To TA or not to TA, that is the question

[Tarpeian Rock]

Up to now we have booked all our cruises, including our first O cruise next month, directly with the cruise lines. Yet here on CC, and especially here on the O board, we see so many comments about how one's TA has intervened to save the day when the cruise line tries something naughty, or gets a special offer after the initial booking, or otherwise proves their worth.

 

We've never felt that we've lost out on something by not having a TA, and have never up to now needed such help at the last minute, but still.....as my wife and I look forward to more years of cruising, we find ourselves wondering if we're losing out and being short-sighted by not having a TA. Appreciate any thoughts.

[TERRIER1]

Up to now we have booked all our cruises, including our first O cruise next month, directly with the cruise lines. Yet here on CC, and especially here on the O board, we see so many comments about how one's TA has intervened to save the day when the cruise line tries something naughty, or gets a special offer after the initial booking, or otherwise proves their worth.

 

We've never felt that we've lost out on something by not having a TA, and have never up to now needed such help at the last minute, but still.....as my wife and I look forward to more years of cruising, we find ourselves wondering if we're losing out and being short-sighted by not having a TA. Appreciate any thoughts.

 

We booked originally with Oceania having never cruised and lost out on a lot of discounts and/or OBC. Look around on the internet and compare costs. It's a big difference.

Edited February 8, 2014 by TERRIER1

[Travelcat2]

While I would not suggest using a "discount" TA, I do feel that you are losing out by not booking with a TA that is experienced in booking cruises (experience booking Oceania is a plus).

 

TA's definitely look at things from your standpoint when booking a cruise for you. They know the best (and least best) cabins to book and are there to mediate for you if there is problem (problems are rare but can happen). Additionally, you can get up to 5% of your cruise fare returned to you plus OBC's.

 

I can not think of a good reason not to book with a TA.:)

[orchestrapal]

Up to now we have booked all our cruises, including our first O cruise next month, directly with the cruise lines. Yet here on CC, and especially here on the O board, we see so many comments about how one's TA has intervened to save the day when the cruise line tries something naughty, or gets a special offer after the initial booking, or otherwise proves their worth.

We've never felt that we've lost out on something by not having a TA, and have never up to now needed such help at the last minute, but still.....as my wife and I look forward to more years of cruising, we find ourselves wondering if we're losing out and being short-sighted by not having a TA. Appreciate any thoughts.

 

We never used a TA before we started cruising but there are advantages both in service and in getting the best prices. Get some quotes and you may want to try one.

[Mura]

With Renaissance we booked direct. Then we found a TA who specialized in Renaissance (who also specializes in Oceania) and we never looked back.

 

I am one who tends to do most booking on my own (hotels, transportation and such). But it's great to have a superb TA as a backup who handles any problems that arise. I used mine for help several times on our November cruise.

 

And, as has been said, benefits such as free gratuities and OBC are always welcome.

 

Mura

[Toranut97]

We have booked with a TA who specializes in cruises with some 6 or 7 lines --- and has LOTS of experience with O. She is valuable beyond expression - fields our smallest question graciously, handles dealings with O for us, advises us on upsell offers and such - gets us the max in OBCs and such - we prize her. Have never met her personally, and she is half a continent away - but I feel like she is a dear friend. Yes, I recommend a TA and hope you find one as great as ours!

[JimandStan]

Even more importantly, it is through Travel Agents that the Cruise Lines distribute most Discounts, Bonuses and the lions share of their promotional swag.

The stand alone passenger never ever hears about most of those deals. :cool:

[pacheco18]

A no brainer

 

You are losing a LOT if you do not use a TA

You are paying MORE than someone who uses a great TA

 

But not just any TA

You want one who does a lot of business with Oceania. Not all TAs are equal.

[MVPinBoynton]

I always use a TA that will provide service and additional OBC. I don't know if they are experts in a particular cruise line, since I don't need one. I have plenty of experts here on CC to tell me what the best cabins are. Plus I know that I study deck plans a lot closer when picking a cabin than my TA does.

[potterhill]

Make sure you use a TA who books Oceania regularly. I have a cousin who is a TA and asked him for a quote on a cruise we were planning to take. He couldn't get us anything, never mind matching another quote from a TA who books O regularly. So there are TAs and then there are Oceania TAs. ;-)

 

Mo

 

 

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[pacheco18]

I could not agree more

 

U are wAy better off with a ta who does large volume on o. They cN do things other tas cannot

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[ronrick1943]

The biggest thing is when you have a problem or need something done, you'll be happy you use a TA. It's all about service-but don't forget you have good and bad TA's so make sure you get a good one.

Rick

[I_r_a]

Hi TR,

 

The cruise industry is a very closed shop. You need a friend in the business.

 

We always book our cruises through a TA.

 

OTOH, when we do land visits we DIY.

 

Ira

[Noxequifans]

At the bottom of the O website homepage there is a link labeled "Find a Travel Agent". One can probably assume these TAs are familiar with O and do a reasonable level of bookings with O.

[wripro]

Using a TA doesn't cost you a cent and will probably save you money and get you benefits. It's a no brainer. Why even equivocate?

[TERRIER1]

At the bottom of the O website homepage there is a link labeled "Find a Travel Agent". One can probably assume these TAs are familiar with O and do a reasonable level of bookings with O.

 

The first cruise we took we used a Oceania recommended TA and it was the worst experience ever. Your best bet is to ask around.

Edited February 8, 2014 by TERRIER1

[DOJO466]

The first cruise we took we used a Oceania recommended TA and it was the worst experience ever. Your best bet is to ask around.

 

Same thing happened to us on our first cruise. We then found out about our fantastic agent from others while on board and we have used her for 9 more cruises with 2 more this year. I would not think of booking with the cruise line. We have received MANY perks. Even though she is located far from us we have had the delight of meeting her as she met the ship on our embarkation day. We are hoping to sail with her in the near future.

[pacheco18]

Exactly

 

You have to find a great TA from others who have had a great experience. Those folks who think all TAs are alike will find out the opposite. Some give you more perks than others and some can "do" more than others.

[saratojo]

We travel a lot. On non-cruise travel, we never use a TA. We know what we want, and no TA will do the level of detail that we do in getting what we want. That's not a knock on TAs. They just can't afford to the amount research that we are willing to do (unless they charged us a lot of money).

 

For cruises, on the other hand, we always use a TA. There is no downside and no additional cost. The cruise lines will never discount below listed fares; TAs occasionally can. More importantly, we have received upgrades to better cabins and even suites through our TA. That won't happen if you book directly.

[vanredmond]

We booked directly through Oceania. The assigned "consultant" was very helpful and prompt when replying to our questions. Then we paid the balance and the cancellation deadline passed. Now our "consultant" is slow to respond and has not been helpful at all, bordering on disrespectful. Would definitely go with a TA next time and this is not making us feel very warm and fuzzy about our first Oceania cruise.

[yorkiemomjn]

We have booked with a TA who specializes in cruises with some 6 or 7 lines --- and has LOTS of experience with O. She is valuable beyond expression - fields our smallest question graciously, handles dealings with O for us, advises us on upsell offers and such - gets us the max in OBCs and such - we prize her. Have never met her personally, and she is half a continent away - but I feel like she is a dear friend. Yes, I recommend a TA and hope you find one as great as ours!

 

We must have the same TA! This is how I would describe ours! She has gone over and beyond for us! I highly recommend a TA that has a close relationship with O.

[Hawaiidan]

A no brainer

 

You are losing a LOT if you do not use a TA

You are paying MORE than someone who uses a great TA

 

But not just any TA

You want one who does a lot of business with Oceania. Not all TAs are equal.

 

If you don't mind paying top dollar and no discount and want Oceania to make a super profit...and or have access to Ben Bernecke's printing press.then yes, book direct. ( ask for Ben Dover) Start by telling them money is no object.

 

On the other hand if you want the best service, price and experience then get a travel agent who has experience and the business sense to treat you right.

You can save thou$and$ on every cruise....

[rallydave]

If you don't mind paying top dollar and no discount and want Oceania to make a super profit...and or have access to Ben Bernecke's printing press.then yes, book direct. ( ask for Ben Dover) Start by telling them money is no object.

 

On the other hand if you want the best service, price and experience then get a travel agent who has experience and the business sense to treat you right.

You can save thou$and$ on every cruise....

 

+1,000 There is absolutely no reason to not use a TA unless you don't care what you pay for the cruise and don't care about leaving benefits on the table!!

[Andromeda93]

Sadly, it appears the Oceania website's "Find A Travel Agent" tool does NOT return results for travel agents who specialize in booking Oceania cruises.

 

When I began research for booking an O cruise I used this tool and contacted four of the suggested agencies. Although they were relatively near me (geographically), not one of them had any special relationship with O in terms of being a 'top agent' or specialist in booking for Oceania. It appeared they were 'recommended' strictly by virtue of the zip code I entered, with no regard for the agent's production volume for Oceania.

 

If the OP wants to find an Oceania-expert TA for future bookings, asking repeat O cruisers on board is a great method. An alternative is to Google "Oceania Cruises Top Producer Travel Agent" or "Oceania Cruise Connoisseur Club travel agency" or similar. You can contact resulting agents to see if they offer you a better deal than an O-recommended agency.

 

Not sure whether O is deliberately not steering guests to its top producing agents, or if it's just inattention on their part. But whatever the reason, it's not a great web tool.

[JimandStan]

Not sure whether O is deliberately not steering guests to its top producing agents, or if it's just inattention on their part. But whatever the reason, it's not a great web tool.

 

Let's face it, Oceania has to at least pretend to be impartial in all this or else every other Agency except the top few would hate them.

 

Where is your sense of fairness anyway? If you owned a small business, would you like all of the referrals to go to the top dog? :cool: