Explorer Collection Experiences??

[crjask]

I am exploring (pun intended) my options with elected Destination points from cancelled reservations. If I cancel now I can use my expiring banked points for Interval. If I wait, the points (5K) will go into a holding account. I am thinking the holding account may be a better option for us.

Can anyone explain how the Explorer Collection works? Can points from a holding account be used for it within the 120 day restriction?
Is it any good? I am thinking we may want to treat ourselves to a luxury hotel after this is over!

Can people who have used it share their experiences? Thanks for any information.

 

[Pamplemousse]

I’m not completely clear on what you are asking.
If you are asking can you have MVC convert BANKED points into a week and deposit that into II to be exchanged into a non Marriott over the next 2 years the answer is yes.
If you are asking if the same can be done with holding account points the answer is no.

 

[Katfan]

We used points in a holding account for a cruise through the Explorer Collection. Since we also needed to borrow a hundred or so points from the following use year we had to call to book. Not sure if you have to call with hotel booking just using the holding account points. We had no problems at all with the process. I have looked at the hotel offerings and some seem better deals than others (just like the cruise options). If you are going to lose the points then it doesn't really matter if the booking is a good use of points - something is better than nothing. And we had a wonderful time on our cruise!

 

[Fasttr]

We used points in a holding account for a cruise through the Explorer Collection. Since we also needed to borrow a hundred or so points from the following use year we had to call to book. Not sure if you have to call with hotel booking just using the holding account points. We had no problems at all with the process. I have looked at the hotel offerings and some seem better deals than others (just like the cruise options). If you are going to lose the points then it doesn't really matter if the booking is a good use of points - something is better than nothing. And we had a wonderful time on our cruise!

Did you book the cruise within 60 days of setting sail. Its curious that they let you use Holding Account points for this.

 

[crjask]

I just did a live chat on MVC and was told that points in a holding account can be used for hotels and cruises but not airfare or golf. I think that is good news for all of us who will be trying to use holding points next year from this year's canceled reservations.
I have decided I would rather have the points go into the "extended" holding account then put them in II. We are retired and are not locked into a short travel period like young families.

 

[Katfan]

Yes we had to wait for the 60 day window to book the cruise. Booked in late October 2017 for a Christmas 2017 cruise. Points expired on December 31, 2017 so it was definitely use them or lose them. In July 2017 we canceled a 10 day CA trip for September. DH decided he couldn’t wait any longer for knee replacement surgery.