Book Through RCI Direct or T/A

[JKrise]

I have always booked with cruise line direct. Is there any advantage to booking through an major online T/A? (..and CruiseCritic advertiser)

[WhenIsLobsterNight]

Its a personal preference type thing. I have done both before. Some of the large online travel agencies will dip into their own commission and throw in some combination of: free meals, free gratuities, free excursions, bottles of wine or OBC if you book with them.

[FlyStef]

My T/A beat RCI's online prices and OBC by several hundred per cabin, and when I was booking multiple cabins, the savings hit 4 digits.

[Amtrack Springfield]

We always use a TA. Reduced fare, OBC, & Tips Never had a problem with three different companies we have used.

[JKrise]

Thanks for the info. I reached out to one of the big online ta's today. Same price as RCI, no obc, meals or any other incentive. Seemed like I was just putting myself into a corner by always having to contact RCI thru the TA. No real reason to go through a t/a from my experience today.

Edited April 2, 2015 by JKrise

[FlyStef]

Thanks for the info. I reached out to one of the big online ta's today. Same price as RCI, no obc, meals or any other incentive. Seemed like I was just putting myself into a corner by always having to contact RCI thru the TA. No real reason to go through a t/a from my experience today.

 

My first few T/A quotes were similar, including from a good friend of mine, which is why I kept shopping. It seems there are T/A's who have their finger on the pulse of specific cruise lines and have access to offers that others do not. There are sites where many travel agents bid for your cruise business and depending on the cruise, you may choose the travel agent which offers you the best deal. Be sure to double check the category, as some do not always bid the correct room category. (Hopefully that is general enough as it's not specific to a specific TA.)

[WhenIsLobsterNight]

Type in the third word of RCCL and add a .com. Those guys always give free stuff.

[HiCSailor]

Thanks for the info. I reached out to one of the big online ta's today. Same price as RCI, no obc, meals or any other incentive. Seemed like I was just putting myself into a corner by always having to contact RCI thru the TA. No real reason to go through a t/a from my experience today.

Not always the case. As othera have said, sometimes there are perks that can be significant. Poke around a bit and you'll find some deals that may speak to you. Consider credit cards, clubs, and local pros, in addition to what's online.

 

Another benefit I see to using a TA is having a knowledgeable advocate who should resolve issues before they arise and will be able to assist should any issues sneak in.

[JKrise]

Type in the third word of RCCL and add a .com. Those guys always give free stuff.

 

 

Thanks will do. Earlier today I tried facations2stay.com. Seemed pointless.