Changing travel agent

[Teacher42]

Dear Iam,   Got  free Wi-fi 3000mb and $150 obc from cruise line, turned over to our TA and she gave us the extra $500 obc.  On another booking on board,  total cost $12,261, came with $300obc, $250 bonus obc, wi-fi unlimited for 2, prepaid gratuities for 2, premium beverage package for 2, then turned it over to our TA and she gave us extra $500 obc.  To OP, my DW is also OCD and leaves the bookings to me.  Another poster on another board boasted that his TA gives him a flat 10% off his favorite cruise lines posted tariff rates. TA also books in advance our dining and show times,but being in suites only dinner time is important.

Edited January 19, 2019 by Teacher42

[Teacher42]

From what our TA tells us it is a sliding scale on what she can give us in obc.  Another booking for $9071 she gave us $350.

[Ourusualbeach]

10 minutes ago, Teacher42 said:

From what our TA tells us it is a sliding scale on what she can give us in obc.  Another booking for $9071 she gave us $350.

It’s all up to your TA and the agency that they work for as it comes out of their commission.

[Teacher42]

Dear O, Thank you again for your post. We forwarded it to our TA. We have 7 upcoming bookings with her.

[Ourusualbeach]

4 minutes ago, Teacher42 said:

Dear O, Thank you again for your post. We forwarded it to our TA. We have 7 upcoming bookings with her.

 

The amount offered by a TA can vary widely.  If they work for an agency they don’t get the full commission and may offer less than other TA’s who are independents.  

 

Commission levels akso also vary based on their sales volumes.

 

On line agents with low overheads can also offer more than bricks and mortar stores.

 

 

Please don’t assume that all agents can offer the same amount of rebate. 

Edited January 19, 2019 by Ourusualbeach

[Paulette3028]

22 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

Your current travel agent has to agree to lose the booking.

 

Or, the current travel agent has to do something unacceptable, like being non-responsive for a long period of time.

 

You would call Royal customer service.

We have used TA's on and off over the 15 years we have been cruising.  Unfortunately, very recently our TA passed away.  She was part of a reasonably large private agency and so I called them.  I feel like a 'small dingy bouncing around the ocean waters', if you get my drift....they have not called me back to even care what I may be concerned about....my next sailing is in Feb 2019, and there are no problems, but after that we have a sailing booked for August 2019....the lack of communication from them to me.....makes me WANT to transfer that booking.  We are making plans to book at least one cruise while we sail in a few weeks....but I will have found a new TA before then, if this is the lack of communication that I get.

 

If I have to call Royal to transfer my August 2019 sailing to another agent/agency,  that may be what I need to do.  

[Dr. Pam]

I am a Type A Traveller.  I like control. :) I select my cruise based on my available dates, itinerary, and caliber of ship offerings. I reserve it with RCCL.  Then I shop around.  I used ***** to find out what TA's are willing to offer.  My last cruise TA ( with him for around 5 years and found him on the internet)become a bit sloppy with my reservation requests and I said no more.  I found a new TA in Florida (I am in Canada) through ***** who has been receptive, prompt and offered me a 1575 USD OBC in addition to the 300USD Amex cruise privileges program.Yes, I am in a Crown Loft Suite on the Symphony in March, but I still consider this a very good OBC.  I did "creep" this possible TA on the internet to make sure he was legit and I also phoned and spoke with  him before releasing any of my info.  Do your homework and you can save $$!  I liked his response time and suggestions so much, that a friend of mine has also reserved a cruise with him ( and yes, received generous OBC) for a 12 day cruise to the British Isles next summer. Word of mouth is always the best referral! 

 

Happy and Safe Travels.

Pam

[CEOofVacation]

On our last cruise, we paid $6400 including taxes, we got back $525 from our TA.  We booked 2 more upcoming cruises, one at $6600 and the other $6800, both including port fees and taxes, we are getting back $550 each from our TA.

Edited January 19, 2019 by CEOofVacation

[Teacher42]

Dear Dr.,    Was that $1575 for one week or B2B on the CLS? We live in Florida, any hints?

[iuki]

On 1/18/2019 at 5:06 PM, John&LaLa said:

 

Yep, I'm going to get around $600 on an upcoming trip.  I love my agent.  

Never knew you use a TA.  Thought you booked directly.  

[tinkr2]

So thought Would get some good perks from American Express bc we are platinum but they have been very lackluster. They were supposed to change something so we would get 300 abc and still have not done so. And she acted like it was some  big perk to throw to trow in a bottle of wine. Big whoop. I thought I had booked direct bc we booked on board but I forgot that they always give it to your last agent. didn't notice till later when I went to check price. I prefer to book direct or when theres a great promo from a big box. I do like prepaid gratuities as a perk. 

[purescottish]

From the UK, we get nothing from our travel agents, maybe a very minimal discount as they book you as part of a group, can honestly say we have never had OBC or even a bottle of wine from ours..

[Paulette3028]

On 1/18/2019 at 3:56 PM, Host Clarea said:

Your current travel agent has to agree to lose the booking.

 

Or, the current travel agent has to do something unacceptable, like being non-responsive for a long period of time.

 

You would call Royal customer service.

As I mentioned in a previous post, our TA very recently passed away and it was unexpected.  I have tried over the past 10 days to 'have a conversation with someone at the agency'.  I called and asked for the person who was my TA's boss (given that information from TA's husband).  Sent email to her, left messages as to 'when' I can be called back (since I cannot take calls at work).  I got a voice mail from a woman (of course during the specific time, when I mentioned I could NOT take a call).  

 

I am not happy at all....this is no way to try to keep my future business.    I called again this past Friday, to be told that my TA's clients were given to yet someone else to handle....so my request for a return call tomorrow was made, since I am not working at all.  

 

If I don't get a callback, which may happen, would you think this is enough to ask Royal to switch my reservation to another TA.  I have someone from my synagogue who I would transfer the reservation to.  I am past the 90 day window (from date booked) to assign this reservation to a travel agent in the normal process.

[Ourusualbeach]

1 minute ago, Paulette3028 said:

As I mentioned in a previous post, our TA very recently passed away and it was unexpected.  I have tried over the past 10 days to 'have a conversation with someone at the agency'.  I called and asked for the person who was my TA's boss (given that information from TA's husband).  Sent email to her, left messages as to 'when' I can be called back (since I cannot take calls at work).  I got a voice mail from a woman (of course during the specific time, when I mentioned I could NOT take a call).  

 

I am not happy at all....this is no way to try to keep my future business.    I called again this past Friday, to be told that my TA's clients were given to yet someone else to handle....so my request for a return call tomorrow was made, since I am not working at all.  

 

If I don't get a callback, which may happen, would you think this is enough to ask Royal to switch my reservation to another TA.  I have someone from my synagogue who I would transfer the reservation to.  I am past the 90 day window (from date booked) to assign this reservation to a travel agent in the normal process.

You could try however from what I have read on here it’s doubtful.  

[papaflamingo]

On 1/18/2019 at 3:47 PM, holiday-shrek said:

Hi,

if you are unhappy with your travel agent - is it possible to go back to Royal?

How does the process work?

Where do you call?

Thank you for the help!

Not to pry, but maybe if you were more specific as to the problems you're having with your TA people here could offer some potential solutions. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, it's perfectly understandable.  But people on this board have experienced an awful lot of "issues" and many can offer some real options.  

[papaflamingo]

21 minutes ago, Paulette3028 said:

As I mentioned in a previous post, our TA very recently passed away and it was unexpected.  I have tried over the past 10 days to 'have a conversation with someone at the agency'.  I called and asked for the person who was my TA's boss (given that information from TA's husband).  Sent email to her, left messages as to 'when' I can be called back (since I cannot take calls at work).  I got a voice mail from a woman (of course during the specific time, when I mentioned I could NOT take a call).  

 

I am not happy at all....this is no way to try to keep my future business.    I called again this past Friday, to be told that my TA's clients were given to yet someone else to handle....so my request for a return call tomorrow was made, since I am not working at all.  

 

If I don't get a callback, which may happen, would you think this is enough to ask Royal to switch my reservation to another TA.  I have someone from my synagogue who I would transfer the reservation to.  I am past the 90 day window (from date booked) to assign this reservation to a travel agent in the normal process.

Actually, I would think that having your TA pass away and your agency not responding to inquiries would certainly be a legitimate reason for Royal to allow a transfer to another TA.  That's pretty extreme. 

[tennislvr8]

We have a TA that we have used for the last 3 cruises. This last timevmy DH dealt with him. I do not like giving up the control when booking directly with Royal. However, when shopping around for a TA online or otherwise this multi product company offered the best additional perks..... Bottle of champagne, dinner for 2, lunch for 2 and between $250 and $300 OBC. But his response times are horrible and this drives me bananas (I know first world problem) he doesn't reply all to our emails, both DH and I have asked him to. This last cruise we searched for the best additional perks and this was the best. He told my husband we would get an additional $250. When he sent new docs it was $50, hubby had to go over his head... He had email documentation. The manager claims it will be taken care of. This weekend our room is $400 cheaper, we made final payment so I doubt we can take advantage of price reduction but I emailed TA anyway. I got a sorry out of office response till Wednesday. Everyone deserves time off but who is handling things in your absence? Next crusie regardless of the perks, I will not be using this company or TA again. 

[Paulette3028]

32 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Actually, I would think that having your TA pass away and your agency not responding to inquiries would certainly be a legitimate reason for Royal to allow a transfer to another TA.  That's pretty extreme. 

I am hoping Royal feels the same way.  I do know some people at Royal to go to, but don't like to have to use those insiders unless I have to. 

 

We as cruisers are easy cruisers.  My DH, does most of his own research to find what we want....we generally book onboard a sailing (we are embarking on #27 in a few weeks), so just hand the booking to our agent.  Sure have gotten additional perks from her in the past and referred others to her.  

 

But if they don't want to 'keep' my relationship....and by 'not talking to me' are telling me that.....I will see how I can move to another TA.  

[Paulette3028]

14 minutes ago, tennislvr8 said:

We have a TA that we have used for the last 3 cruises. This last timevmy DH dealt with him. I do not like giving up the control when booking directly with Royal. However, when shopping around for a TA online or otherwise this multi product company offered the best additional perks..... Bottle of champagne, dinner for 2, lunch for 2 and between $250 and $300 OBC. But his response times are horrible and this drives me bananas (I know first world problem) he doesn't reply all to our emails, both DH and I have asked him to. This last cruise we searched for the best additional perks and this was the best. He told my husband we would get an additional $250. When he sent new docs it was $50, hubby had to go over his head... He had email documentation. The manager claims it will be taken care of. This weekend our room is $400 cheaper, we made final payment so I doubt we can take advantage of price reduction but I emailed TA anyway. I got a sorry out of office response till Wednesday. Everyone deserves time off but who is handling things in your absence? Next crusie regardless of the perks, I will not be using this company or TA again. 

You have described why 'just the perks' isn't enough to keep have my business.... we have booked direct with Royal at times also....we had one previous TA, who was fine, until her Travel business was more of a 'side business' and communication with clients became more difficult.  This most recent TA, we met on a cruise and bonded with very much.....then the unfortunate happened. 

 

Perks are not the end all to us....and you have just outlined why.  So sorry.

 

[John&LaLa]

13 hours ago, iuki said:

Never knew you use a TA.  Thought you booked directly.  

 

Hi Judy, 

 

Been using a dot com agency for about 10 years, rarely book direct.  Only for cruises that dont cost much.  Credit card points, free PC cruise, some casino rate cruises, etc..

[Dr. Pam]

On 1/19/2019 at 3:44 PM, Teacher42 said:

Dear Dr.,    Was that $1575 for one week or B2B on the CLS? We live in Florida, any hints?

Hi.  This was OBC for a 1 week cruise for 3 people in a Crown Loft Suite on the Symphony.  The agent that I am using is in Florida.  He has been great.  I believe that I am not able to disclose his name on CC.  

[birdylady]

We've been using the same on-line agency since our first sailing in 07.  We got lucky on the first one with an AMAZING TA.  The next sailing we were still newbies and wanted to take advantage of a WOW sale. Our agent was off that day and we got another from the same company. He was HORRIBLE.   Fast forward years of using original TA and then then she got promoted to Mgr and they wouldnt let managers book their own bookings so I ended up with another from the agency. She couldn't get me off the phone fast enough each time. SO when we sailed that trip and did an on-board next cruise booking we had to sign paperwork to NOT give her the booking.  That too they actually send to the TA to 'ask' if they will give up the next booking. WT?????  I heard word from my original person that the TA asked if she knew why.  She just shrugged and said no ( she knew).  Because of that, we tried a locAl nAtional Agency for our big cruise tour for Alaska.  As soon as we booked she became almost impossible to reach by phone. I had to stop in any time I needed to make a deposit or had a question (short story of how bad she was).   Needless to say, never used her again.  SO I went back to my old TA (manager) and she referred me to another agent.  Heck, she's even giving us OBC out of her 'bucket' for 3 nighters.   Been with her for years now. Refer her to friends. 

What a difference a great TA makes!  Just beware the on-board bookings if you don't want the booking to go to the agent you have.

Erika

[Paulette3028]

3 hours ago, birdylady said:

We've been using the same on-line agency since our first sailing in 07.  We got lucky on the first one with an AMAZING TA.  The next sailing we were still newbies and wanted to take advantage of a WOW sale. Our agent was off that day and we got another from the same company. He was HORRIBLE.   Fast forward years of using original TA and then then she got promoted to Mgr and they wouldnt let managers book their own bookings so I ended up with another from the agency. She couldn't get me off the phone fast enough each time. SO when we sailed that trip and did an on-board next cruise booking we had to sign paperwork to NOT give her the booking.  That too they actually send to the TA to 'ask' if they will give up the next booking. WT?????  I heard word from my original person that the TA asked if she knew why.  She just shrugged and said no ( she knew).  Because of that, we tried a locAl nAtional Agency for our big cruise tour for Alaska.  As soon as we booked she became almost impossible to reach by phone. I had to stop in any time I needed to make a deposit or had a question (short story of how bad she was).   Needless to say, never used her again.  SO I went back to my old TA (manager) and she referred me to another agent.  Heck, she's even giving us OBC out of her 'bucket' for 3 nighters.   Been with her for years now. Refer her to friends. 

What a difference a great TA makes!  Just beware the on-board bookings if you don't want the booking to go to the agent you have.

Erika

We are aware that we need to make sure if we don't want our current 'listed' TA to be getting our new bookings when we book onboard.  I was NOT aware that they actually reach out to the TA that you are NOT requesting to be placed on the booking.   It doesn't matter to me.  By the time I have made that decision to change TA's, it doesn't matter if they find out.

[birdylady]

3 minutes ago, Paulette3028 said:

We are aware that we need to make sure if we don't want our current 'listed' TA to be getting our new bookings when we book onboard.  I was NOT aware that they actually reach out to the TA that you are NOT requesting to be placed on the booking.   It doesn't matter to me.  By the time I have made that decision to change TA's, it doesn't matter if they find out.

Just as an additional, we were trying to change cabins shortly after getting home and couldn't until that TA released the booking. SO that just dragged out the aggravation of this process even longer.

Erika

[Colorado Babe]

I have a cruise booked next month using a TA for the Adventure of the Seas.  We are in a GS and have $750 OBC for a $6000 Grand Suite.  Not bad if  I must say so.