Ready to Book! TA questions - smartcruiser?

[cariann77]

I am ready to book our cruise for May 2017! I personally would prefer to book myself through Disney directly, but it seems foolish if I can get on board credit or a cheaper price elsewhere. I'm really nervous about using a travel agent. I still want to be able to control things myself.

I was debating between DU and Small World. I really want one that has online payments set up. I don't want to have to deal with calling or emailing every time I want to make a payment. Do either of these offer that set up? Looks like my OBC would be $200 from DU unsure about SW.

While looking around, I came across smartcruiser.com. My quote was $400 cheaper than Disney! Has anyone used this company before? This seems like this obvious choice, but I am really nervous to book with a TA at all.

Any TA advice or recommendations is greatly appreciated!!! I'm really overwhelmed!

 

[wombat_5606]

I'm not familiar with this agency, but no one can sell a discounted Disney cruise. A travel agency may give you an onboard credit or some other perk, but if they are offering a straight discounted price, I would say buyer beware.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I am ready to book our cruise for May 2017! I personally would prefer to book myself through Disney directly, but it seems foolish if I can get on board credit or a cheaper price elsewhere. I'm really nervous about using a travel agent. I still want to be able to control things myself.

I was debating between DU and Small World. I really want one that has online payments set up. I don't want to have to deal with calling or emailing every time I want to make a payment. Do either of these offer that set up? Looks like my OBC would be $200 from DU unsure about SW.

While looking around, I came across smartcruiser.com. My quote was $400 cheaper than Disney! Has anyone used this company before? This seems like this obvious choice, but I am really nervous to book with a TA at all.

Any TA advice or recommendations is greatly appreciated!!! I'm really overwhelmed!

I'll also say - make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Are both bookings for the same category room, on the same cruise? Do both include port fees & taxes? How about insurance? Gratuities? Any other costs (travel to/from cruise) included or not?

As noted, DCL doesn't allow TAs (ANY TAs) to discount their cruises.

 

[Bishoparc]

Do either of these offer that set up?

Yes, DU offers online payments. I, like you, like to still be in control. Your TA is there to help if you would like but once you have PIF and your time hits to be able to book excursions, etc you can still do this yourself on the DCL websites.

 

[cariann77]

Thanks! I've ruled out smartcruiser just because I am already not comfortable booking outside of Disney and this just makes me even more nervous. Same exact cruise and inclusions. They're offering this deal currently, but no other mention of OBCs or anything.
Instant Savings Offer - Limited Time Only
(PromoID: DISINSTANT)
Click this promotion to receive instant savings off regularly published Disney Cruise Line pricing.

I will take another look at DU. They seem like what I am looking for.
Thanks again!

 

[betsy918]

I am ready to book our cruise for May 2017! I personally would prefer to book myself through Disney directly, but it seems foolish if I can get on board credit or a cheaper price elsewhere. I'm really nervous about using a travel agent. I still want to be able to control things myself.

I was debating between DU and Small World. I really want one that has online payments set up. I don't want to have to deal with calling or emailing every time I want to make a payment. Do either of these offer that set up? Looks like my OBC would be $200 from DU unsure about SW.

While looking around, I came across smartcruiser.com. My quote was $400 cheaper than Disney! Has anyone used this company before? This seems like this obvious choice, but I am really nervous to book with a TA at all.

Any TA advice or recommendations is greatly appreciated!!! I'm really overwhelmed!

I have used smartcruiser.Their rates are usually 10% off buying from Disney directly. I don't know how they do it, other than they must keep less of the money TAs get directly from disney. I used them when I already had my OBB tied up in a cruise i planned to take (when we've cruised twice in a year.)