Is it worth canceling/rebooking with a travel agent?

[Aimeedyan]

Originally, we booked directly with Disney and then decided it may be worth using a travel agent instead. Unfortunately, we missed the window to transfer the booking so now our understanding is that we'd have to cancel, have an agency rebook us, and just hope the cabin we chose is still available.

Our cruise is in February so I'm assuming people aren't snatching up cabins like crazy so perhaps coordinating with an agent would mean a pretty good shot at getting the cabin once we cancel... but this is new territory for us.

Besides the onboard credit (it'd only be $100), would the benefit of a travel agent be worth risking the cancel/rebook? In your opinion, of course

(we want a Palo dinner reservation on Pirate Night but do not want any excursions, character dining, etc.)

Thanks!!

 

[lanejudy]

Depends how long ago you booked. If it was quite a while ago and fares have increased, you may lose the value of that OBC from the TA. The new booking would be at today's prices. I'm assuming you are not past the PIF date yet, so there shouldn't be any penalties involved.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[mmouse37]

If you cancel you would pay prevailing rates...has your cruise price gone up? If so, it may not be worth the hassle.

MJ

 

[Dug720]

Regarding the Palo reservation, that is on you regardless of whether you use a travel agent or not.

 

[Sytrace]

Regarding the Palo reservation, that is on you regardless of whether you use a travel agent or not.

The travel agent could book dining, excursions and do online check in for them as well if the client so desires.

As to the original question. I would only rebook if the rate made the 100.00 TA gift worthwhile.

 

[Dug720]

The travel agent could book dining, excursions and do online check in for them as well if the client so desires.

As to the original question. I would only rebook if the rate made the 100.00 TA gift worthwhile.

Ah. Never knew people would actually have their TA do that. Another reason I'd never use one - I want to be in control of my reservation all the way. I know if I want something I'm staying up until midnight. I could never trust that a TA would do that.

 

[Sytrace]

Ah. Never knew people would actually have their TA do that. Another reason I'd never use one - I want to be in control of my reservation all the way. I know if I want something I'm staying up until midnight. I could never trust that a TA would do that.

The TA would book whatever the client wanted based on giving researched information and suggestions. And in fact DOES stay up until midnight (and even later if the website is having glitches...which we all know happens a lot) to do so.
That is what their job is after all. Doing the research and the work that the client would rather not do. However, I can totally understand not wanting to give control up.

 

[Flossbolna]

The TA would book whatever the client wanted based on giving researched information and suggestions. And in fact DOES stay up until midnight (and even later if the website is having glitches...which we all know happens a lot) to do so.
That is what their job is after all. Doing the research and the work that the client would rather not do. However, I can totally understand not wanting to give control up.

My travel agent would book it for me, but I prefer to do it myself and so she does not do it. But she always goes in the next morning and checks what I did to make sure that I did not have any problems and that I got what I wanted. I do appreciate this. And really it makes far more sense for me to do my reservations considering I am in Europe where booking opens at 6am then her staying up late.

OP, if the current prices are not up since you booked originally, getting 100$ OBC would be worth it for me. Also, for a first time cruiser a TA can give you someone to answer your questions and such.

 

[Aimeedyan]

So, if we book with a travel agent, would we still be able to book our own Palo reservation if we wanted? Or does the agent take over all control of the reservation?

My mom (this trip is her treat - she's done the legwork so far) was under the impression we lose control of the reservation if we book with an agent... which was one of her hesitations in rebooking.

 

[Geomom]

So, if we book with a travel agent, would we still be able to book our own Palo reservation if we wanted? Or does the agent take over all control of the reservation?

My mom (this trip is her treat - she's done the legwork so far) was under the impression we lose control of the reservation if we book with an agent... which was one of her hesitations in rebooking.

Yes, you would book your own Palo reservation. You can book your own port adventures, character meets, Palo reservation, spa reservations, etc when your booking window opens up (75 days for 1st time cruisers.)

All payments need to go through the TA, and I believe that if you wanted to change your room, the TA would need to do that.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I personally love having a TA. Like Flossblona I am international so my TA checking with DCL sometimes on US time works out better. Plus their knowledge and that OBC. We also got a nice gift basket with DU.

Our TA also helped us out of a problem where we had to cancel due to ill health. No way we could have done that ourselves.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Which cruise is it and how long ago did you book? How much has the room you want gone up? How much will you benefit from a TA?

My March 4A has gone up $2300+ since opening day, when I booked it and the cruise is all but sold out. There's no way I'd cancel and rebook, even for an OBC. But I know some cruise prices don't move that much, so it's really dependent on that difference. Also, if you only booked a few months ago, the price might not have moved much, which makes it a possible option.

 

[Bree]

Like lots of others have said....you need to reprice your cruise to see if it is worth it. If you cancel and rebook with a TA, you will be paying the prevailing rates not what you paid for your original booking.

 

[ludari]

If you booked your cruise price could have gone up so it may not be worth rebooking with a TA just for the $100 shipboard credit. However I would suggest that if while on your cruise you decide to purchase a placeholder cruise to select a TA or later transfer to it a TA. I personally enjoy having a TA who can move my placeholder cruises, search for cruises based on my preferences, find the best cruise price (recently my TA recently found a better price than what was on the DCL website) and book opening day cruises without having to wait on hold with DCL. BTW, If you use a TA you are still in control of your reservation so you can still check-in online, book spa, excursions and Palo/Remy reservations. I also discovered on several occasions that my TA was on the same cruise as me and my TA made arrangements for special private tours at certain ports and/or host several private gatherings on the ship in various stateroom suites for drinks and appetizers.