Travel Agent Question

[Lunarias]

Hi
I'm new to Disney Cruising (been on two previous but on another line) but am looking to plan my honeymoon. Currently we are interested in cruising Panama (Westbound) in 2017. I know that itinerary has not been released yet, and have read on this site and other forums that the best time to book is on day 1 (at least for Disney). I have also heard that some of the travel agents that work with Disney cruises may get a day or two heads up when those new itineraries may be released (they can't book early but will know it is coming) So it sounds like a Travel agent is a good way to go but I have never used one before, I've always just done all the research myself and booked and made changes on my own. I know a lot of travel agencies will offer bonuses for booking with them in the form of OBC but i guess I'm just confused how it all works. Is it the same price to use a travel agent to book than if I just look online or call Disney directly to book? How does that work? why do I get OBC from a travel agency that I don't get for doing it myself. I'm a little hesitant. Also does anyone have any suggestions for good travel agencies or agents in particular (I know this board works with Dreams Unlimited) but has anyone had any first hand experience, good or bad? ( I know I'm asking a lot in one post, thank you in advance!)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi
I'm new to Disney Cruising (been on two previous but on another line) but am looking to plan my honeymoon. Currently we are interested in cruising Panama (Westbound) in 2017. I know that itinerary has not been released yet, and have read on this site and other forums that the best time to book is on day 1 (at least for Disney). I have also heard that some of the travel agents that work with Disney cruises may get a day or two heads up when those new itineraries may be released (they can't book early but will know it is coming) So it sounds like a Travel agent is a good way to go but I have never used one before, I've always just done all the research myself and booked and made changes on my own. I know a lot of travel agencies will offer bonuses for booking with them in the form of OBC but i guess I'm just confused how it all works. Is it the same price to use a travel agent to book than if I just look online or call Disney directly to book? How does that work? why do I get OBC from a travel agency that I don't get for doing it myself. I'm a little hesitant. Also does anyone have any suggestions for good travel agencies or agents in particular (I know this board works with Dreams Unlimited) but has anyone had any first hand experience, good or bad? ( I know I'm asking a lot in one post, thank you in advance!)

The "day or two head's up" is really for those returning cruisers on DCL. Gold & Platinum Castaway Club members can book a day early. As a first time cruiser you can't book until the itineraries are available to the public. The cost of the cruise is the same, whether you purchase through a TA, or directly with DCL. The difference is that some TAs offer perks for using the to book the cruise. You could get some onboard credit or a bottle of wine. Those TAs that offer perks do different things.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The reason you get an OBC from a TA and not when you book with DCL direct is that it isn't DCL giving you the OBC. Some TAs offer a portion of their commissions back to the cruiser in the form of an OBC as an incentive to book with them.

 

[Lunarias]

The reason you get an OBC from a TA and not when you book with DCL direct is that it isn't DCL giving you the OBC. Some TAs offer a portion of their commissions back to the cruiser in the form of an OBC as an incentive to book with them.

If I'm paying the same, I wouldn't mind someone else getting a cut too... Ok I think I get it, now to pick one >.<