Large cruise ship sailing at dusk, with calm ocean waters and a moonlit sky.
  • On Apr 27, 2026
    Amanda from PA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Is it possible to book a cruise with a placeholder reswrvation and pay using DVC points? How does that work? Would I book the cruise first then call DVC to cover the balance?

    Welcome Home, Amanda - and welcome back to planDisney! It's always a great day when I get to chat with a fellow Disney Vacation Club Member and help with some magical vacation details. You've got a friend in me, and I'm here to track down the information you need. Let's hop to it!

    This is a great question - it hadn't occurred to me that DVC Members could use Vacation Points for a sailing with Disney Cruise Line booked with a Placeholder Reservation. Genius! I spoke with Member Services, who confirmed that you can indeed use points toward a voyage with DCL that you have booked onboard. 

    Once you book your placeholder and are back on land, the friendly folks at Member Services will be awaiting your call!  They can handle all of the details to access your points and make the actual reservation for your desired sailing.

    Amanda, there's a couple of details that it's important to know if you're planning to use points. For starters, at least one Guest in your stateroom must be paid for entirely with Vacation Points. This can be a child or infant Guest, who will use fewer points. You can use points or cash for any remaining Guests. 

    To complete the transaction, your Vacation Points will be converted to Reservation Points. This carries a one-time, non-refundable fee (currently $95, subject to change). If you cancel the cruise, the points will remain as Reservation Points. 

    I'm so excited for you to enjoy a well-deserved cruise, Amanda! Thanks so much for sailing on back to planDisney, and please come see us again anytime if we can help with other questions about your DVC Membership or an upcoming Disney adventure. 

    Stay (and Sail!) Magical!
    Susan
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Meet the Panelist: Susan, Michigan

Hi there! I'm Susan, a mom and pixie-dusted pediatric nurse from Michigan. Our family has been making Disney memories for four generations, and I'm so excited to help you plan your own magical adventures as part of the planDisney panel. Welcome home! Learn More About Susan

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