Why use TA?

[lrockwitt]

If I email you can I get the name of your TA

 

 

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[berryberry]

Because the prices are usually NOT lower, and I don't care about a 100.00 OBC to insert a third party in my reservation. Would rather deal directly with the cruise line. To each their own:)

 

You are not looking in the right place. I have always found an online TA with significantly better prices and / or extra OBC no matter what cruise line I sailed. And I do not limit myself to any particular TA. I like to have them compete for my business. It has always paid off quite well

[stevea36]

I cannot think of any good reason that the flights booked directly Celebrity and the same Celebrity flights booked via a TA would have different prices. What is the TA saying is the reason for the difference in price? I suspect they are not actually the same flights under the same conditions?

For that kind of difference it might be worth pulsing back a little.

Good luck

 

I'm not familiar with the pricing of airfare in England, especially as it relates to Travel Agents, but I have found that the pricing of airfare via choice air is usually better than a TA (or even a consumer directly with the airline) can do if it is an international flight, especially a one-way as X seems to have some deals with the airlines. Here in the states domestic airfare seems to be cheapest if booked directly with the airline.

 

Steve

[YYC F/A]

I cannot think of any good reason that the flights booked directly Celebrity and the same Celebrity flights booked via a TA would have different prices. What is the TA saying is the reason for the difference in price? I suspect they are not actually the same flights under the same conditions?

For that kind of difference it might be worth pulsing back a little.

Good luck

 

In some cases, Celebrity will be using an AirSea contract with specially negotiated rates for cruise guests. Depending on the TA being used, they may or may not have access to Cruise or AirSea rates.

 

On one way and repositioning cruises, AirSea one way rates from say Europe to North America can be around $450-$500. If you go to Expedia or direct to airline website and book a one way from Europe to North America, you'll likely be quoted a fare 3x or 4x that amount.

 

It also depends on the TA. Some online / discount type TA's work in volume and don't really get too involved with air, hotel, private transfers. They are great if you are booking a straightfoward cruise and you know exactly what you want and just are looking for some value add or perhaps a group rate that the online TA can offer. They work in volume though - they rebate a significant portion of their compensation and frankly just can't give the same kind of time and attention to detail that more complex arrangements require, and most of the discount/online type TA's don't even have their own air contracts or want to get involved in that.

 

But if you are doing something more complex, such as one-way repositioning cruises, or exotic cruises to Asia, South America etc. then a cruise specialist TA might be a better fit. They may or may not have as much "value add" and may not rebate as much of their commission back, but a good cruise specialist TA will usually be able to offer savings with their air contracts, their private rate hotel and transfer packages, their options for pre/post or private tours etc. which can all add up to a more complete travel experience and offer better overall value and savings versus booking the air/excursions/hotel packages with Celebrity.

 

Find the TA that's right for you and for your cruise experience. Just like there are many different types of cruise line, there are also many different types of TA ;)

Edited November 17, 2014 by YYC F/A

[cruzsnooze]

Why do some use a TA to book a cruise when you can do it online or by calling the cruise company? This is just a general question.

 

I always book myself and keep control over my cruise.

[jagoffee]

I always book myself and keep control over my cruise.

 

 

What time of cabin do you usually book and for how long?

[Lulubelle45]

As a fairly new cruiser, I find the peace of mind my TA gives me worth it. He's able to answer my most off the wall questions faster than being on hold to Celebrity (if I get thru!) I still watch the prices, fire off a text message and he's back to me with an upgrade or OBC when possible plus any extras required with ferry bus flights etc pre and post cruise.

 

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Edited November 17, 2014 by Lulubelle45