Oceania Newbie: Booking directly vs. TA question

[koolforkatz]

Hi - hope all you experienced Oceania people can help me out with this. I am about to book a South Pacific cruise with Oceania. My dilemma is whether to book directly with Oceania or to book with a TA. A TA I work with occasionally can offer a very generous OBC if I book directly with them. I have looked at air pricing and for me, based on the air credit and for deviation, it makes much more sense $-wise to go with Oceania's air.

 

My concern is the air portion - will it be easier and less frustruating dealing directly with Oceania on this rather than the TA acting as middleman? If not for that, I would probably book with TA.

 

Thoughts?

[Classiccruiser777]

We have booked directly with O as well as a TA. We have also, to our very great advantage, initially booked with O and then transferred the booking to a TA who was able to add us to a group.

 

As for air, that is a very complicated question since there are many factors. If you are satisfied with the included economy air and aren't looking for any deviation to the basic package deal then I don't think it matters whether you book with O or a TA. Depending on what you wish to do perhaps working with O first and getting your air taken care of then transferring the booking to your TA may provide you the best deal.

Edited June 6, 2016 by Classiccruiser777

[ORV]

We have booked directly with O as well as a TA. We have also, to our very great advantage, initially booked with O and then transferred the booking to a TA who was able to add us to a group.

 

As for air, that is a very complicated question since there are many factors. If you are satisfied with the included economy air and aren't looking for any deviation to the basic package deal then I don't think it matters whether you book with O or a TA. Depending on what you wish to do perhaps working with O first and getting your air taken care of then transferring the booking to your TA may provide you the best deal.

 

Your last paragraph is confusing, and I don't feel is good advice for someone new to Oceania. You don't get the air until about 75 days out from the cruise, yet you only have either 30 or 60 days to transfer a booking. So, if you book a cruise a year away then this tactic doesn't work at all.

 

My advice to the OP would be to find out how much experience the TA they plan to use has booking Oceania. What you want is an Oceania specialist.

[PaulMCO]

 

My concern is the air portion - will it be easier and less frustruating dealing directly with Oceania on this rather than the TA acting as middleman? If not for that, I would probably book with TA.

 

Thoughts?

 

With a good TA the middleman part is not an issue. If you want to deviate on the air you can do so at the 270 day mark. Just give your TA specific instructions as to what days and what flights and Oceania will come back to the TA with options and costs. You have to do same regardless of using the TA or dealing direct with O.

 

If you do not want to deviate there is no impact O will pick the flights anyway and you find out about what they "gave" you 75 days from your departure.

[koolforkatz]

Thanks for everyone's input, all very helpful. Unfortunately, I don't know of a TA who specializes in Oceania except for a local one (Canada) and they offer absolutely nothing more than I would get booking directly with Oceania. I usually use big-box TA's in the U.S. who offer very generous perks. So right now it's a trade off for me.

 

I would definitely be deviating. Maybe it's better for me to go with the TA, take the large OBC and air credit and then book my own flights with points.

 

:confused:

[bitob]

Do some research. Make some phone calls. You can find a high volume Oceania ta that way. It's worth it.

 

Next time you cruise on Oceania get names from your fellow passengers

[Travelcat2]

Strongly agree with previous posters that you should use a TA. It is not difficult to find TA's that specialize in cruising (particularly luxury cruising). There is little benefit to booking with Oceania. A TA that is familiar with Oceania will make sure that you book a stateroom/suite in the right area and will have your back if there is a problem.

 

Sorry to be negative, but if your TA thinks that you have to book your own air if you use them, they are clueless and I would stay far away from them (although they may be fine for booking other things).

 

What PaulMCO posted bears repeating "With a good TA the middleman part is not an issue. If you want to deviate on the air you can do so at the 270 day mark. Just give your TA specific instructions as to what days and what flights and Oceania will come back to the TA with options and costs. You have to do same regardless of using the TA or dealing direct with O."

 

Some TA's give you a percentage of your fare back and/or give OBC's and/or will pay your tips. I see no upside to booking with Oceania!

Edited June 7, 2016 by Travelcat2

[Rob the Cruiser]

Strongly agree with previous posters that you should use a TA. It is not difficult to find TA's that specialize in cruising (particularly luxury cruising). There is little benefit to booking with Oceania. A TA that is familiar with Oceania will make sure that you book a stateroom/suite in the right area and will have your back if there is a problem.

 

Sorry to be negative, but if your TA thinks that you have to book your own air if you use them, they are clueless and I would stay far away from them (although they may be fine for booking other things).

 

What PaulMCO posted bears repeating "With a good TA the middleman part is not an issue. If you want to deviate on the air you can do so at the 270 day mark. Just give your TA specific instructions as to what days and what flights and Oceania will come back to the TA with options and costs. You have to do same regardless of using the TA or dealing direct with O."

 

Some TA's give you a percentage of your fare back and/or give OBC's and/or will pay your tips. I see no upside to booking with Oceania!

 

Newbie here, also. Wouldn't you get more perks, in this case O-Life choices, booking with Oceania then transfer to TA for additional OBC or rebates?

[ORV]

Newbie here, also. Wouldn't you get more perks, in this case O-Life choices, booking with Oceania then transfer to TA for additional OBC or rebates?

 

No, a good Oceania specialist or TA is going to get you anything that Oceania is offering, plus anything they offer additional. All you would be doing is creating extra work for nothing.

[koolforkatz]

Thank you again for everyone's help. It turns out when I actually spoke with my local Oceania specialist she was actually able to offer more than the big-box US TA that I often use. I am so happy because I can tell just by conversations with her that I will be well taken care of and she will gladly answer all my questions.

 

Looking forward to my first cruise with Oceania. :)

[Hawaiidan]

Thank you again for everyone's help. It turns out when I actually spoke with my local Oceania specialist she was actually able to offer more than the big-box US TA that I often use. I am so happy because I can tell just by conversations with her that I will be well taken care of and she will gladly answer all my questions.

 

Looking forward to my first cruise with Oceania. :)

 

Many good agents set up groups for their cruises and yours should have access to a group booking that gives special credits and prepaid gratuities not offered to others...just his group. If not a group formed the agent should be willing to start one for you.

The agent needs to show his or her appreciation of your business in tangible dollars, either as an additional on board credit or a cash rebate after the cruise. This amount is over and above what the cruise line is offering!!!

 

How much should that be... somewhere between 7 and 9 % That is if you spent $5000 on a cruise you should expect, require a OBC or Cash rebate of $350 to $450 If 10,000 then $700-900 etc. That reflects the current market that many agents are willing to deal with...and do

 

Many agents do this.... you just need to keep shopping till you find one by internet. fellow passengers etc. Smiles and efficiency are all well and good but in business deals its dollars you need to ask for in addition.

Edited June 7, 2016 by Hawaiidan

[koolforkatz]

 

How much should that be... somewhere between 7 and 9 % That is if you spent $5000 on a cruise you should expect, require a OBC or Cash rebate of $350 to $450 If 10,000 then $700-900 etc. That reflects the current market that many agents are willing to deal with...and do

 

Thanks for breaking this down so clearly. That's good to know.

 

My agent did well, then, because the perks offered came to just under 9% of cruise value plus free cancellation insurance. Plus I get to go to the South Pacific with Oceania.

 

I am happy :)

[rallydave]

Many good agents set up groups for their cruises and yours should have access to a group booking that gives special credits and prepaid gratuities not offered to others...just his group. If not a group formed the agent should be willing to start one for you.

The agent needs to show his or her appreciation of your business in tangible dollars, either as an additional on board credit or a cash rebate after the cruise. This amount is over and above what the cruise line is offering!!!

 

How much should that be... somewhere between 7 and 9 % That is if you spent $5000 on a cruise you should expect, require a OBC or Cash rebate of $350 to $450 If 10,000 then $700-900 etc. That reflects the current market that many agents are willing to deal with...and do

 

Many agents do this.... you just need to keep shopping till you find one by internet. fellow passengers etc. Smiles and efficiency are all well and good but in business deals its dollars you need to ask for in addition.

 

Actually Dan, you are a little short on your percentages. You should not get less than 10% and IMHO, better to be in cash than perks that you may or may not want or be able to spend. Cash allows you to do what you choose with the money and unlike OBC, you can't "loose" it.

[PaulMCO]

Dave it is also about service. Yes there are some that give 10 and some that give a little less. The fact is with a good TA you get good service plus more money back.

 

Also as pointed out some TAs will put together a group. Looking at one now free grats, plus OBC which amounts to close to 15 percent back that plus O life is significant.

[bitob]

Dave it is also about service. Yes there are some that give 10 and some that give a little less. The fact is with a good TA you get good service plus more money back.

 

Also as pointed out some TAs will put together a group. Looking at one now free grats, plus OBC which amounts to close to 15 percent back that plus O life is significant.

 

 

Agree

Look for a ta who is a top producer for Oceania and u will get close to 15%

[Hawaiidan]

Agree

Look for a ta who is a top producer for Oceania and u will get close to 15%

 

 

I wanted to be conservative in my figures.. of 7-9%. of OBC or cash. However if one gets gratuities and such thats more gravy kicking it up to 16 to 20% net net to you.

 

As an example on a 5400 cruise of 16 days Getting 375 OC and $512 in gratituties comes to $875 to about 16.25%... and with O giving a loyality OBC of $200, on top of of a $100 for the group, and we are at $1175.... So bottom line considering the agents performance, the lines appreciation of past patronage and the basic offering and we are right around 20% in realized .... so it is a composite of agent loyalty, line loyality , agent packaging and agents "appreciation of you".

 

Can you do better? Well I recently booked a cruise 4750...11 days Received gratuities for 2 for 11 days $352 value, $375 agent rebate, which right there is almost 16% but add 400 ships O life, and 200.00 line loyality Comes to $1327 which is just short of 28% total benefit to you in a mixed group of benefits in total

 

Caution on geting travel ins as a benifit... If you pay for your cruise with a credit card...a good one, you already have it!! If an agent "buys" it for you.... diminish its value because the agent gets a very good commission from the insurance he paid for in your name...

 

Rally dave spoke well, when he said to get as much in direct cash to you rather than OBC. Very wise. With the cash you can then pay on a credit card for your on board charges, earning miles/points on top of everything !!

Yes its a game you need to learn how to play... its easy but you have to understand the game its self.

 

Mind you these calculations are based on and inside.... When you go up in class of cabin so should the percentages as the agents commission thus climbs.

 

 

Lesson 101.....get a good agent, show him loyality, show the line loyality, and it pays off....jumping around sounds well and good.... but its shortsighted and wont get you where you want to be

[WahooNKS]

Trying to transfer booking to TA, but Oceania is telling him they have a 30-day window for transfers and won't do it. I am at 43 days. Anyone else heard of this? I want to keep the cabin I've booked, so cancellation and rebook isn't an option.

[Noxequifans]

A couple of years ago we transferred our booking from one TA to another. The 30 day limit was in-place.

[maggie.1008]

Koolforkatz and Rob the cruiser, Have seen both of you on X boards. After 26 X cruises Oceania is now my favorite line. I love their 2 larger ships. I feel if you are on the smaller ships you are better off on Azamara where we can get our Elite benefits. I am using their air on my upcoming trip to the Med. I paid the deviation fee and $99. Prem. Econ. upgrade. I am very happy with the choice I have. You will love the better food, no kids running around the pool and not having 2800 people on board. I am going on the X Solstice to Alaska next week as I promised 85 yr. young dad I would take him. I feel the X crews are some of the best at sea. The problem was AQ and Suites are now about the same price as the Oceania balconies and that is why I made the choice to switch. You are going to love Oceania ! Heather

[Rob the Cruiser]

Koolforkatz and Rob the cruiser, Have seen both of you on X boards. After 26 X cruises Oceania is now my favorite line. I love their 2 larger ships. I feel if you are on the smaller ships you are better off on Azamara where we can get our Elite benefits. I am using their air on my upcoming trip to the Med. I paid the deviation fee and $99. Prem. Econ. upgrade. I am very happy with the choice I have. You will love the better food, no kids running around the pool and not having 2800 people on board. I am going on the X Solstice to Alaska next week as I promised 85 yr. young dad I would take him. I feel the X crews are some of the best at sea. The problem was AQ and Suites are now about the same price as the Oceania balconies and that is why I made the choice to switch. You are going to love Oceania ! Heather

 

Thank-you for your advice. :)

[Carol From California]

Trying to transfer booking to TA, but Oceania is telling him they have a 30-day window for transfers and won't do it. I am at 43 days. Anyone else heard of this? I want to keep the cabin I've booked, so cancellation and rebook isn't an option.

 

I think you should contact a good TA and see what they can do about cancelling, rebooking, and keeping your cabin. We use a TA who gives a good discount on Oceania as others have mentioned.