Booking DCL vs Travel Agent

[malbergotti]

We have done one cruise and are doing the Magic in April. I have booked both of these cruises thru the DCL website. Is there a significant difference in using a travel agent? We did not book a new cruise on our first cruise because we didn't know any better...wont make that mistake again. Any advice appreciated as we will definitely be looking to book another

 

[Bishoparc]

The biggest benefit is the onboard credit offered by many TA's. Depending on the TA and cost of your cruise you can get anywhere from $50 on up. (Which even $50 will help cover your gratuities.). The price you pay for the cruise is the same.

I still like to maintain control of my cruise and I can still do that (such as book your own excursions). One other difference is that you will make payments to the TA as compared to DCL. Many do offer online payments.

 

[Birddog32]

We just booked a cruise through Costco. They were the same price as Disney, but we got a cash card for booking with them. The cash card will be mailed to us once we finish our cruise.

 

[Monual]

It's the age-old question. Costco makes the most financial sense. However, they know squat about Disney Cruises, and it will be more of a hassle to make any changes or on-board reservations or excursion reservations. A good TA will have lots of helpful knowledge and will gladly change a reservation if possible. TA's will also keep an eye out for discounts and apply them if your trip qualifies; Costco couldn't care less.

I prefer a TA just because I find their expertise useful and because I don't want to keep having to check back for new discounts.

 

[o&smom]

It's the age-old question. Costco makes the most financial sense. However, they know squat about Disney Cruises, and it will be more of a hassle to make any changes or on-board reservations or excursion reservations. A good TA will have lots of helpful knowledge and will gladly change a reservation if possible. TA's will also keep an eye out for discounts and apply them if your trip qualifies; Costco couldn't care less.

I prefer a TA just because I find their expertise useful and because I don't want to keep having to check back for new discounts.

We have done 6 cruises booked ourselves with Disney. We are getting ready to go on another this summer that we transferred to Costco. They have been very helpful and accessible. Any excursion or Palo/Remy reservations are made by you online when your booking window opens.

 

[Mitura]

When we rebook on board our TA's name appears on the reservation, so they get the sell but we do the legwork. We still get the onboard credit. I don't know if this helps or not.

 

[ladybugmommy84]

I agree the biggest benefit is the onboard credit and you will have that go to person to ask questions and get the right answers. I love it and it is defintely surprising for me because I am a do it yourself person but the agency I use allows me to do just that.

 

[ludari]

I like the personal service I get from my TA and not to mention the little bit of shipboard credit doesn't hurt either. For example I am waiting patiently for DCL to release the remaining itineraries for 2017 and just before the public can book these cruises my TA will send out an email to it's customers with the itineraries so we (the customers) can provide our wish list so the TA can jump on opening day prices. Another personal example is sometimes I give my TA my travel perimeters (i.e. passengers, dates, destination, etc.) and let them do the research and get back to me with the prices.