small world vs dreams unlimited

[LovelyMouse22]

Is there any difference when booking a cruise with either company? I'm trying to decide which to go with. I didn't use a TA when I booked my wdw vacation since I knew I would make changes, but with a cruise I think a TA could come in handy. TIA!

 

[IknowDoYou?]

Up until my last booking I used Costco, but with this last trip I moved over to SmallWorld (Mary has been great) because they offered a better OBC than Dreams Unlimited. I think the difference is that DU offers a flat OBC based on the length and destination, whereas SW does it based off of the price of your cruise. Depending on the cruise, that may favor DU, but in our case SW was a much better deal.

 

[LovelyMouse22]

Do I ask about OBC at SW? I didn't see what they had. I know DU is offering 200 OBC right now.

 

[MartDM]

I also went with SW because they offered a higher OBC than DU did. From the research I did, they both seem very reputable and get good reviews so I just went with the one who wanted to share more of their commission with me

 

[corky441]

Is there any difference when booking a cruise with either company? I'm trying to decide which to go with. I didn't use a TA when I booked my wdw vacation since I knew I would make changes, but with a cruise I think a TA could come in handy. TIA!

Dreams Unlimited Travel is owned by the same people who run these boards - I personally wouldn't use any other TA. Also, their OBCs are really good

 

[Minniemouse07]

I've used DU in the past and they were great but I prefer being able to contact my TA by phone once in a while and that isn't possible w/ DU.

I work with Sara at MEI/MouseFan Travel and she's great!

 

[IknowDoYou?]

* Mods, if the link below is illegal, please accept my apologies in advance.

You can find SW's OBC list here:

http://www.smallworldvacations.com/...mall-world-vacations-onboard-credit-promotion

Plus, I'm not sure if this is a current promotion or a permanent thing, but if you book online (or thru email), you get an additional $25 OBC.

Again, I have heard nothing but good things about DU. I just went with SW because I have heard good things about them, as well, and they gave me the best deal.

 

[LovelyMouse22]

I'm going to request a quote from each company. I think DU will have a better obc for my price. Thanks for that link.

 

[mmouse37]

To see if a TA is allowed to be posted about on this board just type out their full URL. If it comes back with **** it is a filtered site and isn't allowed. If it comes out with no astericks it is fine to post.

MJ

 

[LovelyMouse22]

I'm going to request a quote from each company. I think DU will have a better obc for my price. Thanks for that link.

 

[IknowDoYou?]

To see if a TA is allowed to be posted about on this board just type out their full URL. If it comes back with **** it is a filtered site and isn't allowed. If it comes out with no astericks it is fine to post.

MJ

Perfect. Thanks, MJ.

 

[Meghatron]

I much prefer having a dedicated personal TA who is available to me whenever I want by phone or email, so I use Small World Vacations.

 

[kcashner]

The $25 is a promotion from DCL which you can get whether you book yourself or whether a TA books for you.

The only way a "quote" should differ is in the onboard credit or other perks that a TA may offer. Remember that you are "buying" both the agency and the agent, and be sure you are happy with both. I'm with the poster who mentioned that it is wonderful (or should that be Magical?) to be able to speak on the phone with a TA sometimes. There are times that I'm totally happy with an e-mail, but other times when it is easier to explain something verbally. Thus, I like an agency that allows me to do either--MY choice, not theirs.

OBC is nice, but excellent service is even better. Be sure that your agent/agency will be available to you 24/7 in an emergency (the flight is never canceled 9-5, M-F). Be sure they have actually sailed on at least one of the ships, and preferably have at least toured the Dream if that's what you are booking..and have attended Disney training. I like an agency with a relatively stable employment history--most of the agents have been with them for a long time as opposed to a rapid or recent turnover. (happy employees roughly equate with a quality employer)

It's the fine details that matter. Any agent/agency should be able to get you into a cabin on a ship at the same price.

 

[jetskigrl]

* Mods, if the link below is illegal, please accept my apologies in advance.

You can find SW's OBC list here:

http://www.smallworldvacations.com/...mall-world-vacations-onboard-credit-promotion

Plus, I'm not sure if this is a current promotion or a permanent thing, but if you book online (or thru email), you get an additional $25 OBC.

Again, I have heard nothing but good things about DU. I just went with SW because I have heard good things about them, as well, and they gave me the best deal.

Wow, I just checked the sites and the www.smallworldvacations.com OBC is twice what DU is offering for the MR cruise that I will be booking next month. I'm surprised they are that different.

 

[ksloane]

I used dreams unlimited for a wdw trip and was very happy. I haven't used small world, but like others mentioned I shop around for the best obc and so far for me the best have been at The Magic for Less, and my TA, Deb, is great!

 

[LovelyMouse22]

I would like to be able to speak on the phone with my TA so maybe that's something I should look for. Also, good points about someone who has cruised dcl before. Thanks for the great advice!

 

[IknowDoYou?]

Wow, I just checked the sites and the www.smallworldvacations.com OBC is twice what DU is offering for the MR cruise that I will be booking next month. I'm surprised they are that different.

That's what happened to us for our MR cruise (not quite double, but close). I think the Florida-based cruises are closer, but it seems that the SW OBC for the Los Angeles-based cruises are quite a bit better.

 

[BethA]

Why are some ta sites allowed to be posted and others can not? I am never sure what is not allowed. I was in trouble here once for asking about buying a fe but now I see links and names all the time so I never know what can not be posted safely

 

[ASROBERTS]

We booked another cruise while sailing recently (received 10%off and OBC). Can we transfer the ressie to a TA and receive an additional OBC?

 

[kcashner]

Why are some ta sites allowed to be posted and others can not? I am never sure what is not allowed. I was in trouble here once for asking about buying a fe but now I see links and names all the time so I never know what can not be posted safely

You will undoubtedly be referred to the stated board policies. Basically, we are not allowed to sell stuff on the boards or advertise businesses. We are allowed to tell our personal experiences, but some agencies are not allowed to be named because of supposed past violations of board policies or because of some of the links that their web site may connect to.

I think the moderators do a great job of trying to be fair, and we've all made mistakes at one time or another in our posts. However, you must remember that the boards are paid for by a travel agency, and he who pays the piper calls the tune.