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JJK2008

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Posts posted by JJK2008

  1. This is one of those hot topics here on CC. Many on here are deeply loyal to their TA and become indignant if someone suggests NOT using a TA. Some prefer to let someone else (TA) do the work for them. Others like the "perks" they get from a TA. It's a personal choice. ALL cruise lines price fix their cruises. A TA cannot give you a lower price on a cruise. There are exceptions such as group rates that a TA can offer that will reduce the price but even group rates are fixed by the cruise line. As an incentive to book with them, TA's will offer OBC, bottle of wine, gratuities, etc. ALL of these "perks" are paid for by the TA coming out of their commission. Keep in mind the TA is the customer of the cruise line, YOU are a customer of the TA. If anything happens (and it does on occasion) you MUST go through the TA to resolve it, the cruise line will not even talk to you. Some TA's are really good and others, not so much. Personally, we have had two very bad experiences with different TA's and as such for many years now, we book directly with the cruise line. We have found the cruise lines VERY accommodating to work with us when we have had issues arise. For us the perks offered are not worth giving up control of the cruise WE are paying for. You have to decide if the perks offered by the TA are worth giving up control of your cruise. Enjoy your cruise.  

    • Like 12
  2. 1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

    I can and I will but many people on CC have much more experience than the agent answering the phone.  I appreciate the forum’s experience and wisdom and that is why I come here 

    @Mary229 Yes, there are many experienced cruisers. Perhaps you'll find one that gives you the answers you're looking for.

  3. CC should lock tipping threads. Far too many people think they are obligated to express their Subjective opinions to ALL. Leave auto gratuity, remove auto gratuity, pay cash gratuity, pay extra cash with auto gratuity, pay no gratuity, adjust gratuity as YOU see fit, etc., etc., etc. Don't worry about what Anyone else says or thinks. Opinions are like a certain body orafice, we ALL have one. Enjoy cruising and worry ONLY about yourself.

    Stay Safe.

     

    • Like 7
    • Thanks 1
  4. 1 hour ago, ninjacat123 said:

    When can we apply for stockholder benefits for a 2025 cruise?  Now?  TIA!

    We did it at the beginning of June for a New Years cruise. Not sure if there is a maximum time before the cruise to apply. Once you establish the Stockperks account and prove your CCL shares, that proof is good for a year, and you don't have to resubmit the statement for any additional cruises within that year. Perhaps the year also applies to how early you can apply, but I don't know for certain. You could always reach out to them and ask. Try hello@stockperks.com. Good luck.  

  5. Tipping is an American custom that is NOT practiced in most of the World. Many Americans have become "conditioned" so that tipping is now just expected as an added cost to ANY service good or bad. That mindset is actually contradictory to the whole concept of tipping. Don't feel pressured either way. Do what YOU think is the best approach. Enjoy your cruise.

    • Like 21
    • Thanks 2
    • Haha 1
  6. On 8/8/2024 at 2:03 AM, goattyer65 said:

    Looking for recommendations for a hotel to stay  at after our cruise  don’t know if it would be better to stay at an airport hotel or does it really matter

    We stayed at the Sydney Boulevard Hotel and booked directly with the hotel. It is located right in the CBD, good location. Excellent buffet breakfast was included. HoHo bus stop right at the front door. Great way to see the city. Enjoy your trip.

    • Like 1
  7. If you have ever considered buying Carnival Cruise Line stock to take advantage of the shareholders OBC benefit, now may be a good time to do it. Shares today closed at $14.01. You need 100 shares to take advantage of the benefit. For a modest investment you can score up to $250 OBC every time you cruise within their line. Might be worth a look. 

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