Getting a "Great" rate from DU?

[Stimpy]

I keep reading that everyone gets great rates from DU. I requested a quote from them and another internet travel company. I really liked the response time and customer service so far from DU BUT the rate I got was only $200 less than DCL directly (b/c of the $200 rebate). Our cruise isn't until next April, so I thought we requested it pretty early (and got the early booking rate). The rate I got from the other company was almost $900 less than DU. How does that happen?

I made my ressies with DU, and I REALLY would like to keep them there but $900 is alot of money. The other site took a little longer getting back to me and the security of the transactions has me concerned. Any advice?

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

Who is the other company? Maybe some others have some experience with them.

I'm not sure how it happens, but DU's rates are usually among the best, I've found. At the risk of sounding condescending, make sure you're comparing apples to apples and that the two quotes are for the same thing (cabin category, insurance, transfers, same dates, etc.)

 

[Stimpy]

All the info is exactly the same....I double checked with both companies to make sure. I thought maybe by mistake DU got the rate for a child instead of infant for my DD, but they were right. I gave the same info about castaway club, DVC member, AP holder, AAA member etc.

The other company has been mentioned here before but the TA wanted all my info (Credit Card# and personal info) sent through regular e-mail, rather than a secure site, which makes me really nervous.

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I definitely would not send a CC number through email, but if they can give you that rate, it's worth looking into another way to get them your info. Maybe they can take your card # over the phone? $900 is a substantial savings, but I'd be careful, and keep an eye on your credit card account if you go with the other company.

Good luck!

 

[mousecrazy]

I had a similar experience. The quote from DU was $1300 more for the same 7 day in April, 05 than another TA. Turns out the other agency had reserved a group of cabins on my desired cruise and was able to offer a deeply discounted fare because of it.

 

[Dreamer04]

Maybe I've been under a rock or something, but this is the first time I have heard of savings like these before! Before settling with All Seasons Travel last year, I shopped around. They beat everybody.

I've seen DIS'ers get great rates from AAA, Costco, Expedia...etc, in addtion to Dreams Unlimited and All Seasons Travel. Never a $900, or $1300 difference!

The only explanation I can think of is the number of people being considered.

I would not give my CC# in an email.

 

[dis4me]

I had booke 3 cruises with DU and was very happy wth the customer service. This time with all the talk of All Seasons Travel.I decided to contact them while I waited for a unusually slow DU response. Well The rate was 800 cheaper after DU rebate. I emailed John to question the amounts and he expained to me that it was a group discount with All Seasons and DU had already sold out of their group rate. He said he could not match and very graciously agreed that to save that amount it was worth it.
I did want to give DU the opportunity though as I was loyal to them before. I hope I made the right move but I had seen a lot of references that were positive to that TA.
I would not hesiate to use DU again if the price is right.