Thoughts on US cruise companies please

[paulc]

Can any of you good fellow Disney lovers out there help one of your UK cousins from across the pond. Due to a mix up in dates - long story - I am trying to arrange a Disney cruise by booking the individual components myself. I have had two quotes from US travel companies as follows
a) vacationstogo
b) Allseastravel

One is some $280 less than the other

I would appreciate any comments that you have on either company before I risk my hard earned cash.

We have a system in the UK where all major tour companies are “bonded” so that if they go bust and are a member of the bonded scheme then their customer’s money is refunded. Is there a similar thing in the US? If so what is it called so I can ring these companies and ask if they are covered.

Many thanks in anticipation that you can provide me with some help

paulc

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Paul,

I haven't heard of anything like that specifically in the US, maybe one of our TAs out there can help directly.

You may also want to check through Dream Unlimited - the agency that sponsors these boards. They have a link and those that have used them rate them quite highly.

Deb

 

[Auntie Bon]

My sister used Vacationstogo in early Feb. with no problems. Not sure about bonding for travel companies.

 

[kajohn]

I'm not sure if this is the same thing, but the travel insurance I just bought independently covers my RCCL cruise if RCCL goes bankrupt and cancels my cruise. The insurance company has a list of travel companies they cover (ones they feel will not go bankrupt!). I'm sure DCL is one of them. However, now that I think of it, I believe the insurance company I used was for US residents only. The TA may be able to steer you in the right direction.

 

[Michelle]

Paul, with a company such as Dreams Unlimited (a sponsor of this board) all payments are made DIRECTLY to DCL. That means that in the unlikely even that the TA goes under your investment is still protected as the agency does not hold your funds. Dreams does not charge the client's credit card but rather handles the payments directly to DCL.

I don't know if there is a similar policy with the agencies you mentioned.

All the best with your travel plans.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We've used vacationstogo before, and were happy with them.

 

[paulc]

Thanks for all your replies - this forum is really amazing

 

[wendym]

Paul
I have my third DCL cruise booked with Transolar holidays
www.transolarholidays.com
They are a UK company and they are excellent - do it all by email (aprt from the payment!!) and always get prompt service. They gave me a great deal - much lower than DCL themselves.
Hope this helps.
Wendy

 

[mmouse37]

Allseastravel have gotten very good comments as well.

MJ