Time to Book-1st Timer Question - The DIS Discussion Forums

gone2disney · 01-25-2013, 07:15 PM

I am ready to book out first cruise.

Just wondering how people book? What's best-online yourself, AAA, other online travel agent? Just wondering if there is an advantage as to one over another.

Desi · 01-25-2013, 07:20 PM

We've found Dreams Unlimited the most helpful. Top notch customer service.

jdb in AZ · 01-25-2013, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone2disney

I am ready to book out first cruise.

Just wondering how people book? What's best-online yourself, AAA, other online travel agent? Just wondering if there is an advantage as to one over another.

DCL doesn't discount, so there's no $$$ advantage for one over the other. Tho some travel agents will give you an onboard credit, money to spend on the ship. Some people prefer to book for themselves, giving them control over their reservation. We use a travel agent, especially when new bookings open and the phones/web site are beyond busy. And we do enjoy that onboard credit.

Meghatron · 01-25-2013, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone2disney

I am ready to book out first cruise.

Just wondering how people book? What's best-online yourself, AAA, other online travel agent? Just wondering if there is an advantage as to one over another.

We get personalized service from a dedicated agent via phone or email, plus an onboard credit, at no extra cost through http://smallworldvacations.com.

kcashner · 01-25-2013, 07:31 PM

Given your options, I use "other travel agent."

I checked out our local AAA office once--found the person behind the computer was just that. SHe knew nothing. She had never been to WDW or on a DCL ship. All she knew was what her computer said, despite the office having a sign proclaiming them to be Disney specialists.

There are lots of good agencies where the agent YOU will talk to has been on the ship (and not 13 years ago!), has been to Disney training, etc. Many give an onboard credit or other "thanks for booking with us" gift as well as their excellent service. There are also agencies that are not like that--shop carefully and evaluate both the agency and the agent. You're "buying" both! No personal experience = not for me.

bahacca · 01-25-2013, 10:50 PM

Another option mentioned here is Costco. While you do not get an on board credit, people have mentioned receiving a cash card AFTER the cruise is over for more than the on board credits other agencies offer, so if saving money is a priority over personalized service, this could be a good option.

scrappinginontario · 01-25-2013, 10:56 PM

I just booked our first cruise last week and chose Small World Vacations. We go to WDW annually and I help friends book trips all the time but have no cruise experience so knew I wanted someone to help me out. Kathy has already been a wealth of knowledge and I love that she's only an email/phone call away.

Hope you find something that works for you!

01-25-2013, 07:15 PM	#1
gone2disney Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 157	Time to Book-1st Timer Question I am ready to book out first cruise. Just wondering how people book? What's best-online yourself, AAA, other online travel agent? Just wondering if there is an advantage as to one over another. __________________ 11/04 AKL 12/05 AKL 12/06 AKL 02/08 GF 09/08 WL 06/09 BC 09/10 BC 09/11 GF

01-25-2013, 07:20 PM	#2
Desi Seek color and ye shall receive... There are many Tag Fairies.... no-one said they're all girls though! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: GA Posts: 357	We've found Dreams Unlimited the most helpful. Top notch customer service. __________________ Cruise #1 Disney Magic Nov.14-21-2009 Double Dip Cruise #2 Disney Dream Nov.13-18 2011

01-25-2013, 10:56 PM	#7
scrappinginontario DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 772	I just booked our first cruise last week and chose Small World Vacations. We go to WDW annually and I help friends book trips all the time but have no cruise experience so knew I wanted someone to help me out. Kathy has already been a wealth of knowledge and I love that she's only an email/phone call away. Hope you find something that works for you! __________________ Mommy DD4 Amazing Trips with DD: Apr 2010 (3 days), Nov 2010 (2 days with grandparents), Aug 2011 (8 days with DN and Nana), Nov 2011 (2 days with grandparents), Aug 2012 (10 awesome days with just the 2 of us!), Nov 2012 (2 days AoA LM with grandparents and DN)

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01-25-2013, 07:31 PM	#5
kcashner DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 33,275	Given your options, I use "other travel agent." I checked out our local AAA office once--found the person behind the computer was just that. SHe knew nothing. She had never been to WDW or on a DCL ship. All she knew was what her computer said, despite the office having a sign proclaiming them to be Disney specialists. There are lots of good agencies where the agent YOU will talk to has been on the ship (and not 13 years ago!), has been to Disney training, etc. Many give an onboard credit or other "thanks for booking with us" gift as well as their excellent service. There are also agencies that are not like that--shop carefully and evaluate both the agency and the agent. You're "buying" both! No personal experience = not for me.

01-25-2013, 10:50 PM	#6
bahacca Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: 15 minutes East of Disneyland Posts: 409	Another option mentioned here is Costco. While you do not get an on board credit, people have mentioned receiving a cash card AFTER the cruise is over for more than the on board credits other agencies offer, so if saving money is a priority over personalized service, this could be a good option.