Has anyone been successful changing TAs?

[alwalaska]

We currently have a reservation for an NCL cruise in just under 2 years.  I would like to change my reservation to a new travel agent.  The current agency (my actual TA is no longer with us) says my option is to cancel and re-book.   Although prices are still the same, I don't want to take a chance of losing our cabins.  

 

Any successful experiences transferring to a new TA or even to direct with NCL?

 

Thanks.

 

[julig22]

I have transferred from NCL to a TA but not from TA to TA.  For the NCL to TA transfer, NCL has a form and per the instructions "Bookings may be transferred to a Travel Agent up until 30 days from creation if the request is made outside of Final Payment period and the booking is not paid in full..."

 

I don't know if those stipulations are just something NCL came up with or if it's industry standard.  New TA should be able to tell you if it's possible without rebooking.  Hope it works out.

[kkoenig89]

From NCL's FAQs: https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/guest-reservation-transfer-faq

 

Q: I ALREADY MADE A RESERVATION WITH A TRAVEL AGENCY, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER THE RESERVATION TO A DIFFERENT AGENCY. CAN I MAKE THE REQUEST?

A: No, the agency with which you have your reservation must authorize Norwegian Cruise Line to release it to the new agency. You will need to work with your current travel agent to submit the transfer request.

 

So your current TA has to approve the request, or you have to cancel and rebook, to switch TAs.

[HuliHuli]

34 minutes ago, alwalaska said:

The current agency (my actual TA is no longer with us) says my option is to cancel and re-book.   Although prices are still the same, I don't want to take a chance of losing our cabins.

According to an NCL PCC with whom I have worked, rooms go back into inventory 15 minutes after a cancelled reservation or release is given by a TA.  I think the risk of losing your selected cabins would be small if you went ahead and booked with the new TA, and cancelled the old reservation immediately thereafter.  Then wait for the cabins to show up on-line and have your TA grab them.  We have worked with NCL directly to change our reservations, but capture favored cabins with success.  I'd ask your new TA if they are up to ensuring you get what you want.

[alwalaska]

49 minutes ago, kkoenig89 said:

From NCL's FAQs: https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/guest-reservation-transfer-faq

 

Q: I ALREADY MADE A RESERVATION WITH A TRAVEL AGENCY, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER THE RESERVATION TO A DIFFERENT AGENCY. CAN I MAKE THE REQUEST?

A: No, the agency with which you have your reservation must authorize Norwegian Cruise Line to release it to the new agency. You will need to work with your current travel agent to submit the transfer request.

 

So your current TA has to approve the request, or you have to cancel and rebook, to switch TAs.

Thanks.  That was what I thought, but my old TA unfortunately passed away, so she can't release it and her company is saying it isn't possible.  If it was a cheap cruise in the near future I would just leave it, but it is a very expensive cruise so far away I don't want to have to break in a TA who doesn't seem to have the experience of my prior TA.

[AmyJA]

Sorry alwalaska.

 

We that go through TA's find that one special one that we love.

 

Can't imagine having to switch! 

[alwalaska]

1 minute ago, AmyJA said:

Sorry alwalaska.

 

We that go through TA's find that one special one that we love.

 

Can't imagine having to switch! 

 

Thanks.  I'm an obsessive planner (as many on this site are) and she was always so good at taking care of me and not being annoyed by my obsessive qualities.  Luckily a have a cruise buddy who is now a TA (she wasn't when we met) and she knows what I'm like, but the stress of change is still real.  Plus, the loss of a friend on top of it all.  It helps to have people who understand.  Thanks again for taking time to post.