Costco or TA

[ascardino]

Curious what folks think/would do when booking a new reservation: Costco which offers a pretty generous cash card back on a booking vs using a TA that offers a fraction of the amount in an OBC.

We have used a TA in the past and it is nice to have a specific point of contact to ask questions or in case of an issue. But I am having a hard time turning away from over $250 in cash back.

She did mention that if for example there were a hurricane, those who had TA's faired better somehow.

I wouldn't pinch pennies and overall could justify $50 - $100 swing.

WWYD?

 

[bumbershoot]

Costco is a TA. Might not be the same one to contact each time, but I don't really have questions for a TA anyway. Better info here generally. And when inhale contacted them they are very good.

 

[jlemieu1]

My last 3 cruises I have used Costco without an issues. I guess it depends on how much help you want. If you can do on your own use Costco. If you need help Dream does a very good job.

 

[MillauFr]

I always use Costco. Just don't expect any hand holding.

 

[ludari]

My friends have used Costco for several non-Disney cruises and received great deals. I have only used a TA for my 9 Disney Cruises and 1 non-Disney cruise and I enjoy the service I receive from my TA. I usually give my TA all my travel parameters (dates, ships, ports, budget, passengers, etc) and I let them do all the research. They call me back with all the various details and I usually make my decision from that point. I also like that sometimes my TA (they are a small company) is on the same cruise as me and we typically walk every morning, enjoy a meal together and they usually host drinks/appetizers in their suite. On one of my Transatlantic cruises my TA arranged a special tour for it's passengers on board which was the same price as the Disney Excursion but we had less people, nice roomy vans, private guide, lunch and a bottle of local wine to bring back on the ship.

 

[Kritn4]

I have booked 3 Disney cruises with Costco. No regrets.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I use a TA, but that is mainly because of the relationship. If she ever quit working, I'd use Costco. Costco can afford to give a higher percentage back. TAs are giving you a portion of their commission and their commission is actually quite small. If you are one who needs to ask your TA lots of questions, I'd stick with that. If you are basically using them as a booking agent, you will do fine with Costco.