Disney Vacation Club points cover both the cruise fare and your onboard expenses

The number of DVC points required for a Disney cruise depends on the ship, the length of the voyage, the cabin category, and the season you sail. Disney does not publish a single point chart for cruises the way it does for resort stays. Instead, you book through Disney Vacation Club directly, and the system shows you the point cost for each specific sailing once you select your dates and cabin type.

A typical 7-night cruise in a standard inside cabin might cost anywhere from 200 to 400 points per person, depending on the factors above. A 3-night cruise in the same cabin category could run 100 to 150 points per person. Suites and deluxe cabins cost significantly more—sometimes double or triple the base rate. The key is that you are paying points for the entire cruise package: the cabin, meals, entertainment, and most onboard activities are included in that point cost.

Key Takeaways

  • DVC point costs for cruises vary by ship, sailing date, cabin type, and cruise length, and you must check the booking system to see the exact cost for your chosen dates.
  • Points cover the cruise fare and most onboard expenses including cabin, meals, and entertainment, but not gratuities, specialty dining, or shore excursions.
  • Peak season sailings (summer, holidays, spring break) cost more points than shoulder or value seasons.
  • You can book a cruise using points alone or combine points with cash in a "points and cash" reservation.

How to find the exact point cost for a specific sailing

Log into your DVC account on the Disney Vacation Club website and navigate to the cruise booking section. Select your preferred ship, sailing date, and cabin category. The system will display the point cost per person for that exact sailing. This is the only reliable way to know the cost, because the same ship on different dates can have wildly different point requirements.

Disney updates cruise point pricing regularly, and prices tend to be higher during school holidays, summer months, and around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. A 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise in January might cost 250 points per person, while the same cruise in July could cost 350 or more. If you have flexibility with your travel dates, checking several different sailings can help you find lower point costs.

What is and is not covered by your DVC points

Your DVC points pay for the cabin, all meals in the main dining room and buffet, most beverages (soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water), entertainment, fitness classes, and most onboard activities. You do not pay extra to attend shows, use the pools, or join group activities.

Points do not cover gratuities (tips for crew members), specialty dining restaurants, alcoholic beverages beyond the included options, spa services, photography packages, or shore excursions. You will need to budget cash for these items separately. Some guests also purchase the beverage package to include premium drinks and specialty coffees, which is an additional cost on top of your points.

Combining points and cash for a cruise booking

If you do not have enough points to cover the full cruise cost, you can use a "points and cash" reservation. You pay some of the cost in DVC points and the remainder in U.S. dollars. This option is useful if you want to cruise sooner than you can accumulate enough points, or if you prefer to preserve your points for a resort stay.

When you book, the system shows you the total point cost and the total cash cost. You decide how many points to use and pay the remaining balance in cash. The cash portion is typically the same price as if you booked the cruise directly without DVC, so there is no penalty for splitting the payment this way.

Peak season versus value season point costs

Disney divides cruise sailings into pricing seasons, and the point cost changes based on demand. Value season sailings—typically in September, early January, and some dates in May—cost the fewest points. Regular season sailings cost more, and peak season sailings (summer, winter holidays, spring break) cost the most.

The difference can be substantial. A 7-night cruise in value season might cost 250 points per person, while the same cruise in peak season could cost 400 points per person. If you are flexible with your dates and want to stretch your points further, booking during value season is the most efficient use of your membership.

Cabin category and point costs

Inside cabins (no window or porthole) are the least expensive in points. Ocean-view cabins cost more, and verandah cabins (with a private balcony) cost significantly more. Suites—including concierge suites and family suites—are the most expensive and can cost two to three times as much as an inside cabin on the same sailing.

A 7-night cruise might cost 250 points per person for an inside cabin but 450 points per person for a verandah cabin. If you are trying to maximize your points, an inside cabin is the most economical choice, though many guests find the extra cost of an ocean-view or verandah cabin worth it for the experience.

How DVC cruise bookings work step by step

First, log into your DVC account and select the cruise section. Choose your ship and preferred sailing dates. The system shows available cabin categories and the point cost for each. Select your cabin type, review the total points required, and proceed to payment. You can pay entirely in points, entirely in cash, or split between the two.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation number. You can then proceed with the standard Disney Cruise Line check-in process, including selecting dining times, booking shore excursions, and adding onboard purchases. Your DVC membership covers the cruise fare itself, but you will manage other expenses through your Disney Cruise Line account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use DVC points for a Disney cruise if I am not a member yet?

No. You must be a DVC member to book a cruise with points. If you are interested in becoming a member, you can contact Disney Vacation Club directly, but membership requires a significant upfront purchase and annual maintenance fees.

Do I need to book my cruise through Disney Vacation Club, or can I use points with a regular Disney Cruise Line booking?

You must book through the DVC website or by calling Disney Vacation Club directly. You cannot explore points to a cruise booked through the standard Disney Cruise Line website or phone line.

What happens if I do not use all my points in a year?

DVC points do not expire within your membership year, but they do expire after a certain period if your membership agreement specifies it. Check your membership documents or contact DVC directly to understand your specific point expiration policy.

Can I transfer my DVC points to someone else to book a cruise?

DVC points are tied to your membership and cannot be transferred to another person. However, you can book a cruise for family members or friends and they can sail with you using your points—the reservation is in your name, but other people occupy the cabin.

Are there any DVC-exclusive cruise sailings or discounts?

Disney occasionally offers special sailings or promotions for DVC members, but these are announced through your DVC account and member communications. Check your DVC email and member portal regularly for any special offers or exclusive sailing dates.