Transfer ressie to TA???

[meandmad]

We booked our cruise for Jan 06 a couple of weeks ago. We decided to go directly with DCL because my mom felt "safer" than risking a TA who might go under and the prices were comparable.

I've read about the nice little bon voyage gifts that some people get from their TA's, like Dreams Unlimited, and am wondering if we should/could transfer our ressie to them? Do they always do those gifts? Does DCL do anything like that if you've booked directly through them?

 

[DIScruisers4]

I have often transferred my reservation to a TA like Dreams or All Seas, or Costco, after booking on board in order to get that agency's additional rebate. It is definitely worth it to shop around your reservation and then transfering it to a TA to get the extra savings. If nothing better is available, then just keep your reservation directly through Disney. We recently used Dreams and they did send a nice memory/keepsake box for our last cruise. I do not remember if Costco sent anything and I don't know if All Seas or other agencies do so. In case you're nervous about switching, just stick with the more reputable TA's. One difference I have found with switching is that once you switch, you generally have to go through your TA to make changes, etc. to your reservation. If your reservation is held and serviced directly by Disney, then you can deal directly with Disney. You basically eliminate the middle person. Good luck.

 

[kcashner]

Some TAs will give you a discount by refunding to you part of their commission. Some have special discount deals of onboard credits available only thru that agent. Others will send you a small keepsake. In any event, there is nothing to lose by transferring your ressie. Your payment is made to DCL, not to the agent.

Try Dreams Unlimited, Cruise Travel Outlet, AAA, etc.

 

[ivanova]

In short, NO, DCL won't do anything like TA's (a la bon voyage gifts, etc.) unless you have specifically paid for them yourself.

Like the previous poster said, your payments SHOULD be going directly to DCL, so if the TA "goes under" you aren't out the money.

You can also check to verify the TA is bonded, and depending on your state laws see if they are registered with the state as a "seller of travel" (CA and FL both require TAs to register as sellers of travel).