Can you get better cruise deals through different agencies or on your own?

[DisneyMotherOf2]

We have a quote from Small World Vacations for a cruise in April 2018. We're new to cruising and didn't know if you could get better pricing from one agency to another? Or even on your own. We're DVC and military, but know military pricing specials only happen a short time out - so that's not really an option right now. We have a room being held for us, but wanted to double check before booking to see if we're missing out somewhere else to save money potentially. TIA!!!

 

[Dug720]

The rates are supposed to be the same across the board as DCL doesn't allow agencies to discount the prices. I guess some may take what they might give in OBC and remove it from the cruise fare, but that is unusual.

 

[NS8VN]

What Beth said, every place is supposed to show the same price. I booked my upcoming cruise through Costco and the price was to the penny exactly the same as if I were to book directly with DCL. You can get some cash back on a cruise, such as On-Board Credit (OBC) or in Costco's case a gift card after the cruise, but not all agents offer this.

On a similar topic, be wary of any agent that accuses other companies of inflating their prices to provide OBC. I have seen this done before and it was a pretty blatant attempt to try retaining a client who was considering going to another company that offered OBC. You will not find a reputable company that offers a Disney Cruise for more than booking direct, it is just up to them whether to offer any additional financial incentives.

 

[DisneyMotherOf2]

Thank you both!!!

 

[ludari]

I have friends that have their booking preferences. One friend prefers using Costco, another who uses her military discounts and I'm loyal to my TA. We have compared prices on the few times we traveled together and they all have their perks from gift cards, shipboard credit, etc. I believe that the lowest price for the actual cruise is from my friend who uses her military discount, however my friend who uses Costco does receive a large gift card.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

We like booking through dreams unlimited, might give them a shot. Nice OBC and my rep has been very responsive to my needs and questions. Her name is Kerry. My parents have used her also.

 

[Plaid Princess]

Personally, I have never found the credits to be worth the hassle of going through a TA. I like handling my booking myself, so calling and waiting if I want to change something.

 

[Billinaz]

In our 15 cruises, I have tried several things. Our first booking I used Expedia (never again). Then I used a TA that gave OBC credits. Now I book it myself and transfer the reservation to Costco. I only wish I found it sooner. You get a Costco cash card that is worth 8 to 9 % of your cruise cost. In our case since we book higher level rooms, it adds up to a lot. Our next cruise gets us a $1045 cash card.

No hassle at all. I book the specific cabin I want and get it all set up with DCL (opening day on the phone, or online after that) and just fill out a form to transfer it to Costco. Then I use the Costco travel site to make the payments. You book any excursions, etc you wanton the DCL webpage so you really dont have any extra added hassle at all.

Dont get confused if the prices on the Costco webpage seem higher. The cruise cost is the exact same as everyone else, including DCL. When you get to the last booking page it shows the correct price.

To get an idea of the cash card you would get either use 8.5% of your cruise base fare (not taxes) or set up a dummy booking on the costco travel website and see what size cash card they give you. I am confident that no TA gives a better OBC.

 

[Plaid Princess]

Our first booking I used Expedia (never again).

I can't agree with this enough. I work for an airline, and I beg my friends and family not to book anything on sites like Expedia. If anything goes wrong, you are pretty much SOL. They have your money, and that's it.

Then I used a TA that gave OBC credits. Now I book it myself and transfer the reservation to Costco. I only wish I found it sooner. You get a Costco cash card that is worth 8 to 9 % of your cruise cost. In our case since we book higher level rooms, it adds up to a lot. Our next cruise gets us a $1045 cash card.

No hassle at all. I book the specific cabin I want and get it all set up with DCL (opening day on the phone, or online after that) and just fill out a form to transfer it to Costco. Then I use the Costco travel site to make the payments. You book any excursions, etc you wanton the DCL webpage so you really dont have any extra added hassle at all.

Thanks for sharing this! I didn't know you could transfer a booking to Costco!

 

[Billinaz]

I can't agree with this enough. I work for an airline, and I beg my friends and family not to book anything on sites like Expedia. If anything goes wrong, you are pretty much SOL. They have your money, and that's it.



Thanks for sharing this! I didn't know you could transfer a booking to Costco!

There is a time limit (I think 30 days) but I do it right away so I dont miss out on the cash card.

 

[bcwife76]

A friend of mine is looking to book her first cruise and came across a site called American Discount Cruises. Sounds kind of fishy to me, she says the prices are lower than all other sites....um....I don't think so, thought that wasn't possible? Trying to discourage her from using that site, looking up reviews etc. Will try and get her to move on to Costco at least ;-)

 

[NS8VN]

Just ran through the cruise we are booked on. Looks like they are just taking part of their commission and applying it directly to the cruise price. No idea how legitimate the company is, but the price difference doesn't look much different than when you factor in a Costco card.

 

[Billinaz]

Discounting the price like that has not been permitted by DCL for many years. I put dummy info in and it does give a little less of a cruise cost, but Costco still beat them.

Nobody has heard about these guys, I would be very careful. Ask DCL if they are legit.