UK travelers booking through US TA?

[Lady A]

Hi my husband and I travelled on the Dream in September 16 and loved it so much we are planning to book the Fantasy for September 18.
I have heard a lot of people get better deals going through a US travel agent rather than direct to DCL.
Is this the case? And can UK residents book through a US travel agent?
If so does anyone have any recommendations?

A lot of questions I know, sorry

[Bobsledwheels]

Hi Andrea,

We've always booked through Tracy Whipple at Travel on a Dream, and she's excellent. They offer pretty good on board credits, and you can even utilise the rebooking offer on board next time you cruise.

I've literally used them every time (this year is 5!) and they are excellent - normally very quick to respond and great with room queries etc

[Lady A]

Thank you Diane. I have completed a request form and included your name. I will now wait in anticipation of their reply. 😉👍🏻

[gismo1554]

I've always used Jess Hayes at Pixie Vacations if you want another quote. She's fantastic and although she doesn't do referral bonuses or anything she does offer OBC and has great customer service. jess@pixievacations com

[Lady A]

Hi Sarah, thanks for the suggestion however, I was quoted the same amount as Disney Cruise Line direct from the previous company I was recommended and I didn't want to loose the cabin I wanted as there are only a limited amount of concierge so I have booked direct with DCL. Not sure what extra benefit booking through a TA would be if the same price including the onboard credit they offer? 🤔

[gismo1554]

Originally Posted by Lady A

Hi Sarah, thanks for the suggestion however, I was quoted the same amount as Disney Cruise Line direct from the previous company I was recommended and I didn't want to loose the cabin I wanted as there are only a limited amount of concierge so I have booked direct with DCL. Not sure what extra benefit booking through a TA would be if the same price including the onboard credit they offer? 🤔

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No worries. All TA's will have the same price as DCL its just the additional OBC and service you get from them that makes people book with them. I've done both options (direct and through a TA) and I like both for different reasons. Being concierge I don't think it actually makes a difference having a TA personally as for me (who sales solo and books inside rooms to keep cost down) its the help with booking things I find useful. You will have this with the concierge team so no need to worry.

[Bats]

Originally Posted by gismo1554

No worries. All TA's will have the same price as DCL its just the additional OBC and service you get from them that makes people book with them. I've done both options (direct and through a TA) and I like both for different reasons. Being concierge I don't think it actually makes a difference having a TA personally as for me (who sales solo and books inside rooms to keep cost down) its the help with booking things I find useful. You will have this with the concierge team so no need to worry.

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I can tell you first hand that it makes a huuuuuuuuuge difference having a TA even if you're concierge. Casting my mind (and yours) back to 2014 when we were concierge for our wedding cruise.
Wrong colour flowers, boot print on my wedding dress when it came back from being cleaned, severe leak in our room so couldn't use the space for 3 days ... concierge host not that good, TA awesome!

A TA can be worth their weight in gold if there are problems in any category and on any cruise line.

You can come back to present day now!

[gismo1554]

Originally Posted by Bats

I can tell you first hand that it makes a huuuuuuuuuge difference having a TA even if you're concierge. Casting my mind (and yours) back to 2014 when we were concierge for our wedding cruise.
Wrong colour flowers, boot print on my wedding dress when it came back from being cleaned, severe leak in our room so couldn't use the space for 3 days ... concierge host not that good, TA awesome!

A TA can be worth their weight in gold if there are problems in any category and on any cruise line.

You can come back to present day now!

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Oh yes sorry hadn't thought about useless Conceirge lol! That's a really good point! I do love my TA and I probably would still book Conceirge with her anyway after those problems! Always assumed Conceirge were like good TA's but clearly its hit or miss! Had completely forgotten your nightmare issues!

[Bats]

Originally Posted by gismo1554

Oh yes sorry hadn't thought about useless Conceirge lol! That's a really good point! I do love my TA and I probably would still book Conceirge with her anyway after those problems! Always assumed Conceirge were like good TA's but clearly its hit or miss! Had completely forgotten your nightmare issues!

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The host was a lovely person but really let themselves down when a problem arose. it was almost like they didn't know how to cope with friendly and non demanding Brits! We were very laid back about everything so perhaps they thought we didn't need any compensation/help.

We've done concierge on a different ship and it was a totally different experience .. a very positive one!

[gismo1554]

Originally Posted by Bats

The host was a lovely person but really let themselves down when a problem arose. it was almost like they didn't know how to cope with friendly and non demanding Brits! We were very laid back about everything so perhaps they thought we didn't need any compensation/help.

We've done concierge on a different ship and it was a totally different experience .. a very positive one!

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Clearly you should have been more angry to them and they might have been able to cope better! I hate the fact that most of us are overly polite means they think we are fine! I hope you wrote a letter after the event - my fall back to confrontation