Might book on DU - confused about Am Ex benefit

[marley]

I just received a quote from Dreams Unlimited for March 2003 for 2 adults/2 children on the 7 day Western Caribbean for $3,300 for a cat. 10 secret porthole room. If I book this week, I receive a $100 rebate and $75 onboard credit.

This all sounds very good to me (is it?) but I am confused on two issues.

I have an American Express Card. Do I have to book through Am Ex to get their white glove benefit (mainly for pre-booking Palo's) or if I pay DU with the Am Ex card for the trip, do I also receive this benefit?

We are going on the Wonder this October for the first time so would I get a better deal if I waited to book the March cruise than when I get the rebooking discount or Castaway club discount? I'm thinking that is a bad idea since the March 2003 cruise could be sold out by then or I might not be able to get the category I want.

Help!

 

[Michelle]

Hi marley! I'll try and help with your questions.

The White Glove benefits included when you pay your deposit AND final balance with AmEx do NOT include the pre-booking at Palo. You have to purchase a special add-on package for that, and you should be able to do that through Dreams after you book. The White Glove benefits you get just for paying with AmEx include a discount at one of the onboard stores and a discount for rentals on Castaway Cay.

Do not wait to book...there is no discount with Castaway Club, only an onboard credit (yet to be determined for 2003). If the onboard booking offer is a better deal when you sail this fall you can cancel your booking now with no penalty and transfer your deposit to the new offer, no problem. But just in case there is no onboard booking offer when you sail I'd book now, just to lock in the best possible early booking savings. And as you said, you want to be sure and get the cabin category you want.

Hope that helps!

 

[marley]

thanks Michelle.

That's exactly what I need to know!

Marley

 

[Kristaia]

Michelle, we have already booked throught DU with AMEX. I am currently trying to rebook for the new shipboard credit.
What is the CC room credit all about? We have previously sailed and have a CC #. Do I already have a credit, or not?
Thanks for your time

 

[Michelle]

Hi Kristaia! The current Castaway Club credit offers runs through 2002 and requires that you re-booked your next cruise within 120 days of the previous one and sail within 18 months. If you meet those criteria you would receive up to $200 in shipboard credit from the Castaway Club. Definitely have Dreams check for you with DCL to see if you are eligible, and have the credit noted on your reservation if you are.