When I first joined Disney Vacation Club (DVC), I assumed the points I was buying would mostly go toward hotel stays at Disney resorts. But like many people, I quickly found myself asking: does Disney Vacation Club include cruises too, or is it just for hotel accommodations?
That question sent me down a rabbit hole of DVC member guides, point charts, and forums. Now, after years of using our membership and experimenting with how to get the most value out of it, I can share what I’ve learned.
The answer is yes, you can use DVC points for Disney cruises—but there are some serious caveats worth understanding before you book your stateroom with points.
Does Disney Vacation Club Include Cruises? Here’s What You Need to Know
The short version: yes, Disney Vacation Club members can use their points for Disney Cruise Line sailings, but it’s generally not the best use of your points.
Cruises fall under the “Disney Collection” rather than the core DVC resorts, which means they come with additional rules, fees, and often poor value for your points.
Still, if your goal is flexibility or a big once-in-a-while splurge, using points for a cruise is an option. Just don’t expect it to be the smartest financial move.
Key Points
- Using DVC points for cruises often gives you less value than using them for resort stays.
- You’ll need to pay a $95 transaction fee to book a cruise with points.
- Cruise bookings with DVC points must be made through Member Services, not online.
What Using DVC Points for Cruises Actually Looks Like
Let me walk you through the reality of trading your DVC points for a cruise.
If you normally use your points to stay at Disney Vacation Club resorts, you’re likely getting around $18 to $22 in value per point, depending on your home resort, the time of year, and how you book.
But when you use those same points for a Disney Cruise Line sailing, the value can drop significantly—often to around $8 to $10 per point. That’s less than half the value you’d typically get by staying at a DVC resort.
For example, a 4-night Bahamian cruise in a standard inside stateroom for two guests might cost 310 points in the summer. Meanwhile, those same 310 points could get you 7 nights at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas or 5 nights at a Polynesian Deluxe Studio during a peak season.
And on top of the high point requirement, you also have to pay a $95 non-refundable booking fee.
One major downside: if you cancel your cruise reservation, your points don’t go back into your regular DVC bucket. They become “reservation points,” which can’t be banked, borrowed, or used at other DVC resorts. That limits your flexibility a lot.
If you’re curious about how DVC points work more generally, this deep dive on how Disney Vacation Club works lays it all out clearly.
When Using Points for a Cruise Might Make Sense
That said, I’m not completely against using points for a cruise—you just have to be strategic.
We once had extra points that were about to expire and didn’t have the flexibility to travel to a resort. In that case, applying them toward a cruise made sense for us. It wasn’t the most efficient use of our points, but it allowed us to make the most of what we had left.
Here are a few scenarios where using points for a Disney cruise might work:
- You have banked or borrowed points that are close to expiring and can’t be used elsewhere.
- You’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime sailing, like a Mediterranean or Alaska cruise, and you’re okay with the point cost.
- You already own a large number of points and prioritize convenience or unique experiences over point value.
For most members, though, it’s more efficient to rent out your DVC points and use the cash to pay for the cruise directly.
As of now, most rental services offer between $18 and $22 per point. So, if you have 300 points, you could potentially rent them out for $5,400 to $6,600—more than enough to pay cash for a stateroom on most Disney cruises.
This strategy often gives you more flexibility and value—especially if you use a trusted service like Disney Vacation Club rentals.
How to Book a Disney Cruise with DVC Points
If you decide to book a cruise with your points, you can’t do it online. You’ll need to call DVC Member Services directly to check availability and make your reservation.
Be prepared with alternative dates or itineraries. Cruise availability through DVC can be limited, especially for popular sailings like holiday weeks or summer break.
Also, keep in mind that cruise redemptions fall under the “Disney Collection,” which means you must qualify for Membership Extras. This benefit is only available to members who bought their points directly through Disney (not resale).
If you purchased on the resale market, you won’t be able to use points for cruises, Adventures by Disney, or other non-DVC options in the Disney Collection.
You can read more about eligibility and perks here, or explore the official Disney Vacation Club site for current point charts and restrictions.
Other Options for Your DVC Points
If you’re not convinced that a cruise is the best use of your points, there are several better options to consider.
- Book a Deluxe Villa at one of the DVC resorts during high season. These are often booked up early and can be a great way to stretch point value.
- Use points for unique properties like Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.
- Rent your points and use the income to travel outside the Disney ecosystem altogether—whether that’s a cruise, international trip, or even paying off your annual dues.
Not sure what membership costs to begin with? Here’s a full breakdown of the cost of Disney Vacation Club membership.
And if you’re trying to figure out whether DVC fits your travel style, this honest post on whether Disney Vacation Club is worth it lays out the pros and cons in a realistic way.
Final Thoughts
So, does Disney Vacation Club include cruises? Technically, yes—but in reality, it comes with trade-offs.
It’s an option, but not one I’d recommend for most members looking to get maximum value. Between the high point cost, limited availability, and extra fees, you’re usually better off saving your points for resort stays or renting them out.
That said, if you’re sitting on extra points that you won’t use otherwise—or you’re planning a bucket list cruise and don’t mind the trade-off—then go for it. Just do it with your eyes open.
If you’re just getting started or want to understand the broader scope of how DVC works, definitely check out our full guide on Disney Vacation Club.
