How can I get my Dreams travel agent to do anything????

[mickeyway]

Wow I have used Dreams for the last three cruises and now I am second guessing using them again. Does Anyone know of a good travel agent to use for cruises? I know I can do it myself, but I like the on-board credit.

 

[RedHead0186]

Wow I have used Dreams for the last three cruises and now I am second guessing using them again. Does Anyone know of a good travel agent to use for cruises? I know I can do it myself, but I like the on-board credit.

I have used Dreams for several cruises in the past few years and have never had an issue-our agent is stellar. If you have an agent you like with Dreams, keep using them.

 

[OKW Lover]

Does Anyone know of a good travel agent to use for cruises?

We use Tracey Heinrichs at Dreams. Have been with her for many, many cruises.

 

[SnowWhite2]

My travel agent called me to say she was able to reduce the cost of my DCL cruise by $1000 - a year after I booked. She keeps her ear to the ground on what changes are being made to fares and will get you a lower fare if they come out. Amazingly, this drop was about a month before PIF date. I could have found out about it on my cruise page and done it myself but I didn’t have to be on hold and make sure they knew about the change and made it properly. She did all of that for me.

 

[DayOhDisMom]

We have use DU and same TA for many sailing however, this past trip last month things just didn’t seam like everything was ok. I had to send more emails requesting information. The same info we always would receive, I received timely replies but the replies seam to drive more back and forth email. I would think if your client always request the same things that information would be provided without additional emails. I.e. Hyatt reservations, transfers, gratuities and travel insurance quotes, This time it felt like she didn’t know us after several years being our TA. For our next trip we’re using a different company to compare, we may miss a OBC.

 

[Mom2Anna&Elsa]

When getting a quote for our first Disney cruise, I emailed a Dreams agent and Small World vacations agent.

Got a quote the day the it opened to new Disney cruisers from Small World. Took several days to get a quote from Dreams. I had already booked with Small World at that point.

I’ve stayed with the same agent from Small World for all three cruises and she’s done a great job for me. Incredibly responsive. Cannot imagine going to anyone else.

 

[GhostHost24]

I guess it's a good thing I haven't seen my dreams agent mentioned as a not good one.. But at same time hasn't been mentioned as a good one.. Not sure how to feel

 

[dreamer17555]

I guess it's a good thing I haven't seen my dreams agent mentioned as a not good one.. But at same time hasn't been mentioned as a good one.. Not sure how to feel

If you are getting good results with your agent do not worry about what anyone else thinks.

 

[GhostHost24]

If you are getting good results with your agent do not worry about what anyone else thinks.

This is first time using one so some of it is I don't know what they can and can't do exactly.

Communication been fine. Quick to respond. I had asked about booking experiences and if they can do it or if I need to. Basically all I got was I should do it. Thought I've seen others do it for the guest but maybe that's them going above and beyond?

 

[dreamer17555]

This is first time using one so some of it is I don't know what they can and can't do exactly.

Communication been fine. Quick to respond. I had asked about booking experiences and if they can do it or if I need to. Basically all I got was I should do it. Thought I've seen others do it for the guest but maybe that's them going above and beyond?

In my experience a Dreams agent will not book experiences on the ship which is something many travel agents can and will do. It is a feature built into the Disney TA infrastructure unlike booking lightening lanes or checking a client in for a cruise which require a work around with MDE passwords so I assume DCL anticipated most agents would book experiences onboard for their clients. Finding an agent willing to be up at midnight EST to snag everything can take a bit of leg work.

 

[MickeyD]

I have used DU for 11 of our 12 Disney cruises. In that time, I have always had the same TA. She has always been responsive, however, I don't expect much other than for her to book the actual cruise. I tell her the room, date, etc., and she calls DCL. Up until recently it was simply for the OBC. I guess I never expected much, other than good communication, which she does. I had to cancel our Fantasy cruise last minute in January and she got right on it, and I had most of my payment back quickly. I did rebook for the Treasure for next year and noticed that I didn't get the "welcome" email, or any follow up, or her monthly newsletter, and when I asked about the Hyatt etc, she did check into it, but then said to "check it out myself." This was highly unusual for her, and it didn't personally bother me because of our long history working together. Just in keeping that relationship, I asked a few questions and come to find out, she had recently moved across country. All that to say, give the travel agents some grace, they have lives as well, and I am sure they are doing their very best to meet everyone's different demands. Finally, maybe I just don't realize what a TA should be able to do? I book all my own excursions, I request my private table, I mention special occasions, and I book transportation and hotel.

 

[dreamer17555]

I have used DU for 11 of our 12 Disney cruises. In that time, I have always had the same TA. She has always been responsive, however, I don't expect much other than for her to book the actual cruise. I tell her the room, date, etc., and she calls DCL. Up until recently it was simply for the OBC. I guess I never expected much, other than good communication, which she does. I had to cancel our Fantasy cruise last minute in January and she got right on it, and I had most of my payment back quickly. I did rebook for the Treasure for next year and noticed that I didn't get the "welcome" email, or any follow up, or her monthly newsletter, and when I asked about the Hyatt etc, she did check into it, but then said to "check it out myself." This was highly unusual for her, and it didn't personally bother me because of our long history working together. Just in keeping that relationship, I asked a few questions and come to find out, she had recently moved across country. All that to say, give the travel agents some grace, they have lives as well, and I am sure they are doing their very best to meet everyone's different demands. Finally, maybe I just don't realize what a TA should be able to do? I book all my own excursions, I request my private table, I mention special occasions, and I book transportation and hotel.

I am all for giving agents grace and if it is someone you have worked with for years, I think giving the benefit of the doubt is a great call. That being said, it takes a moment to shoot off a quick, "I am so sorry. We are in the middle of a move across country. I will be working on that shortly but it might take me a bit longer because of the move."

DCL agents can (and should IMO) book excursions, drink tastings, Royal gathering, BBB, Royal Tea (or Picnic), Palo & Adult Dining, Spa, request private tables, make special requests, process prepaid tips, book DCL transportation pre\post cruise (and most work with other vendors too like FLtours) and book a hotel stay pre\post sailing. Many agents do not book flights unless you are booking them through the cruise line. Also most agents have preset up systems that automatically email you a welcome email, newsletter, etc without much work on their end.

I had a dream agent I used for years, they did not book anything beyond the sailing and sometimes adding on tips when I asked. Sadly, I felt like I was bothering them when I asked for changes even when it was an upgrade that would result in more commission for them. And when I stopped using them I never heard a peep. I would have thought for how often we were vacationing and sailing they might have sent a quick, "Hey I haven't heard from you in awhile, did you see these amazing offers?" sort of email but nothing. If they had, I likely would have booked another cruise with them (and placeholder and so on and so on).

I know Disney so I never expected handholding but when I found out how much agents can do (and should IMO) it was eye opening. Dreams works well for those who want to be up at midnight playing around with booking Royal Gathering and such but its not a good fit for those who want someone else to handle it while they sleep. A lot of times it is a trade off- DU has a solid OBC but since it comes out of the agent's commission it is a balance of expectations and needs.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Can someone tell me how much the actual obc is? For example I have two cabins booked for a Wish Cruise next year and it's about 12k including transfers and Hyatt. Would that net me a decent amount of OBC or is it not really worth my time?

 

[lanejudy]

Can someone tell me how much the actual obc is? For example I have two cabins booked for a Wish Cruise next year and it's about 12k including transfers and Hyatt. Would that net me a decent amount of OBC or is it not really worth my time?

You mean to transfer your booking to a TA? That depends. First off, existing reservations can only be transferred within 30 days; if you make the booking longer out than that it cannot be transferred. If you are within the 30-day window, the OBC from most TAs will be reduced for a transferred reservation. If outside the 30-day window, technically you'd need to cancel what is booked and have the TA make a new reservation (at current rates).

As to "how much" OBC -- last I knew DU had a table on their website that showed OBC amounts. Other agents you might need to ask. Costco is generally ~8% as a cash card after the cruise. Some agents don't receive as much commission and might only offer $25 OBC or maybe a bottle of champagne or a photo package or something. So it really does vary by agency. And I believe the OBC is only based on cruise fare, not hotels or flights or transfers, etc. but that may vary by TA.

 

[MickeyD]

I am all for giving agents grace and if it is someone you have worked with for years, I think giving the benefit of the doubt is a great call. That being said, it takes a moment to shoot off a quick, "I am so sorry. We are in the middle of a move across country. I will be working on that shortly but it might take me a bit longer because of the move."

DCL agents can (and should IMO) book excursions, drink tastings, Royal gathering, BBB, Royal Tea (or Picnic), Palo & Adult Dining, Spa, request private tables, make special requests, process prepaid tips, book DCL transportation pre\post cruise (and most work with other vendors too like FLtours) and book a hotel stay pre\post sailing. Many agents do not book flights unless you are booking them through the cruise line. Also most agents have preset up systems that automatically email you a welcome email, newsletter, etc without much work on their end.

I had a dream agent I used for years, they did not book anything beyond the sailing and sometimes adding on tips when I asked. Sadly, I felt like I was bothering them when I asked for changes even when it was an upgrade that would result in more commission for them. And when I stopped using them I never heard a peep. I would have thought for how often we were vacationing and sailing they might have sent a quick, "Hey I haven't heard from you in awhile, did you see these amazing offers?" sort of email but nothing. If they had, I likely would have booked another cruise with them (and placeholder and so on and so on).

I know Disney so I never expected handholding but when I found out how much agents can do (and should IMO) it was eye opening. Dreams works well for those who want to be up at midnight playing around with booking Royal Gathering and such but its not a good fit for those who want someone else to handle it while they sleep. A lot of times it is a trade off- DU has a solid OBC but since it comes out of the agent's commission it is a balance of expectations and needs.

You are right, it would have taken just a few moments to send something. Honestly, I had been a bit upset when we had our Feb 25 cruise booked and I never received anything about the Treasure pre-bookings, and we are Platinum. I totally missed it. I have never had her say "Hey, I saved you some money, the cost went down." so that perk seems out of reach. Not that DCL ever really discounts much.
You are also correct that it is suspect that after a 20+ year relationship with DU and this TA I should be able to expect better treatment. It is interesting that a TA should do so much that is not a part of what DU offers, but I suppose if no one asks, or when we do, we are met with a brush off, they can continue to provide less than stellar service--but again, that varies based on the client's expectations.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

You mean to transfer your booking to a TA? That depends. First off, existing reservations can only be transferred within 30 days; if you make the booking longer out than that it cannot be transferred. If you are within the 30-day window, the OBC from most TAs will be reduced for a transferred reservation. If outside the 30-day window, technically you'd need to cancel what is booked and have the TA make a new reservation (at current rates).

As to "how much" OBC -- last I knew DU had a table on their website that showed OBC amounts. Other agents you might need to ask. Costco is generally ~8% as a cash card after the cruise. Some agents don't receive as much commission and might only offer $25 OBC or maybe a bottle of champagne or a photo package or something. So it really does vary by agency. And I believe the OBC is only based on cruise fare, not hotels or flights or transfers, etc. but that may vary by TA.

Seems like I'd get about 300 dollars transferring. It doesn't feel worth the effort based on my hands on approach for my trip planning. I also usually save discounted DGCs to save about 10 to 12% on my Disney stuff.

 

[Mommb]

DCL agents can (and should IMO) book excursions, drink tastings, Royal gathering, BBB, Royal Tea (or Picnic), Palo & Adult Dining, Spa, request private tables, make special requests, process prepaid tips, book DCL transportation pre\post cruise (and most work with other vendors too like FLtours) and book a hotel stay pre\post sailing. Many agents do not book flights unless you are booking them through the cruise line. Also most agents have preset up systems that automatically email you a welcome email, newsletter, etc without much work on their end.

My travel agent will quickly book DCL transportation, make dining requests, and process prepaid tips if I ask her to. She would probably book hotel reservations, but by the time I figure out where and when I want to stay, it takes less time to book myself online than to send my agent the details.

It wouldn't occur to me to ask my agent to book onboard activities, because I need to make choices as I book about which activities to do on which dates and times. For example, beverage tastings are offered several times during a cruise, but the details aren't available until booking begins. So I need to see which day(s) I am able to book adult dining, then schedule tastings around those times, also considering when I'm likely to be back onboard the ship on port days (which depends on the exact times of shore excursions, which I also don't know until booking starts). I could send a list of "I'd like a mojito tasting on the first sea day and a whisky tasting after my excursion on the day we're at Cozumel" but if that's not when whisky and mojito tastings are, that's not useful.

If I have to look at what's been booked and adjust it later, I haven't saved anything over booking myself. I suppose if I knew my travel agent had other booking on the same cruise with higher Castaway levels so she'd be able to find out details in advance, that would be useful, but I wouldn't expect that.