Taking Advantage of Sales and Price Drops

[aaaaa]

I've reserved directly, then transferred to an agent, if I was concerned that delay in hearing back from an agent might result in the loss of a promotion or a specific cabin, or if I knew that I wouldn't take the cruise unless a deal came along and so didn't want to get an agent involved until then.  Related, I've never found an agent who has been particularly prompt, welcoming of contacts to check pricing on new promotions, or willing to "go to bat" with a cruise company if necessary.  Just wish I could find that agent. 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

Second, next cruise after that we were able to get a 20% casino discount, so I doubt that a TA could get a better deal, but I may be wrong - advice please.  Of course on this deal, I watch pricing as if prices go down I should still get my 20% off (depends of course).

 

I have a casino discount on my upcoming cruises and I still get benefit by booking with my TA in the way of generous OBC.  Since I am a victim of foreign exchange rates, I far prefer the OBC in U.S. $ versus a discount in Canadian dollars 😉 

 

[Sea42]

3 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

Second, next cruise after that we were able to get a 20% casino discount, so I doubt that a TA could get a better deal, but I may be wrong - advice please.  Of course on this deal, I watch pricing as if prices go down I should still get my 20% off (depends of course).

We also receive a casino discount (a set percentage off the fare). We are given that discount when we book with a TA because that offer is attached to our account. It doesn't matter who we book with, so the cruise price will be the same. The difference is that the TA will also give us an onboard credit equal to a percentage of the cruise fare paid. You will not get that booking directly with a cruise line.

I have never been able to take advantage of a casino offer where the cabin is free or greatly discounted, so I am not sure the same would apply in that situation.

Edited January 17, 2021 by Sea42

[DeeDee Groff]

13 hours ago, aaaaa said:

I've reserved directly, then transferred to an agent, if I was concerned that delay in hearing back from an agent might result in the loss of a promotion or a specific cabin, or if I knew that I wouldn't take the cruise unless a deal came along and so didn't want to get an agent involved until then.  Related, I've never found an agent who has been particularly prompt, welcoming of contacts to check pricing on new promotions, or willing to "go to bat" with a cruise company if necessary.  Just wish I could find that agent. 

 

Keep looking (and definitely not "big box" types) because "that agent" is out there!  I know because I've had four in 20 years--three have retired and one will be leaving to care for a terminally ill husband. 

 

Each of us must be careful and discreet on the subject on CC, but I can tell you that I found No. 5 reading the posts religiously and thoroughly on the HAL forum--and you can too!  The time you spend searching will definitely pay off in the future.

[iancal]

The last cruise that we purchased outside the final payment window was a SA cruise.  

 

We had been watching the pricing on three almost identical itineraries. HAL, Celebrity, and Princess.

 

Much to our surprise one morning we saw, what later turned out to be a one day sale, on Princess that essentially took CAD at par for a US fare.  The currency adjusted fare was 25 percent  below the HAL and Celebrity pricing.  We booked immediately  for a well located balcony cabin. 

 

I checked on that fare later in the evening.  It was gone....it was that fast.   We have had the same experience multiple times when buying late booking offers-on a number of cruise lines.

Edited January 18, 2021 by iancal