Rebooking and then placing with a travel agency?

[Belle and Rella's Dad]

I am already looking to rebook when we get on board, which is sort of crazy because we have never even been on a cruise before. Of course we want to take advantage of the discount and the stateroom credit, my first question is that since I will need two cabins will I get $400 instead of the $200?

The second one is, why would I want to transfer my reservation to a travel agency after I rebook? What could the advantages be, instead of dealing directly with the Mouse?

Last question, can I rebook my cruise for 18 months out and then change the date at a later time without penalty and keep the 10% discount?

I always start out with one question and end up asking at least three, by the way the queen doesn't know that I am looking at rebooking already so hopefully she is not lurking.

 

[goofysgirl]

Okay I know the feeling...you just have to rebook on board. I didn't do it one year and I missed out big time.
1) Two cabins gets you $200 each cabin
2) there really is a 10% discount
3) If you transfer to Dreams they will keep the price and offer you any rebates they are running at the time.
I ended up saving an additional $100 on my reservation due to this. It was easy to switch to Dreams and I found I saved money too! You can change your dates anytime before the cutoff without penalty, not sure what the timeframe is on this though!

It is well worth switching to a TA after booking on board. Costco and Sam's could not beat the 10% saved on board.

 

[kcashner]

Yes, the stateroom credit is per cabin. I like having a TA to interface with the mouse for me. It is usually little things, but has happened to us twice (we're preparing for cruise number 10). THe first time, DCL charged us for transfers even though we had transfers paid for in our package. The TA had it in her notes and in her cost accounting. In fairness to DCL, this was the maiden voyage, which they had to rebook (there were 3 sailing dates due to the ship not being done, and each time had to be re-done, etc.). DCL insisted that I had NOT paid for transfers. Ultimately, the TA's agency paid me back and continued to fight with DCL. Her point was that they were being obstinate and "we were right." Therefore, I got my $ back and the agency and DCL worked it out.

Most recently, I was to get a $50 credit when my final payment was made. Again, the credit wasn't there when I got the credit card statement. Yes, I could call DCL myself and argue the point...but it's easier to call Gretchen and "remind" her (which means that she pulls her notes, documents, etc. She then deals with DCL for me.

I've had good results with specific requests, etc. thru my TA. She works for a large agency (despite being in a small office), and can use the power of that agency if needed....she "represents" thousands of travellers, whereas I am only one.

Again, in fairness to Disney, they have been WONDERFUL when I've had special situations come up. We had a family emergency, and I needed information on re-scheduling the cruise. My TA was out of the office, and would return my call later. I called DCL, and basically said "I know that I have to work thru my TA, but I can't reach her right now and.....and explained the situation. The woman at DCL told me that indeed, I had to re-book thru the TA, but told me exactly how it would work and what the changes would cost me. That relieved my mind while I continued to work thru the emergency and reaching the TA. In fact, it helped that I could tell the TA that "DCL said....."

So...that's a very long answer to why have a TA....besides just supporting your local business person.

You can cancel or re-schedule your dates up to 60 days ahead with no penalties. However, if your new cruise dates are more expensive, you do pay the difference. I'm not sure what happens to the 10% discount in that case.