Calling all Visa Point Users! Please help me do the math

[4merlurker]

OK so I've searched and read at least 100 threads regarding Visa points.:eek: My head is spinning and I'm so afraid of messing this point thing up. Here is my situation:

Sailing Oct 2009

Booked a D2 Balcony for $1619 per person

Booked an L inside for $1099 per person + $699 for 3rd person

 

Have $75K points on one card and 40K on another.

 

I THINK (:confused:) my best option would be to use 50K points to Upgrade on a 9 to 12 night Caribbean cruise for two (oceanview stateroom to minimum available balcony stateroom, excluding suites).*

 

Today, the OV is selling for $1299 I don't know what it sold for when I booked (I know it was more than the $1099 inside) - Do they apply todays rate or "the when I booked rate" ????

 

What's the best scenerio here?

 

Also, the kids are in an inside - I'll still have the 25K leftover plus 40k on the other card. I know I can upgrade them to an OV for 15k but we are on deck 9 and like the higher decks. I don't think there are any OV's for 3 up there. I guess I can always take money off their fares??

I just want the best bang for my buck.

 

What would you experts do???

 

Thank you soooo much!!!

~Connie

[temple1]

The good news - you don't have to worry about it now. Double check with the VISA points number - but if you aren't sure how you will use your points - and if you think your 40,000 point card will be over 50,000 points in a few months - wait until about a month before your cruise and cash them in. But call the VISA points number first - they will help you with that.

[4merlurker]

Well, I am worried now because I'm not sure whether they apply "todays" rate or not. If prices drop it many not be such a great deal to use the upgrade option.

 

right?

 

~C

[temple1]

The main reason to wait - is to accumulate more points. You've already booked the balcony cabin. When you cash in your points they will basically apply the value to your reservation.

 

When DH and I used 50,000 points on a 3 nighter over Christmas we used points - it was a discount on the price of our cabin of up to $500 each for 2. We got a free cruise. We were originally going to use it for an upgrade on a 5 night sailing. Any way they do it, it shows as a reduction on what is due on the cabin. If there are price drops along the way, you are eligible for them.

 

Hope this helps.

[printingchick]

If I am understanding your question correctly, today's rate is irrelevant. You would upgrade from one category to another - regardless of the rates.

 

I've never upgraded to balcony, but I always book inside and upgrade to OV. The only stipulation on my upgrades is that the cost difference cannot exceed $300. It did on one ship, and I had to pay the difference. Typically, it falls well below the $300 maximum.

 

Your travel agent will track all this down for you if you're using one. Mine has been hugely helpful in sorting through the VISA points confusion.

[Shanafan]

Are you doing a 7 night cruise. If so I would use the 75,000 for your companion fare. You can still book a balcony, they would just take the cost off the lowest price OV when you call with your certificate number.

 

If you are doing longer than 7 nights, it doesn't hurt to ask if you can take it off your cruise. I once used our 7 nights for 2 people points for an 8 night stay on the Jewel of the Seas. Normally they do not let you use it on an 8 night, but there were several sailings that were an exception. It doesn't hurt to call and ask.

 

Your best bet is to call and ask them directly.