Why You Need a Good TA

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, drsel said:

Plenty of perks, depending on the cruiseline.

MSC offers 10% discount on cruise fare to Gold & above

When it comes to loyalty perks, most cruise lines would be hard pressed to equal Oceania's offerings. For example, 20 cruise credits (roughly a range equivalent of 20 of O's short 7-10 day cruises or 5-7 month + cruises) gets you a complimentary 14 day cruise anywhere they go (same cabin level as your average booking). Add the right TA's commission sharing (as refundable SBC or cash rebate) et al. and you've got some real value.

(Check out the list below from SBC downward.) 

[Flatbush Flyer]

4 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

When it comes to loyalty perks, most cruise lines would be hard pressed to equal Oceania's offerings. For example, 20 cruise credits (roughly a range equivalent of 20 of O's short 7-10 day cruises or 5-7 month + cruises) gets you a complimentary 14 day cruise anywhere they go (same cabin level as your average booking). Add the right TA's commission sharing (as refundable SBC or cash rebate) et al. and you've got some real value.

(Check out the list below from SBC downward.) 

Also, as regards TA commission sharing: That 5-10%+\- figure "share" you seek (or are offered) is based on the commissionable fare which is usually comprised of the bottom line fare you paid less port taxes/fees, etc. and even part of the cruise fare (This can vary significantly depending on itinerary et al. But, figure 10%+/-  of the price you were quoted (not some inflated advertising retail price) will be non-commissionable.

I underlined "paid" because in this new normal of Covid cruise cancellations, FCC's come into play. And in most instances, applied FCCs are not commissionable.

For example, I just booked a $9k per person two month cruise in late 2022. But, after applying two FCCs, onboard booking and air credits (all of which were non-commissionable), the good news was that my cruise cost is $149 for a veranda cabin. The bad news is that there will be no TA commission sharing. But, I'm not exactly heartbroken about it.

So, bottom line: As a general rule, get your quoted selling price from the cruise line and/or TA, ask (or guesstimate at about 10%) how much is commissionable and negotiate for approx 5-10% (SBC/rebate) of THAT amount as your "share."

BUT, also realize that there are other factors that can be in the mix. If your cruiseline loyalty doesn't get you comp gratuities, is the TA going to provide them and, if so, is it part of your commission share or in addition to it??? Also note that some of what extra is offered by a TA may be coming from the cruise line's and/or a TA's consortium's  booking incentive (or similar) funds provided to the TA.

 

And always be aware of unscrupulous TAs who may make it sound like some/all of what amenities are being provided by the cruise line to anyone booking their cruise are coming out of the TAs pocket.

 

Thus, always establish the bottom line of the cruise lines deal/perks/etc and then ask a TA what they will be able to do in addition.

[clo]

4 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

For example, I just booked a $9k per person two month cruise in late 2022. But, after applying two FCCs, onboard booking and air credits (all of which were non-commissionable), the good news was that my cruise cost is $149 for a veranda cabin

So is that $149 for two people? 

[clo]

1 hour ago, clo said:

While reading this thread I keep having the same question. What $# do you use when calculating a discount? For example here are a few numbers:

 

Cruise Fare $14,798.00 USD

Savings Early Booking (7,399.00)

Bonus Discount (1,500.00) 

 

So I'm guessing you'd start with subtracting the two smaller #s from the "cruise fare" and that would be the base from which you'd want discounts. Yes?

@Flatbush FlyerI know this is probably Pricing 101 but could you help out a beginner here please?

[drsel]

3 hours ago, jtwind said:

 

To get those, do you have to book direct?

No, never book direct.

On the basic cruise fare, (excluding port fees & taxes), you can get 10% discount from MSC +10% discount from the agent.

[Cruzaholic41]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

When it comes to loyalty perks, most cruise lines would be hard pressed to equal Oceania's offerings.

 

Ha!  I can’t believe it took 5 pages for you to turn the thread into a Oceania commercial. 😂🙄

[Flatbush Flyer]

38 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Also, as regards TA commission sharing: That 5-10%+\- figure "share" you seek (or are offered) is based on the commissionable fare which is usually comprised of the bottom line fare you paid less port taxes/fees, etc. and even part of the cruise fare (This can vary significantly depending on itinerary et al. But, figure 10%+/-  of the price you were quoted (not some inflated advertising retail price) will be non-commissionable.

I underlined "paid" because in this new normal of Covid cruise cancellations, FCC's come into play. And in most instances, applied FCCs are not commissionable.

For example, I just booked a $9k per person two month cruise in late 2022. But, after applying two FCCs, onboard booking and air credits (all of which were non-commissionable), the good news was that my cruise cost is $149 for a veranda cabin. The bad news is that there will be no TA commission sharing. But, I'm not exactly heartbroken about it.

So, bottom line: As a general rule, get your quoted selling price from the cruise line and/or TA, ask (or guesstimate at about 10%) how much is commissionable and negotiate for approx 5-10% (SBC/rebate) of THAT amount as your "share."

BUT, also realize that there are other factors that can be in the mix. If your cruiseline loyalty doesn't get you comp gratuities, is the TA going to provide them and, if so, is it part of your commission share or in addition to it??? Also note that some of what extra is offered by a TA may be coming from the cruise line's and/or a TA's consortium's  booking incentive (or similar) funds provided to the TA.

 

And always be aware of unscrupulous TAs who may make it sound like some/all of what amenities are being provided by the cruise line to anyone booking their cruise are coming out of the TAs pocket.

 

Thus, always establish the bottom line of the cruise lines deal/perks/etc and then ask a TA what they will be able to do in addition.

Part II (for anyone still confused): Here'a a clip from an old O passenger invoice with the actual fare you pay circled in yellow. The TA gets a different invoice that disaggregates that  fare to commissionable and non-commissionable. As aforementioned, you can guesstimate at least 10% of your fare is non-commissionable (but I've seen it as high as 15%+). So what the TA may negotiate with you is a share of 5-10% of a fare number that you do not see on your invoice (i.e., the commissionable fare). It is NOT 5-10% of the yellow circled number.

 

[drsel]

32 minutes ago, clo said:

@Flatbush FlyerI know this is probably Pricing 101 but could you help out a beginner here please?

Who is a beginner?

A 10,000+ Club member??

(But I love to help anyone & everyone for the dopamine I get.)

 

 So, on your $5899 final fare, deduct the port fees & taxes, (which are clearly seen on any TAs website); to get your BASIC  fare, which is commisionable.

You can get 8--10% of that BASIC fare as OBC or a discount (which is better than OBC)

Then use the website where many agents bid for your business, to get the best deal. (lowest fare after 8--10% discount ).

Note --some cruise lines like Carnival do NOT allow TAs to discount their fare.

In such cases, the TA can offer you 8--10% OBC

 

 

 

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 minutes ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

Ha!  I can’t believe it took 5 pages for you to turn the thread into a Oceania commercial. 😂🙄

As usual, you contribute zero to any discussion attempting to educate a newbie or two about important items like negotiating significant discounts and/or evaluating/comparing loyalty perks.

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 minutes ago, drsel said:

Who is a beginner?

A 10,000+ Club member??

(But I love to help anyone & everyone for the dopamine I get.)

 

 So, on your $5899 final fare, deduct the port fees & taxes, (which are clearly seen on any TAs website); to get your BASIC  fare, which is commisionable.

You can get 8--10% of that BASIC fare as OBC or a discount (which is better than OBC)

Then use the website where many agents bid for your business, to get the best deal. (lowest fare after 8--10% discount ).

Note --some cruise lines like Carnival do NOT allow TAs to discount their fare.

In such cases, the TA can offer you 8--10% OBC

 

 

 

Close - but no cigar. While a TA or cruise line may show port taxes in its pricing, not all do. Like some airlines, the published price may be a single figure incorporating all required charges.

Beyond that, as I described above, some other of a cruise line's internal fare components may  be non-commissionable. I've seen that itemized (though not explained) on a few TA versions of an invoice.

[rkacruiser]

Each prospective cruiser, newbie or oldie but goodbe, must do the proper due diligence before booking a cruise that will be satisfactory to them.  

 

 

[pris993]

On 11/30/2020 at 6:02 PM, jtwind said:

Don't frequent cruisers achieve status levels with certain cruise lines that makes booking directly through those cruise lines a no brainer?

Interesting question.  We have cruised on 9 different lines, have status on 2-3 lines.  The best OBC we ever got was from Cunard, on our first cruise with that line.  We also got substantial OBC on subsequent cruises with Cunard.    

[jtwind]

On 12/1/2020 at 12:04 PM, drsel said:

No, never book direct.

On the basic cruise fare, (excluding port fees & taxes), you can get 10% discount from MSC +10% discount from the agent.

 

So you're saying that if you have cruised enough with MSC to achieve status that gets you a 10% discount, they give you some kind of code that you can use with any travel agent, and then negotiate lower from there.

[jtwind]

On 11/30/2020 at 7:27 AM, KirkNC said:

And yet so many continue to book direct with the cruise line leaving that money on the table, baffling.

 

This thread is taking place in the NEW CRUISERS area of this forum.

[Aquahound]

45 minutes ago, jtwind said:

 

This thread is taking place in the NEW CRUISERS area of this forum.

 

I think they've been very lax on the whole concept of new cruisers and asking a cruise question ever since COVID.  I very much look forward to this board getting back to normal....whenever that will be. 🙁

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, jtwind said:

 

So you're saying that if you have cruised enough with MSC to achieve status that gets you a 10% discount, they give you some kind of code that you can use with any travel agent, and then negotiate lower from there.

What part of "the biggest deal from TAs is commission sharing" do you not understand?

Most cruise lines do not allow a lowering of their cabin prices (though there are a few exceptions and occasional quiet sales for their preferred TAs). 

Try using the search feature here on CC. If you're familiar with how to make Boolean inquiries, you'd be amazed at how much relevant info is then dumped in your lap.

[donaldsc]

4 hours ago, jtwind said:

 

This thread is taking place in the NEW CRUISERS area of this forum.

 

Actually it is in the Ask a Cruise Question section.

 

DON

[sparks1093]

5 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

Actually it is in the Ask a Cruise Question section.

 

DON

On the Home page the Ask a Cruise Question forum is in the New Cruiser section.

 

And to keep on point, a good TA might be able to save you 8 to 10% on your booking if everything aligns just right- you find just the right TA, you are sailing on the right sailing, you are sailing on the right cruise line, etc. etc. But you have to invest time in calling, you can't just go by prices listed on their website. I realize that everyone that touts using a TA might get huge discounts every time because of the cruises they book and the TA they use, but like everything else in life your mileage may vary.

[Hlitner]

On 11/29/2020 at 10:35 PM, jtwind said:

 

So, all forms of travel agents and agencies have equal ability to offer equal discounts and perks?

No.  Some high volume agencies get overrides and additional considerations from the cruise lines.  This can also happen to some smaller agencies that are part of major travel consortium groups.  Just like in much of commerce, volume often comes with benefits.  Some major agencies will do more bookings in a day then other agencies will do in months and this gives them clout.  We utilize several high volume agencies and their offerings are all good, but there will always be one agency that bests the others (this might come through discounting their own commissions).  

 

One other comment about your posts.  You had mentioned frequent cruise status getting you discounts by booking direct.  That is usually not the case.  For example, MSC gives a discount (usually 5 - 10%) to past cruisers but you can also get this same discount by using any agency.  Again, there is no advantage to booking direct and by using an agency one will usually get additional OBCs which are the same as cash.  We had so much OBC on our last MSC Yacht Club booking (we had to use it or lose it) that DW bought some nice jewelry on the ship and I cashed out (at the casino) several hundred additional OBC dollars.  On a few of our long Princess cruises we have actually received checks (a few weeks after the cruise) for remaining OBCs (sometimes over $1000).

 

It all comes down to my frequently posted comment that "it usually pays cruisers to shop around among several high volume reputable agencies to find the best overall deal.  You can then compare these deals to what you pay by booking direct.  In our last 100+ bookings with 14 different cruise lines we have never found any direct booking to be close to what we can get elsewhere.

 

Hank

 

Hank

[jtwind]

So status level cruisers do not get a discount code that they can use with a travel agent.  If status only gets you 5% off, you are likely to get a better deal with a travel agency.  If status gets you 10%, the advantage of using a travel agency may be minimal.  If status gets you 15%, it is likely that your best bet will be to book direct. Is this abut right?

Edited December 3, 2020 by jtwind

[capriccio]

19 minutes ago, jtwind said:

So status level cruisers do not get a discount code that they can use with a travel agent.  If status only gets you 5% off, you are likely to get a better deal with a travel agency.  If status gets you 10%, the advantage of using a travel agency may be minimal.  If status gets you 15%, it is likely that your best bet will be to book direct. Is this abut right?

 

In my experience my TA adds her discount after all the cruise line's discounts are taken. 

 

For example,

• status doesn't get you a different fare on Princess
• on MSC status gets a discount plus discounts are available for military* and civil servants (and a few other categories) and after all those discounts are applied my TA adds her discount.
• on Uniworld River Cruises just being a past cruiser (they have no differentiating levels) gets everyone the same discount and then my TA adds her discount .

* Princess also offers a military discount regardless of past status.

[jtwind]

3 hours ago, capriccio said:

 

In my experience my TA adds her discount after all the cruise line's discounts are taken. 

 

For example,

• status doesn't get you a different fare on Princess
• on MSC status gets a discount plus discounts are available for military* and civil servants (and a few other categories) and after all those discounts are applied my TA adds her discount.
• on Uniworld River Cruises just being a past cruiser (they have no differentiating levels) gets everyone the same discount and then my TA adds her discount .

* Princess also offers a military discount regardless of past status.

How do you show the agent that you are eligible for these discounts?  Does it show up on some kind of profile the cruise line has for you, and the agent has access to?

[capriccio]

7 minutes ago, jtwind said:

How do you show the agent that you are eligible for these discounts?  Does it show up on some kind of profile the cruise line has for you, and the agent has access to?

Each cruise line assigns you a passenger ID number (Princess calls it Captains Circle, MSC calls it Voyagers Club, etc.) that you provide your TA.  That is both a source of discounts (for lines like MSC) and for credits that you may have either paid for in advance (Future Cruise Deposits) or have been awarded by the cruise lines (Future Cruise Credits).  When the agent keys in your ID number in the cruise line's reservation system, they have access to that type of information.  (One of the TAs that posts here might give you a more thorough description.)

 

For other discounts like military/civil service or shareholders benefits it depends on the cruise line whether you need to submit that information each time or periodically. 

[jtwind]

I imagine cruise lines occasionally offer last minute cabin upgrades at reduced prices.  If so, how do they prioritize who would get such offers first?

[sparks1093]

58 minutes ago, jtwind said:

I imagine cruise lines occasionally offer last minute cabin upgrades at reduced prices.  If so, how do they prioritize who would get such offers first?

It's usually first come, first served.