Anyone have experience with redeeming DCL discounts?

[mktt]

We sailed on the Fantasy Jan/Feb 2016 and engine issues caused us to miss Castaway Cay and arrive late at Port Canaveral. Everyone on the ship received a letter stating they were getting a $200 OBC and 20% off the next cruise taken within 24 months.

We're interested in perhaps a Jan/Feb 2018 cruise and would want to redeem our discount. The letter says:
"...contact us (or have your travel agent contact us) after Monday February 8, 2016 at 407-566-7000 or 1-866-858-7416. All you have to do is simply reference your current reservation number to receive the 20% discount off the voyage fare of your next cruise taken within 24 months."

So would I call them now and make sure they have the discount on file so it gets applied when they see our castaway club numbers show up in a new reservation? Or would I book at full price when they release the 2018 cruises and then call to have the discount applied?

If I use a TA and book at full price, would we lose benefits (OBC etc.) after the cost of the sale goes down due to the discount?

Any other tips on the process of redeeming discounts?

Thanks

 

[kellymonster23]

I was also on this cruise!!! I called recently to find out the exact date that the offer expires. When I called the discount showed up to the CM I was speaking too and she told me when I had to complete a cruise in order to use the 20% off. Once booking opens I will call to book to have the discount applied right away.

 

[gismo1554]

I had a voucher I used this year. My TA moved my placeholder to a cruise so I had a reservation number. I then had to send the voucher along with a letter & my reservation confirmation email print out to DCL and wait. Eventually (after 4 weeks) I chased my TA who contacted DCL and they resent the invoice. When I checked it the discount had been applied although nowhere did it actually say it was discounted. It was all rather confusing as I had to dish out my original invoice to work out the discount had come off.

Oh sorry I read this as a you had an additional discount. Same principle applies though with the 20% off offer. It wont show on the invoice separated out.

 

[clten]

Make sure your TA has the information on your prior sailing (which earned you the discount). When they make your reservation (they will have to call rather than book it through their website/portal), they can have the 20% applied so there never is a "full-price" booking. That way you don't have to put extra money down on the deposit and your TA has made the initial booking for you so you will get their full benefits.

 

[mktt]

That's for the replies. They're very helpful.