TA's Job During Uncertain Weather.....

[rae519]

Probably the best person to answer this would be a TA - but anyone who has had any experience with the uncertainty that we are experiencing with the 9/4/04 - Hurricane Frances situation, is welcomed to share.....

What is the TA's responsibility to the client?

Thanks in advance!

Rae

 

[ldb1030]

Our biggest responsibility would be to stay in communication with the cruise line to find out anything in advance that we possibly could about that particular sailing.
Cruise Lines/Hotels etc... don't always know anything, or so they say, until something actually happens. Other's will say "okay, IF this happens, this is what we'll do" but it's unfortunatly a wait-and-see situation usually!

 

[rae519]

All Seas Travel rep just told me that they are going out on Friday on another cruise line - and to just keep in touch with DCL. Guess that means their entire office is going on vacation! What a time for all of us to be gone!

Rae

 

[ldb1030]

That's not very good customer service!
You should be able to speak with another agent in their office while they are gone!
I'm sure it will all work out for you!
Just call and ask for the supervisor if you don't get anywhere with them!

 

[rae519]

ON the contrary, I am very pleased with All Seasons! I have had several calls from both my agent and the President regarding the weather, our travel plans since Disney has asked for all phone numbers, travel plans, hotel reservations, etc.

All Seasons is going above and beyond to make sure that I feel safe, secure and satisfied. I just feel bad that they are leaving their home (Jacksonville) for a vacation and not only do they have to worry about vacation plans but their homes/businesses as well.

Chuck Maida assured me that Disney would talk with us and gave me a number to use for them. He is a great guy and takes a lot of pride in his company and customer service.

I was hoping that other TA's would be as assuring as mine has been. Sorry to have sounded otherwise on the post!

Rae

 

[kcashner]

The problem (at least as I see it) is that DCL makes decisions on a "minute by minute" basis as weather necessitates. They do make an effort to contact people, and you might want to call your TA to be sure that DCL has your cell phone number. They have an alternative port near Tampa which can be used if Port Canaveral isn't accessible. As to decisions at sea--the captain announces these on the PA system and they are announced before the dinner shows.

Other than flights cancelled/alternative port, I don't know what your TA could possibly know in advance. Even these decisions aren't likely to be made till the day of the cruise. My TA is closed on Saturday....another reason to arrive in the Orlando area at least the night before! Once you are in Orlando, DCL is very willing to help you even if you booked thru a TA. THey have a team of "trouble shooters" who's job is to assist anyone booked on a cruise who has a last minute sort of problem--cancelled flights, lost luggage, forgotten docs, weather issues, etc. There is always one on duty in the Celebration office, one at MCO, and one at the port...as well as others as needed during working hours including weekends.