Transfer to TA/Wow!

[jlnprt]

I hope that one of these years, I'll be able to offer people the kind of great advice I've gotten here.

 

I called to transfer my cruise from HAL to my TA (big box one). There was some confusion at first and multiple phone calls with lengthy times on hold that made me think that perhaps I should just leave it all alone. BUT ... I persevered and, as my great luck would have it, I got a very helpful person at the TA.  She spent a lot of time going back and forth with HAL and, in the end, our cruise fare was reduced over $800 (we ended up losing $100 in OBC) AND we were able to book our flights for more than $200 less (per person) than the cheapest fares I had found on-line.

 

This will be our 3rd HAL cruise and 5th cruise overall. This board has some of the most helpful members I've ever seen on any board. I like to have my "ducks in a row" before undertaking any trip and the advice I've received on this board has been invaluable.

[Cruising-along]

I'm happy to hear you had a good experience.  We've always been very happy with that TA and always transfer our bookings to them.  I'm sorry there was some confusion in the beginning, we've never had that problem with their travel dept. 

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have always used a regular TA -- much better prices and perks.

 

Glad you made the switch and saved some money.

[Hawaiidan]

1 hour ago, jlnprt said:

I hope that one of these years, I'll be able to offer people the kind of great advice I've gotten here.

 

I called to transfer my cruise from HAL to my TA (big box one). There was some confusion at first and multiple phone calls with lengthy times on hold that made me think that perhaps I should just leave it all alone. BUT ... I persevered and, as my great luck would have it, I got a very helpful person at the TA.  She spent a lot of time going back and forth with HAL and, in the end, our cruise fare was reduced over $800 (we ended up losing $100 in OBC) AND we were able to book our flights for more than $200 less (per person) than the cheapest fares I had found on-line.

 

This will be our 3rd HAL cruise and 5th cruise overall. This board has some of the most helpful members I've ever seen on any board. I like to have my "ducks in a row" before undertaking any trip and the advice I've received on this board has been invaluable.

 

You learned the most valuable lesson in travel and cruising  ALWAYS  book through an agent.  Big box are ok but,,, if you shop around for agents who do a high volume with the line your looking at yo can  do even better...  Many agents can  not only get you way better pricing but also offer cash rebates and onboard credits in addition.   Cruise lines give agents special perks to pass out to their clients.   Some  times agents do a group booking that  gets even more specials... and you can ask to be added to that group.  The group is  just the agent reserving a block of cabins and then filling them with his clients.

 

Shop agents on line or in person.   Tell them you wants   If they balk....walk away   There are agencies that offer 7 to 10% rebate  in cash to their repeat customers .   Once you get a good agent stick with them  dont be a bargain basement shopper   you will loose in the long run

Dont be lured by a low price on cruises, its a ploy to get you inboard where EVERYTHING is extra   Its easy for a cheap cruise to end up costing more than a premium/ luxury line would have where everything from air to drinks to all meals- all shore ex are included.    Sure the price will be higher  but maybe cheaper at the end of the day....  read the fine print. Add up all the extras from orange juise and soda to specialties and tours....🤦‍♂️

 

On air fare....   become a member of that airlines FF club.   You do not need to fly to get miles.  Get the airlines cc card....NOT the all airline /hotel cards they are never as good.   With the Airlines FF and Credit card you will get free baggage and trip insurance and no charge foreign exchange rates  !' 

 

  Charge everything from gas to taxes on the card and soon you will be getting free flights pay off at the end of the month.    However, Never spend those miles on domestic flights.  Each  mile has a value ( 2.5 cent) and for domestic flights you will pay more in value than you could buy the ticket for. 

 

 Example:50,000 miles for LAX-Boston-LAX coach thats $1250 worth of points when a coach ticket is selling for $350.!!!      Rather spend  the same for a LAX to Rome  business  class, where the ticket is $3400 !!!     Buy the rolex for the timex price  not timex for the rolex price .....   Again check coach fare against business.   Last week Sydney to LAX  83,000 miles for coach    80,000 miles for business on a non stop !!!     do your home work.   

 

  Cant get a free flight...no availability?    The airlines release all seats at a discount 3 to 5 days before the flight !!!  A 155,000 mile seat may go for 50 to 70,000  then.     Play on your computer  with dummy reservations on various sites  to see..  it works  Last resort  there are business class brokers who give 30-60% off.

I  PREFER business international   but I would never pay or use miles for Domestic first/business... its glorified coach.   Get a Premimum economy seat instead

 

Use the miles for international travel in Business..  free    Well, not totally free, I just got a Ticket Business class in a bed, LAX to Zurich  for $5.60 !     And one for LAX to Tokyo also $5.60 in business.

Check business fares  some times Business class is cheaper than coach !!!    Never buy a airline ticket through  A 3 rd party like Priceline/expedia etc.  They own the ticket not you !!!   Not good. 

 

Always buy direct with the Airline or hotel  it will be the best price.    On the other hand  NEVER buy or book direct with a cruise line.

Work smarter not harder....good travels

[Nomad1h]

Nicely done!

[jlnprt]

5 hours ago, Hawaiidan said:

 

You learned the most valuable lesson in travel and cruising  ALWAYS  book through an agent.  Big box are ok but,,, if you shop around for agents who do a high volume with the line your looking at yo can  do even better... 

 

That's a lot of advice! Thanks! Right now, we don't travel a great deal, but retirement is looming and we hope to change that. Thanks for all of the great suggestions!

[iancal]

Absolutely agree.  Cannot imagine booking with the cruise line.  For the financial benefits and for the much less biased insight into client experiences on various ships and cruise lines.

 

At one point our agent gently suggested that we might be ‘happier’ on another ship vs the one we were looking at.   Fortunately we switched.  After reading some of the disaster cabin reports on our ouriginal selection we were so thankful that the TA suggested a different ship.  A doubt that a cruise line CSR would have done the same

[Gilliganlyn]

Yay!  That is exciting.  Thanks for the tip. 

Okay.  Here is your chance to share your advice 😉. I'm getting ready to book a cruise and would like to go with a reputable TA.  I'd love a recommendation based on personal experience.

[kazu]

5 hours ago, Hawaiidan said:

You learned the most valuable lesson in travel and cruising  ALWAYS  book through an agent.  Big box are ok but,,, if you shop around for agents who do a high volume with the line your looking at yo can  do even better.

 And here’s where we disagree and agree Dan.

 

I book with my PCC first.  She helps me out and THEN I transfer to my TA.  It’s a win win for both of them. 

 

Big box stores don’t do what I have found some TA’s can.

 

But each to their own.  As long as we are all happy.

 

 

 

 

[kazu]

11 minutes ago, Gilliganlyn said:

Yay!  That is exciting.  Thanks for the tip. 

Okay.  Here is your chance to share your advice 😉. I'm getting ready to book a cruise and would like to go with a reputable TA.  I'd love a recommendation based on personal experience.

 

Sorry but per CC rules that is not allowed.

[DAllenTCY]

A reputable cruise agent will tell you.....and remind you.....and make sure you do have your documents required at check-in.

Too many people fail to read even the Boarding Pass when booking online.   Many don't print it, and go by memory?

 

What?.....You thought boarding time was 5 pm?....there goes your ship.... because that was sailing time!

 

You have a photocopy of your passport?.......Try using one of at $20 bill.....same result.

 

"Know before you go"......read it.

 

David

[Hawaiidan]

16 hours ago, kazu said:

 And here’s where we disagree and agree Dan.

 

I book with my PCC first.  She helps me out and THEN I transfer to my TA.  It’s a win win for both of them. 

 

Big box stores don’t do what I have found some TA’s can.

 

But each to their own.  As long as we are all happy.

 

 

 

 

I do my homework and  research all the details of the line and the ports.   Its an enlightening process that educates you and evolves you.    I then have a travel agent who I partner with.... By partner I mean  I do all the stuff as fare as cruise, line, cabin, visa, the works   

 

 I turn this over to the agent who then works with his regional sales rep at national level.    He negotiated with that  Sr company rep  to get special discounts, prices, maybe forming a travel group around my wants.  Maybe adding larger rebates from himself and OBC's from his agency  if necessary.      A $9000 published fare can get reduced to 5500 !    I turn over full authority to my agent to make decisions at this

point

In selecting an agent ask how many cruises  a month or week  or year with your intended line ?   High volume agents get stuff  other agents never even hear-about.  The line takes special care of them.

 

Just how good  can it get?     On a 24 day cruise from  Venice, I booked a penthouse/suite.   The line oversold the cruise in that  class.   My agent negotiated  I move to a large veranda cabin for the cruise,  and refund  my entire fare.     So I gave up the suite, and got a free cruise in essence in a veranda cabin.    All this was done without me.  My agent put the squeeze on the company and got pay-day. 

 

 

A cruise agent ( PCC  I assume in not Pasadena City College) for the company  is first and foremost working for the company NOT you.  Their job is to sell.you. for top dollar for the company.  I dont care how sweet they sound  they are not working for you.... except to get into your pocket.

  Your agent is  thus going into a poker game  where the company knows  all your cards  and that ain't good for negotiation.    They know your budget, your wants..and about you.  Your agent is in a box  with no room to maneuver.

 

When your spending upwards of 5 figures for   a cruise  its a business deal.... be tough and demanding  Have an agent from the get-go who is tough and high volume with the line...  Its your money  spend it wisely

[VTcruisenut]

How can a TA get better deals than booking with the cruise line yourself during special offers, etc?  I booked one time thru an online TA offering and ended up transferring it back to HAL as I received a better price in the mail!   It doesn't make sense to me that a TA who makes a commission on the sale could get a better price.  Can someone explain this to me?  Thanks!

[kazu]

4 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

I do my homework and  research all the details of the line and the ports.   Its an enlightening process that educates you and evolves you.    I then have a travel agent who I partner with.... By partner I mean  I do all the stuff as fare as cruise, line, cabin, visa, the works   

 

 

Excuse me?  I need enlightening?  I do all my own homework and all the stuff too.  You are not the only one that does that and please don’t assume that some of us aren’t.

 

 

4 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

 

 

 High volume agents get stuff  other agents never even hear-about.  The line takes special care of them.

. 

 

And, what makes you think that my agent is not high volume?  You assume a lot.

 

Moreover you are assuming a discount is better than OBC.  Not always.  Especially if you are Canadian.  I’ve done my math.  And when the casino discount is applicable it gives me a HUGE discount.

 

 

4 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

 

.  Its your money  spend it wisely

 

I think I am pretty wise at spending money, thank you. 

[Hawaiidan]

17 hours ago, Gilliganlyn said:

Yay!  That is exciting.  Thanks for the tip. 

Okay.  Here is your chance to share your advice 😉. I'm getting ready to book a cruise and would like to go with a reputable TA.  I'd love a recommendation based on personal experience.

 Get on the phone, get on the internet...  ask hard questions   what volume does  the agent do with your line, does he offer rebates and how much   7-8% is the norm   some are 9-11%.   Ask if he does group cruises that you can join.....   Thats for starters       You can also ask around on your next cruise.    I use an agent 2000 miles form me     I let him know of the volume of business I intend to give   say 2 cruises per year every year  and my budget..     Be selective 

[Hawaiidan]

7 minutes ago, VTcruisenut said:

How can a TA get better deals than booking with the cruise line yourself during special offers, etc?  I booked one time thru an online TA offering and ended up transferring it back to HAL as I received a better price in the mail!   It doesn't make sense to me that a TA who makes a commission on the sale could get a better price.  Can someone explain this to me?  Thanks!

Yes...you booked with a low volume. low skill agent...... start shopping for another agent

[kazu]

7 minutes ago, VTcruisenut said:

How can a TA get better deals than booking with the cruise line yourself during special offers, etc?  I booked one time thru an online TA offering and ended up transferring it back to HAL as I received a better price in the mail!   It doesn't make sense to me that a TA who makes a commission on the sale could get a better price.  Can someone explain this to me?  Thanks!

 

TA’s can have better pricing - whether it is through a group fare, high volume, special whatever.  But it’s not every cruise and not every time.

 

Some will offer a discount and some OBC.  You need to make sure you have landed a good one and that their are no cancellation fees or other “tricks” but there are lots of good ones out there that do this stuff.

[Hawaiidan]

4 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Excuse me?  I need enlightening?  I do all my own homework and all the stuff too.  You are not the only one that does that and please don’t assume that some of us aren’t.

 

 

 

And, what makes you think that my agent is not high volume?  You assume a lot.

 

Moreover you are assuming a discount is better than OBC.  Not always.  Especially if you are Canadian.  I’ve done my math.  And when the casino discount is applicable it gives me a HUGE discount.

 

 

 

I think I am pretty wise at spending money, thank you. 

My statements are not specific to you or your agent or another thing   I offer them for general readership who may not have considered them.    As long as you are happy, anyone  is happy. thats fine.        

[Gilliganlyn]

6 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

 Get on the phone, get on the internet...  ask hard questions   what volume does  the agent do with your line, does he offer rebates and how much   7-8% is the norm   some are 9-11%.   Ask if he does group cruises that you can join.....  

Thank you.  I didn't realize that it was not allowed on here for someone to write that they used a specific company and whether it was a good or bad experience.  I thought it was only a problem if the person recommending a company owned or worked for that company.  I know which cruise I want and have begun to research prices and look at reviews of sites that I find.  Good thing too because one affordable one I found had very poor reviews.  I think I finally figured out where people mean when they say,  "big box" but they don't have the best price & incentives for this cruise. 

 

Thanks for the tip on questions to ask.  I appreciate the help.

[kazu]

7 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

My statements are not specific to you or your agent or another thing   I offer them for general readership who may not have considered them.    As long as you are happy, anyone  is happy. thats fine.        

 

Thanks.  Since you quoted me, it certainly seemed that way.

 

Perhaps don’t quote when you are making your long, “educational” posts. 😉 

[Hawaiidan]

On trap that many new cruise customers  fall into is the price.    Cruise lines, car dealers, and timeshare sales people sell many times by price.      It is not a deal when a low price comes with you being nickel and dime to death..  A  600 fare can become a $2000 actual expense       Shore ex, port charges, specialty dining, drinks, a glass of soda or orange juice all add up faster than the national debt.      Thus the cheapest fare may be the most expensive experience.     Many folks I know wound up paying more for a mid-range mass market cruise than they would have on a Premium or Luxury line where everything is included form Air , specialty, liquor, and gratuities...     Add up all the things you are likely to use  .   A fare maybe only $1000 higher can get you 2000 in perks more than the cheaper.........   Shop lines, till you find one that fits.   NOT  all lines are for everyone, just like underwear......they all do the job  but some fit better and are more comfortable....      Remember  you can always get more money....you can not get more time  use both wisely

[Hawaiidan]

12 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Thanks.  Since you quoted me, it certainly seemed that way.

 

Perhaps don’t quote when you are making your long, “educational” posts. 😉 

Thanks....good point and well taken....  enjoy

[Hawaiidan]

17 minutes ago, Gilliganlyn said:

Thank you.  I didn't realize that it was not allowed on here for someone to write that they used a specific company and whether it was a good or bad experience.  I thought it was only a problem if the person recommending a company owned or worked for that company.  I know which cruise I want and have begun to research prices and look at reviews of sites that I find.  Good thing too because one affordable one I found had very poor reviews.  I think I finally figured out where people mean when they say,  "big box" but they don't have the best price & incentives for this cruise. 

 

Thanks for the tip on questions to ask.  I appreciate the help.

In shopping for a cruise   be careful of the  price trap.   Low prices on some lines get you on board to be shocked by getting fleeced on board...shore ex, wine, liquor, specialty restaurants, fees, port , tax, soda,  coffee juice, gratuities,...all sorts   that other lines all include.     In actuality, I found that over all, considering everything I might use that a premium or even luxury cruise might be  overall less expensive and your sharing it with 50% less passengers  which can be priceless  Azamar and Oceania  come to mind

[Cruising-along]

A few facts about booking with the Big Box TA that may not be well known.

Executive members get 2% back besides the generous OBC.  

They do offer group rates (maybe not as often as some others, but we didn't even have to ask, they gave us a group rate for one cruise).

Are there better TAs out there?  Maybe, but for us we're happy with their service and benefits.  

[Hawaiidan]

6 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

A few facts about booking with the Big Box TA that may not be well known.

Executive members get 2% back besides the generous OBC.  

They do offer group rates (maybe not as often as some others, but we didn't even have to ask, they gave us a group rate for one cruise).

Are there better TAs out there?  Maybe, but for us we're happy with their service and benefits.  

If your happy ....  I would not   as my agent gives me 8-9%  cash back + OBC