PVP vs Travel Agent

[barrelracer89]

I would love to hear the pros and cons of both

TIA

 

 

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[WLHyatt]

PVP's are effectively Carnival employees that act as travel agents.

 

Travel Agents, if part of a larger group as many are, can often get better pricing than published rates by putting your room into a group with other cabins. This does not mean you need to actually meet anyone else in the group if you do not wish to, it just means they are getting a volume discount on the rate. Along with usually lower prices you can also get amenities such as onboard credit, treats in the room, a cocktail party, or other items that come as part of those groups. They are not allowed to advertise those prices to the public, so you usually have to find one to ask about group rates.

 

As well as booking the cruise they can often help guide you on your pre- and post- cruise travel arrangements, because if they specialize in a particular port or set of ports, they have had clients stay in all the various hotels before and can help you avoid the bad ones.

 

All this comes as part of the cost of booking a cruise.

 

There are many who think, like I used to, that you lose control. That's where finding a reputable agent comes into play. A reputable agent will be available at all hours of the day and night to will fix any issues that arise.

 

Some will go above and beyond the group amenities, but that is optional if they think that will help them keep you as a client in the future.

[xitappers2bx]

I would love to hear the pros and cons of both

TIA

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Regardless of what anyone says, at the end of the day, the PVP works for Carnival, and Carnival is the person who pays them, and the travel agent works for you, and they only get paid when you book with them and work to ensure you are happy.

 

I had one awful experience with multiple PVPs and never a bad experience with my TA. she has secured upgrades, better room categories, gifts in the room, and recognition that carnival won't give me until I'm platinum.

 

I personally would never use a PVP, after dealing with them for this last cruise just trying to get a straight answer to a question was a brain hurting experience that almost left me saying fudge it.

 

And there are just as many people who would say they love their PVP.

[jimbob70]

We have used the same TA since the 1980's for our cruises and trips out to Las Vegas and the islands. Personal service, and in the very few times we have had any issue at all while traveling, she has intervened with the cruise line or package provider on our behalf and things got squared away in a hurry. One time she got us on the list for dinner at the captains table and we got selected. That was very special. She is always up to speed on all the latest discounts and offers.

 

I've been contacted by a Carnival PVP but don't have any reason to change direction.

Edited January 4, 2017 by jimbob70

[springs741]

There are many who think, like I used to, that you lose control. That's where finding a reputable agent comes into play. A reputable agent will be available at all hours of the day and night to will fix any issues that arise.

 

While I don't disagree with any of your post I feel the above is the most important point.

 

My personal preference is to use a PVP but I always advocate that both PVP and TA's can be most beneficial to booking a cruise. The secret is finding one that clicks with your wants and needs.

 

My PVP always says anyone can book a cruise on line. It is when those little questions arise that you need the help of a professional. If you have been on CC know life happens. Things change. Relationships fail. An experienced TA or PVP can be there to help solve those dilemmas and explain the dos and don'ts.

 

It make sense to use one or the other for all bookings. You build the professional relationship.

[jayscore]

Being A "Hick in the sticks" with my closest TA 50 miles away, working banker's hours only, I tend to lean towards a PVP or a CCL employee to help me out with booking or solutions to questions.

Mind you, I have booked a couple of cruises on line, knowing the CCL folks will be there to answer my needs.

But, that's just me.......:rolleyes:

[firemanbobswife]

Regardless of what anyone says, at the end of the day, the PVP works for Carnival, and Carnival is the person who pays them, and the travel agent works for you, and they only get paid when you book with them and work to ensure you are happy.

 

I had one awful experience with multiple PVPs and never a bad experience with my TA. she has secured upgrades, better room categories, gifts in the room, and recognition that carnival won't give me until I'm platinum.

 

I personally would never use a PVP, after dealing with them for this last cruise just trying to get a straight answer to a question was a brain hurting experience that almost left me saying fudge it.

 

And there are just as many people who would say they love their PVP.

 

Actually, the TA works for their agency, and the PVP works for Carnival. They both work for you and for the company that employs them. They both get paid when you book a cruise. The PVP wants to make sure you are happy as well because if they tick you off, not only are you not likely to use them personally again (so they won't get paid), but it can also reflect poorly on Carnival.

 

Since you had "one awful experience with multiple PVPs", that leads me to believe that you weren't dealing with PVPs, but rather CSRs that answer the 800 number. PVPs are assigned/requested and have their own extensions. If that is the case I truly feel your frustration. I avoid CSRs if at all possible.

 

I have had horrendous experiences with TAs and that's how I ended up with my PVP. Since he works directly for Carnival and has been there since 1992, he really knows the ins and outs as well as exactly who he needs to talk to to get any issue cleared up. I have his cell phone number and can call him 24/7. If for some reason he's not available, he has another coworker handle his clients. And as a last resort, there is always the 800 number.

 

After all that, I think the key is to find someone (whether a TA or PVP) that knows what they are doing, is available, and truly cares about keeping their clients happy. My PVP has done exactly that and I have referred MANY friends and family to him and they all are very impressed.

 

It is really in your best interest to have someone who you trust book your cruises as opposed to just doing it yourself online. If I had $1 for every thread I ran across on here of people asking for advice because life threw a monkey wrench in their cruising plans and they don't know what to do, I would have enough for quite a few DODs I'm sure. In almost all the cases, they don't have a PVP because they didn't think they would ever need one and either booked themselves online, or by calling the 800 number. If I have an issue, it only takes one call to him and he handles it from there. No need to repeat myself to multiple people wasting my time. Everyone thinks they won't have a problem until they do. And just because you haven't had one before doesn't mean you won't in the future. I can't say enough good things about my PVP. I love him!

Edited January 4, 2017 by firemanbobswife

[riclop]

I would love to hear the pros and cons of both

TIA

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

PVP can be a pain in you know where with there constant calling , a TA can give you OBC.

[Domergirl]

I always use a PVP, because I am a bit of a control freak. I used a TA for a Disney trip (and she was wonderful), but when you use a TA, THEY control your booking...not you. Which means if you want to call Carnival and tweak something, or if an issue comes up, you have to go through your TA. Now, others look at this as, "the TA deals with it for you." To me, it's a matter of your perspective, and preference.

 

We always use a PVP, and he does a great job at finding connecting rooms, and other things that can be a hassle to do online. (I'm sure a TA could do that, too.). I just like to "control" the reservation.

 

 

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[ryano]

Actually, the TA works for their agency, and the PVP works for Carnival. They both work for you and for the company that employs them. They both get paid when you book a cruise. The PVP wants to make sure you are happy as well because if they tick you off, not only are you not likely to use them personally again (so they won't get paid), but it can also reflect poorly on Carnival.

 

Since you had "one awful experience with multiple PVPs", that leads me to believe that you weren't dealing with PVPs, but rather CSRs that answer the 800 number. PVPs are assigned/requested and have their own extensions. If that is the case I truly feel your frustration. I avoid CSRs if at all possible.

 

I have had horrendous experiences with TAs and that's how I ended up with my PVP. Since he works directly for Carnival and has been there since 1992, he really knows the ins and outs as well as exactly who he needs to talk to to get any issue cleared up. I have his cell phone number and can call him 24/7. If for some reason he's not available, he has another coworker handle his clients. And as a last resort, there is always the 800 number.

 

After all that, I think the key is to find someone (whether a TA or PVP) that knows what they are doing, is available, and truly cares about keeping their clients happy. My PVP has done exactly that and I have referred MANY friends and family to him and they all are very impressed.

 

It is really in your best interest to have someone who you trust book your cruises as opposed to just doing it yourself online. If I had $1 for every thread I ran across on here of people asking for advice because life threw a monkey wrench in their cruising plans and they don't know what to do, I would have enough for quite a few DODs I'm sure. In almost all the cases, they don't have a PVP because they didn't think they would ever need one and either booked themselves online, or by calling the 800 number. If I have an issue, it only takes one call to him and he handles it from there. No need to repeat myself to multiple people wasting my time. Everyone thinks they won't have a problem until they do. And just because you haven't had one before doesn't mean you won't in the future. I can't say enough good things about my PVP. I love him!

 

This is all excellent information! Thank you! I am actually looking for a great PVP at Carnival. I assume the rules here on cruise critic are that we cant mention their names either? :rolleyes:

[winddawn]

I would love to hear the pros and cons of both

TIA

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I would never turn my booking over to a TA.

 

1. TA's get paid commission as a percentage of the booking, so they do not have incentive to act on your behalf in cases where their commission might be reduced and extra work might be involved, such as when a price drop occurs and I try to grab that price drop.

 

2. Carnival mans their phones 24/7. Most TAs do not. If I have a problem and I need help, Carnival will not speak to me if my booking was made by a TA. Who covers for your TA when they are not working? They get time off and take vacations too. If I book with my PVP, I keep the ability to Call Carnival's 800 number if I need something. That won't work if I book with a TA.

 

3. What happens to your money if the TA goes out of business and doesn't pay Carnival what you gave them toward the price of your cruise? You may be left with an unpaid balance that you thought you had already paid. What happens if the TA does not forward your payment timely and your booking gets cancelled because payment wasn't received by final payment date? You've lost the price you locked in and may have to pay a higher fare to rebook. Why take the risk of involving a third party?

 

If you do choose to book through a TA, be sure you know who you're booking with and that they are a good match for your needs. Ask about the above scenarios before booking with them, and it can't hurt to get their responses in writing.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2438515

 

I hope you find the method that works best for you and that you're comfortable with. I have a very good PVP, and anytime I need something she knows right who to go to at Carnival to get what I need. She has personal business relationships with other Carnival employees which benefits me. She helps me get better cabins than what I can see showing online. She takes care of getting my shareholder credits applied. She's assisted me with getting onboard credit for new customer referrals. She's even called me just before my cruises to wish me Bon Voyage. Even if I book a free cruise casino offer, she helps me with it even though she doesn't get booking credit, but only customer service credit. She's been handling my bookings for years and I'm very satisfied with the services she provides. I make sure she knows that and always give her great references on my Carnival surveys, and I throw business her way in exchange for the great service she gives me.

Edited January 4, 2017 by winddawn

[firemanbobswife]

This is all excellent information! Thank you! I am actually looking for a great PVP at Carnival. I assume the rules here on cruise critic are that we cant mention their names either? :rolleyes:

 

Yeah, you're right.

[mpdog42]

I would never turn my booking over to a TA.

 

1. TA's get paid commission as a percentage of the booking, so they do not have incentive to act on your behalf in cases where their commission might be reduced and extra work might be involved, such as when a price drop occurs and I try to grab that price drop.

 

2. Carnival mans their phones 24/7. Most TAs do not. If I have a problem and I need help, Carnival will not speak to me if my booking was made by a TA. Who covers for your TA when they are not working? They get time off and take vacations too. If I book with my PVP, I keep the ability to Call Carnival's 800 number if I need something. That won't work if I book with a TA.

 

3. What happens to your money if the TA goes out of business and doesn't pay Carnival what you gave them toward the price of your cruise? You may be left with an unpaid balance that you thought you had already paid. What happens if the TA does not forward your payment timely and your booking gets cancelled because payment wasn't received by final payment date? You've lost the price you locked in and may have to pay a higher fare to rebook. Why take the risk of involving a third party?

 

If you do choose to book through a TA, be sure you know who you're booking with and that they are a good match for your needs. Ask about the above scenarios before booking with them, and it can't hurt to get their responses in writing.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2438515

 

I hope you find the method that works best for you and that you're comfortable with. I have a very good PVP, and anytime I need something she knows right who to go to at Carnival to get what I need. She has personal business relationships with other Carnival employees which benefits me. She helps me get better cabins than what I can see showing online. She takes care of getting my shareholder credits applied. She's assisted me with getting onboard credit for new customer referrals. She's even called me just before my cruises to wish me Bon Voyage. Even if I book a free cruise casino offer, she helps me with it even though she doesn't get booking credit, but only customer service credit. She's been handling my bookings for years and I'm very satisfied with the services she provides. I make sure she knows that and always give her great references on my Carnival surveys, and I throw business her way in exchange for the great service she gives me.

 

Loved Your Post, but you forgot to mention that a couple of Years ago Carnival cut their Commisions to Travel Agents!!

 

Thanks

Mike

[RWolver672]

This is all excellent information! Thank you! I am actually looking for a great PVP at Carnival. I assume the rules here on cruise critic are that we cant mention their names either? :rolleyes:

 

When I was looking for a PVP, I sent an e-mail to Carnival requesting that I be assigned A PVP who had at least ten years experience with Carnival. The following day I received an e-mail from the PVP that was assigned to me. He introduced himself to me and told me how long he had been with Carnival and how many cruises he had himself been on (which helps). Lots of TA's have never even cruised.

 

We usually cruise with my brother and sister in law. When we are ready to cruise, we pick out the ship, date and what cabins we want. I call him and if he's on the phone, I will leave a message that we're ready to book. Usually within an hour he calls back. I tell him what we want, which is always connecting balconies and he looks until he finds two in that area that will allow the divider to be opened. He then books us in one and holds the other for 24 hours. He knows their names and waits for their call. I then call sister in law and she calls him and books the other.

 

When I first contacted him, I made it clear that we only cruise every other year. Like clockwork, he will give us a call a year after our cruise and ask if we are ready to book again. That gets the ball rolling and we start looking for the next one. Other than that, he never calls if he sees us on the Carnival site just browsing.

[cruise pup]

A PVP is only good if you cruise exclusively with Carnival whereas a TA can shop around all of the cruise lines and find the best deal.

[jimbob70]

At our TA the cruise is paid direct to Carnival via my credit card, the charge is there instantly, and Carnival sends the commission back to the TA. So there is never any question that your cruise has not been paid for, you have your booking # and cabin and your zero balance on the official Carnival document when you leave her office. That's the way it works here.

 

Incentive for the TA is repeat business, I have a file a foot thick over there!

 

Not knocking the Carnival direct method, just don't have any reason to change now. Use what works the best for you.

Edited January 5, 2017 by jimbob70

[buddylover]

Actually, the TA works for their agency, and the PVP works for Carnival. They both work for you and for the company that employs them. They both get paid when you book a cruise. The PVP wants to make sure you are happy as well because if they tick you off, not only are you not likely to use them personally again (so they won't get paid), but it can also reflect poorly on Carnival.

 

After all that, I think the key is to find someone (whether a TA or PVP) that knows what they are doing, is available, and truly cares about keeping their clients happy. My PVP has done exactly that and I have referred MANY friends and family to him and they all are very impressed.

 

It is really in your best interest to have someone who you trust book your cruises as opposed to just doing it yourself online.

 

Actually, a PVP doesn't get paid on commissionable $$ basis like a TA at all. They get a salary from CCL. So that is a BIG difference, yes, they are an employee of CCL.

 

I agree, it is 'key' to find someone, anyone that knows what they are doing and are of 'service' to their customer. The sad fact is, that while you may have a super PVP, please do not question those others who have had poor experiences and try to place blame at their feet. We have cruised a fair amount as well, have tried MANY different PVP's......to us, they have NO purpose whatsoever. They cannot do anything different that you can do for yourself (you can even purchase those mediocre choco strawberries yourself...LOL) either by booking on line yourself or thru the CSR/800 number that you berate.

 

A TA is another story.....they can do different things for you, like OBC, group rates on rooms, and various other monetary perks (free dinners in for fee restaurants too), but, in some ways one does lose 'control' over their booking. They must always go thru the TA for any price drops....the cruise lines do not deal with pax who book thru TA's.....and that can be a hassle at times, and does sometimes yield unsatisfactory results (like not getting a price drop timely enough).

 

However, we believe that there is still value in TA's but have never been able to find any value as more 'seasoned' cruisers to ever attempt using a PVP again!

[CA_Cruzing]

i text with my PVP when I need something and he texts or emails me back with the info.

 

yesterday i picked up $100 in OBC (new sale on carnival.com) for a cruise i booked for July 2018 have and my rate decreased $30.

 

got an email after my text showing the new details and savings. never even had to talk to him.

 

he knows what we prefer and like and he's awesome to work with. he makes my experience top notch and is super easy to work with.

[firemanbobswife]

Actually, a PVP doesn't get paid on commissionable $$ basis like a TA at all. They get a salary from CCL. So that is a BIG difference, yes, they are an employee of CCL.

 

 

 

I agree, it is 'key' to find someone, anyone that knows what they are doing and are of 'service' to their customer. The sad fact is, that while you may have a super PVP, please do not question those others who have had poor experiences and try to place blame at their feet. We have cruised a fair amount as well, have tried MANY different PVP's......to us, they have NO purpose whatsoever. They cannot do anything different that you can do for yourself (you can even purchase those mediocre choco strawberries yourself...LOL) either by booking on line yourself or thru the CSR/800 number that you berate.

 

 

 

A TA is another story.....they can do different things for you, like OBC, group rates on rooms, and various other monetary perks (free dinners in for fee restaurants too), but, in some ways one does lose 'control' over their booking. They must always go thru the TA for any price drops....the cruise lines do not deal with pax who book thru TA's.....and that can be a hassle at times, and does sometimes yield unsatisfactory results (like not getting a price drop timely enough).

 

 

 

However, we believe that there is still value in TA's but have never been able to find any value as more 'seasoned' cruisers to ever attempt using a PVP again!

 

 

Actually they do get paid based on the amount of bookings they make.

 

I am sorry you haven't found a PVP that you find valuable just as I haven't found a TA that is worth anything but headaches to me. I am a pretty "seasoned" cruiser myself and while I don't need him for opinions or inputs on cruises, I have found him invaluable as far as when unexpected things have come up. I wouldn't trade him for any amount of free dinners in the steakhouse, OBC, or even a Cheers package. You book your way and I'll book mine [emoji6].

Edited January 5, 2017 by firemanbobswife

[crusinpsychRN]

My PVP is THE BEST! She is very knowledgeable and helpful. I have a PVP years ago who became a TA. Time came for final booking and he didn't take care of it. I could not find him anywhere. Carnival wouldn't talk to me until they finally gave me his parent company who managed to help me. On line companies mess up the total pricing so it's hard to compare with the fare viewer. I'm sticking with my PVP.

[figdu]

I wish I could get a PVP to call me. 18 cruises down and 4 more booked. We did a group cruise via a TA for the first one and the rest I have done myself. I have called and emailed my assigned PVP but multiple no response...

[firemanbobswife]

I wish I could get a PVP to call me. 18 cruises down and 4 more booked. We did a group cruise via a TA for the first one and the rest I have done myself. I have called and emailed my assigned PVP but multiple no response...

 

 

Sounds like it's time to get another one. Maybe you could reach out to a friend or family for a recommendation.

Edited January 5, 2017 by firemanbobswife

[figdu]

Sounds like it's time to get another one. Maybe you could reach out to a friend or family for a recommendation.

 

Unfortunately I am the family/friends cruise expert so they all come to me. But yes it is time for a new one.

[firemanbobswife]

Unfortunately I am the family/friends cruise expert so they all come to me. But yes it is time for a new one.

 

 

I know how that is. I always get tasked with handling everyone's bookings and cabin selection, price drops, online check in, etc! If you ever want me to do your stuff too, just shoot me an email! LOL!

[DebJ14]

We have had the same TA since 1994 and are sick that she is retiring, but she has worked with the agent taking over our account so that the transition is smooth. She is a CLIA Master Cruise Counselor, as is her replacement.

 

The benefit of a TA over of a PVP is that they handle all the cruise lines, tour companies etc. A few years ago we sent our TA an e-mail asking about a Royal Caribbean cruise. She sent us back the information on the RCCL cruise, but also priced Princess the same weekend, with the same itinerary. The Princess suite was $1200 less than RCCL, so we booked it. We liked it so much that the next 3 years we sailed Princess. We probably would not have done that had we booked on our own and definitely would not have had that option with a PVP.

 

Our TA knows our preferences in cabins, has my credit card number and is authorized to make bookings for us that she thinks we will want, as long as the deposit is fully refundable.

 

When the Liberty changed the itinerary for the last cruise out of Galveston she called us with a deal on a balcony cabin, knowing how much we would love an overnight in Cozumel. We said yes, she booked and paid for the cabin, filled out our online registration and printed out the docs and dropped them off at the house, all on the same afternoon. She had to call because since it was such a close in booking they were only holding the cabins for an hour before full payment was due.

 

Also, she checks prices and if there is a price drop before final payment she gets us the better deal. She knows our wine preferences and always sends us a bottle of wine.

 

We have never had a problem in 22 years using this agency.

Edited January 5, 2017 by DebJ14