How to book?

[PPFQP]

What's the best way to book a cruise? We have gotten quotes from several online travel agencies, and they are all nearly identical to what we get through Disney. Is there any advantage to booking directly through Disney? What about through AAA? My husband feels that Disney-direct is the way to go, since the price is about the same. He doesn't like to pay a middle man LOL! I think we should get the $200 rebate that some of the agencies offer and put the savings towards a Romance At Sea package.
We are doing a 7-day Western Carib. in March 2005 during our daughters' Spring Break. It is an expensive time to go, so any potential savings would be welcomed!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Hi, Maybe some experienced cruisers can provide more information, but we decided to take advantage of the $200 rebate. I had booked with Disney in the past, but the rebate sounded like a great deal for us.

Tink

 

[cats mom]

I don't know if I'll be a lot of help either.
I would suggest that if you go through a TA, make sure they are easily accessible and someone you are comfortable working with. I know others have posted that DCL won't even answer questions about your booking for you if you booked through someone else - the TA must make the call for you.
You could always book through DCL directly then transfer to an agent later if you want. A lot of people seem to get better rates from some of the TA's than through Disney directly.
Good Luck deciding

 

[AKB]

We are going in March 2005 also (March 12 Western). When are you going? We chose to book through Dreams Unlimited and have been happy so far. This will be our first cruise, so we have no other experience with other tavel agencies or going through DCL dirrectly. Good Luck! Kathy

 

[ksumom]

I don't know if I qualify or not since I haven't officially booked our cruise yet. But we're traveling Sept. 2005 with a total of 12 people.. 5 adults, 2 teens, 4 kids and 1 infant. With our 3 rooms I found Sam's club had the best rate (over $300 total savings), but I found this after having close contact with our AAA agent. After I received the quote from Sam's club I emailed my agent and asked if they would match it. After a week or so of checking she responded that they would match it up until May 19th, which would include the drink package for all passengers plus discounts on certain items (gift shop or something). So we're getting all the perks of AAA for the rate of Sam's club. (FYI AAA had the same exact rate as DCL online did).

I have also heard that Costco has good rates... I'm not sure how they compare to Sam's club, but I'm sure they're pretty close.

I also have heard from people here on the boards that AAA wouldn't price match for them, so I think it depends on who you deal with and how much they are really willing to help out!

Good Luck!!

 

[Greysword]

PPFQP, put it to your husband this way...

Disney will be making a profit regardless of whether you book through them or an outside travel agent. If you book through Disney, however, they also get to keep the full commission already alloted within the price! By booking through a TA, you can either help keep a travel agent in your local community employed (they keep the commission) or you get a partial refund of the commission (your $200 rebate).

Bottom line, who would he rather have the extra money: You, a member of your community, or Disney?

Good Luck!