TA: I am still skaking my head

[Buddy Bear]

So as I have stated in the past I don't know why I had a temporary lapse of reason and moved my Thanksgiving cruise reservation to a TA (who shall remain nameless).

I booked through DCL in Sept 2004 and subsequently moved the reservation shortly there after. Since it is a holiday cruise my initial savings was a gratuitous $100. Yeah, now I can go to Italy next year with the extra money.

Having being left with an empty feeling from the experience and realizing that the TA will probably not contact me nor will I have any other contact with the TA this really left me asking, "Why did I do this"?

My wife said well you should at the very least have them make the excursion reservations so they do something for the commission they will earn.

Since we are getting close I just called them today and they said they don't like to get involved in what they referred to as a "personal decision" by the cruiser. She suggested contacting DCL directly when the time comes.

So my originally question remains the same. What was I thinking?

This transfer was a waste of my time, I can't speak to DCL directly in most regards about my reservation, and the TA is as worthless as "**** on a bull".

Live and learn.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Boy, now that's what I call customer service.
I can definitely understand your frustrations, and that is the very reason why I just book directly through DCL.

 

[Jsme]

In your situation it does not sound like the TA was that good of a choice. We normally use a TA. The local one we used for 2 cruises was fine until we had problems last year. Otherwise she helped me book excursion for the first DCL we went on. Personally I would rather make my own ressies especialy since they are availalbe on-line now. So the savings is fine with me. As long as they are available to help me when I may need help I am fine with it.

 

[Honu]

Been there, done that.

Never, ever again. ITA the discount is not worth it.

 

[JSCTRico4]

This may be naive of me, but, can't you fire your TA and change it back?

 

[daisy112878]

I would change back to DCL or change TAs. If they don't want to help then they shouldn't be in the TA business in my opinion.

 

[kcashner]

You can transfer the ressie back to DCL, but only if the TA agrees. I would probably put it to her that since you are getting NO service from her, you will gladly give up the $100 in order to be able to deal with your ressie yourself.

If she's done anything on your behalf, she has earned her commission. If she hasn't done anything....that's another matter.

 

[staceymerrill]

sounds like you got a miserable TA......both in service and pricing....

My Cruisone TA would do anything short of a "contract hit" for me....and saves me tons of $ vs DCLs best discounted rates....10% discount included...

Requests I've made for my upcoming cruise include me changing stateroom cats. and specific dining rotation....all handled immediately after my call to him....

I've found that while DCL reps are very nice and most certainly accommodating, I much prefer the relationship I've forged with my TA...

Duane Goodwin - Cruiseone - 877-280-8796

 

[mickey2000]

I undrstand your frustration! For the past 4 years I have been doing all my trips online saving lots of money. I enjoy being able to talk directly about any concerns I might have without going through someone else. As an example I just had a TA 4 months ago check on a cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America. They gave me a quote through NCL for a price of $5300 for 3nts on land at the Marriot,Air, insurance, transfers and a balcony room for 7 nts. I thanked them but thought maybe I can do better as always . Sure enough I went directly to NCL with all the same exact items and it was $1100 cheaper for $4200, proving to myself it CAN BE DONE!! Hawaii here I come.........

 

[26555]

I booked with a TA for same price as could get online but will get $50 back later or something. Doesn't bother me since the commission she gets doesn't come from me. Someone mentioned excursions.... you don't have to go thru your TA do you? I want to make sure I can do all the online kids registration, palo's etc online as early as possible. Whether or not a TA is helpful is one thing, are there any DRAWBACKS once you have your reservation if you don't mind booking Palo's etc on your own?

 

[lbgraves]

Good grief! Aren't you getting THE suite? I figured that someone would be giving you extra service for that.

 

[mickeyboat]

We had a similar experience with our TA. She never refused to do something we asked, but it often took her a long time, and several times I got the wrong answer from her. Thank goodness for the DIS.

Denae

 

[off to neverland]

To the OP,
I'll bet I know who the TA is. I had the same experience with her until I finally had the joy of getting hooked up with Dreams Unlimited, who have been VERY good.

Have a good cruise, anyway!

 

[pppiglet]

I will always just book directly. I loved the service I got from DCL last time.

 

[Buddy Bear]

I will always just book directly. I loved the service I got from DCL last time.

I have too. I have booked five cruises and this one was the first I decided to move. For the last 3 years I have read many threads on how happy people are when the move their reservation so I thought I would give it a try.

First and last time.

 

[Keggy]

Buddy Bear - I was thinking of doing the same thing - can you please let us kow what TA so I know who not to use?

Thanks!

Kelly

 

[Buddy Bear]

Well, I wasn't going to say who it is, but I sent a PM to the owner of the TA (the message had been read early this morning) about what transpired yesterday and he didn't respond so I guess he doesn't care either.

I moved the reservation to All Seasons Travel

 

[Nik's Mom]

I am such a control freak. I am struggling whether to use a TA or not for our first cruise. I got a quote from DU which was only $75 less than DCL website. I have until this weekend to make up my mind...

 

[Papa & Mamaw]

I turned my res over to the same agency as the OP and loved their service. They promptly sent me a confirmation via e-mail and then I got a paper confirmation in the mail.

With the new DCL website, I will be doing my own shore excursion reservations, Palo and Spa appts. There are too many options, especially if the first selection is not available-and as we have learned some of them go quick.

I can understand them not wanting to get involved --especially if the popular shore excursions such as dolphin swims, etc. or a popular spa treatment are not available at the time they go to book it for you. I have seen people upset at their travel agents for not being able to get them what they want - when it is something very limited.

Sorry to hear that you were not impressed with their service.

 

[brack]

Five Magic cruises done and one more on the way ... we have only booked directly with DCL. All my experiences have been great in dealing with them. I talked to a TA about transferring but did not like the vibes so we stayed with DCL.I see no reason to change.