seannaes12

Thank you for the feedback. I believe what got me questioning the TA was when I got the quote for the 2 different lines, there were just options for selecting one or the other and signing to proceed with the reservation. I realize this is likely the software the agency uses, but it was still a turn off. There wasn't a follow up (to this point) to say I sent some options, but wanted to talk out potential options to choose one or the other or if either option was what I wanted. I assumed the TA has traveled to the area, sailed on each line, from each port and could give me some insight. Yes, the opinion would be subjective, but I would hope better than what I could find online that were limited or "paid" opinions on YouTube. I wasn't looking for a "deal" per se - I know the price they give is not likely any better than what I find online. But, I somewhat hoped she might say she could offer some discounts on drink package, excursions or something similar. The feedback has been helpful. I think I was hoping for an actual TA to tell me whether my experience was common or my expectations were off. I like the advice about asking what the benefits of proceeding through the TA would be. If all she is going to do is select the trip and details I give her, I'll just book myself. Again, I realize this isn't necessarily the fault of her or the agency - I just wouldn't be the type of traveller that would benefit from a TA.

Background: I have been on and planned a handful of cruises in the past that I booked directly on the cruise line website. I think my favorite part of vacations, in general, is researching and planning the trip. However, I did reach out to a travel agency on a near future Alaska cruise because it's mere weeks away and I know how popular the Alaska cruises are. I thought I may need help in make a final decision on the ship, port city and excursions. Disclaimer: I am fully aware the issue is with me and not the my experience with the travel agent to this point, so this is why I'm reaching out to the forum. So far, I have had one conversation with the agent. She did have some helpful suggestions when it came to general excursion questions, but all she did is take my information, preferences, timelines and put together prices on 2 ships I have already narrowed down the list to. So obviously, I did a fare amount of research before we spoke, but it's now left me with the question - "What is she doing for me?" I can easily (and have) pulled price quotes. Since I narrowed it down to two ships leaving from two different port cities, she could give a run down of the pros and cons of each ship and port city. In her defense, I didn't ask for that - I guess I just assumed she could break it down based on the feedback I gave her. Since then, I know the ship and port city I want to use based on further research on my own. Questions: -At this point, what should have expected from a travel agent? Did my solo research negate the benefit she would have provided? -Should I expect a benefit of using a travel agent at this point since I know exactly what I want? I have no issue with asking the agent these questions. However, my thought process is if I contact her further, I feel I have an obligation with booking with her because she did put in the work (whether I feel like it benefits me or not). On the other hand, I don't necessarily give up utilizing a travel agent because there may be a benefit and I don't want to just dismiss it/her.