Tranferring a placeholder to Costco

[FigmentSpark]

Costco says they can't merge a placeholder into their system and I must pick a sail date in order to transfer my placeholders to them.

Has anyone else had any success transferring placeholders to Costco?

 

[dcassetta]

Costco says they can't merge a placeholder into their system and I must pick a sail date in order to transfer my placeholders to them.

Has anyone else had any success transferring placeholders to Costco?

Call and speak to another agent. I transferred 2 last week.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I was going to do that, but she checked with a supervisor. They have the transfer forms. She said Disney hadn't processed it yet and there was a 5min wait for her to hold with them. Then she said their system wouldn't allow it and I had to book the placeholder, which defeats the purpose. I'm sure DCL doesn't want people saving rooms they know they're not going to use.

 

[dcassetta]

Are you outside of the 30 day window?

 

[TACK]

I called and they sent me a transfer form to fill out (which includes the onboard booking number). I followed directions that was in the email. I might have had to follow up once but basically no problems.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Are you outside of the 30 day window?

^^this. You can only transfer within 30 days of making the booking.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Yes, I'm still within my window. I filled out my forms and they have them. I was doing the follow-up call to ensure all was completed when they told me they couldn't do it.

 

[NS8VN]

You guys are sure you transferred a placeholder? I thought it had been mentioned on here previously that you can only transfer booked cruises.

 

[o&smom]

Call back and speak to someone else! We have had issues with some reps since DCL changed their program. We have transferred 2 and then had them changed into actual cruises on opening day. Some people have known what to do and some have not. One rep was even going to cancel our placeholders!!!

 

[FigmentSpark]

I'm worried, since she asked her supervisor, that she'll make a note on my file, now. Also, I thought I'd give it a little time, for a shift change. She said they work all weekend and so does DCL, so it doesn't matter when I phone. Does that sound right?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm worried, since she asked her supervisor, that she'll make a note on my file, now. Also, I thought I'd give it a little time, for a shift change. She said they work all weekend and so does DCL, so it doesn't matter when I phone. Does that sound right?

Well, DCL does sort of have "office hours" you can't call them 24/7 regarding reservations.

If it's a change in Costco policy, they're going to lose business. You can only transfer a booking (actual reservation OR placeholder) within 30 days. If Costco isn't going to allow people to transfer a placeholder, then they aren't accommodating their clientele.

 

[Ravenne]

When I booked my placeholder, I just listed Costco as my TA. When I came back and called Costco, they were able to locate it and made notes to it and kind of held it in their system. When it came time to use the PH, I just called Costco back and they knew what to do with it right away. There wasn't any confusion with that. If you can't figure it out with Costco, maybe try calling DCL and see if you can assign a TA still?

 

[FigmentSpark]

Since I hadn't had a previous working relationship with Costco, the DCL CM wouldn't name them as my TA. So I'm stuck with the transfer. I tried calling again, but there's a half hour wait. I'll have to try tomorrow.

Do other TAs accept placeholder transfers?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Since I hadn't had a previous working relationship with Costco, the DCL CM wouldn't name them as my TA. So I'm stuck with the transfer. I tried calling again, but there's a half hour wait. I'll have to try tomorrow.

Do other TAs accept placeholder transfers?

I was under the impression that, if the current cruise you're on (the one where you make the future cruise or placeholder booking on), if you booked that cruise directly (with no TA) you can designate a TA at the time of the booking. If the cruise you are on was booked through a TA, you can only designate them or "none" as a TA.

Was the cruise you were on booked through a TA? Or did you book it directly?

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

You used to be able to put a new ta on your placeholder when you booked it onboard but now they will only let yoi leave your current ta on or transfer it.
If there is no ta on your booking you cannot add a ta but have to transfer it after you get home.
OP i would just pick a random three night for the farthest date out and book it with costco. You can change it or cancel for a refund later.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Yes, we used a TA for our first cruise. The placeholder was listed with no TA.

I am considering the 3 night option. I just didn't want to go through that hassle. I thought I had this figured out.

 

[FigmentSpark]

FYI - I called DCL and they said they have Costco listed as my TA. So at this point, I don't think I have to worry whether the res #s are in the Costco system, as DCL will recognise them as belonging to Costco when I want to book them.

I don't think I could have used Costco for my first cruise. Just doing this with the several agents I've talked with has made it clear that they are useful only if you know what you are doing and can advocate for yourself. If you want someone to walk you through the secrets and ins and outs and make recommendations, I'm not so sure they'd be the right choice. But for people who know what they want, cashback is always nice.

 

[KalamityJane]

FYI - I called DCL and they said they have Costco listed as my TA. So at this point, I don't think I have to worry whether the res #s are in the Costco system, as DCL will recognise them as belonging to Costco when I want to book them.

I don't think I could have used Costco for my first cruise. Just doing this with the several agents I've talked with has made it clear that they are useful only if you know what you are doing and can advocate for yourself. If you want someone to walk you through the secrets and ins and outs and make recommendations, I'm not so sure they'd be the right choice. But for people who know what they want, cashback is always nice.

We are using Costco for our first cruise They've been really great to us, BUT I don't mind doing my own research and the extra cash back is amazing.

 

[dtrain]

Are you outside of the 30 day window?

^^this. You can only transfer within 30 days of making the booking.

Technically true, however I was able to get my reservation moved to Costco 2 weeks after the 30 day window lapsed by speaking to a DCL supervisor. Just an FYI in case someone is close to the cutoff. It's worth trying as there is a little wiggle room even though everyone says other wise.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Technically true, however I was able to get my reservation moved to Costco 2 weeks after the 30 day window lapsed by speaking to a DCL supervisor. Just an FYI in case someone is close to the cutoff. It's worth trying as there is a little wiggle room even though everyone says other wise.

You were very lucky you got a sympathetic supervisor. Yes, there MAY be wiggle room, but I certainly wouldn't say it's always there.