - early (6 pm) or late (8:30 pm) seating; please note that seating times cannot be guaranteed
Special dietary needs
Special medical needs




For each person sailing on the S.S. Member Cruise 2006, please have the following information ready when you call:

Legal name and spelling as it appears in print on birth certificate or passport
Home address
Home telephone number
Date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Citizenship/Nationality
Castaway Club Number (provided to repeat cruisers by Disney Cruise Line®)




Please note the following important information about the S.S. Member Cruise 2006 before you call:

Disney Vacation Club will waive the initial $75 transaction fee associated with booking your Disney Cruise Line reservation for the S.S. Member Cruise 2006.
A change to a reservation, including a waitlisted change request, is considered a cancellation and rebooking. A non-refundable transaction fee of $75 will apply to all modifications associated with an S.S. Member Cruise 2006 reservation.
Disney Vacation Club will accept the following forms of payment for Members not using Vacation Points to book this event: Disney's Visa® Card, MasterCard®, American Express®, or check received by overnight mail. If paying by credit card, please have the credit card number, expiration date, and the name that appears on the card available for full payment at the time of booking.
All S.S. Member Cruise 2006 booking requests must be made by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800 beginning Saturday, December 3, 2005, 9 am - 5 pm EST, or until the voyage sells out, whichever occurs first. Booking requests will not be accepted by fax or e-mail. International Members, please use your AT&T access number and when prompted, enter city code 800 and local number 800-9800. Click on "Contact Us" above and choose "Overview" for more information.
Member Services will only accept booking requests for the S.S. Member Cruise 2006 on Saturday, December 3, 2005. Booking requests for resort reservations, flights, rental cars, and all other customary services may be made beginning Monday, December 5, 2005.
Expectant mothers should know that women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of October 22, 2006, will not be permitted to travel aboard Disney Cruise Line ships due to safety concerns. Neither a physician's medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage.
Infants under 12 weeks old as of October 22, 2006, will not be allowed to travel aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.
Disney Cruise Line is committed to providing memorable and safe Guest experiences and will only divert from the scheduled itinerary in cases of extreme weather or during circumstances that may challenge safety.
The Vista Spa and Salon is being expanded and will not be available during this sailing. Most fitness equipment will be available in an alternate location for your convenience.

[UsedtobeSmith]

I'll admit I took this off the DIS

OOOOOOhhh, I called Member services... to ask your question. They have the point info...

All Categories:
3rd and 4th passnger are 87 ponts, $698 (ages 13+)
85 points, $645 for 3rd and fourth ages 3 -12
18 Points, $117.63 3rd and 4th ages 0-2

cat 12 - 129 Points, $1008
cat 11 - 129 Points, $1008
cat 10 - 137 Points, $1060
cat 09 - 145 Points, $1092
cat 08 - 160 Points, $1144
cat 07 - 179 Points, $1244
cat 06 - 192 Points, $1317
cat 05 - 200 Points, $1370
cat 04 - 231 Points, $1580
cat 03 - 355 Points, $2566

Last year...
Cat 12 90 pts $688
Cat 11 90 pts $688
Cat 10 115 pts $782
Cat 9 123 pts $834
Cat 8 139 pts $938
Cat 7 150 pts $1,000
Cat 6 158 pts $1,058
Cat 5 166 pts $1,110
Cat 4 200 pts $1,318
Cat 3 341 pts $2,217


Additional passengers
over 13 68 pts $458
ages (3-12) 57 pts $406
ages 2 and under 20 pts $196


Single Supplement (points for a single person)
cat 11,12 -217, $1687
cat 10-231, $1778
cat 9-245, $1834
cat 8-272, $1925
cat 7-307, $2100
cat 6-331, $2538 (I reported this as a screw up cat 5-6 are reversed)
cat 5-344, $2364 (I reported this as a screw up cat 5-6 are reversed)
cat 4-400, $2999
cat 3-709, $4440

[Deep-Thots]

It was also reported that MS was going to make the first person travel on points (which would be a departure from previous practice). Are they still reporting that to be the case, or are they saying you can just book with cash? (Just curious; we won't be going.)

Kim

[UsedtobeSmith]

Kim... your the first person I had heard that from... well maybe not... maybe a long time ago it was thought it would be points and cash mix, but nothing ever came of it..

[UsedtobeSmith]

I never thought the kids would go up 28 points each... that hurts. Hurts so much I called to see if a Cat 3 was availible for the 7 day double dip Oct 14th 2006 cruise that we rebooked on board(phantom ressie planning to switch to Oct 2007)... there was one availible and it would only be 1200 more for that one, than a Cat 3 for the DVC member cruise which as we know is a 4 day no spa cruise....

That being said... we are doing the member's cruise! DH wants to do a 4 day and wait for the 7 day in 2007 when the kids are older...a point I kinda of agree with... and we can only do the F&W fest if we do the 4 day. We both think a 4 day with 3 nights at WDW afterwards is the way to go. And although other 4 day cruises durning the F&W fest may be cheaper.... they wont have 2 stops at CC.... DH's favorite part of our 3 day cruise.

We will pay cash for the adults and do points for the kids.. 255 points just for them... Phew.... but the timing is right, the itinerary is right, so we are going for it.

Sooooooo anyone else still in now that the prices/points are out??

[WDWSTAR]

it looks like it went up about $300 more for cat 6. hmmm and any answer on ms making you book the first person on points? :faint:

[4greatboys]

I heard the tips are included in the prices so that must be why its so much higher.
We are planning on going--if we can snag a cabin.

[WDWSTAR]

I know dvc doesnt charge for the booking fee of $75, but the tips are included? Is anyone disappointed that the wonder is only going to cc, sea cc ?

[UsedtobeSmith]

I was hoping for Key west CC CC lol

I called ms you can pay all cash, points and cash or all points. I forgot to ask about if it included tips. It has in the past, so I dont see why it wouldnt now, esp with raising the prices.

I am still in shock of the 28 point increase for 3-5th kids. 255 vs 191 for the kids....

I am now wavering.... lol I will call and book it on Dec 3rd, but part of me is saying skip it... no spa which would suck since I could ditch ALL my kids this time and spend the whole day in the spa.....

So now I am thinking a 4 day in early Dec, and a short trip to WDW in Oct for the F&W. And then rebooking my Oct 14th2006 7 day to a 7 day in late 2007.

[cobbler]

I would love to go but that is just way to much cash for 4 people in the cheapest catergory. 3300 and that is if it sleeps 4. Not to mention the cost of getting down there and back.

Guess this is one of those I will have to save for and go in 07.

[WDWSTAR]

I dont know why DCV doesnt have a 7 night cruise, they wont have a hard time booking the whole cruise. I just dont know if its worth 2 days at cc and a day at sea to be on the phone all day trying to get thru to MS to book.
I can stay the poly conc. for a week. LOL

[UsedtobeSmith]

Well I have talked myself back into trying for the member cruise.

We will borrow just about all our points and only pay $1935 out of pocket for the Cat. 3. If Mid ships Cat. 3's are gone, we will do 2 Cat 6's for $1317 cash... and both require Lots and lots of points... which means giving up a whole other WDW vacation..... but everything, timing wise is perfect for this cruise... DH wanted to do a 4 day next (and wait until 07 for a 7 day) He LOVED CC a lot.... and we both are majorly feening for F&W fest. Soooooo for us it is worth the extra points, besides, it actually worked out so that we had the exact number of points for DH's golfing trip to HHI in March if we get the Cat 3... What are the odds??? 84 points exactly.... Kizmit

So we are going for it. WOO HOO!!!!

Now... to beat out 30000 other DVC members on Dec 3rd.

Now that our 2006 trips are planned out.... I gotta start working on 2007!! LOL

[WDWSTAR]

Laura :dust for speedy fingers for dialing :dust

[tjkraz]

Here's what arrived in the mail today:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/Disney/SAVE0106.jpg

[UsedtobeSmith]

Thanks so much for scanning and posting the mailing! I just checked my mail and nothing today.... But the invite for the Chicago Shin Dig makes up for it! LOL

Cant wait for next week!!!

[mssparrrow]

Hi,

Would to take a cruise again! Haven't been since 2002 but it's too many points and don't like the itenary!

[UsedtobeSmith]

POINT CHARTS ARE UP!!!!!!

[Deep-Thots]

Did we want to post the number for MS in public?

Kim

[UsedtobeSmith]

The Fitness Center located in the Vista Spa and Salon will be unavailable during this sailing. Most fitness equipment will be available in an alternate location for your convenience. The Vista Spa and Salon will remain open during this time and regular spa services will continue to be offered.


Just added to the member site!!! The SPA WILL BE OPEN!!!

[4greatboys]

Did we want to post the number for MS in public?

Kim

Yes please.