TA vs. DCL booking comparison. Please help.

[Buddy Bear]

My family just booked while onboard the 8/21 Eastern Caribbean. We booked a 7 Day Western which the date may change but for sake of discussion lets us it as an example.

I always book through DCL and don't transfer my bookings because I don't see a benefit so for those with TA experience please tell me the perks or savings I may be missing out on.

The booking is for two adults in a Cat 6, no airfare, no transfers (sorry, I like to handle that myself) on 12/03/2005. We will eventually add our children (Catherine will be 12 and Sarah 1 1/2) but for now to keep the deposit to $500 we have it just Missy and I.

Prior to adding the children the price was a few dollars shy of $3,000. I did get the early booking discount and the $200 onboard credit so here is the question.

Can a TA offer me something that would make sense for me to move my booking?

Thanks for any feedback,

Jeff

 

[pppiglet]

I would like to know also. I have never traveled and never used a TA. I don't even know how one works! I just got the early booking discount from DCL when I booked our cruise and they assigned us a room which is in a great location. From what I've read, it seems like with a TA you get a small discount and maybe they send a basket to your room. Maybe they research more if you need it. I knew this cruise would be expensive since it is the first time on the west coast and 50th anniv. and I have the money right now to pay it, but maybe next year I would use a TA if it is a lot less or there are other perks.

 

[mmouse37]

It all depends....I saved over $500 using Costco travel. Another great TA is www.allseastravel.com

They actually have the prices listed on their websites (they have December of '05...I checked). Right now they are comprable to what you paying with DCL.

Remember...at the very beginning when prices are released by DCL for a cruise date....everyone (DCL & TA's pretty much start off at the same rates.....the closer you get to a sailing the more DCL increases their rates as they are on a tier pricing system...when a percentage in one tier is met they raise the price to the next tier.

TA's on the other hand can save a block of cabins and keep the price the same and this is when you can save money.

In your case....because you booked so far out...it looks like DCL is in the lowest pricing tier for your date so their rate and allseas is about the same. Keep an eye on the price with DCL...it will get higher as the months go by.

MJ

 

[pppiglet]

That's great to know! Thank you.

 

[PoohJen]

I never use a TA either - EXCEPT for my DCL cruise, b/c I got a much better price through the TA. I used www.allseastravel.com

Another site worth looking at for the sake of comparing prices is www.vacationstogo.com I like these two websites b/c you can easily look up the date of your cruise and find the price they are offering. You didn't say when you would be sailing, so it's hard to tell what others are offering for that cruise.

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your cruise enough to re-book!!

Happy Planning!

 

[Buddy Bear]

PoohJen:

Sorry, my post was lengthy, but in the middle of third paragraph I put the booked cruise date which is 12/03/05.

Thanks for the info, I have contacted allseastravel and will check out vacationstogo

Jeff