Questions to ask to find a good TA

[Retired not Expired]

I’ve seen a number of people on here asking how to find a good TA. Maybe we should come up with some questions for them to ask when calling a new one. They could say they are thinking about a cruise but would like some info first and ask these questions to see if the TA has knowledge of the product or is just a booker.

 

For instance, Is all food on the ship included in the fare? Or, can I get anything I want to drink without extra charges?

 

We have a lot of very experienced cruisers on here plus some TA’s that might be able to help some others with this. Please list your questions plus what you believe the answers should be.

 

I’m lucky. I have a great TA but still check out things for myself.

 

[cali-croozer]

Ask if he/she charges any fees for booking, cancellation, changes, etc. My TA doesn't charge any fees, but I've read posts from people who were surprised by a "hidden" TA fee.

[jcanino]

We have a lot of very experienced cruisers on here plus some TA’s that might be able to help some others with this. Please list your questions plus what you believe the answers should be.

 

How long has the agency been around?

How long has the TA been in the travel business?

How long at that agency?

Does the TA have any travel industry certifications?

Does the TA specialize in anything?

[spoonful]

Check them out on the better business bureau.

 

Ask tons of questions about yout trip and see if they answer everything, return phone calls and get quotes in a timely fashion as promised.

[Jimsgirl]

Ask if he/she charges any fees for booking, cancellation, changes, etc. My TA doesn't charge any fees, but I've read posts from people who were surprised by a "hidden" TA fee.

 

Definitely ask about these charges, also about the deposit .

 

A local agent in the next town, part of a big chain, really overcharges.

The ad says a price, but that is alway "not available, you will have to go up a grade",then the deposit if Celebrity charges $450, this agency will ask $900 per person (especially if you are a a solo passenger.), then they charge $350 "administration fee "if you have to cancel later no matter when you do so. There is also a "booking" fee.

 

Of course I never use this agency now, once bitten twice shy, but I checked by phone and they are still doing these charges.

[Jimsgirl]

Ask if he/she charges any fees for booking, cancellation, changes, etc. My TA doesn't charge any fees, but I've read posts from people who were surprised by a "hidden" TA fee.

 

Definitely ask about these charges, also about the deposit .

 

A local agent in the next town, part of a big chain, really overcharges.

The ad says a price, but that is alway "not available, you will have to go up a grade",then the deposit if Celebrity charges $450, this agency will ask $900 per person (especially if you are a a solo passenger.), then they charge $350 "administration fee "if you have to cancel later no matter when you do so. There is also a "booking" fee.

 

Of course I never use this agency now, once bitten twice shy, but I checked by phone and they are still doing these charges.

[masterbaker]

Also make sure any charges for your booking are made directly to the cruiseline and not the TA. (this protects you in case of TA default).

 

Ask if the TA will accept coupons that apply to your bookings and if the entire amount of the coupons will be credited to your booking. (Some TA's withold a percentage because a coupon would affect their commission which is based on the price of the cruise less any coupons)

 

Ask if the TA holds any group space and if so, on which cruises. (This should give passengers booking in that group a discount over the published rate)

 

While on the subject of published rates, make sure you know what the rate is for a cruise you are considering. If your TA is not able to discount, ask what they are willing to give you in perks to book with that TA.

 

Make sure there is no fee involved in changes to your booking.

 

Ask if your TA is a cruise specialist. (if so there should be certification hanging on the wall.)

[masterbaker]

Also make sure any charges for your booking are made directly to the cruiseline and not the TA. (this protects you in case of TA default).

 

Ask if the TA will accept coupons that apply to your bookings and if the entire amount of the coupons will be credited to your booking. (Some TA's withold a percentage because a coupon would affect their commission which is based on the price of the cruise less any coupons)

 

Ask if the TA holds any group space and if so, on which cruises. (This should give passengers booking in that group a discount over the published rate)

 

While on the subject of published rates, make sure you know what the rate is for a cruise you are considering. If your TA is not able to discount, ask what they are willing to give you in perks to book with that TA.

 

Make sure there is no fee involved in changes to your booking.

 

Ask if your TA is a cruise specialist. (if so there should be certification hanging on the wall.)

[tomc]

Get as much information on your own as you can, then as the TA questions for which you already know the answers. Play dumb. If nothing else, you can sniff out the stupid ones from those who know their stuff. Then follow the advice in the posts above.

[tarheelmjfan]

Try to find out by word of mouth, if the TA fights for the client or leans toward the cruiselines. I've seen many people post on here that they are TA's. By reading their replies to certain topics, it's easy to see which way they lean. I personally would prefer a TA who is my concerned with my best interest.