DCL - Booking in the UK

[Beezymouse]

Hi

I realise this is slightly off topic as there is a DCL forum so apologies.

Anyway I'm looking for a UK based travel agent to book a Disney cruise with. I've tried Thomas Cook - NO. Thomsons - Yes, but had a bad experience with them before so would rather not use. Virgin - only till the end of 2009 I believe.

Anyone have any other ideas.

thanks in advance.

 

[jharrowell]

Unfortunately I don't know a UK travel agent that deals with DCL, but why does it have to be a UK agent?

There's several really good US agents that could sort out the criuse, land portion, etc. for you *cough* dreams unlimited *cough* and all you'd have to do is the flights which US TAs can't arrange.

On top of that, the US agents usually make their money from the vacation provider (in this case Disney) unlike in the UK where the agent fleeses us...

 

[gismo1554]

Virgin Cruises is doing 2010 and 2011 definately! Perhaps you could try calling them?

I've booked mine through DCL directly.

 

[wayneg]

Usually booking a cruise package with a UK agent you pay a high premium.
Best way, as suggested, is buy the cruise thru a US agent and book the flights separate, done it this way for 7 cruises now.

For DCL I have used both Disneycruiseline.com direct and for the 1st time this year we used http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/ Same price thru both options but you usually get onboard credit with Dreams.

I once helped someone that had done a cruise package thru a UK agent, they cancelled the cruise part of the package with no penalties thankfully(kept flights and hotel) and rebooked thru Dreams with a $1,000 saving.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I have booked both my cruises direct with Disney - they are incredibly helpful. Even taking the time difference into account I have never waited more than a few hours for an email response to any query. I have also called them direct and again they are very helpful.

 

[cornish pixie]

Another Thumbs up for an American cruise specialist wouldn't use an English one if you paid me due to previous experience.
We use all seas travel who are brilliant.
Good luck whatever you do Cornish Pixie

 

[natalielongstaff]

We booked ours with Dreams unlimited, they have been brilliant

 

[Beezymouse]

Unfortunately I don't know a UK travel agent that deals with DCL, but why does it have to be a UK agent?

There's several really good US agents that could sort out the criuse, land portion, etc. for you *cough* dreams unlimited *cough* and all you'd have to do is the flights which US TAs can't arrange.

On top of that, the US agents usually make their money from the vacation provider (in this case Disney) unlike in the UK where the agent fleeses us...

I thought it'd be easier within the UK but from what I've read on here perhaps not. I guess I was also a bit worried about what happend last year when those airlines went out of business and because people's holidays weren't a "package holiday" they lost their money etc. Perhaps US is the way to gao.

Thanks for your help.

 

[gismo1554]

I thought it'd be easier within the UK but from what I've read on here perhaps not. I guess I was also a bit worried about what happend last year when those airlines went out of business and because people's holidays weren't a "package holiday" they lost their money etc. Perhaps US is the way to gao.

Thanks for your help.

This is the exact reason why I booked the cruise directly with DCL!

Also remember book on a credit card and you're covered! Don't use a Debit card

 

[jharrowell]

I thought it'd be easier within the UK but from what I've read on here perhaps not. I guess I was also a bit worried about what happend last year when those airlines went out of business and because people's holidays weren't a "package holiday" they lost their money etc. Perhaps US is the way to go.

I don't think bookig though an agent is the same as the airline collapse, as a US agent is a "middle man" (in the crudest sense of course) who arranges things for you and get's a commision from the operator.

So, if the agent went under, the booking and payment will still be with Disney, and I can't see them folding any time soon! The only way you could lose out in this situation is if the agent was being fraudulent and keeping hold of your cash and not passing it on.

So, as long as you go with a reputable, recommended company (such as Kevin and the gang) I can't see a problem. But if you were really worried I imagine you could arrange for them to send you copies of the Disney paperwork with confirmations, etc.

I recently booked a vacation through an american agent (The company of a friend of mine but I won't mention them here as they are a rival of Dreams Unlimited) and everything went great. Not only that but as soon as the Buy X get X deal came out, they worked out if it woul;d cost me any more, let me know the amount and transfered over the reservation with no muss or fuss.

Add to that the fact that they are going to arrange thing like ADRs for me, saving me a load of hassle.

I can understand your worries, but I really think a US TA, or if you are feeling more adventurous direct booking through DCL is the way to go.

If you're still nervous, you could always pick up some more comprehensive insurance, just in case...

 

[Melcatfish]

Another thumbs up for Dreams Unlimited - they have been great with our last two DCL cruises and I will book with them again. The onboard credit they offer is a great incentive especially when you are trying to streeeeeeetch the holiday budget

Mel
x