Question about Travel Agent

[Steelers0854]

Let me start by being very clear, I'm not asking for a travel agent recommendation or referral. I took the time to read the guidelines on posting and this appears to not violate the policy, if it does for some reason that I misread I apologize.

 

My question is how did you find your travel agent? Was it a recommendation from a friend? From a cruise critic advertised agency? An online search or just general looking around? Are they local to you or somewhere else? I post this specifically here because DW and I specifically like to cruise on Princess.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Why not ask your friends, family, coworkers who you know like to go on cruises for a recommendation?

 

Any cruise specialist (a TA who specializes in cruises) can book you on a Princess cruise. And if one is trying to steer you away from your cruise line of choice, then he or she is the wrong TA for you.

[PROCRUISE]

Let me start by being very clear, I'm not asking for a travel agent recommendation or referral. I took the time to read the guidelines on posting and this appears to not violate the policy, if it does for some reason that I misread I apologize.

 

My question is how did you find your travel agent? Was it a recommendation from a friend? From a cruise critic advertised agency? An online search or just general looking around? Are they local to you or somewhere else? I post this specifically here because DW and I specifically like to cruise on Princess.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

Back in 2002, when we started the first of many cruises, I simply contacted the TA that was close to my small town that doesn't have any TA's. As time went on, I began to spend a great deal of time on the computer looking for itineraries that we were interested in and booked our trips, on line, myself. By chance, we were on a cruise with X, with assigned dinning, and one of the ladies at our table is a TA, on a smaller level, with a core of repeat customers. She began to inquire if I knew this and that and I realized that she would be of real value. She is the first TA to note that Princess gives $100 OBC to ALL honorably discharged veterans. Since we are both veterans, it was very nice to get that $200 OBC on the cruise she booked for us this coming December. She is also constantly checking cabin prices although on this cruise the prices keep going up! Glad be booked early. So when finding a TA, I'd look for a small operation where the TA(s) really want your business and work hard to keep your business. Our TA is already working on the best deal for a cruise in September, 2016. :-)

[Coral]

On your next cruise, I recommend asking other CC members or cruisers. Especially those who have cruised quite a bit.

[thinfool]

Sunday editions of large city newspapers often have, in the Travel section, ads by travel agencies that offer many cruises and often times have websites for ease of use.

 

The Princess website has a section to 'find a travel professional' (something like that)

 

Mr Google can likely find both online and brick n mortar locations for you.

[Loonbeam]

It also depends what kind of a TA you are looking for. If you are just looking for discounts, the method above works great.

 

If you are looking primarily for a cruise TA, CC members are a great resource when you see them on board.

 

If you are looking to work with a TA long term on a variety of trip styles, friends and family are the way to go.

[paul929207]

The thing to remember is that every TA is different. They do not all offer the same price or the same perks. They do not all charge the same fees. They do not all provide the same service. It doesn't matter if they are next door or around the world, you need to be sure what they are charging you and what you are getting for that money

[OCruisers]

Do some travel agents really charge a fee? Gosh, never heard of one who did that. :confused:

 

We happily have a wonderful long time travel agent. :)

 

Check around with family, friends, co-workers to see who they use or know of people who cruise who are happy with their TA.

Once on a cruise, check with others you meet. ;)

 

LuLu

[Lleeds]

I originally asked on Facebook and was overwhelmed by the response. I since then have found the perfect cruise agent.

[Shelly97060]

I found mine through word of mouth and have since recommended her to most of my family and friends.

 

talk to friends who cruise and see who they use. Ask why they like the agent.. not every one is looking for the same things in an agent.

 

My TA is responsive - I get a response email within a couple of hours 7 days a week ( even at 10 pm). Mine has never failed to quickly resolve any problems or issues that come up - like a recent change to my flights that would have made me miss my cruise. Mine watches for price drops and promos and will re-fare me without any hesitation. In short, I feel like she really works hard for me plus she is a delight to work with.

 

good luck on your search. :)

[GFLeeper]

In 2000, after moving to IL and settling in, we got the bug to take another cruise. I had searched on line and found a great Princess relocation cruise about 11 months hence. I even figured out which side of the ship, deck and area of cabins we would like.

 

Our former TA in CT had retired and his shop had closed. In our new town there was a small agency that would have been convenient. I stopped by the agency and inquired about booking the cruise.

 

After a brief look on the computer, the agent replied that no cabins were available. "Strange", I thought; but I thanked her for her effort and said I would see if I could find another cruise.

 

I went home and immediately booked that cruise with our daughter's TA in NC.

 

Later that day, I got a call from the local agency. "We can book you that cruise you wanted." I informed them that I already had with another agency. I got an "Oh." and a click in reply.

 

That convenient local agency, ultimately missed our on booking 72 cruise days for the next 5 years that we were in IL. We have since returned to CT and have used that TA in NC for a couple hundred more days of cruising.

 

George

[Crabby_Cruiser]

Does anyone think it matters if the travel agent is in the same location or across the country? I've only ever dealt with TA's that were local (as in, I could walk into their offices and speak face-to-face).

 

Does anyone have experience with dealing with TA's that are in a different state all together? Would you recommend it?

[Paula_MacFan]

Does anyone think it matters if the travel agent is in the same location or across the country? I've only ever dealt with TA's that were local (as in, I could walk into their offices and speak face-to-face).

 

Does anyone have experience with dealing with TA's that are in a different state all together? Would you recommend it?

 

We use a TA in another state. I originally found her through a website that lets you get several quotes for a specific cruise. We got a great price and OBC. Since that original booking, we've used her agency several more times with success. Every time we've gotten a great price, OBC, and prompt responses. We've been notified both by phone and email on a couple price reductions, and any time I send an email I get a prompt response

 

For me it doesn't matter where the TA is located, but rather the service and pricing. I doubt if she were right in my own town I would go there in person anyway. Heck, I don't even go into my bank branch anymore! (mobile banking:))

Edited June 21, 2015 by Paula_MacFan

[Colo Cruiser]

Does anyone think it matters if the travel agent is in the same location or across the country? I've only ever dealt with TA's that were local (as in, I could walk into their offices and speak face-to-face).

 

Does anyone have experience with dealing with TA's that are in a different state all together? Would you recommend it?

 

 

 

 

It does not matter. Ours is on the east coast.

[paul929207]

We are in South Carolina and our TA is in southern Florida. We have never met her. She does a great job. It has never been a problem that we are miles apart.

[Shelly97060]

Does anyone think it matters if the travel agent is in the same location or across the country? I've only ever dealt with TA's that were local (as in, I could walk into their offices and speak face-to-face).

 

Does anyone have experience with dealing with TA's that are in a different state all together? Would you recommend it?

 

mine is located in another state and it hasnt been a problem at all. :)

[nukesubsailor]

Does anyone think it matters if the travel agent is in the same location or across the country? I've only ever dealt with TA's that were local (as in, I could walk into their offices and speak face-to-face).

 

Does anyone have experience with dealing with TA's that are in a different state all together? Would you recommend it?

 

I use a TA in another state. Because of job work hours, I communicate with her in the evenings and on week ends. Once I organized a Navy reunion cruise and she handled all the details for a group booking. She even joined us on the cruise so she could get to know all of us. I am quite content with using her and have done so on about 20 cruises.

[Coral]

Mine is also on the east coast.

 

When I used a local agent, I really never sat next to them more than once. It was easier to call. Same with the person across the country - between email and phone calls, it is like they are right here.

 

Honestly - I live in Lincoln, NE where there are not that many travel agents. 2nd largest city here and none of the agents give me as good of service or pricing as the one on the east coast. Go figure.