Hi, new to this and looking for booking advice.

[Guest]

Hi

we're first timers and trying to work our way towards booking to hopefully do the western Caribbean in September / October 2018. I'm loving reading all your great tips and advice but I'm wondering if you could help me work out, as complete novices to cruising and Disney, if it's better to opt for the security of booking direct with DCL (even though it'll no doubt be mega bucks more expensive in terms of flights etc) or to be brave and go direct with an American agent? I know there's only pennies in it in terms of the actual cruise price but is there a benefit in organising flights and hotels and transfers and lord knows what else I don't know about yet?! It's sooooo confusing

[shepherdypie]

I was the same when we booked our first DCL holiday - I used Danny at Charter Travel - I use them all the time anyway and he was great with the cruise too - making sure I got the room I wanted etc.

[Bats]

Originally Posted by Mrs Spidereyes

Hi

we're first timers and trying to work our way towards booking to hopefully do the western Caribbean in September / October 2018. I'm loving reading all your great tips and advice but I'm wondering if you could help me work out, as complete novices to cruising and Disney, if it's better to opt for the security of booking direct with DCL (even though it'll no doubt be mega bucks more expensive in terms of flights etc) or to be brave and go direct with an American agent? I know there's only pennies in it in terms of the actual cruise price but is there a benefit in organising flights and hotels and transfers and lord knows what else I don't know about yet?! It's sooooo confusing

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Book direct or with a reputable US TA. If you book with a UK agent and need to change anything, you will be charged. They also have very little knowledge of DCL and the way things work.
If you're unsure about booking with a US TA, book direct. You can pay in £££ and you have the great T&Cs that DCL offer.

Joa

[lass1308]

You will get the best price for your whole vacation if you book the cruise directly with Disney in UK £ and then shop for flights and hotels and ground transportation. The cruise is no cheaper elsewhere and even with onboard credit (money in your account to spend on the ship) you could be stung by the exchange rate. You should fly in the day before and stay in a hotel. Disney arranged flights give you less control on your times and airline (collect your preferred miles for future flights) and cost more. Disney also always puts you in an expensive hotel. There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels for a fraction of the few select hotels through Disney. Some hotels booked directly will even have a free shuttle to port, or book a taxi, and save on the expensive ground transport.
I know doing it as one package can be attractive, but for a cruise it will cost you more. I'd rather use that part of my budget for souvenirs, cocktails, and excursions.