Cruise Planners TA

[jin diesel]

Hi!

I received a good lead on a TA from a DISer (thanks, Linda). He is able to give me a bit of a discount if I transfer my ressie over to him.

I have never used a TA before, and this is my first cruise, so I 'm a little hesitant. (I guess my biggest fear is "what if they go out of business"?)

I was hoping some of you may have some imput with your experiences with this specific agency. I am done shopping around, and this is the one I am considering.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!

 

[kcashner]

With most TAs, your reservation is thru DCL, no matter who books it. The only exception is that there are agents who buy up a block of cabins and then resell them to the public.

Provided that your payments are to DCL rather than to an agent, you have nothing to worry about. If you have a concern, you can always book the ressie yourself thru DCL (making your deposit with them) and then transfer the ressie to the TA. You are then assured that you went thru DCL--and they're not going out of business!

Now....I'm not sure that I'd work without a TA who is a DCL specialist on my first ever cruise. And be careful--all agents claim to "do Disney" but some of them are as dumb as a box of rocks, and I just insulted the rocks. There are a lot of options. There is a lot of good information here.

I'm not sure from your post if you've already made your ressie. In that case, you are finished and there is no downside to transferring the ressie. If you have not made it.....DCL would love to sell you one of their "all inclusive" packages. That means 7 days, whether as land/sea or as a 7 day cruise, and would include transfers and insurance. No doubt, this is the easiest way to book things. However, depending on the season, your choice of resorts, number of people, etc. it may well not be the most economical.

If you are doing a 7 day cruise without Disney World, your only real questions are whether you want transfers thru DCL (if you are flying in), whether you want your air thru DCL, and whether you want insurance thru DCL. Your options include private limo or rental car, booking air yourself, and private insurance or no insurance. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option.

If you are booking a land/sea, there are MANY more things to consider. Each ship cabin is tied to a resort category at WDW. You may want a higher or lower resort than your cabin allows....you may want another type of pass to the parks, etc. Again, each choice has a price tag.

So...for a first timer, a good TA is a huge help. You can get good info here...you can go crazy considering all your options.....have fun!

 

[jin diesel]

Kcashner, thanks for replying. I should have clarified..This is for the PC cruise next year. I booked thru DCL in May and am thinking of letting the TA take it from here becuase he can lower the over-all fare. He is just waiting for me to give him the OK.

 

[webray]

My TA is through cruiseplanners (micdan.com)...the rates are the best..I would definately switch if you can get a better rate. They are top notch..and definately not going out of business, not mine anyway. They have been doing it for a long time..and have been on many, many disney cruises as well as other cruise lines.

If you are not sure about your guy...check out mine.

 

[MagicalPins]

I defently agree with webray, cruiseplanners (micdan.com) is defently the best. I went on a cruise and booked with them last year and loved their service and they had the best prices, I currently have 2 more cruises booked through them and I wont use anyone else.

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

We are also booked on the Panama Canal return cruise through Dana at MicDan.com - Cruise Planners. Dana is the best!! Definitely call her and see if she can meet/beat that other guy's rate.

We have used Dana as our TA for all 3 of the DCL cruises we have been on and have a 4th booked for this Nov. plus the PC cruise next year (#5 for us). She is a fellow Disney enthusiast and I consider her a friend besides being my TA!

You will not regret it if you turn your ressie over to her.

~Nancy~

 

[mrsltg]

We also use cruiseplanners... great service!


Erin

 

[KathyTX]

I also use a Cruise Planners agent for all of my cruises, and she's been great!

She's not a Disney expert (not a problem!), but she's a cruise and ports of call expert, and has snagged me some great deals on other cruise lines.

Cruise Planners is a large and reputable organization. I would not hesitate to use this agency.

(I use Dreams Unlimited for my Walt Disney World trips, Cruise Planners for my cruises. The cruises have been on DCL, Princess and Holland America...)