Alaskan Cruise plans, help requested

[mullysisters]

We are changing our mind about the Pacific Coast cruise and planning on an Alaskan cruise first. We think a coast cruise to DL in 2023, if the pixie dust is there for us.
Is there an advantage to using a TA for our first ever cruise, and booking through one of those sell-off agencies or what we usually do, book directly through Disney?
I have been looking at all the reviews. Other cruise lines are certainly less expensive (by three fold sometimes) but our family loves Disney and misses our yearly trip to WDW. We are thinking end of August or first week of September. Any advice appreciated!

 

[daedelus]

We book directly with Disney then transfer the reservation (within 30 days) to Costco Travel. We've also booked directly with Costco in the past, they're great when it comes to working with DCL for you and they helped me save a ton of money on our rebooked-rebooked-rebooked cruises that got canceled due to the plague.

Alaska is absolutely amazing - the pictures can't do it justice. DCL is more expensive, yes. But if you're Disney fans, it's totally worth it. Plus the service and experience are second to none. We've sailed Alaska once and were supposed to be there right now actually (cancelled cruise #3) and prefer the May/June cruises. August is a little late in the Alaska season and you might get significantly colder weather (which some people prefer).

Regardless, you'll have an amazing time in Alaska - it's a must see destination.

Cheers!

 

[mullysisters]

What is the benefit of transferring your DCL ressie to Costco please. We're Costco members too.

 

[tvguy]

Always worth using a Travel Agent. A professional books your trip at no additional cost to you.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

I used a Dream Unlimited rep for our Alaska cruise and I would recommend them. Got me the exact stateroom I wanted, plus Onboard credit and a gift tote filled with useful items that we actually took on our cruise.

 

[HiStitch626]

What is the benefit of transferring your DCL ressie to Costco please. We're Costco members too.

You get a Costco card that is usually about 8% of the cruise price, and if you are executive members you get 2% back as part of your annual rebate check.

 

[JWelch62]

You get a Costco card that is usually about 8% of the cruise price, and if you are executive members you get 2% back as part of your annual rebate check.

Costco absolutely will get you the best savings in the form of Costco credits. But, the only feedback I have regarding them is from our very good friends who had a terrible experience related to service. I would say if you want to use a TA find one that specializes in Disney Cruises, or has a lot of experience with DCL. Our first few cruises we used a TA, but since then I do the work myself. I have control issues.

 

[HiStitch626]

Costco absolutely will get you the best savings in the form of Costco credits. But, the only feedback I have regarding them is from our very good friends who had a terrible experience related to service. I would say if you want to use a TA find one that specializes in Disney Cruises, or has a lot of experience with DCL. Our first few cruises we used a TA, but since then I do the work myself. I have control issues.

I agree. I’m not sure Costco would be my first recommendation for someone who is brand new to cruising or needs a lot of advice. But for an experienced cruiser the Costco card is hard to beat.

 

[vacay77]

I use a travel agency because I get onboard credit. Definitely ask about onboard credit if you go that route. I’ve also received a tote bag and lanyards.

*Edited to add, I’m not sure if I can reference a particular travel agency so I removed the name of the travel agency I use.

 

[Geomom]

Definitely book with a TA that gives on board credit (or go thru Costco travel to get a gift card after the cruise.). We use Dreams Unlimited who is a sponsor of these boards. They do everything by email. I love to plan, so I do all the research myself and just tell my TA what rooms I'd be happy with, and I don't have to wait on hold when my reservation needs to be done by phone (to apply discounts from on board bookings.) I love having "free money" to spend on the ship. It also helps cover the gratuity that gets added at the end of your cruise ($13.50/day/person in room...covers stateroom host, head server, server, asst server.).

We loved our August 2016 Disney Alaskan cruise. It was our first! Sailing late August/early September is the cheapest time. I would suggest booking an oceanview room vs verandah as you can save thousands of dollars and there are plenty of places on the ship to see the view outside. We like deck 2 (9C) near the aft elevators, port side. Category 9B would be great too...but most only sleep 3 and we're 4. Not sure how many are in your family...if it's 5 there's only the family veranda that fits you or you can book connecting rooms... just have to put 1 adult in each room.

 

[mrp4352]

Absolutely agree with using a travel agency for the on board credit!

You might consider poking around at the different ports offered by the different cruise lines to see if any "sing out" to you. For me, while I absolutely adore DCL (platinum cruiser), I prefer Princess for Alaska because of Glacier Bay. DCL doesn't have the rights to cruise there. I would also highly recommend any cruise that stops in Sitka.

All of that to say - no matter who or where you cruise in Alaska, it is absolutely one of the most stunning destinations available!