I was wondering if any of you have used the Discover Card Cash Back Certificates for Carnival before.  I have used them on the last several cruises.  My only problem with them is that you have to book through a company called Cruise and Vacation Desk in order to receive the discount.  The Carnival PVP's cannot accept them.  I have never had any problems with C&VD in the past but my experience has been that they basically take my order (I pick out the cruise myself on the Carnival website), try and get the best price (they will always give me the price listed on Carnival's website) with the Discover certificate discount on top of the internet price over the phone, and then I never hear from them again.  I guess I am getting what I pay for but it would be nice to see a little service as well.  I would very much like to schedule my next cruise through Carnival but unfortunately they cannot take the certificate discount which normally is at least $80 per cabin.  Has anyone else dealt with C&VD or does any one else know of another TA that would accept the Dicover Card Carnival Certificates?   

I checked into it, and that is exactly how I felt... they sell you the cruise you pick and then you never hear anything again.  No service or relationship.   I don't think those certificates work on Military discounts....but you are supposed to get extra "cash back" on your booking.  I decided it wasn't worth it.

We have used the Discover cash back certificates on our last four cruises.  You can only use the certificate with C&VD.  I had an agent at C&VD that would contact me routinely, she is no longer there and I was assigned someone new, who is ok but I agree not a lot of personal follow-up service.  We always book a balcony aor suite nd get the max discount.  Our agent, told me that even after you book with C&VD, if you find a lower fare C&VD will adjust your price, I was given that info in writing, so I always book with them.  From my understanding, C&VD is contracted with Discover, so maybe a note to Discover Card suggesting expanding to include other partners.  C&VD travel insurance with AIG is less money and better coverage than other policies we have had in the past.  I have never had a problem with this travel agency, and have always been pleased with pricing and our room.   If I have a specific question, I call my agent and he will work with me to get exactly what I want.  There have been times when he has been on the phone with me and Carnival at the same time working out details or getting my questions answered.  

I used to book direclty using travelocity, again not a lot of personal attention, so I am not sacrificing service by using the discount certificate. 

We have tried several times to book direclty with Carnival and can never get the TA to call us back in the evening when we are home.  So our sucess rate booking through Carnival is zero....

Hope this helps

Thank you for your responses.

I have been using the Cruise and Vacation Desk for about 7 years now. I have been cruising for 15+ years, but some of the best service I have yet to see was offered by this agency. One thing that I love about the agency, is that if you need anything at all: including questions about your sailing, room changes, spelling changes, upgrades, and your agent is not in the office.. any of the other agents are more than happy to help you. This Travel Agency is not only in partnership with Discover card, but also many employers and businesses. My agent calls me occasionally (but isn't overbearing) if she hears of special promotions and offers. The Discover Certificates are a great value for a 6 night or longer cruise and on a few of my cruises, this agency (I was told their parent name is Touraid Travel Inc.) had group space available and was able to offer even better rates and amenities (such as OBC) than I could get anywhere else. I can speak for myself and friends who have used the agency and be confident in saying I would recommend this agency to anyone. They are always friendly and on your side.