Travel agent help

[bokicat]

Hi! We're planning on cruising to the Cayman Islands in April '06 for our wedding, and was wondering if travel agents usually give group discounts (about 20 people). We usually book everything ourselves online, and have never had the experience of using a real live travel agent!:confused:

We have called one travel agent, but she is quoting the same price we found on the carnival website.

Any thoughts or suggestions on finding the best price? We're trying hard to keep our budget as low as possible.

[jleq]

Assuming you'll have 8+ cabins. Ask your TA about the feasibility of forming a "group". Lower prices/perks from CCL can be available to those who buy a "block" of cabins. I can't promise all TAs will be receptive to this. If yours isn't...I'm sure you can find a TA, who is also a MCC [Master Cruise Consultant], who is.

[duckman715]

Hi! We're planning on cruising to the Cayman Islands in April '06 for our wedding, and was wondering if travel agents usually give group discounts (about 20 people). We usually book everything ourselves online, and have never had the experience of using a real live travel agent!:confused:

We have called one travel agent, but she is quoting the same price we found on the carnival website.

Any thoughts or suggestions on finding the best price? We're trying hard to keep our budget as low as possible.

Agencies that I have used in the past for on line bookings have offered a free cabin to the designated group leader if you book eight cabins or more. There are a number of agencies out there. Don't be turned off by a poor response from one. To follow up on this, request a quote on line & then give them a call to discuss. They are able to do much, much more over the phone than on line.

Bill

[Oppgaard]

AS an agent myself, I go out of my way to help those who would like to book a group. As mentioned earlier, if 8+ cabins are taken, you should be able to receive a TC (tour conductor credit). This free ticket still needs to have port fees (NC charges) and taxes paid on it. The commssion will also be deducted from the price. Some agents will cover this for you but most will not.

 

Good luck finding someone helpful. Using a local agent who comes highly recommended would be your best choice.

[molme]

Have you called Carnival direct about forming a group to see what their prices may be? They may be lower than going through a TA. It is worth a phone call.

[MsBlue]

Yes, call Carnival and check on it. I formed a group of 8+ cabins once, booking through a Carnival PVP, and my cabin was 'free'. You don't need a TA for this - just call Carnival. My experience doing that was a breeze.

 

Oh - and best wishes on your upcoming wedding!

[dms_cruisers04]

Don't forget about the other additional amenities to booking as a group, such as S&S credit (we have $100 per cabin), $50 casino chips, free robes for everyone in the group to take home all the way down to a group photo for each cabin. Obviously you don't get all of this, but based on the cruise you'll get to choose 2 or 3.