Travel agent, PVP or myself??

[april_4_us]

I have previously used a ta for all my cruises. Last one really couldn't stand me since I watch the prices almost daily. Should I just book myself??? What really is the difference???

april

[GTO-Girl]

I have previously used a ta for all my cruises. Last one really couldn't stand me since I watch the prices almost daily. Should I just book myself??? What really is the difference???

april

 

I like to use my PVP because he may can see cabins available that are not showing on the website. I still have control over my booking so if I see any price drops I can call him, or if its Early Saver I can submit the form myself.

 

I don't like to be dependent on someone else to handle any changes

[april_4_us]

How does one get a PVP??

april

[GTO-Girl]

How does one get a PVP??

april

 

Just call the main Carnival number and ask for one. If you get someone you are not happy with ask for someone else. They really don't do much more than just book the cruise for you, but some people have gotten lucky and gotten PVPs who really go above and beyond.

 

I have used the same guy for a couple of years now and its nice to call him and he already has all my info pulled up. He knows that I have already researched everything and know exactly what I want, but he has gotten me a little better room location because he could see more rooms

 

Wish I could give you his name but Unfortunately that info cannot be shared on these boards.

[myangel]

I have used a PVP for all my cruises until the one I just booked last night. I did it myself online. I became very unhappy with my PVP ( never returning my call, email etc ) so I decided I will do it myself this time. I have the number to fax the stock proof for my obc so that is all I need. :)

[xitappers2bx]

I have previously used a ta for all my cruises. Last one really couldn't stand me since I watch the prices almost daily. Should I just book myself??? What really is the difference???

april

 

 

travel agents = works for you

 

PVP = works for carnival

 

 

when something goes wrong, who do you think is gonna be most receptive to helping you? the person getting paid by YOUR business, or the person getting paid by the corporation?

 

my TA has been invaluable to me over the years. and who cares if they couldn't stand you, you're helping them do their job.

 

or just book yourself and hope nothing goes wrong... but know that a TA is invaluable... for our HAL cruise coming up, we wanted early dining. after final payment, doing a dummy booking there was early seating available... i called HAL, no dice, can't change (even though we're in a suite and should have priority); call travel agent, she calls and voila we are confirmed for early dining at the size table that we always request.

[missypriss19]

I would book myself or go through a PVP. I hate the fact that I would have to go through a 3rd party to get something done. They cant offer me anything of great value so I dont see the point.

[cruizinisthebest]

DH and I had a fantastic TA years ago when we booked our first cruise, which was our honeymoon cruise. We used her faithfully for years and then lost touch after she relocated. We've also planned cruises with very little to no help simply using the web. This time we went through a TA because of a promotion they were running.

 

I say do whatever your most comfortable with. They are pros and cons to each approach. So long as you get the service you want and deserve. My sister has had a pvp for two years now and loves it.

[GradUT]

For a simple Carnival cruise (no groups, special requests, etc.), I would just book it yourself. It's so much easier to get things done without having to go through your travel agent. And, as mentioned earlier, the PVP works for Carnival--not for you.

 

The only exception to this would be if a travel agent can give you a big discount or some substantial perk that makes it worthwhile to you to book with them.

[ccruisequeen]

I do a trial booking on the site then contact our PVP. Today he was able to get us a better location for our ov cabin and suggest that we do ES instead of PG, to get price drops.

[TMWTim]

Book it yourself if you know your way around a computer or phone. A PVP is good for those that are unsure and would rather someone else at CCL looking after their best interests. At the same time, you are your brothers keeper. You can book yourself and if there is any questions or concerns you can call CCL 24/7 and eventually get everything settled. A PVP works for CCL and although they are charming to talk to you will rarely have them offering a deal AFTER you have booked. It happens but usually you have to have some skin in the game....example - not your first rodeo. If you book ES you can usually get them on the phone for a price drop problem.

 

As for a TA. Look, if they can get you a better 'deal' then they have managed to beat the internet and a PVP at the same time. They are very good if you want to pass on the cruise info and have them book it for you.

[BobbyD]

In full disclosure, DW is a TA but is a corporate agent, not a leisure agent. When we book a cruise we use the cruise agent in her company.

 

That being said, as long as nothing goes wrong I guess it doesn't make a difference who books your cruise. Whether it be yourself, a TA or a PVP, it doesn't cost any more or less to use any. Where a good TA becomes invaluable is when difficult situations occur, changes have to be made, or you need someone to advocate for yourself. This is when a good TA earns their money!

 

Also in full disclosure, if my wife books with her agency, a perk is that the agency takes no commission and we get to deduct that from our total. If that wasnt the case, I would probably book on my own.

[maldenmusic]

Getting ready for cruise #7 and I"ve done them all myself online. No problems at all so far.

[RWolver672]

Getting ready for cruise #7 and I"ve done them all myself online. No problems at all so far.

 

 

Have taken seven cruises in fourteen years all through the same TA. No problems at all so far here either.

 

It all just depends on what you are comfortable with. We tell her the ship, date and cabin location we want (usually multiple) and she does all the rest of the work. Plus she always has a bottle of wine in our cabins waiting for us.

[ShanteS]

I have previously used a ta for all my cruises. Last one really couldn't stand me since I watch the prices almost daily. Should I just book myself??? What really is the difference???

april

 

If you can book it yourself I'd say do that. Do a mock booking online and either just book it online or call Carnival and have an agent book it for you over the phone (which is what I do). Some people swear by TAs but if you have a problem or want a price drop you can handle everything yourself directly without having to go through a third party. I like to know EVERYTHING concerning my booking and prices etc. so I don't mind waiting on the phone or calling to investigate or ask questions myself. I personally just don't see the point in booking with a TA anymore but that's just me. I'd probably book through a TA if I were taking a land or destination vacation to one place but not for a cruise. It all depends on what you're comfortable with. Good luck!

[skyeman27]

Use and find a good TA. They work for you and have a more direct access to cruise lines when things go wrong. I find all my cruises, including the room I want, then call my TA and book. When I book a cruise on a ship I transfer the booking to my TA. I would never consider not using my TA, an valuable asset that does not cost me money, in fact my TA has saved me money and aggravation on a few occasions...

[Sparky2]

I like to use my PVP because he may can see cabins available that are not showing on the website. I still have control over my booking so if I see any price drops I can call him, or if its Early Saver I can submit the form myself.

I don't like to be dependent on someone else to handle any changes

 

For our B2B, our PVP can find a cabin for us that is available on both legs.

 

I also like to have control of our booking.

 

We booked our 2014 B2B while on the ship in 2013. When I got home and tried to transfer it to our PVP, I found out she'd been promoted and was no longer a PVP. I emailed someone I've cruised with a couple of times (from our roll call - Thanks, Claudia) and now have a new PVP. However, since she's not getting credit for this booking, I will only contact her if I have a problem.

 

I submit all my ES forms rather than bugging a PVP.

[CoachT]

A travel agent is always looking out for the best values for you, comparing different suppliers back and forth - that's something that direct-selling PVPs won't do. And, if something goes wrong on the trip, you will be stuck on hold with a supplier's call center rep who can't fix things to save your trip!

 

When you use a TA, they will know this may be a dream vacation to you. To a website, you are nothing more than data.

[april_4_us]

Thanks all for the replies, other than the first cruise I have done the mock bookings then told the TA what we wanted. Until this last time I have not had any issues getting my price drops but I know she wasn't happy. I may try someone local or just do it myself. We have never run into problems so I guess I have the options. I was told TA cant give much more anyways. Thanks again

april

[S.S.Oceanlover]

A travel agent is always looking out for the best values for you, comparing different suppliers back and forth - that's something that direct-selling PVPs won't do. And, if something goes wrong on the trip, you will be stuck on hold with a supplier's call center rep who can't fix things to save your trip!

 

When you use a TA, they will know this may be a dream vacation to you. To a website, you are nothing more than data.

 

Coach,

 

You shouldn't paint with such a broad brush.

 

Just like some that paint with a broad brush and say all travel agents are bad.

 

There are plenty of ta's out there too that you are nothing more than a number.

 

Kudos to you and agents that are like you.

 

Bill

[larkz]

Twice, I've just called the Carnival number. Three times, I've booked online. I'm the kind of person who likes to drive the car, as opposed to riding as a passenger.

[karenscruises]

A travel agent is always looking out for the best values for you, comparing different suppliers back and forth - that's something that direct-selling PVPs won't do. And, if something goes wrong on the trip, you will be stuck on hold with a supplier's call center rep who can't fix things to save your trip!

 

When you use a TA, they will know this may be a dream vacation to you. To a website, you are nothing more than data.

 

Thank you so much for saying this! I'm a Vacation Specialist. I specialize in honeymoons as well as family vacations so sell alot of cruises as well as All Inclusives and "theme parks". We work very hard to satisfy our customer b/c we want them back. I have customers that I've booked vacations for the last 10 yrs. I really truly do care about my clients. Many are now friends as well as customers. I'm going to borrow your last line in your post. It's PERFECT! Thank you again! Karen

[Racegirl6]

We use Carnival.com and book ourselves, both times. I like to have control of my vacation. I have learned more than enough info on here to book by myself. If I ever have a question, I know I can ask on here and get a good answer.