Naming a NEW TA When Booking Onboard

[shburks]

While on the Magic, a friend was told that she could NOT name in an onboard booking a travel agency that she hadn't previously used to book her current cruise. They told her she had to book it and transfer it. Is this new policy or incorrect CM?

 

[lanejudy]

I think I just responded to you on another thread...

Yes, the policy changed within the past year. You can book onboard using the same TA named on your current cruise, or book without a TA. Onboard bookings will not allow you to name a "new" TA. You are welcome to transfer the reservation to the new TA once you return home, within the 30-day period.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[shburks]

I think I just responded to you on another thread...

Yes, the policy changed within the past year. You can book onboard using the same TA named on your current cruise, or book without a TA. Onboard bookings will not allow you to name a "new" TA. You are welcome to transfer the reservation to the new TA once you return home, within the 30-day period.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you...I did not know this.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I think I just responded to you on another thread...

Yes, the policy changed within the past year. You can book onboard using the same TA named on your current cruise, or book without a TA. Onboard bookings will not allow you to name a "new" TA. You are welcome to transfer the reservation to the new TA once you return home, within the 30-day period.

Enjoy your cruise!

A transferred reservation usually gets a lower OBC, correct? Does anyone know what Costco gives for a transferred reservation?

 

[shburks]

A transferred reservation usually gets a lower OBC, correct? Does anyone know what Costco gives for a transferred reservation?

Generally a transfer gets a lower OBC because the TA usually gets a lower commission on a transfer. But I don't know the answer for Costco.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Can you get an OBC from Disney AND your TA on the same booking?

If so, does switching to a new TA give you a lower OBC from Disney or a lower OBC from the new TA?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can you get an OBC from Disney AND your TA on the same booking?

If so, does switching to a new TA give you a lower OBC from Disney or a lower OBC from the new TA?

Yes, you can get both OBCs, since they are from different sources.

The lower OBC would be what the TA would be giving you, as that's where there's less money available to them to transfer.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Can you get an OBC from Disney AND your TA on the same booking?

If so, does switching to a new TA give you a lower OBC from Disney or a lower OBC from the new TA?

Yes, you can get an OBC from DCL and your travel agent on the same booking. The OBC your TA offers comes from the commission DCL pays them for the booking. Transferring a reservation to a TA will not affect the OBC offered by DCL for the OBB, but it will decrease the OBC you will receive from your TA.

 

[lanejudy]

A transferred reservation usually gets a lower OBC, correct? Does anyone know what Costco gives for a transferred reservation?

Transferred reservations MAY be offered a lower OBC from the TA. It all depends on the policies of that TA, which likely are driven by that agency's contract with DCL regarding commissions. I believe DCL pays lower commission on transferred reservations.

I have not booked with Costco, but based on reports here it sounds like Costco gives the same Cash Card incentive regardless of booking initially through Costco or transferring.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[emilyann415]

Yes...this happened to us last August. We lost about 1/2 of the OBC from the TA because of it.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Transferred reservations MAY be offered a lower OBC from the TA. It all depends on the policies of that TA, which likely are driven by that agency's contract with DCL regarding commissions. I believe DCL pays lower commission on transferred reservations.

I have not booked with Costco, but based on reports here it sounds like Costco gives the same Cash Card incentive regardless of booking initially through Costco or transferring.

Enjoy your cruise!

I've used DU before and been happy with their service, but was considering changing to Costco since their booking incentive is better. I don't know if I'll actually do it or just stick with DU, but considering my options. I'll definitely be booking at least a placeholder on this cruise, if not picking an exact date. We've already got one booked for next March, booked through DU. I'm kicking around the idea of taking a solo cruise in September. But if I don't book that one, then I'll book the one DD and I are planning for September 2016.

 

[budafam]

TA's don't receive any less commission if it's a transfer so I don't see why it would be a different OBC amount.

 

[dmunsil]

TA's don't receive any less commission if it's a transfer so I don't see why it would be a different OBC amount.

They do get less commission on transfers.

 

[Lisa Lisa]

Costco Travel gives the same cash card amount regardless of whether you book directly through them or transfer. I've done it both ways. Just make sure you transfer within 30 days of the original booking date. That's a DCL policy.