If I book through an online TA...

[Aisling]

If I book through an online TA, do I have anything to do with DCL? I mean, can I get the DCL transfers, and do I get brochures or paperwork from DCL?

This is all new to me, so I'm trying to understand how all this works. I'm on the verge of booking, found a good price with a discount cruise travel agency online, really ready to press send with all my info, but I'm so nervous about making mistakes.

I guess I need to be reassured that although I'm booking with an outside company, I'm still connected to DCL. I want the DCL transfers, so can I just call DCL and arrange it for myself, or does my TA have to do it?

And will my confirmation letter (I'm assuming I get one) be from the TA's company or from DCL?

Does anyone understand my hesitancy with not going directly with DCL for my cruise booking? Please help.

 

[Jestocost]

I've booked it both ways and you do give up some control going with a TA, with the trade off being that you should get a better price. You can book DCL transfers, but you'll need to do it through your TA. Same with any inquiries, changes, etc. All will need to be done through your TA, not directly with DCL.

Also, you should be able to get copies of any official DCL confirmation documents, but they'll have to come through your TA. My TA has been good about forwarding that stuff, so no problems yet. I didn't (and wouldn't) book airfare through my TA, much less through DCL (and then through my TA), so I do have control there.

 

[kristen821]

i booked with an online company and was also very nervous. I called disney to make sure they heard of them first. I was terrified i would get to the cruise and have no reservations and the ta was a scam. then i called dcl again two weeks after i paid to make sure i was in the system which i was. (i know i am a nervous person!) That is a good idea to have the dcl confirmation sent to you i think i might call the ta to have that done also, just so i feel better.
I wouldn't book airfare through a ta you get a better price doing it yourself because ta's no longer get comission off airfare alot of times the charge you a little extra to book a flight for you

 

[chasbos]

I booked my family of 6 for our cruise with a local TA to have that personal interaction. I got a great deal and when the paper work came though it was on official Disney paper and directly from Disney Cruise Lines. I just like to know I can call a TA I know and use every year if I have a problem or have to change my travel dates (which I already have!) and she will do the absolute best she can to get me the vacation I want. After all I use the same TA for every vacation I take and she wants repeat business.

 

[kcashner]

If you book thru a TA, online or in person, everything goes thru the TA. I did call DCL to be sure that they'd recieved my payment and that everything was noted as "paid in full."

The TA sent me copies of everything--booking on DCL stationery, the excursion book, etc (used an on line discount TA this time. ) I've previously booked thru local TA and directly thru DCL. The benefit of directly thru DCL is that you can verify your ressie on line. THe benefit of discount TA is discount price.

 

[lookingforward]

I think booking with an online TA is great in certain circumstances. For instance, during peak travel times you can save quite a bit with a TA who is willing to give a rebate, etc. on their commission.

Honestly, though, I am taking a four night, florida resident special, September cruise and it has proven a bit difficult working with an online agent. Disney will not change or discuss anything about your reservation and always refers back to your agent. I saved $75 (total rebate) off of Disney's fare. If I booked with Disney I could have made online payments on my balance, changed rooms or downgrade/upgrade on a whim, etc. I learned that our connecting rooms are across from the laundry room. I called disney (agent does not work on weekends) to see if there were any other rooms. She could not discuss a change with me. Not a big deal but still, kind of frustrating.