Ahoy There, Kelly!
Welcome to planDisney, and thank you so much for sailing by with your question! How exciting that you are planning to enjoy dazzling places you never knew on a
Disney Cruise Line cruise. Our family has used our Disney Vacation Club Points several times to sail to the great wide somewhere, and it's one of my favorite ways to experience Disney.
Kelly, when you use your Disney Vacation Club Points to pay for your Disney Cruise, it does not cover gratuities, unfortunately. It only covers the cruise fare and all that is included in that fare, such as most meals, included entertainment, and included activities. However, all "extras", including any activities, excursions, or add-ons you add to your cruise, and gratuities for your Stateroom Hosts and Dining Team, are not included in the cruise fare. You can put your gratuities on a credit card at the Front Desk on your cruise, and they will provide a slip for you to put in the gratuity envelope to hand to the Crew Members. Additional charges for things like alcohol, Bingo, dinners at the adults-only restaurants, purchases in the shops, high-speed wifi, or any beverages not included in the cruise fare, etc., will be expenses for which you will be responsible while onboard the ship, and usually a credit card is required to be on file for these incidentals.
If you are an eligible Disney Vacation Club Member, be sure to stop by the DVC desk on board the ship to find out about Member events on board the ship and receive a special gift. You may also be eligible for
on-board DVC discounts if you are an eligible Member as well.
I hope this helps you, Kelly, and you have the most magical sailing on earth. If I can help you with any further Disney vacation planning questions, sail back here to see me, and I'll be so happy to help you.
Anchors Aweigh!
Keri