Costco New booking vs. Transfer booking

[cruisehopeful]

Does anyone know if there is a difference between booking a new cruise at Costco vs. transferring a cruise? I booked one direct because it's a 2 night cheap cruise and wasn't worth dealing with a TA, but now see that I could get $140 back from Costco if I booked through them instead. I like my current room location, so not interested in a cancel/rebook at this time.

Has anyone transferred a cruise to Costco lately? What did they offer? It probably won't be worth it to me if it's half of what a new booking gets.

Additional Q, can I pay with a Mastercard? I know the warehouses only allow Visa, but when I buy stuff online I can use any card. I have a MC that has the type of trip insurance I want as long as I pay for the entire trip with it.

 

[dcassetta]

Does anyone know if there is a difference between booking a new cruise at Costco vs. transferring a cruise? I booked one direct because it's a 2 night cheap cruise and wasn't worth dealing with a TA, but now see that I could get $140 back from Costco if I booked through them instead. I like my current room location, so not interested in a cancel/rebook at this time.

Has anyone transferred a cruise to Costco lately? What did they offer? It probably won't be worth it to me if it's half of what a new booking gets.

Additional Q, can I pay with a Mastercard? I know the warehouses only allow Visa, but when I buy stuff online I can use any card. I have a MC that has the type of trip insurance I want as long as I pay for the entire trip with it.

People are still reporting getting the full card value with a transfer. I suppose that could change in the future. You must have booked the cruise within the last 30 days to transfer.

Yes, you can use Mastercard for Costco travel.

 

[cruisehopeful]

People are still reporting getting the full card value with a transfer. I suppose that could change in the future. You must have booked the cruise within the last 30 days to transfer.

Yes, you can use Mastercard for Costco travel.

Thank you. I just gave them a call and it sounds like it is going to work out in my favor.

 

[DahliaRW]

Last two cruises I booked straight through DCL on opening day, after 72 hours when holds expired I was able to go in and snag a better cabin directly, and then transfer to Costco. Both times same amount of "perks" with the transfer. Like the pp said, it could change, but it sure it nice right now!

 

[Davistigers]

We always book directly with DCL (for pricing offers and best info with the operator/rep) and then transfer to Costco. No problem getting the Costco benefit (cash card).

 

[cruisehopeful]

I'm not sure if I will transfer this cruise now. It took 2 days for them to email the form to me. They said it will take 3 business days from when I return it before it is transferred and then to call them after that. My issue now is that my check in date is coming up on Dec 28. I wanted to PIF by then so I would be able to book my PAT and hopefully a brunch. It's my first time booking as gold, but I feel like I'll need that first day to be able to get my brunch and PAT, because I always needed to get right on it when I was silver. I realize I my booking date is still before all the silver and brand new cruisers, but worried I'll miss out if I don't grab stuff that first day.

On top of that, I work retail and have a commute. My only days off this week are Christmas day and Sunday. Unless Costco Travel is 24hours (it may be, idk), it might not even be possible for me to do the phone call after 3 days.

 

[mmouse37]

Don't worry so much about booking Palo online. They do hold some reservations back for booking on the first day onboard. Get in line about 20 minutes before the Navigator stated time for Palo reservations.

MJ

 

[DahliaRW]

Give them a call today, explain, and see what they say. The call is to just verify it was done. I don't think I've ever had to call, I always got the email confirmation within that time frame. Though you'll want to do your payment online or call it in as soon as you get the confirmation. You may be able to give them your card information now and set up autopay. We've done that before.

 

[Sytrace]

I'm not sure if I will transfer this cruise now. It took 2 days for them to email the form to me. They said it will take 3 business days from when I return it before it is transferred and then to call them after that. My issue now is that my check in date is coming up on Dec 28. I wanted to PIF by then so I would be able to book my PAT and hopefully a brunch. It's my first time booking as gold, but I feel like I'll need that first day to be able to get my brunch and PAT, because I always needed to get right on it when I was silver. I realize I my booking date is still before all the silver and brand new cruisers, but worried I'll miss out if I don't grab stuff that first day.

On top of that, I work retail and have a commute. My only days off this week are Christmas day and Sunday. Unless Costco Travel is 24hours (it may be, idk), it might not even be possible for me to do the phone call after 3 days.

DCL is closed Christmas day, but they are open on Sunday and Christmas Eve. You may want to take that into consideration when contacting Costco.