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Old 09-16-2016, 09:04 PM   #1
elisa1006
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First cruise - TA?

We are looking at cruising on the Dream Nov 2017. We have never been on any cruise at all. I have passporter's cruise line, and am fairly knowledgeable about planning my own trips. I'm trying to decide if we should use a TA. What are your thoughts and opinions?

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Old 09-17-2016, 09:55 AM   #2
xwewhisper
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I recommend using a TA for cruising because a lot of agencies will offer onboard credits for booking with them! It's also much easier on you not having to do a lot of the calling and being on hold etc yourself. You'll also likely have someone with some personal experience that can help you make plans and decisions etc.



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Old 09-17-2016, 09:02 PM   #3
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There is typically no cost to using a travel agent, and as mentioned, some agents will give you onboard credit or gift cards for booking through them.

The only downside I can think of to using an agent is that any changes to the reservation (for example, changing passengers, rooms, or dates) will need to be done by the agent. You would still be able to book excursions and onboard activities yourself online.

Also, if you book a new cruise while onboard, you will need to either book on your own or use same travel agent that you used for the current cruise -- you would not be able to name a different agent for an onboard booking. If you book on your own you would have a few weeks to transfer the reservation to a different agent, but many travel agencies provide a reduced credit for transferred reservations.

We have used a travel agent for all 9 of our Disney cruises and never regretted it. We particularly appreciated having an agent when we booked cruises on opening day and didn't need to spend hours waiting on the phone. I simply e-mailed our agent as soon as booking dates were announced to tell her which date and cabin category we wanted, and received a confirmation by evening.

Happy planning!
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Old 09-18-2016, 12:22 AM   #4
PatV
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You're gonna love it!

I can't say enough about how fun cruising can be. My only experience so far is with NCL. We have never had a bad cruise - stateroom, meal reservations, excursions, ship amenities.
I do recommend you consider getting a patch for motion sickness from your doctor. They last about 3 days and you would need enough to cover the whole cruise, and flights.

We have booked direct and used a TA. Both good experiences. Let us know what you decide...
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Old 09-18-2016, 10:39 PM   #5
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HI i am so glad we used a TA plus that you get free Spa passes and you get onboard credit i mean how can you go wrong. Plus we have a small business. We had a set back and thought we were not going to get to go. We were on our pay in full date. Disney was absolute against us moving the cruise. Our TA talked to 5 reps before she was able to secure someone who understood our situation and was happy to help and moved our cruise to next year. Then when we got the money together we called our TA and she got us booked this year on the cruise we originally wanted with no issue.

I highly recommend Ashley Mathews Walker from pixie dust and pirate hooks. She went above and beyond and had not been for her we would have lost our $1044 we put down originally to go.
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Old 09-18-2016, 11:27 PM   #6
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I chose the TA route. I was still able to do my research and confirmed with her my wants and desires. She then put them into action.

I have spent the past 4 hours reading my passporter guide. (Not even half way through it yet).

I have a bit (ok, maybe a lot) of anxiety over thoughts of being in the open waters. But I am excited and looking forward to this cruise!

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My Previous TripsFirst trip to WDW, May 1999 for senior trip. Worked at WDW college program Jan to May 2000. First family trip, June 10-18 2009, ASMO. Surprise trip May 31 - June 7, 2010, Wilderness Lodge. Oct 26-Nov3 POP. Aug 27 - Sept 7th Beach Club
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Old 09-27-2016, 11:26 AM   #7
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There are many questions a TA can answer for you and give you as much or as little assistance as you need along the way. Just find the one that will fit your needs and be clear about your needs and expectations from the beginning so you get matched with the right agent.

You'll be addicted to cruising like the rest of us crazies! Congrats on your first trip!
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