Which is better, booking individual cabins ourselves or a big group with an agent

[penaddict]

I usually book cruises myself, doing research online, and finding the best price for hubby and I.

We are thinking about taking a cruise and family may be joining us (don't know the number of people yet).

I typically don't use an agent, as I like doing the research myself for the deals ;)

But wonder, is there any reason or benefit to using an agent when booking a group? We don't need to be in the same area of ship or anything.

Just wondering...thanks!

[Clarea]

I'd use a travel agent so you are out of the loop with regard to booking, payments, cancellations, etc. All you do is give the travel agent info to your family members and let the agent deal with the details.

[Dayenu]

Depending on the family... do you really want to take the blame for something you planned or didn't plan when something goes wrong?

[cb at sea]

How many cabins will you need? There is no real benefit unless you book over 8 cabins. No matter HOW many, tho...I would use a TA, tell them which cabin YOU want, and let the others book their own through that TA...that way, everyone gets what suits them! You are NOT the middleman, and if something goes wrong, you are not to blame, nor will you have to spend time and energy making things right!

[ronandannette]

I usually book cruises myself, doing research online, and finding the best price for hubby and I.

We are thinking about taking a cruise and family may be joining us (don't know the number of people yet).

I typically don't use an agent, as I like doing the research myself for the deals ;)

But wonder, is there any reason or benefit to using an agent when booking a group? We don't need to be in the same area of ship or anything.

Just wondering...thanks!

 

Basically, you don't really have a "group" and if you went forward, I'd just book on my own. The rest of your party, if they actually end up going, should be able to fend for themselves once you've decided on the ship and sail dates.

 

The advice of the PP's suggesting a travel agent is very sound if your plans were a little more formal. But as it stands, if you wait to see who actually commits and then pick a TA, you may be unable to get whatever deals you are seeing right now. And as cb at sea pointed out, there's no price incentive to using an TA unless you're booking 8 rooms or more.

Edited August 18, 2016 by ronandannette

[CanadaDeb]

I'd use a travel agent so you are out of the loop with regard to booking, payments, cancellations, etc. All you do is give the travel agent info to your family members and let the agent deal with the details.

 

Best advice ever.

[MCC retired]

All of the family members want to do the cruise , until it is time to pay up .

Have a Cruise Specialist TA block your group space and be the point of contact for all questions , payments etc. .

Must be a large family if OP is calling it a Big group ?

(The minimum group is usually 8 cabins )

Edited August 18, 2016 by MCC retired