Interviewing a new TA

[RSLeesburg]

After hearing so many people recommend getting a good TA, I have decided to interview one this morning. I know to ask about their experience and what perks they offer, but what are the other key questions I should ask? For example, one that I have is if they track cruise fares, and will automatically contact cruise line if they see a price drop, or is this still on me to monitor...lol.

 

Any advice?

 

Thanks.

 

 

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[Essiesmom]

Any fees for changes or cancellation?

Can they be contacted after hours or on weekend/holidays? Who covers if they are on vacation? EM

[Clarea]

Any limit to the number of price drops.

 

What perks will you lose when there is a price drop.

 

When your credit card is charged, is the cruise line charging it or is the agency charging it? You want the cruise line charging it.

[RSLeesburg]

I am glad I asked - some of these I never considered!

 

I am going to start writing these down.

 

 

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[helen haywood]

What penalties or charges do they make for changing or canceling a reservation. If you are not in the time period where the cruise line would impose penalties then you want a TA who will not charge anything. Some agencies do charge a cancellation fee.

 

What are their hours? You want an agency that is open at least six days a week. Is the agency large enough that if your TA is busy or out of the office someone else could help you?

 

Lastly, no one will watch out better than you for price drops or other things. If the price drops the TA makes less money. Also, the TA can't read your mind. You may be secretly watching for a price drop on a higher category and the TA wouldn't know...

 

 

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[RSLeesburg]

Good points. I don't mind watching for price drops - it happens so infrequently that I feel like a prospector panning for gold...lol

 

 

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[MCC retired]

Any Fee's ?

7 Day agency coverage ?

Their Personal qualifications ,years in the Industry , certifications achieved , personal cruise experiences. This will eliminate the "order takers".

 

I don't expect them to track rates but do expect them to adjust when I find a better deal , for which I may qualify.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Be sure to go to a large agency -- that has branches in other places.

[donaldsc]

Important question - just in case something bad happens while traveling, can they or someone at the agency be reached 24/7.

 

DON

[Flatbush Flyer]

And maybe one of the most important questions: are they one of the top 10-20 sellers of cruises for the company with whom you want to sail. If so, they can work wonders that others cannot.

 

 

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[FlyerTalker]

Interestingly, most of the answers talk about monetary issues. Yet one of the most important factors about a top travel agent/agency is their ability to do more than just process orders and give on-board credits.

 

When you buy a new car, you get the opportunity to test-drive and see if it's the right fit for your needs. With a cruise, you don't have that luxury. A good TA will take the time and "interview" YOU - to discover the best fits for you in terms of cruiseline, ship, itinerary and accommodation. Then, they will process that to give you options that fit what you would like.

 

If an agent just pushes one cruiseline or is just focused on price and perks, they still fit the "order-taker" category. They are not an advisor and agent for you.

 

Now, if price is your big consideration and you are just a bargain-hunter, then focus on who will give you the biggest rebates and the lowest prices. But if you want a real agent, look at the services they provide - especially their experience and expertise in finding the best vacation - FOR YOU!!

[RSLeesburg]

Interestingly, most of the answers talk about monetary issues. Yet one of the most important factors about a top travel agent/agency is their ability to do more than just process orders and give on-board credits.

 

When you buy a new car, you get the opportunity to test-drive and see if it's the right fit for your needs. With a cruise, you don't have that luxury. A good TA will take the time and "interview" YOU - to discover the best fits for you in terms of cruiseline, ship, itinerary and accommodation. Then, they will process that to give you options that fit what you would like.

 

If an agent just pushes one cruiseline or is just focused on price and perks, they still fit the "order-taker" category. They are not an advisor and agent for you.

 

Now, if price is your big consideration and you are just a bargain-hunter, then focus on who will give you the biggest rebates and the lowest prices. But if you want a real agent, look at the services they provide - especially their experience and expertise in finding the best vacation - FOR YOU!!

 

 

Thank you for this - THIS is the biggest issue I have had when dealing with TA's in the past. You tell them you are family with younger child and get three recommendations - Disney (parks or beaches), Oasis/Allure (and probably Harmony), or Beaches. My wife and I want to take our son to more exotic locations, but want to do so at the appropriate age - while he is younger, cruises are so much more convenient but we are getting bored with Caribbean - so want that advise on what other options are available (land-based, cruise, or both), what is great fit for us, and when is best time to take our son.

 

 

 

 

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[nolatravelgirl]

I would also think about what is your personal preference for communication. I needed a TA who was comfortable with communicating via email. I am in meetings for big chunks of my day and don't really like to stop and answer the phone. She also asks for our feedback after our cruises to understand what we liked and didn't like to get a better idea on what to suggest in the future. She has made some good suggestions but isn't pushy.

[MCC retired]

Thank you for this - THIS is the biggest issue I have had when dealing with TA's in the past. You tell them you are family with younger child and get three recommendations - Disney (parks or beaches), Oasis/Allure (and probably Harmony), or Beaches. My wife and I want to take our son to more exotic locations, but want to do so at the appropriate age - while he is younger, cruises are so much more convenient but we are getting bored with Caribbean - so want that advise on what other options are available (land-based, cruise, or both), what is great fit for us, and when is best time to take our son.

 

If TA is recommending Disney Parks and Beaches instead of just family cruise choices that you wish , you got the wrong type travel agency.

 

Land vacations are the cruise industries competition for your $$$. Cruise lines support those who support them , with increased comm. , offers and contacts.

 

Look for one that only books cruises , has Cruise Specialist TA's (ask for their experience/certifications) , 24/7 coverage and no fee's (or waives fee's , just ask).

[iancal]

-what percentage of his/her personal business is cruise

 

-how long has he/she been in the business. Full time or part time, if the latter do they job share and with who?

 

-has he/she cruised, if so what cruise lines and how many cruises

 

-test to see if she tends to funnel everyone to one or two cruise lines instead of the larger market

 

-does the firm do any group arrangements (that you can tack on to to get increased benefits)

 

-availability/agency coverage on nights,weekends, stat holidays if you see a price decrease or a great offer and want to jump on it. Or if you have an issue. Try an after normal business hours call or weekend call to see what happens.

 

-if you book hotels through your TA check the pricing. At one time I had (for a very short time) a business travel TA who routinely booked hotels for exactly $50/night more than I could get by doing it myself on the web.

 

-sent her/him some emails or queries to determine responsiveness

 

-is she/he trying to flog agency travel insurance packages etc at inflated costs or limited coverage

Edited January 13, 2017 by iancal