Finding a TA

[nycruiser1975]

Hello I am a newbie and don't have a ta. I was reading the beging of cruisecritic and it said that a "good" TA can get you things that a cruise line may not offer. It mentioned some web site cruising.org. I live in NY city and open to suggestions. I am looking for a good price, always freebies, upgrades and coupons what ever you think I need HELP

[jcanino]

Hello I am a newbie and don't have a ta. I was reading the beging of cruisecritic and it said that a "good" TA can get you things that a cruise line may not offer. It mentioned some web site cruising.org. I live in NY city and open to suggestions. I am looking for a good price, always freebies, upgrades and coupons what ever you think I need HELP

 

Your best place to start is with friends that have TA's that they use and can offer good referrals. After that, go to www.cruising.org. On the bottom of the page, there is a box that says "Find A Cruise Travel Agent". enter in your ZIP code and click "Search". Once you do that, you will get a list of CLIA member travel agencies in that ZIP code. At the top, click on "New Search". When that page loads, click the check boxes for ACC, MCC and ECC and go to the bottom and re-enter you ZIP code or the first 2, 3, or 4 digits. This will then give you a list of people that have taken the time to educate themselves and earn the various designations from CLIA.

 

Once you have that list, pick a name and call that TA and talk to them. Tell them you are new at cruising and exactly what you are looking for. If the first person you call doesn't feel right, try another.

[reefshoe]

i dont know the policy of LINKS ON HERE BUT.... email me... newjerseymustangcobra@hotmail.com cheapest deal or they will beat it...................................

[EggDropErin]

I had really good luck going through our local AAA travel agent (they are affiliated with the motor club). They were $150 cheaper on my RCI cruise than travelocity, etc.

[comfixit]

I have to concur AAA is the way to go. Their prices are often times cheaper then other TA when I have compared and they are touted as the largest travel angency (Probably cause of the many automotive members). Regardless they can secure some good rates with vendors and are a solid choice.

 

But whoever you choose always do an online comparison:

 

I look at the same cruise at the following sites that my TA suggests and prices out:

 

http://www.cruisedirect.com

http://www.travelnow.com

 

You can compare airfare rates by looking at:

 

http://www.sidestep.com

http://www.iflyswa.com

 

Best of luck.