DVC is going all-out to promote the S.S. Member Cruise 2008. Within days of the conclusion of the 2007 cruise--during which the 2008 cruise was announced--members began receiving mailers announcing the '08 event. Now DVCMember.com has been udpated with a slew of additional details.
Following is a sample of the information provided on DVCMember.com:
Disney Vacation Club is returning to the Disney Wonder® for a 4-night Caribbean cruise from September 21 - 25, 2008, offering the following itinerary*:
Sunday: Set Sail from Port Canaveral, Florida
Monday: Arrive at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise
Tuesday: Engage in exclusive S.S. Member Cruise events during a full day at sea
Wednesday: Return to Castaway Cay
Thursday: Return to Port Canaveral, Florida
The points chart has also been published for the cruise:
2008 Member Cruise | Reservation Points |
12 Standard Inside Stateroom | 116 |
11 Standard Inside Stateroom | 116 |
10 Deluxe Inside Stateroom | 124 |
9 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom | 131 |
8 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom | 144 |
7 Deluxe Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah | 162 |
6 Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah | 173 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah | 181 |
4 Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah | 208 |
3 One Bedroom Suite with Veranda | 320 |
ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS | |
3rd / 4th Child (ages 13 and up) | 86 |
3rd / 4th Child (ages 6 - 12) | 78 |
3rd / 4th Child (ages 3 - 5) | 77 |
3rd / 4th Child (ages 2 and under) | 17 |
Cruise bookings will begin at 9am EST on Saturday, November 17, 2007. Due to high demand for the member cruises, interested members should arrange to call immediately at 9am and plan to remain on the telephone for several hours while Member Services representatives service all waiting members.
Member Cruises are a little bit different than standard Disney Cruise Line bookings in a few ways. First, DVC waives the booking fees normally associated with using points for DCL voyages. The cost of the cruise (in points or cash) also includes all tips for cruise line staff. No additional tipping is expected.
In terms of the voyage itself, expect activities and presentations that are geared toward DVC members. There will be some sales element involved with the presentation, but participants should feel no obligation to purchase additional points. Special incentives may be offered as well. Guests on the recently-concluded 2007 cruise were offered free passage on the 2008 cruise (category 6 stateroom) with the purchase of 250 DVC points.
Participants can expect a number of surprise giveaway items throughout the voyage, as well.
The members-only website has an extensive list of helpful information for members planning to book the cruise. Reviewing this information is highly recommended.