Dissapointed in Allseastravel:Update posted!

[Buddy Bear]

Another happy All Seasons Travel customer, here. Chuck and his crew are are helpful and knowledgable. I've booked 4 cruises with them and they have handled a few trickey situations for me.

I highly recommend them.

I totally agree, they are very nice folks at AST, I just don't get it.

I basically have two options:

1. Dial 1-800-951-3532, speak to a nice DCL cast member and ask for a Cat 6 - (Pick a Date) - Main dining - Transfers: NO - Insurance: Yes and I'm done.

2. I can call a TA and they can do the same thing and now I can't call DCL for any follow-up because a TA has my reservation.

In reality I always book while on a cruise so I don't even have to make the phone call and the early booking and onboard credit I get is as good or better than a TA.

As I stated before, I don't get it. I have TA friends who can't give me a good reason to use them. As a matter of fact, I sometimes speak to TAs to see if they can give me some helpful hints and I always find that I know more about the travel subject than they do.

 

[SeaSpray]

We booked with All Seasons Travel the first time because of their excellent price. DCL was HUNDREDS of dollars more expensive, as were every other Travel Agent that I got price quotes from. (yes, comparing apples to apples).

We booked with All Seasons Travel for the second time because of their excellent service.

Having said that, I like to plan and control my vacation plans to a large degree. We did the REAS package on our cruise last year but *I* personally called Debbie at DCL Dining and didn't involve All Seasons at all because there was no need to. Debbie had no problem dealing with me directly. At other times I had specific questions that I wanted a DCL rep to answer and again, they had no problem answering my questions.

Yes, when you book *ANY* type of vacation through a travel agent they "own" that reservation and any changes must be made through them. But it doesn't mean that you can't be greatly involved in the planning process of your vacation, and it doesn't mean you can't contact DCL (or whichever kind of vacation you are taking) to ask questions and make certain arrangements.

I think booking through All Seasons Travel is the best of the both worlds

 

[Buddy Bear]

But it doesn't mean that you can't be greatly involved in the planning process of your vacation, and it doesn't mean you can't contact DCL (or whichever kind of vacation you are taking) to ask questions and make certain arrangements.

That is not the case with me. I called DCL a few times in regard to our Nov cruise and every time I got the same pleasant response. "Sir, I am sorry, but you are going to have to contact your travel agent to talk about your reservation" so that is the last time I book with a TA

 

[Carol36]

All Seas was wonderful last Sept. when the hurricane hit and our cruise was delayed on the Mariner of the Seas. They kept us updated and that was a big comfort in that situation. We were able to cruise a few days later. Since then, we have booked two more cruises thru them.

I love to plan our vacations myself and have not had a problem speaking with anyone at RCCL or DCL about our cruises! Give All Seas another try! You will be pleased!

Carol

 

[eagmommy]

I love allseas travel. We have booked two DCL cruises with them and had positive results. Chuck even called us himself to thank us for booking with them and to see if he could answer any questions. Also, they have the best prices around!

 

[rejobako]

I totally agree, they are very nice folks at AST, I just don't get it.

I basically have two options:

1. Dial 1-800-951-3532, speak to a nice DCL cast member and ask for a Cat 6 - (Pick a Date) - Main dining - Transfers: NO - Insurance: Yes and I'm done.

2. I can call a TA and they can do the same thing and now I can't call DCL for any follow-up because a TA has my reservation.

As I stated before, I don't get it. I have TA friends who can't give me a good reason to use them. As a matter of fact, I sometimes speak to TAs to see if they can give me some helpful hints and I always find that I know more about the travel subject than they do.

In general, I agree with your premise that TAs aren't much use in booking a "stand-alone" trip like a cruise for a savvy consumer who knows how to use a computer or telephone to call the travel-provider directly to book. However, with respect to AST vs. DCL, I would suggest that in almost every case, AST will beat DCL's prices, and in some cases (mine, for example), their rates are substantially less. I think the reason for this is that, by purchasing blocks of cabins from DCL in advance, DCL gives the TA a discount, and thus some portion of that savings is passed along to the consumer.

If price was no object for me, I wouldn't "get it" either. When I saved $500 by booking with AST as compared with DCL's rates, however, I "got it" just fine.

 

[westjones]

If price was no object for me, I wouldn't "get it" either. When I saved $500 by booking with AST as compared with DCL's rates, however, I "got it" just fine.

If you are the type that books the day dates are released, the discounts aren't really all that much different to book directly versus using a TA. But as time goes on and DCL prices go up and the TAs have blocks of rooms locked in at lower prices, then it does make a difference.

I would use a TA to save $500. But it is nicer to just handle things yourself for about the same price.

So plan to book early. I already know when I want to book my 2007 cruise for, and will be watching the board later this year (last year the 2006 dates came out the end of September) for when they release those dates.

 

[lookingforward]

I have personally felt the sting of frustration during the recent hurricanes. We had a four night cruise booked during Jeanne in September. It was very difficult not being able to "discuss" our reservation with DCL as all the changes were ongoing. When we called to discuss the 40% refund we were told to talk to our travel agent. At the time we were with Small World Travel and it was very difficult to get through to our agent. I had to call and email five times to finally get my $75 rebate.

Some cruise agents are simply wonderful and are experts on cruising. Others are not so knowledgable and get mad when a lot of questions are asked. I have found that as an active DIS member I sometimes know more about particular cabins or discounts than they do. Knowledge is power, but I would gladly pay a few hundred more for personal service and expert advice...if I could find someone reliable.

 

[kbkids]

We just booked with AllSeas, and I've been VERY pleased. I could find the dates I was wanting with other agencies, but no one else was able to guarantee me main dining. Chuck and his team did it with no problem! The price was great! And the followup has been superb! John was our agent, and he did a great job. I would highly recommend them and definitely plan on using them again.

 

[lookingforward]

Just wanted to post and tell everyone that I received a kind and heartfelt email from the owner of Allseastravel, Chuck. He was very detailed and concerned about my complaint. Obviously he is open to feedback and willing to listen when people are not satisified. I am impressed. I emailed him back and that allowed me to explain exactly what happened (in my opinion) and that is what customer service is all about. I feel better about this agency and wanted everyone to know. Thanks!

 

[Buddy Bear]

However, with respect to AST vs. DCL, I would suggest that in almost every case, AST will beat DCL's prices, and in some cases (mine, for example), their rates are substantially less. I think the reason for this is that, by purchasing blocks of cabins from DCL in advance, DCL gives the TA a discount, and thus some portion of that savings is passed along to the consumer.

If price was no object for me, I wouldn't "get it" either. When I saved $500 by booking with AST as compared with DCL's rates, however, I "got it" just fine.

I usually book so far in advance and onboard whenever possible so AST's or any other TA's prices are not better. For instance I booked Nov 2005 while onboard in Aug 2004 - nobody had a better price although for some strange reason because I was compelled by all the positive TA threads I moved the reservation to AST; just to be nice they dropped the fare another $100.00, but I would give back the $100 to have the booking back with DCL.

The day the 2006 rates came out last September I booked a 7-day for Aug 2006 that wound up being the lowest 7-day rate I ever gotten since 2003. Again, not one today could offer me a lower rate so at this point I just don't see why I would want to use a TA.

 

[ericamanda01]

Just wanted to post and tell everyone that I received a kind and heartfelt email from the owner of Allseastravel, Chuck. He was very detailed and concerned about my complaint. Obviously he is open to feedback and willing to listen when people are not satisified. I am impressed. I emailed him back and that allowed me to explain exactly what happened (in my opinion) and that is what customer service is all about. I feel better about this agency and wanted everyone to know. Thanks!

That's wonderful! Chuck and the AST gang are wonderful.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

O.K. all you All Seasons TA's lurking here......this is not a "flame" but an opinion. As all companies are only as good as their smaller peices I am sure you can have a great experience with one TA and a horrible experience with another at the same company. Weather a realtor, carsalesman etc.......that being said let me tell you why I book dierctly thru DCL...........

We were booked on the "cancelled" 11/29/02 Eastern sailing. The Saturday of Thanksgiving weeked. We were to sail with friends of our whom had never sailed and book thru their TA. We had 2 nights booked at a WDW resort (Thanksgiving and Friday) then the sailing. People were getting sick on cruise ship for a couple weeks before we were to sail, I was in constant communication with DCL asking about a possible cancellation. Well Wednesday evening at 5:30 while we were picking up "altered" dresses DCL left a message on our voice mail saying "your sailing has been cancelled, you will be recieving a full refund". We called our friends, who thought we were joking. They called DCL and couldn't get any info, they had to go thru their TA.....ever tried to get ahold of a TA @ 6:30 the night before Thanksgiving? We were all to be on a flight @:6:50 a.m. the next morning.....if we hadn't called them how would they have known? I rebooked an extra night and then a 4 night Wonder sailing, then 2 more nights at WDW. They found theit TA at home and the TA was able to "piggy back" the changes I made......for that reason I ALWAYS bokk my own sailing.........JMHP!

 

[westjones]

People were getting sick on cruise ship for a couple weeks before we were to sail, I was in constant communication with DCL asking about a possible cancellation. Well Wednesday evening at 5:30 while we were picking up "altered" dresses DCL left a message on our voice mail saying "your sailing has been cancelled, you will be recieving a full refund". We called our friends, who thought we were joking. They called DCL and couldn't get any info, they had to go thru their TA.....ever tried to get ahold of a TA @ 6:30 the night before Thanksgiving?

This is why we are going directly through Disney for now on too (unless there is a BIG difference in price). We had a different problem, which was eventually resolved by our TA (not AST). It got so frustrating and I just wanted to talk with DCL directly BUT they wouldn't talk with me!

As I said, all ended well, but it would have been a LOT less frustrating if I could have handled it myself.

If you know when you want to sail far in advance and you book when the dates are released, there doesn't seem to be very much of a savings at all with a TA. It only seems to happen if you wait a long time to book and then DCL prices have gone up (and a TA has some rooms reserved already at the lower price).

My advice, figure out your 2007 dates in the next few months, and be ready to book the day they release the new dates (I know what we want and am just waiting for release dates).

Then you will be all set and can handle your own reservation yourself.

DJ

 

[ericamanda01]

O.K. all you All Seasons TA's lurking here......this is not a "flame" but an opinion. As all companies are only as good as their smaller peices I am sure you can have a great experience with one TA and a horrible experience with another at the same company. Weather a realtor, carsalesman etc.......that being said let me tell you why I book dierctly thru DCL...........

I understand just where you are coming from. But let me say this about AST, our honeymoon was in Sept last year during the insane hurrican season. We were so worried that our cruise was going to get cancled. I am a bit of a worrier and I was on the phone with AST at least once a day for a week before we left. They were always there and kept us updated on our cruise. With that said I also want to add that I know they were flooded with calls due to all the cancelations but they were always very professional and nice. They even had a DCL gift in our stateroom for us when we arrived.

 

[dzneprincess]

I usually book so far in advance and onboard whenever possible so AST's or any other TA's prices are not better. For instance I booked Nov 2005 while onboard in Aug 2004 - nobody had a better price although for some strange reason because I was compelled by all the positive TA threads I moved the reservation to AST; just to be nice they dropped the fare another $100.00, but I would give back the $100 to have the booking back with DCL.

The day the 2006 rates came out last September I booked a 7-day for Aug 2006 that wound up being the lowest 7-day rate I ever gotten since 2003. Again, not one today could offer me a lower rate so at this point I just don't see why I would want to use a TA.

FYI I also book my trips WAY in advance. IE i booked my 05/27/06 the day the rates came out and my 09/16/06 on board my 11/27/04 sailing......I always than transfer my ressie to Dana at www.micdan.com and she has always been able to lower my fares even more. I am talking about more then $100. If you havent checked with her, it may be well worth it to give her a call at the number listed on her website. She is a delight to talk to.

 

[dzneprincess]

O.K. all you All Seasons TA's lurking here......this is not a "flame" but an opinion. As all companies are only as good as their smaller peices I am sure you can have a great experience with one TA and a horrible experience with another at the same company. Weather a realtor, carsalesman etc.......that being said let me tell you why I book dierctly thru DCL...........

We were booked on the "cancelled" 11/29/02 Eastern sailing. The Saturday of Thanksgiving weeked. We were to sail with friends of our whom had never sailed and book thru their TA. We had 2 nights booked at a WDW resort (Thanksgiving and Friday) then the sailing. People were getting sick on cruise ship for a couple weeks before we were to sail, I was in constant communication with DCL asking about a possible cancellation. Well Wednesday evening at 5:30 while we were picking up "altered" dresses DCL left a message on our voice mail saying "your sailing has been cancelled, you will be recieving a full refund". We called our friends, who thought we were joking. They called DCL and couldn't get any info, they had to go thru their TA.....ever tried to get ahold of a TA @ 6:30 the night before Thanksgiving? We were all to be on a flight @:6:50 a.m. the next morning.....if we hadn't called them how would they have known? I rebooked an extra night and then a 4 night Wonder sailing, then 2 more nights at WDW. They found theit TA at home and the TA was able to "piggy back" the changes I made......for that reason I ALWAYS bokk my own sailing.........JMHP!

I hear ya Lampskies, but that is why I use a TA that specializes in DCL. I could not imaginve using a TA that doesn't. I get frustrated when I call up my local AAA office and try to ask them anything about WDW and AAA. I know more then them!

 

[RobinMarie]

UPDATE as of 4/9/05

Just wanted to post and tell everyone that I received a kind and heartfelt email from the owner of Allseastravel, Chuck. He was very detailed and concerned about my complaint. Obviously he is open to feedback and willing to listen when people are not satisified. I am impressed. I emailed him back and that allowed me to explain exactly what happened (in my opinion) and that is what customer service is all about. I feel better about this agency and wanted everyone to know. Thanks!

Thanks for the update.

People who are not satisified ought to contact the vendor to offer them an opportunity to make good. They can't improve customer service without feedback.

I'm glad it worked out for you.

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

(Sorry in advance if it's too long)

I am an avid planner. I have booked all of my traveling by myself. 8 trips to Disney World and my own family says that I missed my calling and should have been a travel agent. I too was not convinced that I should give up the ability to make changes myself. However I do think that there is an added bonus here that some have overlooked - personalized service. TA's especially mine at AST (John) has really gone above and beyond, making sure that I got the exact stateroom that I requested, along with the seating I wanted. I shouldn't even say wanted, NEEDED, we are traveling with an autistic child who needs to have a quiet place to go (cabin) and I have heard that there are many cabins that have noise due to hallways, engines, nightclubs etc. For the first time cruiser, it can be very daunting. I had booked my cruise before finding these boards. I had the Passporter DCL and that was it. I was on the phone constantly with John, asking questions regarding my son and his care while onboard and whether or not the trip was right for us to do, to the point that I was sure that I had to be annoying him and he was always so polite and said that he completely understood why I was so concerned. In my case with a special needs child, I have so much on my plate already, that I love the ability to let someone else do the calling, manuevering etc. to get me the vacation I want. I know that even if I had found out the information (on the boards) before I had booked my cruise, I still would have used AST and John, he has been invaluable. I too had difficulty in connecting with TA's, the TA at AAA made me feel like I was bothering her by even requesting a quote and another TA (who came highly recommended on this board) could barely return any of my phone calls for a quote) prior to me finding AST and i called them on a whim - on a Sat. afternoon no less.

I am just someone who believes in rewarding good service and I feel bad that people may be turned off from using AST or any TA.

Just MHO, for what it's worth.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

I agree Dzneprincess, remember we ALL have a GREAT advantage over most travelers.....thanks to Dreams Unlimited.....THESE BOARDS!!!! I do believe that there IS way more experts here on DCL than any one travel agent could possibly give....with the exception of "super sailor" Barb!!