Cruise Math

[PeelBoy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeelBoy]

It is RCI's fault since their implementation of TPU I find I have too many timeshare weeks to get rid of. This year, both RHC and DRI have cruise options.

I have booked via RHC a Carnival Freedom Week. Points required is 21666 (options available for inside, outside and balcony) for an outside cabin, i.e. $568.73 (MF pro-rated). All inclusive fee (taxes, port charges, daily service charge, and insurance) is $1,066 for two. The total is $1634.73.

If I book the same via cruise agent, cost will be $2,065 + $184 (daily service charge) = $2,249.00.

I save $614.27, which is not a bad way to use the RHC points.

I also have booked via DRI (their online, not redemption of 10000 points for $700) NCL Pearl. The total points required is 15000 for a balcony cabin (the only option), which is all inclusive including daily service charge. The cost is $2,100 (MF pro-rated). If I book the same via a cruise agent, I will pay $2,328 including daily service charge.

I save $228, which is not as good as RHC. DRI has other cruise destinations, e.g. Alaska, Baltic, Mediterranean and Hawaii which are more cost effiective than Caribbean.

I wish these cruise options could continue in future years.

[PeelBoy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeelBoy]

I returned from my Carnival Freedom cruise booked via RHC. I talked about the point effectiveness in last post. After my reservation, I was not sure if RHC would be reliable, so called Carnival and was told they did not have my information. Carnival however advised me that travel agent would not provide them with any information until 4-6 weeks before departure. I received the e-doc about 4-5 weeks before departure, and since there everything went smoothly as if I were booked through Carnival.

Overall, a very satisfactory experience. Will pick cruise option again next year.