Travel Agent or Direct - during the "Cruise with Confidence" time frame

[paul1815]

So....would you all recommend that I still book a cruise in 2022 through a TA?  Or because of the "Cruise with Confidence" maybe it is better to go direct so I don't lose the deposit in case we have to cancel.

 

Thoughts?

[HUNKY]

I'd go direct with Royal for that very reason.  It's also very easy to get a better price if prices drop, and they often do.

 

When working with any travel agent, they "own" the reservation.  You lose control.

[Brownezes72]

I completely agree. I have booked in the past with a travel agent ans never again. I couldnt do anything on my reservation and my TA was useless.  Lesson learned. I prefer to control my own reservation now.  One and done. 

[Ashland]

A long time loyal RCI cruiser...over 30 cruises booked and I book directly...Not interested in any perks a TA gives not worth it having a 3rd party involved in my bookings. Many will respond quickly the pro's of using a TA but I personally am happy with my approach and glad to have the option of booking directly with RCI ....JMHO

[kwokpot]

We used to book with a popular Cruise only online TA. My parents still use them. We have moved over to Royal's Club Royale Casino booking area for the last several years and haven't looked back. While pre-pandemic TA's generally can give OBC since they receive commissions the pandemic has changed many of the TA's and they are in very short supply which complicates servicing. My parents have a hard time getting in touch with their regular TA and it's like pulling teeth to get pricing adjustments under CWC. In fact my parents after a month hasn't been able to get the proper price reduction that's still in place from their TA. Us, on the other hand made a quick call to Royal's Club Royale and was able to get the pricing reduction done over the phone within 15 minutes.

[3kidsncats]

Most of my travel life I preferred to book directly.  But I ended up using a TA a friend raved about for a cruise back in 2018, and she is so fantastic, I now book all our cruises thru her, and have referred others to her who are equally happy.  Usually I do the research because I like that aspect, and she does the actual booking.  She is incredibly responsive, happy to work via text/email and no problem getting price drops etc.  Besides all of that, the main reason I am continuing to use a TA is that she is phenomenal if there is an issue requiring last minute changes.  We got stuck related to Hurricane Dorian in 2019, so really appreciate the help if needed.  So having to book nonrefundable (but transferrable) deposits is not a deal breaker

[DarthGrady]

I generally go through a TA, but I'm lucky enough to have a couple of excellent ones. They keep on top of price drops, saving me from having to contact the cruise line. As with most things in life, the experience can vary greatly if the TA just wants to get the booking to make a buck and not provide any service. 

[paul1815]

We have used a person with Cruise Vacation Outlet....but....not so sure they have added value in the past two cruises.  Even seems lazier as I have asked him for pricing on a 2022 cruise.

 

Can anyone use the Royal's Club Royale?

 

[cruisegirl1976]

I used to use a TA, until he retired., then I decided to just give it a try and book direct and I wouldn't go back to a TA.. I like having the control of the reservation. 

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, paul1815 said:

Can anyone use the Royal's Club Royale?

Only of you have a relationship with Royal's casino program. 

[Ourusualbeach]

4 hours ago, paul1815 said:

is better to go direct so I don't lose the deposit in case we have to cancel.

Booking through a TA gives you the same benefits and possibly more than booking direct.  TA’s are still booking under CWC so you would not lose your deposit. 

 

With prices for next years cruises going up in price there are lots of TA’s sitting on group space that was created long ago with rates of sometimes several hundred or more per person cheaper than Royal is offering. 

[lauren0309]

I used to book my reservations through Travelocity, AAA, etc.  For one cruise I tried applying my Visa points to get $500 off my cruise and Royal Caribbean wouldn't let me because I didnt book the cruise through them.  For now on, I always book through Royal Caribbean and get my discounts with no problem. Plus if I want to make any change its so easy to just call them directly and talk to an agent.

[JsMom2]

4 hours ago, paul1815 said:

So....would you all recommend that I still book a cruise in 2022 through a TA?  Or because of the "Cruise with Confidence" maybe it is better to go direct so I don't lose the deposit in case we have to cancel.

 

Thoughts?

The same rules apply whether you book with a TA or direct.  So you can take that out of the equation.  If you use a TA just look for one that you are comfortable working with, and is easily available to you.  

[paul1815]

Well....I took the plunge and booked DIRECT through the RC site.  Truthfully the only difference was an additional on board credit the TA was willing to throw in.  But this way I now have total control, like folks have been saying.  

 

Feb 19th on the Allure.....here we come!