Pricing should always be the same with a TA or direct with DCL. Payments, any changes (room, passengers, date, etc.) must be done through the TA. But you can still do your own online check-in and such. It's mostly just personal preference whether people like to use a TA or not. As you've noted, some TAs offer onboard credit.
Enjoy your cruise!
We sail in May so my plan is to book a placeholder then transfer to dreams unlimited before paying it off.
And, typically, a transferred reservation gets a lower OBC than if the reservation was booked directly through the TA to start with. Except for Costco.All transfers must be done within 30 days of initial booking -- and that includes placeholders. Don't wait until just prior to PIF.
Enjoy your cruises!
All transfers must be done within 30 days of initial booking -- and that includes placeholders. Don't wait until just prior to PIF.
Enjoy your cruises!
Does Disney offer OBC only at certain times? When I price out the cruise through DCL direct, I see no mention of an OBC.
I attempted a TA once and her response time was horrible. She seemed to be on a lot of vacations herself I transferred back to Disney and happy as at least I get their time when needed. While I lost $100 extra on board credit it wasn't worth the headache of having the frustration of no response! I don't imagine this is the norm.
Any reason not to book a cruise with a TA as opposed to straight through Disney? Pricing seems to be the same, but we get OBC with the TA. Please let me know your thoughts.
With Costco does the rewards come on a cash card that can be used anywhere or is it a costco card?We have used Costco since we found out they give 8 to 9 % of your cruise cost back in a cash card. For our next cruise it is a $1045 card.
In general you dont use the TA for much anyway. You really only need them to change dates or cabins, and that can be done in a phone call.
You do all the excursions and extras, etc online on the DCL website as soon as your sail date gets closer.
I booked on short notice through Costco once. They sent me a Costco Cash Card a few weeks after the cruise. I used it at Costco and didn't ask if I could cash it out to use somewhere else. You can go through the booking process online without actually booking and see exactly how much the Cost Cash Card will be. DCL only pays travel agents 10% of the cruise fare (for normal travel agents). Costco must have some leverage with DCL to be able to offer such a high rebate or they just don't care that they aren't making any money on the cruise.With Costco does the rewards come on a cash card that can be used anywhere or is it a costco card?
Whats the details with this? Is it as simple as being a Costco member, booking through Costso and them sending you a "cash card" worth 85-9% of your cruise?
THIS. I love getting the onboard credit from the TA and working with them, but if you want ot be hands on with your reservation and get immediate results and answers, then a TA wouldn't work for you.