Bournemouth forced a succession of early corners, but much of the action was low key until Vale sparked briefly into life.
Sam Togwell fired into the side netting from Danny Sonner's pass, then James O'Connor cleared off the line after Gareth Stewart dropped Chris Birchall's cross.
Birchall, Vale's Trinidad and Tobago international, delivered a succession of dangerous crosses from the right and the visitors were relieved to hear the half time whistle.
Bournemouth attempted to up the tempo at the start of the second period and 20-goal striker James Hayter should have done better than miss his kick from Callum Hart's low cross.
Brett Pitman shot wide from distance in the 53rd minute before Vale retaliated with Leon Constantine's deflected effort clutched from underneath the crossbar by Stewart.
The home fans, who had been incredibly subdued, began to vent their frustrations around the hour, urging Vale into greater efforts.
Vale boss Martin Foyle responded by introducing young striker Louis Briscoe for Constantine 19 minutes from time.
And Bournemouth manager Sean O'Driscoll also made an attacking substitution three minutes later with the experienced Steve Fletcher replacing Pitman.
The visitors did threaten during a goalmouth scramble five minutes from time before Hart eventually headed over the crossbar from 10 yards.
But that was about it for a holiday crowd who let their feelings known at the final whistle.