Best TA for OBC

[Mrslissaaa]

I booked first cruise trough AAA. I didn't know about OBC. Which travel agents offer the best OBC? I don't cruise until December. Should I wait to book until then? Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I booked first cruise trough AAA. I didn't know about OBC. Which travel agents offer the best OBC? I don't cruise until December. Should I wait to book until then? Any information is greatly appreciated.

It's a good idea to contact several TAs and get the information as to what (if any) booking perks they offer.

I do know AAA has no booking perks (time was they offered a small photo package as their perk). Some TAs offer lots of onboard credit, other just a small one, still others have no perks.

It's always a good idea to book a cruise as soon as you know you want to take it. Prices are typically lower the further out you book.

 

[Mrslissaaa]

Do I use a local TA or one from the Internet who specializes in Disney cruises?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Do I use a local TA or one from the Internet who specializes in Disney cruises?

Personally, I'd look into a TA I can contact whenever I wanted, and who knows me and what I want from a trip.

But, then the only times I've used a TA, I hated it. So I book directly now.

 

[SleepyDeb]

If you're a USAA member, they give a discount. Sometimes they give an OBC too. I wouldn't say they are the MOST responsive in getting back to you with questions, but I'm willing to accept that in exchange for the discount.

 

[Mrslissaaa]

If you're a USAA member, they give a discount. Sometimes they give an OBC too. I wouldn't say they are the MOST responsive in getting back to you with questions, but I'm willing to accept that in exchange for the discount.

Thanks, I am a USAA member and I did not know this.

 

[SleepyDeb]

Thanks, I am a USAA member and I did not know this.

Sign in to your account, go to Products, and then, on the bottom right is "Travel Deals".

 

[OKW Lover]

Us a TA specializing in Disney. Dreams Unlimited (who sponsors these DIS Boards) has proven to be a great choice for us. They offer On Board Credit based on the cost of your cruise.

 

[Stringbean49]

I booked through a TA and used my disney visa. I'm getting $50 from the TA and $50 for every $1000 that the cruise cost. Should get about $600 in credits PLUS accrue more on the Disney Visa

 

[minnie56]

Costco typically offer OBC's on cruises...
Other agents will, but it's part of their commission they're giving you.

 

[OKW Lover]

Costco typically offer OBC's on cruises...
Other agents will, but it's part of their commission they're giving you.

This is true of any agent, including Costco.

 

[JCinMN]

Costco doesn't offer OBCs but the offer Costco gift cards that you receive after you sail. The amount is based on the cost of the cruise and I found it to be a good deal.

 

[minnie56]

This is true of any agent, including Costco.

Yes it is. They have the volume to relinquish most of it and are willing to!!

 

[minnie56]

Costco doesn't offer OBCs but the offer Costco gift cards that you receive after you sail. The amount is based on the cost of the cruise and I found it to be a good deal.

I've seen OBC's also ..

 

[Lisa Lisa]

I've seen OBC's also ..

I've booked several cruises through Costco Travel. They give cash cards for DCL cruises (usually 8-9% of cruise fare) and OBC for some other lines. We're getting $430 in OBC for our RCCL Med cruise in June.

 

[MillauFr]

Why do the cruise lines still offer commissions? Seems unfair to me that the people who chose to book direct with Disney have to pay for service they aren't using.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If you're a USAA member, they give a discount.

Disney doesn't allow TAs to discount their price. If a TA gives a discount they could lose Disney's commission, from what I've read.

 

[JW9DVC]

Costco typically offer OBC's on cruises...
Other agents will, but it's part of their commission they're giving you.

Costco does not do OBC on a Disney cruise. They do give a very nice Costco cash card at end of the cruise.

 

[plutolovr]

Why do the cruise lines still offer commissions? Seems unfair to me that the people who chose to book direct with Disney have to pay for service they aren't using.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. The cruise cost no more or less when you use a travel agent. The shipboard credit that an agency gives is coming out of their commission.

 

[SleepyDeb]

Disney doesn't allow TAs to discount their price. If a TA gives a discount they could lose Disney's commission, from what I've read.

They have a point system. You earn points by booking cruises and then you use the points to pay part of the price. Every member starts out with a certain number of points. USAA is an enormous, very highly respected company that provides services only to active duty Military, veterans, and their families. I am certain that what they are doing is above board and within Disney rules.