Opening Day vs OBB

[DIS_Ag]

We sail on the Fantasy next week (May 20th). I'm guessing that priceing won't change too much between opening day for silver (the 17th) and our trip. I'm better off just waiting until we get on board and taking advantage of the OBB deal right?

 

[lanejudy]

It might depend what cruise has your interest. I suspect the new itineraries, and the NYC cruises, could increase in price from Monday to Thursday; not sure if there would be much difference from general public opening day to the weekend when you'll be onboard. If you are looking at a basic Bahamas or Caribbean itinerary from Port Canaveral, prices may not change too much.

Enjoy your cruises!

 

[MickeyD]

We are too and I was just emailing my TA to ask the same thing! We are able to book on the 16th (gold), but with onboard booking discount etc., I agree with you, it might be better to wait.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We sail on the Fantasy next week (May 20th). I'm guessing that priceing won't change too much between opening day for silver (the 17th) and our trip. I'm better off just waiting until we get on board and taking advantage of the OBB deal right?

You can book on opening day and "reshop" once onboard. If the prices haven't risen enough to negate the onboard booking savings, you can cancel the existing reservation and rebook.

Or book another reservation onboard (to get the full benefits from your TA) and then cancel the original booking once back home.

 

[ironz]

You can book on opening day and "reshop" once onboard. If the prices haven't risen enough to negate the onboard booking savings, you can cancel the existing reservation and rebook.

Or book another reservation onboard (to get the full benefits from your TA) and then cancel the original booking once back home.

So, if one were to book onboard to get the discount and credit, do you give the name of your TA at booking, or transfer the reservation to your TA after the cruise?

Editing to add: Do you have to have a TA listed to get the onboard booking discount and credit? Or can you just leave the listing to yourself? (realizing I would forfeit any Obc or perks the TA gives)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So, if one were to book onboard to get the discount and credit, do you give the name of your TA at booking, or transfer the reservation to your TA after the cruise?

Editing to add: Do you have to have a TA listed to get the onboard booking discount and credit? Or can you just leave the listing to yourself? (realizing I would forfeit any Obc or perks the TA gives)

If the cruise you are currently on was booked through a TA, you will be asked if you want to remain with the current TA or not designate a TA.

If the current cruise wasn't booked through a TA, you can designate a TA at the time of booking, or not.

Booking without a TA designated, and then transferring it to a TA later (must be done within 30 day) often results in less booking perks offered by the TA.

 

[Sytrace]

So, if one were to book onboard to get the discount and credit, do you give the name of your TA at booking, or transfer the reservation to your TA after the cruise?

Editing to add: Do you have to have a TA listed to get the onboard booking discount and credit? Or can you just leave the listing to yourself? (realizing I would forfeit any Obc or perks the TA gives)

If you used a TA for the cruise you are going on, you will be asked if you would like to retain her/him on the onboard booking.
If not, then it is a DCL booking. If you have one and wish to keep them as your TA, then they will get notification via email that you booked a cruise onboard (or placeholder)

If you do not have a TA currently they will NOT be able to add the travel agent onboard, you will need to transfer it to the TA of your choice within 30 days of booking.
There might be reduced TA given OBC offered if it is transferred to them.

No, you do not have to have a TA to get the DCL offer of discount and OBC given by DCL. Any other OBC would be given by the TA via his/her commission and/or out of pocket in most cases. It depends on their guidelines for OBC.

 

[CM Dad]

Booking without a TA designated, and then transferring it to a TA later (must be done within 30 day) often results in less booking perks offered by the TA.

At least for Dreams Unlimited I believe the stateroom credit you get from them would be the same if you book onboard and name them, or transfer to them within 30 days, My understanding is that DCL pays the TA a reduced commission for either on board booking or transfers. From their web page:

 

[JWG]

Yes. If you book onboard and transfer to a TA (or immediately assign to a TA) you usually only get 1/2 the onboard credit. However, the extra 10% off usually offsets any lost onboard credit. Costco seems to be the exception who still gives full rebate.

 

[ironz]

Thank you! Now, to see what the fares look like next week..

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Double check on the thread with the black out dates. The cruise I'm looking at for 2018 is blacked out for the on board booking discount.

I've used DU for over 10 years. They have saved me all kinds of headaches AND give me an OBC! Kelsie is used to dealing with my kinda crazy!

 

[Dug720]

Question about the blacked out dates... I know there is no discount and no discounted deposit, but do they get the OBC or not? I can't remember.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Question about the blacked out dates... I know there is no discount and no discounted deposit, but do they get the OBC or not? I can't remember.

I believe I've read that the onboard credit was still done on blackout cruises. But, I have no personal experience with it.

 

[dmunsil]

Question about the blacked out dates... I know there is no discount and no discounted deposit, but do they get the OBC or not? I can't remember.

You lose the discount, but keep the OBC and the lower deposit.

 

[Dug720]

You lose the discount, but keep the OBC and the lower deposit.

Thanks!