Why do people book online?

[mikewrit]

After reading considerable advice here about the benefits of using local travel agents rather that booking online, I started calling those listed in the Yellow Pages. Five calls produced no useful result. One said she only dealt with groups. A second said she was all about casino at sea. Two said they would get back to me but none did. Finally I called one with whom I had been acquainted years before in another capacity. She quoted a price on a cruise we were already in the process of booking; it was about 10 percent higher. So we now book either through the cruise line website or with that online TA whose handle rhymes with Deep Bruises.

[YubaSutter]

I always hear of people booking online, then calling the cruise line to complain when something is wrong or the price drops. Why not book with an ACTUAL PERSON? First off, they will answer all your questions and second, it keeps the economy going. When you book with a real person, jobs are created. If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

 

Because we live in the internet age. We do banking, bill paying, all travel plans online. Gone are the days you had to call the telephone operator to place a long distance call.

[Laurie S.]

I always book online, except once when I booked onboard. I book directly on the company's website (Carnival, HAL, and RCL), which is a very straightforward process. I do all my research and know what I'm doing and what I want. With the exception of the RCL cruise, I then transfer my booking to my travel agent. I don't use her to book my cruise, because I enjoy doing it myself.

[gra2172]

I always book online, and my cruise consultant will call to help me finalize it. I also need to contact her to book shuttles.