Jan 2004..Where do I begin?

[carlennaro]

Hi everyone! I was looking for some advice on the best way to book a Jan 2004 trip for my family. Are the fares pretty straight forward? Can anyone recommend a booking agency? I have heard about rebates and shipboard credits for first time cruisers, etc...but have no idea where to begin. Any advice, strategies or money saving tips would be really appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Melrosgirl]

I recently booked a January 2004 cruise - cat. 6 for $2900 (3 people). The earlier you book, the better deal you will most likely get. (That was $500 less than what Disney was quoting.)

hth

 

[carlennaro]

Do you mind if I ask how you got this fare?

 

[pjacobi]

Here is my suggestion to get the best price:

1) First go to DCL web site to get rate based on dates and availability. Avoid holidays and Spring Break period between Feb 14 - April 15. The base rate does not appear to be negotiable.

http://dcl.reservations.disney.go.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/TravelCL

2) Travel Agents get 5%-10% commission for booking a cruise. Find a travel agent willing to return some of that commission back to you! Travel Agents that book volumes of cruises can afford to kick back more commission to you. On-line travel agents have lower cost than brick-and-mortar, so they can afford to return more commission to you

For example AAA Travel provides free soda mugs, but I prefered the cash rebate provided by Dreams Unlimited.


-Paul

 

[Melrosgirl]

I don't mind at all. My TA is Kim at www.Kimskruises.com

hth

 

[my3kids]

Costco gives good discounts on outside cabins. I used cruise.com for the next cruise and got the best deal.....and I searched high and low! The quotes ranged from a little above Disney, to the same, to a small rebate to just plain cutting the bottom line. I had booked it origionally directly with Disney. You can do that to get just what you want, then transfer it to an agency to get the price/service you want.