On board booking and change travel agent?

[OffToDWD]

We will be going on our first cruise in March. I've read about the on board booking discount and would like to take advantage of it. We used a travel agent to book our current March cruise. If we do the on board booking, does the reservation automatically go to our existing agent? Or can we change to/designate a different one? Ideally, we'd like to try another agent. Any recommendations for agents with good booking incentives? Thank you!!!

 

[Dug720]

As I understand it, an OBB made when on a cruise made by a travel agent goes automatically to that travel agent. You would have to get the current travel agent to then release the new reservation and THEN transfer the OBB to the new agent.

As for recommendations, I'm a DIY girl, so I don't have any. I'd rather do it myself.

 

[lanejudy]

I believe you can request to have NO travel agent assigned to an OBB, then you will need to transfer the reservation once you get home. This could impact the TA's offer (OBC). What you cannot do is change the TA assignment while making an OBB.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[OffToDWD]

Can the current travel agent refuse to release the new reservation?

 

[lanejudy]

Can the current travel agent refuse to release the new reservation?

While they probably won't, yes it's possible for a TA to refuse or make life difficult before they release the reservation. Which is why you want to request NO TA when you do the OBB onboard. Plus, you would need TA-1 to release soon enough that you still have time to transfer to TA-2, all within 30 days.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Sytrace]

Can the current travel agent refuse to release the new reservation?

Yes, she or her agency could refuse. Which is doubtful, but since they own the booking they can.

When you do your onboard booking they should ASK you if you would like to keep the agent on file as your agent. Simply tell them no you would not. Then, once home, you have 30 days from the actual booking onboard to transfer to another agent. This might affect their OBC offer somewhat because the percentage of commission will be less.
However, you will also get an OBC from DCL itself for booking a future cruise while onboard.

 

[kiford]

We just put a placeholder down on our last cruise and they asked me if I wanted it to go to our current TA (he referred to her by name). I said yes and they sent her an e-mail immediately so they even had that on file.

 

[OffToDWD]

Thank you!

 

[CM Dad]

This might affect their OBC offer somewhat because the percentage of commission will be less.

I believe DCL pays reduced commission whenever you book onboard, even if you are keeping the same agent that booked your current cruise. I know the Dreams Unlimited offers the same reduced stateroom credit for both onboard bookings and transfered reservations. They are 1/2 the credit you would get for a new direct booking.

https://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/cruise/specials.htm

 

[rachelsmom97]

When you do an onboard booking or a placeholder onboard, you have two choices. Keep your current TA or no TA. You do not have to give your current TA your new reservation if you do not want to use them again.

If you want to use a different TA, you will have 30 days from booking date to transfer the reservation. This is also true for placeholders as well.

 

[OffToDWD]

Thanks everyone!!