Do you use a TA for non-Disney travel? About This Page:

[B.M.]

Do you use a TA for non-Disney travel?

I'm planning a carnival cruise (in addition to our DCL cruise) for later this summer.... I was just wondering if most people use TA's for other cruise line or travel in general and if they offer incentives similar to what is offered w/DCL agents (like OBC's)?

TIA!

Edited to add: Oops I put this in the wrong place; meant for it to be under general trip planning and I don't seem to be able to delete it.....

[WDWfan]

Well now it is in the right forum! I do use a travel agent for all my cruises. I usually do all my airline and car rental reservations on my own, but I find that travel agents keep on top of the offers for all of the cruise lines. Some of the travel agents who are active on our boards specialize in Disney travel, but others offer full services for all of your travel needs.

[BelmontBelle]

I use a travel agent for cruising too. Many TA's do offer incentives. Aside from OBC, some will offer pre-paid gratuities. Just check around and see what you can find.

[Jennifer2003]

It's definatley wise to shop around for cruises because some agencies can give extra bonuses to their clients. For example, when I worked for AAA Travel, because of the relationship established with Carnival, AAA members were able to receive a two category upgrade when they booked. By this I mean, if you book an inside cabin, you will still be in an inside cabin, just on a better deck. I'm not sure if this is still the member benefit as I left the agency a year ago...I imagine something is still being offered, though.

Sometimes, if you book into an existing group you can get onboard credit or wine in your room, too. It doesn't mean you are required to "hang out with that group"...there may not even be a designated group at all...it just means you're booking on a sailing that this particular agency has blocks of rooms with and you can take advantage of the extras. I surprised a few clients with wine and they loved it!

The price will be the same no matter where you go...but it might be worth a phone call to see who can give you the best "extras"!

[seattlelimoforhire]

PassPorter's Walt Disney World is an perhaps the best and most popular unofficial guide to Disney. 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon out of 48 reviews. In fact 43 of the 48 reviews are 5 stars, and not a single negative review! That's pretty unheard of for any book.

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Seattle Town Car