Helpful tips for a new cruiser with booking future cruises?

[2Nkotb]

Hello All,

 

First off, I just wanted to thank everybody on cruisecritic.com for the wealth of information I've read here since my discovery of this site last month. My husband and I are new to cruising and have learned quite a bit from reading the threads on this forum. Thank you.

 

I was wondering if any of you frequent cruisers here can give me some tips on where and how to book future cruises. My husband and I recently booked our very first cruise with Celebrity and will be sailing at the end of March on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbeans on the Reflection. We booked an Aqua Class A1 stateroom for about $1300 p.p. with the 123GO promo and no OBC from an online TA. Many of you mentioned large OBC from your TA, but during my search, I found none of that. I looked online as well as local TAs and basically was quoted exactly what was on Celebrity's website, nothing extra. Are you getting these OBC because you're frequent cruisers? Or am I just finding the wrong TA?

 

I know you cannot post TA websites on here, but can any of you message me with those TAs you've gone through? Or even just offer general tips I can use for my next cruise? We have 4 kids under the age of 10 so any money saved is greatly appreciated (and hard to come by). Thank you so much in advance.

[Tommy3putts]

Hi welcome. This time last year I was facing the same dilemma. I needed a travel agent but didn't have one really available. after searching and searching I thought I found a good agent but ultimately it turned out to be a bad decision. Guess my point here is don't be afraid to do it yourself if need be. I ultimately did a do yourself cruise booking and I feel I was able to get a great deal after two price drops and taking advantage of the 123 go I think I have been able to book a pretty solid deal for my 2014 Med cruise. True I'm still in the market for a good TA for future cruises but now I won't be afraid to do a DIY.

[Chitown12562]

I was wondering the same thing.

 

We always booked our own cruises and never hot these extra perks. So we decided to use a TA and still no perks. Then I read there are those who got 2 perks, one most likely was the 123 promo.

 

I too would like to know who I should use as a TA.

[Lois R]

Hello All,

 

First off, I just wanted to thank everybody on cruisecritic.com for the wealth of information I've read here since my discovery of this site last month. My husband and I are new to cruising and have learned quite a bit from reading the threads on this forum. Thank you.

 

I was wondering if any of you frequent cruisers here can give me some tips on where and how to book future cruises. My husband and I recently booked our very first cruise with Celebrity and will be sailing at the end of March on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbeans on the Reflection. We booked an Aqua Class A1 stateroom for about $1300 p.p. with the 123GO promo and no OBC from an online TA. Many of you mentioned large OBC from your TA, but during my search, I found none of that. I looked online as well as local TAs and basically was quoted exactly what was on Celebrity's website, nothing extra. Are you getting these OBC because you're frequent cruisers? Or am I just finding the wrong TA?

 

I know you cannot post TA websites on here, but can any of you message me with those TAs you've gone through? Or even just offer general tips I can use for my next cruise? We have 4 kids under the age of 10 so any money saved is greatly appreciated (and hard to come by). Thank you so much in advance.

 

Hi,:) the messaging function is not available on here so nope,

recommending TA's is not possible.

I would suggest finding someone in your local area...an agency that

specializes in cruises and see if they can help you.

[riclop]

Hello All,

 

First off, I just wanted to thank everybody on cruisecritic.com for the wealth of information I've read here since my discovery of this site last month. My husband and I are new to cruising and have learned quite a bit from reading the threads on this forum. Thank you.

 

I was wondering if any of you frequent cruisers here can give me some tips on where and how to book future cruises. My husband and I recently booked our very first cruise with Celebrity and will be sailing at the end of March on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbeans on the Reflection. We booked an Aqua Class A1 stateroom for about $1300 p.p. with the 123GO promo and no OBC from an online TA. Many of you mentioned large OBC from your TA, but during my search, I found none of that. I looked online as well as local TAs and basically was quoted exactly what was on Celebrity's website, nothing extra. Are you getting these OBC because you're frequent cruisers? Or am I just finding the wrong TA?

 

I know you cannot post TA websites on here, but can any of you message me with those TAs you've gone through? Or even just offer general tips I can use for my next cruise? We have 4 kids under the age of 10 so any money saved is greatly appreciated (and hard to come by). Thank you so much in advance.

There are alot of perks but its against the rules to mention any on cruise critic.

[2Nkotb]

Hi,:) the messaging function is not available on here so nope,

recommending TA's is not possible.

I would suggest finding someone in your local area...an agency that

specializes in cruises and see if they can help you.

 

 

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't even realized that messaging is not possible. Thank you for pointing that out for me!

 

 

Anybody with tips they're willing to share, please email me? cthor03@hotmail.com <--- I hope that's allowed?

Edited February 2, 2014 by 2Nkotb

[2Nkotb]

Hi welcome. This time last year I was facing the same dilemma. I needed a travel agent but didn't have one really available. after searching and searching I thought I found a good agent but ultimately it turned out to be a bad decision. Guess my point here is don't be afraid to do it yourself if need be. I ultimately did a do yourself cruise booking and I feel I was able to get a great deal after two price drops and taking advantage of the 123 go I think I have been able to book a pretty solid deal for my 2014 Med cruise. True I'm still in the market for a good TA for future cruises but now I won't be afraid to do a DIY.

 

 

Hello there! Thanks for the welcome.

 

If I don't find any perks with booking through a TA, I think DIY might be the way to go next time. I've had to make a small change with my reservation and though it was simple, it took a while because it required a chain of phone calls (Me to TA, TA to Celebrity, TA back to Me, and repeat).

[Wine-O]

At the minimum with what you paid, a good travel agent would be able to pay for your gratuities + more.

[2Nkotb]

At the minimum with what you paid, a good travel agent would be able to pay for your gratuities + more.

 

We got quoted by 4 local TA and 3 online TA. All came back with exactly what was on Celebrity's website. Since they were all the same, we sort of just picked one and booked with them. :confused:

[Wine-O]

We got quoted by 4 local TA and 3 online TA. All came back with exactly what was on Celebrity's website. Since they were all the same, we sort of just picked one and booked with them. :confused:

 

Yes, they all quote exactly what was on Celebrity's website, but in addition, a good TA will give you additional OBC at least in the amount to pay for your gratuities.

[miched]

Hello All,

 

First off, I just wanted to thank everybody on cruisecritic.com for the wealth of information I've read here since my discovery of this site last month. My husband and I are new to cruising and have learned quite a bit from reading the threads on this forum. Thank you.

 

I was wondering if any of you frequent cruisers here can give me some tips on where and how to book future cruises. My husband and I recently booked our very first cruise with Celebrity and will be sailing at the end of March on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbeans on the Reflection. We booked an Aqua Class A1 stateroom for about $1300 p.p. with the 123GO promo and no OBC from an online TA. Many of you mentioned large OBC from your TA, but during my search, I found none of that. I looked online as well as local TAs and basically was quoted exactly what was on Celebrity's website, nothing extra. Are you getting these OBC because you're frequent cruisers? Or am I just finding the wrong TA?

 

I know you cannot post TA websites on here, but can any of you message me with those TAs you've gone through? Or even just offer general tips I can use for my next cruise? We have 4 kids under the age of 10 so any money saved is greatly appreciated (and hard to come by). Thank you so much in advance.

 

 

When on your cruise book your next cruise on board and then you can tranfer it to a TA to get their extra perks. You will also get some perks by booking on board, but if you want the 123 promo you will have to book before the promo is over. Sometimes they extend it but you never know.

 

Since you plan to travel with your children on the next cruise AQ may not be possible unless you book two cabins as only 2 are allowed AQ. Don't know about the AQ suites on the reflection.

 

Then if you book 2 AQ cabins the drink package will not be possible because both in the cabin have to have it.

 

It gets complicated.

 

 

🌅🌴🍸🍻

[2Nkotb]

When on your cruise book your next cruise on board and then you can tranfer it to a TA to get their extra perks. You will also get some perks by booking on board, but if you want the 123 promo you will have to book before the promo is over. Sometimes they extend it but you never know.

 

Since you plan to travel with your children on the next cruise AQ may not be possible unless you book two cabins as only 2 are allowed AQ. Don't know about the AQ suites on the reflection.

 

Then if you book 2 AQ cabins the drink package will not be possible because both in the cabin have to have it.

 

It gets complicated.

 

 

 

Thank you for the tips. We will most definitely look into booking our next cruise while on board.

 

We won't be traveling with our kids, sorry about the confusion. I just meant that with 4 young kids, money's extremely tight and so any tip at all will help and appreciated. :)

Edited February 2, 2014 by 2Nkotb

[2Nkotb]

Yes, they all quote exactly what was on Celebrity's website, but in addition, a good TA will give you additional OBC at least in the amount to pay for your gratuities.

 

I supposed we just didn't find a good TA, then. If you know any you'd recommend please email me so I can look into it for future cruises? Thank you!

[TowandaUK]

If you are going to the Connections party on your upcoming cruise, you may be able to pick up some tips from some seasoned cruisers face to face. That's what we hope to do on our first cruise later this year.

[upwarduk]

We got quoted by 4 local TA and 3 online TA. All came back with exactly what was on Celebrity's website. Since they were all the same, we sort of just picked one and booked with them. :confused:

 

You don't specify where you live; it does make a difference, as the terms and conditions are different if you book through Celebrity UK. The above quote sounds very like their terms, ie they stipulate the price.

I rang round several TA's and the only difference I could find was that Celebrity UK told me that the only way I could get OBC was to book on board, as they stopped the TA's giving it in Dec 2012.

 

You must also be aware that you loose your deposit if you cancel in UK. However, I was told by a Consultant on Infinity, that they were trying to allow UK passengers to move their cruise 'free' just as passengers from Canada & USA are allowed.

[Redtravel]

Get a new TA. Shop around.

[4774Papa]

I like booking way ahead of time. I have found that I get in when the price is generally low (we don't do Caribbean cruises much). If the price does go down, you can call and get the lower price.

 

Before I book direct with X, I check some of the famous travel sites online and never see any real bennies, in fact, sometimes the prices are more expensive than with X.

 

From talking with other cruisers, it seems that these popular travel cruise sites come up with bargains, sometimes for short periods of time. Apparently, if you are prepared to be patient and wait until these bargains are available (sometimes they aren't) you can get more bennies.

 

I still prefer controlling my reservation. I have heard horror stories about people with TAs that saw prices drop on X website and couldn't get in touch with their TA in time to get the price drop.

 

I am sure someone will find a cruise that I have paid for that paid less than me or with more bennies, but I know on one cruise our dinner table discussion led to how much for our veranda and everyone paid more, because the booked later.

[Ssislandgirl]

My 2 cents

We usually use an online TA to book our cruises. We also usually book way ahead of the sailing (8-12 months). I monitor the prices for our cabin online on a daily basis. As soon as better prices appear or perks show up, I am on the phone with the online TA requesting the perk or better price. On our most recent Silhouette cruise from Rome to Venice, I originally booked the cheapest balcony cabin for $ 1699 per person incl taxes, port fees and gratuities (online TA offered the latter as a perk). I guess the cruise did not sell out and after calling several times and upgrading we ended up with an Aqua class cabin (1644), $375 OBC and the beverage package. Granted, I had to do a little work twice a day by checking websites for specials. Obviously not every sailing is not going to sell out. Pick a price you are comfy with and hope for extra perks. You will have a great time.

Don't spoil your vacation by thinking about what deal you may have missed out on.

 

Petra

[grnidlad8]

I have done my share of cruises and find the best way NOW is to book as early as possible and to book directly with the cruise line. I usually book at least 11 months in advance. Booking while onboard does, of course, have the best rates and perks. In my earlier years of cruising (before internet) I used to call about a dozen or two cruise agency specialists as well as the cruise line to get the best deals. That's when the cruise lines were more costly. However now, as the others have stated here, the cruise line is usually the least expensive or else the same as other websites. The Celebrity (or Royal) agent I use every year watches any perks or deals that will come up and notifies me of these….sometimes even before they are even posted to the public. I strongly believe that you get the best assistance, explanations and advice from someone 'inside' the company..no to mention the accessibility.

 

On a personal note as far as local travel agencies, I have not had much success. Try to get someone to contact you in the quickest amount of time when you see a price drop on your cabin. They are not as anxious to return your calls whereas the cruise line agent is right there to assist.

[2Nkotb]

My 2 cents

We usually use an online TA to book our cruises. We also usually book way ahead of the sailing (8-12 months). I monitor the prices for our cabin online on a daily basis. As soon as better prices appear or perks show up, I am on the phone with the online TA requesting the perk or better price. On our most recent Silhouette cruise from Rome to Venice, I originally booked the cheapest balcony cabin for $ 1699 per person incl taxes, port fees and gratuities (online TA offered the latter as a perk). I guess the cruise did not sell out and after calling several times and upgrading we ended up with an Aqua class cabin (1644), $375 OBC and the beverage package. Granted, I had to do a little work twice a day by checking websites for specials. Obviously not every sailing is not going to sell out. Pick a price you are comfy with and hope for extra perks. You will have a great time.

Don't spoil your vacation by thinking about what deal you may have missed out on.

 

Petra

 

Thank you, Petra! I will most definitely keep this in mind for future bookings. As for my current cruise, it's our first so I'm just happy we're even doing it. No regrets. I'm just anxious to be enjoying it already. :)

[2Nkotb]

 

On a personal note as far as local travel agencies, I have not had much success. Try to get someone to contact you in the quickest amount of time when you see a price drop on your cabin. They are not as anxious to return your calls whereas the cruise line agent is right there to assist.

 

Even with my limited experience, I found this to be true as well. Took three of the four local TAs over a week to come back with a quote for me. I gave them the exact cruise I wanted, all I asked was a price, and it still took them that long.

[Tommy3putts]

I have done my share of cruises and find the best way NOW is to book as early as possible and to book directly with the cruise line. I usually book at least 11 months in advance. Booking while onboard does, of course, have the best rates and perks. In my earlier years of cruising (before internet) I used to call about a dozen or two cruise agency specialists as well as the cruise line to get the best deals. That's when the cruise lines were more costly. However now, as the others have stated here, the cruise line is usually the least expensive or else the same as other websites. The Celebrity (or Royal) agent I use every year watches any perks or deals that will come up and notifies me of these….sometimes even before they are even posted to the public. I strongly believe that you get the best assistance, explanations and advice from someone 'inside' the company..no to mention the accessibility.

 

 

 

On a personal note as far as local travel agencies, I have not had much success. Try to get someone to contact you in the quickest amount of time when you see a price drop on your cabin. They are not as anxious to return your calls whereas the cruise line agent is right there to assist.

 

 

This has been my experience as well. Booked my 2014 med cruise in March 2013 direct with X. Found a young new TA to transfer it to after I did all the work. She never called back to complete the transfer and missed the 60 day window. She tried to get me to cancel and rebook. "No way you failed the test!" I did much better on my own.

[2Nkotb]

Thank you so much to all those who've emailed me. I can't thank you enough!

[kkid]

It is my experience that you need a high volume TA to get OBCs from the TA beyond whatever the cruise line is offering. The high volume TAs get cabins at a group rate. They can't offer lower fares, but I have been able to get OBCs. A drawback to the 'group' is you have to pay the normal deposit, even if you have the $100 deposit deal for booking on board a cruise.

 

 

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