travel agent or not

[angel4487]

I was wondering if we should book with an agent or just book it ourselves. we have never cruised befor. and don't really know what extra I would be getting by booking with an agent or is it just someone to spend the time on the phone with NCL if there is a problem.

thanks

[Glamourgal]

I would suggest that if you know anyone who has cruised before and knows a good agent use her. I have a local agent who specializes in cruises and she is so helpful. She has traveled many different cruise lines and ships and is very knowledgeable about many cruises. I like having someone that I can call that will do her best to answer my questions. Good Luck. Cruising is the best if you are informed and know what to expect.

[shoreguy]

I would suggest that if you know anyone who has cruised before and knows a good agent use her. I have a local agent who specializes in cruises and she is so helpful. She has traveled many different cruise lines and ships and is very knowledgeable about many cruises. I like having someone that I can call that will do her best to answer my questions. Good Luck. Cruising is the best if you are informed and know what to expect.

 

I second that recommendation - A good TA is important for a new cruiser. Once you have a good knowledge of what you want and how this industry works then you can consider booking yourself. That TA will be invaluable if and when you hit a bump in the road.

 

I book direct but spend hours of my own time making sure I get what I want and from time to time even more hours fixing things that went wrong. I enjoy the the challenge and the time spent. I would have not been comfortable doing it for my first few cruises.

[ejnsb]

They can generally get you the same or better price than you can get on your own and can offer advice and other assistance if you have problems or questions along the way.

 

That said, monitor the cruise prices after you book. The agent will probably be moving on to their next customers and if your price drops you need to let them know so they can contact the cruise line for a reduction or credit for you. The lines won't work with you on any of the booking details, only through the agent.

[andrea t]

I also think you should use an agent. For all the above reasons plus many give freebies now like travel insurance. I think that's a nice bonus.

[Big Al B.]

I use an agent for just about everything. As has been mentioned earlier, I trust her and have a good relationship in that I can call her and mention that I see prices changed etc. She also watches for me.

 

I'm also a little bit like Shoreguy in that often when I call her, I have researched all the options and usually I am just telling her I want this, this and this from so and so. Then unlike Shoreguy, I leave the problems to her (although sometimes sorting out the problems can be as much fun as planning - only sometimes :p)

[osiebosie]

Luckily for me, I have a wonderful TA, who I use repeatedly. She knows what we like, and has always been great.

 

I use her only for cruises; everything else we do, we do on our own.

 

Shay

[DroopySails]

If you do use an agent, be sure you have a referral--don't just pick one at random. There are many incompetent or just lazy TAs out there. And there are some who like to impose their own choices and preferences on their clients.

 

I'm like shoreguy in that I love doing the research. I've yet to find a TA who's as thorough as I am in doing my cruise homework, so I generally use them only for planning complicated trips in regions I don't know much about or can't easily check out myself (for example, I used a Brazil specialist for our upcoming trip to the Amazon, the Pantanal and Rio). If I do use a TA for a cruise, I'll figure out exactly what cruise we want and then tell the TA to book it for us.

 

For others who don't get such a kick out of travel planning, a TA is a great option. Just invest a little effort in finding a good one. Make sure he/she listens to you, asks questions to identify your preferences, and can admit when he/she doesn't know the answer to everything (but follows up with, "But I'll find out for you.").

[Chalker Guy]

Doing your own research and then booking through a TA is a Win/Win. You are assured you get what you want, and the TA can spend time working out the small details and getting you the best price, instead of doing your basic research. We have often got better prices and/or additional perks (onboard credits, cabin upgrades) that we probably wouldn't have had on our own. TA's don't make much commission on the bargain trips that I try to find, so there isn't much incentive for them to promote them. However, once you find your bargain vacation, they can often help, and they can help to resolve problems if they arise.

[newmexicoNita]

Of course I am a little partial, being an agent, but for your first cruise an agent is a must. Cruising can be a simple matter and normally, like making an airline reservataion or hotel reservation everything goes smoothly, but there always lies the posibility of problems. Not to mention we do work on those details, answer questions, sometimes can get a little better deal than you get on your own (no guarantee) and it normally does not cost you anything. At worst some companies are charging maybe, $25 processing fee. Yes, a referral is a must. I hate to admit it, but there are agents out there who think their job is that of an order taker. You need someone who knows the ins and outs of cruising. NMnita

[newmexicoNita]

Of course I am a little partial, being an agent, but for your first cruise an agent is a must. Cruising can be a simple matter and normally, like making an airline reservataion or hotel reservation everything goes smoothly, but there always lies the posibility of problems. Not to mention we do work on those details, answer questions, sometimes can get a little better deal than you get on your own (no guarantee) and it normally does not cost you anything. At worst some companies are charging maybe, $25 processing fee. Yes, a referral is a must. I hate to admit it, but there are agents out there who think their job is that of an order taker. You need someone who knows the ins and outs of cruising. NMnita

[electricron]

I always use a travel agent, even if it's just web based.

I always buy travel insurance too, and like being able to choose which I get via the travel agent.

[Jfultz81]

So, the companies pay the TA's commission? Do I pay anything, other than what NMN said about a $25 processing fee? We booked it all ourselves because we enjoy doing it, but I think next time I would like to go through a TA, just because of some of the hassles with NCL.

[ChrisConnolly]

The cruise lines pay the TA's .. I wouldn't use a TA that charges you and kind of processing fees, or anything above cruise rate +port charges and taxes. If i were a first time cruiser , I would probably want to meet with a TA face to face and browse some of there brochures available in their office. A knowledgable TA will also discuss the differences between all of the cruise lines and help guide you to finding one that best fits you. After deciding on what cruise line, ship, and intinerary, get a quote from that TA and then compare it with all the major travel sites and ncl.com to make sure they are giving you a fair price...

[newmexicoNita]

The cruise lines pay the TA's .. I wouldn't use a TA that charges you and kind of processing fees, or anything above cruise rate +port charges and taxes. If i were a first time cruiser , I would probably want to meet with a TA face to face and browse some of there brochures available in their office. A knowledgable TA will also discuss the differences between all of the cruise lines and help guide you to finding one that best fits you. After deciding on what cruise line, ship, and intinerary, get a quote from that TA and then compare it with all the major travel sites and ncl.com to make sure they are giving you a fair price...

Chris, you are completely right. Our job is to try and match people to the right vacation for them. I have clients I would never send on NCL as much as I love them, I also have clients I have put on cruise lines or sent to hotels in Vegas or whatever that would not meet me needs. As for not choosing an agent that charges a processiing fee, I agree with you there as well, but did want to point out, that some do charge a minumum amount. NMnita

[Bobgaffney]

My TA saved me over $200 on the cruise I just booked. That and the fact that I have someone in my corner to take care of issues makes all the sense in the world for me to use a TA. It is called value added service. If you recognize that TAs provide Value added service then you are ahead of the game.

 

If you like to spend a lot of your time searching for the cheapest rates, the best cruise, cheapest airfares then skip the TA. But at the end of the day you have to put some value on your own time and trust the expertise of the TA. I did.

[cod]

Five times we've used a TA who works from her home for a major cruise agency. I like her a lot. We've become friends and I can reach her easily, though I try not to abuse that fact and, knowing that she works from late morning into the evening, I try to call her accordingly. ONCE I found a great price on *********** that, when asked, she was not anywhere

near. I hated to say 'but I found this, that or the other on the internet' and so I just booked it on line that one time. It was a little nerve-racking but everything went fine and I did save a lot.

Since then I've noticed there is not much difference (new pricing rules I guess) between on-line and TA's so I would go with whatever you are more comfortable with. It does seem like the cruiseline rates are

higher so I doubt I'd go that route.

 

Good luck!

[comfixit]

A good TA will be able to answer questions about the cruise and present questions you may not have considered.

 

For example they can tell you which lines are more family friendly, which have more nighttime entertainment, which ones have the best food and more.

 

They can also tell you important things like the difference in service you might expect depending on the nationality of the crew of the vessel.

 

Some people want the largest and newest ships, other prefer older and smaller vessels that go to more exotic ports.

 

Bottom line is unless you know what you want you need a good TA to help you find your way.

 

As far as prices go most TA's will work to match anything you find online so if thats the case go with the TA all the way.

 

Whats the right TA to go with. Well best bet is to get a refferal from a friend, if not look for travel agencies that might be associated with organizations you might be a member of. Many automobile clubs and credit unions might have travel affiliations that might aid you in finding a reputable company.

 

Best of luck, enjoy your first cruise.

[seahorse]

The cruise lines pay the TA's .. I wouldn't use a TA that charges you and kind of processing fees, or anything above cruise rate +port charges and taxes. If i were a first time cruiser , I would probably want to meet with a TA face to face and browse some of there brochures available in their office. A knowledgable TA will also discuss the differences between all of the cruise lines and help guide you to finding one that best fits you. After deciding on what cruise line, ship, and intinerary, get a quote from that TA and then compare it with all the major travel sites and ncl.com to make sure they are giving you a fair price...

 

This is the very reason that some TA`s charge a fee.......their knowledge and expertise is used....their time is used.......then use all of that and book on line for a few $$ cheaper:( I guess to some this seems fair.

 

Nita I am surprised that you agree:( I guess that you feel that you are worth ............what??

[comfixit]

This is the very reason that some TA`s charge a fee.......their knowledge and expertise is used....their time is used.......then use all of that and book on line for a few $$ cheaper:( I guess to some this seems fair.

 

Nita I am surprised that you agree:( I guess that you feel that you are worth ............what??

 

First I disagree with both your assesment of the TA charge being resonable and your criticism of Nita's agreement.

 

A good TA does not have the problem of clients coming in, leaving and then booking online for a few $ cheaper. A good TA's clients leave her (or his) office and understand the following:

 

* If they find a lower rate then what was quoted online their TA will find a way to match or beat it.

* If the price drops after they book their TA is on top of it and will negotiate with the cruise line to get refunds and or comps for their client

* The TA is more interested in them having a good vacation and booking experience then on maximizing their commission or minimizing the amount of time they spend working for a client.

 

I have been to many TA's and the problem is I always felt like they were friendly and knowledgeable. But I also felt like the most important thing was generating a booking and maximizing their commissions.

 

Granted of course TA's need to make money to survive, but the art is making the customer believe that they are more important then the money.

 

My TA manages to trick me into thinking this by getting me this by finding ways to match or beat the lowest online rates, getting me refunds/credits when the price drops and steering me away from sometimes more costly options (that would increase her commission). As a result of this the reverse happens to what you described. I utilize online resources for research, and book with her.

 

If you find your customers are price sensative make sure they understand that your agency will find a way to match/beat most online rates. You will watch the price, and upon a drop will get them refunds/credits/upgrades and perhaps add that your bon voyage gift will be superior to whatever the online travel agencies typicaly give (wow a thank you card!). Do that and you will probably appeal to all the customers that walk out of your office and don't use you.

 

BTW how do you know your lost clients are booking online? Before I found my favorite TA I used to go to a bunch of TA's and book with whoever I thought was the most sincere and who trully wanted to work with me rather then just spend the commission I generated for them.

 

Based on NMita's devotion to spending her own time answering questions on this board, I suspect that she would probably qualify as a good TA and most likely converts a high enough percentage of client leads that she does not feel that a service fee is neccessary or appropriate for traditional travel services.

 

On the other hand if you provided some sort of special service. Like a travel agent that makes house calls. That would be above and beyond the norm and worthy of a service fee in my opinion.

[gkny]

Hello everyone, I'm also a travel agent. For a cruise vacation, I never charge any of my clients. I get paid by the cruise lines. Also it's better to go through TA's because of our experience. We go on many fam trips aboard the different cruise lines so we would know whats good for our clients. For example for the activity proned, night life proned, you would go on Carnival or NCL, or Royal Carribean. For the more subdued, you would go on Holland America or Celebrity. For more luxury, you would sail on Raddison, Seabourne, or Cunard. Thats an example of our expertise. Also for example I always give perks to my clients like giving them a free dinner to the Pinnacle Restarant onboard HAL. I hope that I helped. Have a nice day, George

[DroopySails]

I would imagine that Nita's qualities--which include warmth of spirit, interest in helping (rather than instructing) other people, and very even temper--result in her losing very few customers.

[cod]

The one time I booked on line was prior to all the price setting by the cruiselines. I think back then that some on line agencies did get - or were able to offer - some really good prices. Nowadays, I think everyone one is within a range that can be matched by one another (TAs and websites), although it still looks like the cruiseline itself is always a little higher. My one-time on line booking was $355pp cheaper (with that on line agency that you can't talk to anyone at!) than my agent quoted and I could hear her on another line when she called Celebrity. I didn't think she could or would even try to match it.

 

Unfortunately, there just aren't the deals out there that there once were.

[seahorse]

First I disagree with both your assesment of the TA charge being resonable and your criticism of Nita's agreement.

 

A good TA does not have the problem of clients coming in, leaving and then booking on line for a few $ cheaper. A good TA's clients leave her (or his) office and understand the following:

 

* If they find a lower rate then what was quoted on line their TA will find a way to match or beat it.

* If the price drops after they book their TA is on top of it and will negotiate with the cruise line to get refunds and or comps for their client

* The TA is more interested in them having a good vacation and booking experience then on maximizing their commission or minimizing the amount of time they spend working for a client.

 

I have been to many TA's and the problem is I always felt like they were friendly and knowledgeable. But I also felt like the most important thing was generating a booking and maximizing their commissions.

 

Granted of course TA's need to make money to survive, but the art is making the customer believe that they are more important then the money.

 

My TA manages to trick me into thinking this by getting me this by finding ways to match or beat the lowest on line rates, getting me refunds/credits when the price drops and steering me away from sometimes more costly options (that would increase her commission). As a result of this the reverse happens to what you described. I utilize on line resources for research, and book with her.

 

If you find your customers are price sensative make sure they understand that your agency will find a way to match/beat most online rates. You will watch the price, and upon a drop will get them refunds/credits/upgrades and perhaps add that your bon voyage gift will be superior to whatever the online travel agencies typicaly give (wow a thank you card!). Do that and you will probably appeal to all the customers that walk out of your office and don't use you.

 

BTW how do you know your lost clients are booking online? Before I found my favorite TA I used to go to a bunch of TA's and book with whoever I thought was the most sincere and who trully wanted to work with me rather then just spend the commission I generated for them.

 

Based on NMita's devotion to spending her own time answering questions on this board, I suspect that she would probably qualify as a good TA and most likely converts a high enough percentage of client leads that she does not feel that a service fee is neccessary or appropriate for traditional travel services.

 

On the other hand if you provided some sort of special service. Like a travel agent that makes house calls. That would be above and beyond the norm and worthy of a service fee in my opinion.

 

I spent hours today to get my clients refunds on their cruises to make less money. My clients are loyal to me as I am to them. I also give my "time" on this board and I also learn about the public, so I get in return.

 

I do not do this as a hobby. I do not let people "use" me for nothing. If I charge a fee to a new client it goes to the final payment.

 

Do not put words in my mouth. I did not say anyone was not a good TA.

 

Most on line agencies charge a non refundable fee and do not give good service.

 

I do go "above and beyond the norm". I do not run a charity and I expect to get paid for my expertise. You don`t know about my business. If my valued clients expect me to give away my money, and don`t think that I am worth it, then they have no value to me.

[sunshine 229]

This is the very reason that some TA`s charge a fee.......their knowledge and expertise is used....their time is used.......then use all of that and book on line for a few $$ cheaper:( I guess to some this seems fair.

 

Nita I am surprised that you agree:( I guess that you feel that you are worth ............what??

 

I'm confused by this. Do you charge your potential customers a fee before you talk to them? Or do they just get charged a fee if they book with you.

 

If you charge before you'll even talk to them, I think you are going to discourage a lot of people who think they might be interested in cruising but want some info before they decide for sure.

 

If you only charge the fee to people who book with you, is it fair to charge the people who do give you business extra to make up for the people who shaft you?