Is there a downside to booking with a TA?

[duce95]

This whole post is completely false.

 

I do not understand the go through the middle man for everything part, once booked there is no need to go through for anything.

 

I have used a TA for 4 Disney Cruises, 3 Carnival and now 3 NCL cruises and have never had to go through them for ANYTHING after the original booking.

 

 

 

First off, booking through a TA will not cost you more, you will get the same rate that NCL will quote you - you will not get a cheaper rate on your won (own) and you do not pay them, the cruise line does.

 

 

 

If you book the cabin you want at the start, there is absolutely no reason for any back and forth contact that would require a middle man or any hassle.

 

 

 

I am a planner and do all of my own researching and planning. Once I know the cabin, cruise, dates I want - I search around for the best deals in kickbacks -- all of the big TA's always quote the EXACT same price as you get pricing through NCL. Afterwards I always have booked all of my own stuff through the NCL website just like everyone else after booking.

 

 

 

On my upcoming Alaska cruise in a family 2br suite, I received $1300 in incentives on top of the same price.

 

 

I have had similar experiences. Live my TA

[cdnsteelman]

Just about any potential passenger can get discounts if they know here to look. It is not that difficult. <<SNIP>>

 

Okay - I'll bite - show us where "just about every potential passenger" can get these discounts you're talking about going direct to NCL. Also share the magic number for NCL where there is no waiting. Why all the secrecy? I believe you said you get 20% off NCL rates - we're all ears. I've shared how I get ~12 per cent better value (discounts plus obc) using a TA.

[swedish weave]

Okay - I'll bite - show us where "just about every potential passenger" can get these discounts you're talking about going direct to NCL. Also share the magic number for NCL where there is no waiting. Why all the secrecy? I believe you said you get 20% off NCL rates - we're all ears. I've shared how I get ~12 per cent better value (discounts plus obc) using a TA.

 

I will be totally shocked if you get a sensible answer to your question !!

[cdnsteelman]

I will be totally shocked if you get a sensible answer to your question !!

 

You and me both!

Edited March 26, 2016 by cdnsteelman

[drvmywifecrzy]

TA help alot

[Giorgi-one]

As a number of posters have indicated, it depends on the TA. One thing to remember is that there are no discounts. NCL and TA fare is the same. The difference in price is due to amenities offered by the TA. I always book with the same large cruise agency and they almost always offer prepaid gratuities and OBC. I really don't get the infatuation with control of a booking. If there is a problem, my TA has much more leverage than I have. I used to sell cruises and have been on more than 30 cruises so I am not a novice at this.

[Sizzlechest]

As a number of posters have indicated, it depends on the TA. One thing to remember is that there are no discounts. NCL and TA fare is the same. The difference in price is due to amenities offered by the TA.

 

No, many have fare differences on top of the other discounts like OBC, etc.

[Freckles_51]

The only downside to using a TA is not having a good one.

 

This is my experience also.

[jamminlion]

My upcoming cruise booked though a big TA I have used now 3 times. I've never had a problem with them, always responsive when I call to ask a question. But I generally don't call to ask any questions. I research fares, pick the cabin I want and am very low maintenance once booked. This time, they upped the ante on OBC that NCL offered when I booked, to the tune of 12% of my fare.

 

Before anyone says it, the fare price was the same through TA as it was published on NCL or big box store on major online cruise sellers.

 

So, there's that added benefit of OBC.

[vince_g]

Make sure you get one that gives you OBC and doesn't charge you cancellation fees.

 

And one that doesn't charge an "admin fee". Some of them charge $25 for "admin" or "set up".

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I will be totally shocked if you get a sensible answer to your question !!

 

looks like we aren't going to get an answer at all since the poster with the erroneous info has been posting quite a bit since he posted his/her misinformation on this thread.

 

Bill

[newmexicoNita]

I believe it is up to you. Some TA's like to be in control of all reservations and others will let the client do it.

 

Sometimes using a TA you can get additional perks (extra OBC, or other things).

 

When booking via a TA they are always in control of the booking, which isn't a bad thing btw..

There are some people that really enjoy doing all the research and like booking their own reservations, but I see a lot more advantages to using an agent. He/she keep track of rate changes, often do offer perks like you mentioned, can answer most questions and God forbid something goes wrong they are there to back you up. A large agency has more clout than an individual cruiser.

[newmexicoNita]

I have yet to find a TA that can do better than my minimum 20% discount of the actual current selling price (as opposed to that fictitious brochure price). And even if they came close or beat it by a percent or two, it would not be worth the hassle of having a middle man in the equation.

 

for the total A personality the middle man might be a huge disadvantage. Otherwise I would love to know how why you think you can get a 20% off and the agent can't. Anyone who has cruised a lot knows, the brochure prices are not what we actually pay. My guess: you have never even tried to see what an agent might be able to do for you?

 

To the OP, the secret is to find a good agent. They are worth their weight in gold.

 

sizzlechest is right. Many agencies have group rates that offer perks like OBC etc, discounted cabins, upgrades, etc. We are doing a cruise in November. The rate is much less than NCL is offering, we are getting a small OBC from the TA plus probably casino credit or something, and of course the dinner and drink package. I can you, if something better comes along she will pass it on to us. BTW,yes, we do pay a small administration fee: it is $20.00. There is no cancellation charges.

Edited March 28, 2016 by newmexicoNita

[S.S.Oceanlover]

When booking via a TA they are always in control of the booking, which isn't a bad thing btw..

There are some people that really enjoy doing all the research and like booking their own reservations, but I see a lot more advantages to using an agent. He/she keep track of rate changes, often do offer perks like you mentioned, can answer most questions and God forbid something goes wrong they are there to back you up. A large agency has more clout than an individual cruiser.

 

I wish I had an agent like you when you were working. Never had a TA who kept track of rate changes.

 

I'd had 2 instances where I had problems with cruises, both with large agencies and the first time they were not in the office on the weekend and the second time with a different large agency the TA intervened on my behalf for awhile but finally told me she would do nothing further for me.

 

I did get my situation resolved but had to go around the TA and go higher up the chain of the cruise line.

 

You are correct that you need the "right" agent or agency.

 

I think I have found the perfect agency now but haven't had any problems with any of my bookings since I started using them 3 cruises ago.

 

Bill

[ged1967]

U.K. Based booking experience

 

I have always believed in shopping around for cruise holidays.

 

I have had big discounts on Thomson, RCL, Cunard & NCL

 

Thomson now appear not to offer as much credit to TAs as they did. Ten years ago I got a huge discount on a 14 night cruise that Thomsons themself couldn't get near! However in recent years any discount on a Thomson ship has been negligible over & above their own web price.

 

However with the other cruise lines I have faired much better.

 

I research online to find the cruise, itinerary, date & cabin grade I want.

 

I do a mock booking on the cruise lines website to get their price and find availability of cabins.

 

I then call the two online TAs that have dealt with before. Invariably the first one I call is cheaper than the cruiseline. Then I call the second of my usual TAs. I normally knock around £95 off this price (if asked what is best price)

 

Once I have those two prices I google "cheap cruises" and call any with FREEPHONE numbers. I also do mock bookings with these sites too. However online prices on websites are all very similar!

 

Again when calling freephone numbers I knock £50/£75 off the cheapest quote

 

Once I'm happy that I have the cheapest price I book.

 

Note I do believe that you get the best deals booking a flight & hotel together through a TA. For instance on our transatlantic crossing on QM2 December 2015. Crossing/return flight only was £899 -v- crossing/flight + 3 nights in NYC £849.

 

I've never had "perks" from a TA but then I've never asked. Are these perks particular to the US?

[pr0pel]

If I'm not mistaken, all TA's who quote NCL cruises have to quote the list price so they are all the same, no matter which TA you go through. What a TA can then do is offer a OBC with the booking and this is what differentiates TA's with direct NCL bookings. I've always gotten at least $50-$100, sometimes, $200 more when going with a TA.

Unfortunately, the TA I use charges cancellation fees even if you're well within the window of cancellation. I've yet to find a good TA that does not charge a cancellation fee and provide a bigger OBC than booking direct. I'll take suggestions via email though :)

[Freckles_51]

Not a direct answer to the question but.....

One more thing to note is insurance coverage through TA. It may not be the same for every insurance policy/company but I have noticed the last few times looking into insurance coverage offered through TAs (in my area anyway) will not cover missed ship due to delayed flight unless both the cruise and flight are booked with the same TA.

[Sizzlechest]

[quote name='Freckles_51']Not a direct answer to the question but.....

One more thing to note is insurance coverage through TA. It may not be the same for every insurance policy/company but I have noticed the last few times looking into insurance coverage offered through TAs (in my area anyway) will not cover missed ship due to delayed flight unless both the cruise and flight are booked with the same TA.[/quote]

I never buy insurance through the TA or from NCL. I get it on my own through [url]https://www.insuremytrip.com/[/url]

[GeezerCouple]

[quote name='Freckles_51']Not a direct answer to the question but.....

One more thing to note is insurance coverage through TA. It may not be the same for every insurance policy/company but I have noticed the last few times looking into insurance coverage offered through TAs (in my area anyway) will not cover missed ship due to delayed flight unless both the cruise and flight are booked with the same TA.[/QUOTE]

Unless the cost of the insurance through the TA is better, it's probably wise to get insurance from an independent insurance company, with no mixed loyalties/etc.

We use [B][U]TripInsuranceStore.com[/U][/B]

And we usually use TravelInsured through them. They have paid claims promptly, and without a lot of nonsense. That's when it matters!

We've also used CSA, also purchased through them, but we didn't have a claim, so can't speak to that.

Then you can get your different travel stuff (ship, hotel, flights, tours, etc.) from whomever you like.

[Into Cruising]

Just where do you think the additional OBC or any other perk given by the TA comes from?

TA's can quote any price they wish, but they can not advertise anything other than the NCL stated price. All agencies get the same price from NCL, but they can get various levels of commission depending on their volume. I believe it is allowed to "rebate" back some of the commission in the way of OBC or other options. Booking through a TA, you still get the Perks offered by the Cruise line that are in effect at time of booking.

An agency may have a group set up on a sailing, and they can offer the group perks gotten through the GAP program or TC credit.

But in all cases Perks gotten in addition that are from the TA pocket. If they did not offer them it would be additional money in their pocket.

Had an interesting discussion yesterday (argument) Where a person justified asking for and receiving $500 in additional perks from an Agent by saying she did not deserve the $1400 commission that she got, as she only did about $200 worth of work on the booking. So she felt it was proper that the $1400 was divided $700 to the agency, $200 to the agent, and $500 to her. Also said that $200 was better than nothing, as she could have booked directly with NCL. I have seen so many people think they should get hundreds of dollars in OBC after booking a standard inside room, wher ethe agent is only getting $50 in commission.

What an agent makes in commission is of no concern to the client, as the agent supports the client for the cruiseline. The cruiseline pays the agent, not the client typically. The way I like to explain it is the agent supports the cruiseline's client, and gets paid for doing so.

Bottom line is accept it as a gift from the agent, who obviously likes you and wants your future business.

[Kimberlyr22]

[quote name='Into Cruising']Just where do you think the additional OBC or any other perk given by the TA comes from?



TA's can quote any price they wish, but they can not advertise anything other than the NCL stated price. All agencies get the same price from NCL, but they can get various levels of commission depending on their volume. I believe it is allowed to "rebate" back some of the commission in the way of OBC or other options. Booking through a TA, you still get the Perks offered by the Cruise line that are in effect at time of booking.



An agency may have a group set up on a sailing, and they can offer the group perks gotten through the GAP program or TC credit.



But in all cases Perks gotten in addition that are from the TA pocket. If they did not offer them it would be additional money in their pocket.



Had an interesting discussion yesterday (argument) Where a person justified asking for and receiving $500 in additional perks from an Agent by saying she did not deserve the $1400 commission that she got, as she only did about $200 worth of work on the booking. So she felt it was proper that the $1400 was divided $700 to the agency, $200 to the agent, and $500 to her. Also said that $200 was better than nothing, as she could have booked directly with NCL. I have seen so many people think they should get hundreds of dollars in OBC after booking a standard inside room, wher ethe agent is only getting $50 in commission.



What an agent makes in commission is of no concern to the client, as the agent supports the client for the cruiseline. The cruiseline pays the agent, not the client typically. The way I like to explain it is the agent supports the cruiseline's client, and gets paid for doing so.



Bottom line is accept it as a gift from the agent, who obviously likes you and wants your future business.[/QUOTE]


You're twisting my words on here too. Fantastic. I said that booking a Haven room allows a TA more ability to give their clients additional perks without eating into a good commission.

I didn't ask for perks. Didn't expect perks. And because of the perks I was offered (and didn't turn down bc who would do that) I gave the TA repeat business on another Haven booking.

In your eyes that makes me a bad person.

Of course you believe that TAs work for the cruise lines and not their clients which is the most insane thing I've heard all week. TAs stay in business because of their clients, not bc of a cruise line.



Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Edited March 29, 2016 by Kimberlyr22

[Deptacon]

I used a "TA" for the first time ever on my last 2 bookings. Booked with IHG over the phone on the cruise page. Received an onboard credit not being offered on the cruise website, got the exact same price as the cruise website, and received 12,000 ihg points for booking through IHG....which is enough for a free hotel room.

Only difference is I have to pay through them, not the cruise. everything else is done through the NCL website.

[Into Cruising]

I left the other group because of you, and you will not run me off of here. Will you please get a life!

My reply here was to the OP. It simply stated that the perks a TA gives comes out of their pocket. And I asked that people look upon it as a gift.

If I stayed in the other group I could cut and paste your exact words, and you then would have to stop saying I am misrepresenting them.

You said that the TA did not deserve the $1400 commission and that the service they provided you was only worth the $200 you left them from their commission. The commission between a cruiseline and a TA is their business not yours...and if they did not deserve it, it certainly does not "belong" to you.

Once again, A TA supports the Cruise line's client, but works for the Cruiseline, who pays them for providing that support.

Pe4rhaps you should become one so you will know what you are talking about.

One last thing, please do not respond to me anywhere on any site. I am done with you.

[Kimberlyr22]

The fact that two people who are very into cruising end up on the same sites does not = trolling. I run into the same folks on many cruise sites and am friendly with all. I was engaging in healthy debate on the other site, and you took to personal attacks; so I left that site as you were making cruising not fun. And after this post, I will avoid you like the plague because I love cruising and won't let someone ruin that for me. I have no plans to "troll you" as you and I are two very different people with two very different opinions. Which is okay in this amazing world we live in.

It is your prerogative to retain a healthy commission or share with your client. I'm very fortunate that my TA shares with me. That was the entire point of my side of the debate. Do I feel as though a TA needs to make a $1k+ commission on one booking? No. That's my opinion. And apparently my TA agrees as well.

Edit: I figured out how to ignore someone on CC..I'm sad I had to learn that. And apologies to all for this exchange. Edited March 30, 2016 by Kimberlyr22

[Demonyte]

[quote name='Kimberlyr22']I was engaging in healthy debate on the other site, and you took to personal attacks; so I left that site as you were making cruising not fun. And after this post, I will avoid you like the plague because I love cruising and won't let someone ruin that for me.[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately this person seems to engage to personal attacks immediately when people do not agree with them, they have started calling me names too when I disagreed them or actually tried to ask them for clarification to their "facts" (that really were their personal opinions/assumptions).

And yes, the customer definitely is the one paying TA, cruise line is just the middle man. Edited March 30, 2016 by Demonyte