TA gift in stateroom?

[Lavne]

We just returned from our 6/15 Magic cruise, and one thing that disappointed me a little was that there was no gift from our TA waiting in our room when we boarded. I wouldn't have expected anything if we hadn't gotten a gift (before leaving) from the local TA we used last time. This time we used DU and I know that I have previously read that other posters have gotten a little something from their DU TA when they sailed.

I admit that I feel almost greedy even asking this question, but I was just wondering what others have experienced. Unfortunately, learning of all the great things that others experience on their cruises can sometimes set you up for a little disappointment. Luckily, this was one of the few things that didn't work out as I thought it might.

 

[Michelle]

Lavne, the gift from DU only happens if they have at least eight staterooms booked on a particular sailing. If at least eight rooms are booked through DU on a cruise then DCL gives the guests the stateroom basket. It sounds like your sailing was unfortunately not one of those. DU gives "gifts" to clients in the form of rebates off the cost of the cruise.

Hope you had a great time!

 

[WDWLVR]

I think the best was to look at it is to not expect anything and then be surprised if it is there. That's what happened when we used Dreams for our May 12th cruise. I had heard that sometimes they send gifts if enough people book with them (didn't know the number at the time) and I figured we wouldn't be getting one, but we did and it was a nice surprise.

I'd rather be surprised then disappointed!

 

[Familyof6]

is certainly a draw back of these boards. It does lead to a little (minor) disappointment when you actually cruise. I felt the same way you did when our server didn't encourage our kids to order from the adult menu and he never offered to bring anything extra for us to try, etc, etc...Our room hostess was great, but not superb as I had heard about others on these boards. It was a fabulous trip and the rest of the family didn't know there was anything missing, just I, who reads these boards to the point of addiction.

Sorry you didn't get a gift, but I hope you had a great trip despite the disappointment.

Lisa

 

[4nana]

I can see where that might be a bummer if you're expecting something. Truthfully, I consider the excellent price we got from our TA our cruise gift.
If we get any more than that it will be a total surprise.

 

[prymsu]

The TA that I have used for all my cruises, except the last one was good about this. The first time it happened i was shocked and surprised. She really spoiled us, and I sure wish that she wouldn't have gone out of business...

We always had flowers, champagne and chocolates...

 

[GOOFY D]

When did they start doing this? I have used DU twice and never rec'd a gift like that in my room.

 

[Mtdewbuzz]

My strategy: I'll just go in expecting nothing, and that way if I get something, I'll be pleasantly suprised!!

One little gift from my TA won't make or break my cruise, I know that much!!

 

[Lavne]

Overall, our cruise was great! We did get some of those little extras on this cruise that I had read about here on the DIS but didn't get the first time we cruised - such as towel animals and our waiter bringing us extra appetizers or desserts to try.

Not getting a gift from our TA didn't ruin our trip by any means, but it was something I sort of expected, so it was a small disappointment to me when we first went to our room. I was a little concerned that our room steward may have forgotten to bring it to us, since we had a couple similar things happen with him, so at least I know now that wasn't the case.

Wow, with our ship full, I am amazed that DU didn't have well over 8 rooms booked! Judging from the comments here, I thought almost everyone used them! I know we had a good experience with them, and we did get a rebate as well!

If we cruise again, I'll have to remind myself not to expect anything, so that it will be a pleasant surprise if it turns out otherwise.

 

[taswira]

These are tough times for TAs. Cutbacks have been necessary. Because someone got something in the past doesn't mean they should feel neglected if they don't get it in the future. The travel business is so competitive nowadays that in order to offer lower prices, it might be necessary to leave out the stateroom gift. Booking of 8 or more cabins means more profit and can allow for little extras. They are nice, but the bottom line should be price and service (including attitude). Yes, a drawback of these boards is comparing the price, service, perks and extra attention you got to what others receive. Just use all the information to build your knowledge base. Remember that there may also be undisclosed circumstances that contributed to someone's experiences . . good or bad.

 

[taysalyn]

Boy do I know that feeling about not being able to please everyone. Since we all have a different idea of a "gift" it is just too difficult to plan to do something. For some, the discount is the way to go. For others, they want a basket. And then, there are others who want both. Where do you draw the line?

There are lots of people dreaming of just going on a cruise that think it is way out of their budget. I wouldn't be going if it weren't for my work. I'm always looking for a good deal and once I found one, I booked. Since I am using myself as my TA, I know I'm not going to get a "gift" but I'm saving all my spare change so I can buy my gifts on board. I'm looking so forward to the whole experience and just being there. I'm going to be absorbing all the magic in the air.

Hope you had a good time.

 

[zurgswife]

Wow, with our ship full, I am amazed that DU didn't have well over 8 rooms booked!

Lavne....I think you miss understood Michelle...it is 8 cabins booked per ressie....So if you had needed 8 cabins you might have gotten something extra as a stateroom gift. It didn't mean that if DU booked 8 rooms they would then give stateroom gifts....And from what I understand these are extras provided by DCL not the TA..

I know AAA gives stateroom gifts...soda mugs but you don't get a rebate....and as far as smaller TA are concerned my be some of them do it for there best clients instead of some type of rebate. Personally I prefer the rebate.

 

[mcnuss]

I think we would all be very surprised to find out how little our TA's earn per cruise. While we feel like we are spending tons of money, the fact is that in general, the suppliers are very stingy with commissions. In fact, the airlines have all but done away with paying commissions which is why so many TA's charge fees now. To me, the service they provide is enough; why should they reach into their pockets and give me a gift? Does my plumber or carpenter or housepainter give me a gift?

It's a really hard job. If they provided a gift to every person who ever booked a cruise with them, they would not have time to answer all our questions and they'd go broke!

And just for the record, I am NOT a TA!

 

[Michelle]

Actually zurgswife, it can be eight unrelated cabins booked through DU on a sailing for them qualify as a group. With so many cruise dates it's hard for even DU to get eight cabins on one sailing, so it doesn't happen too often, but it does happen from time to time.

 

[Ashley24]

When I did my one and only Disney cruise this past April, I made all my arrangements through my local TA. Even though they made a few boo boo's and weren't very honest about them, I did not get a gift onboard from them. However, my sister and my parents both booked separate rooms on the same cruise through Travelocity and both got gifts. They received the treasure chest with crackers, cheese, candy, drinks, etc. I was surprised that Travelocity would give gifts! It's a nice extra, I think, but definately not to be expected! However, I paid more money for my ressies going through a local TA expecting more personalized service and definately did not get it! In fact, they caused more problems! I wouldn't hesitate to go through an internet service now!
Ann

 

[Familyof6]

I just wanted to say that I fully understood your original statement about being disappointed. I never once felt that this disappointment made or broke your entire trip. I know it was hard for you to even post this comment in the first place and I wanted to be sure that you knew that others understand what you are saying.

Lisa

 

[hokie5cruiser]

We booked 4 cabins through Costco and were surprised to recieve a gift box in each cabin. Actually, when we first got there I did not look at the box closely and thought it was from my mother because I had gotten her to read these boards to prepare for the trip. Thank you Amy at Costco, for another bit of Magic.