Better room available but could not reach travel agent.

[Coral]

14 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

 

There are TAs out there who rebate part of their commission to clients and / or provide other perks such as OBC etc.  And there are TAs (like mine) who seemingly works 24 X 7, responding to emails immediately nights, weekends, even when she is on vacation.  There are a lot of gems like mine out there, you just need to do the research, or on your next cruise ask others who they use.

She sounds amazing! Oh wait - I know her and she is amazing!

[sloopsailor]

33 minutes ago, fleeflicker said:

I have found very little savings with a travel agent. Apparently I have been using the wrong one.  I am going to do some research 

 

We have used a TA for our last seven cruises. The savings we have made are in the hundreds of dollars every time. Over those seven cruises, we have saved enough to go on at least one additional "free" cruise, and been able to upgrade to a much higher category than we usually book on another, again with the money saved. 

 

To find a good TA, research cruise only TAs and using a test cruise that you have priced on the Cruise line's website, ask the TA what is the best deal they can offer. If the savings are worth considering, then do a search for reviews and customer ratings of that TA or agency.

 

If you find one that is to your liking, then give them at least one try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

We aren't the type who have to micro manage our bookings. We prefer to let an expert handle the minute details, and problem resolution - with our final approval, of course. And we've never been sorry. As an example, we were on a cruise that has had a ship swap. Our TA keep us informed of every status change. When Princess finally assigned us a cabin on the replacement ship, it was not one we would have ever booked voluntarily (a dreaded connecting cabin too far forward). We contacted our TA with a couple of cabin numbers we would prefer being in, and in less than three hours we received a new booking confirmation for the best of those two cabins. We're now satisfied with our cabins (though a bit disappointed because the ship changed from one of our favorites to one we probably would have not booked. Oh well! Ship happens.)

Edited September 11, 2022 by sloopsailor

[Steelers36]

3 hours ago, fleeflicker said:

That’s why I don’t use a TA anymore. I don’t like not having the ability to do anything with my booking. 

 

33 minutes ago, fleeflicker said:

I have found very little savings with a travel agent. Apparently I have been using the wrong one.  I am going to do some research 

 

As long as you aren't in Canada and attempting to work with Canadian TA's, you should be able to find a good TA in the US that offers discounts off the cruise fare.  You can do as suggested, or before next cruise, try looking for an agency that will compete for your cruise business. 

 

As far as control goes, you can still deal directly with Princess and do self-service things like Cruise Personalizer and EZ-Air bookings.  Only things to do with the cruise fare (like a re-fare or re-book), the cabin (like changing cabins), and payments on cruise fare (like deposits and final payment) must be handled by the TA. 

 

I like having full control of all of our travel arrangements, but have been willing to give up SOME of the control in order to receive very good discount savings off Princess fares.

[sloopsailor]

21 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

You can't ask for specific TAs on these boards.  But nothing prohibits discussions on a ship such as during Meet & Greets.

 

Since everyone on the cruise had to book the cruise, they may have suggestions on who to use in the future. Most cruisers are more than happy to talk about their favorite TAs, as long as you don't ask how much they spent for their cruise, which is rude. Instead, ask what benefit they received from using that TA. People seem to like to share if they got better deals than the cruise line offers. 

Edited September 11, 2022 by sloopsailor

[pris993]

4 hours ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

No reason to be snarky. I value saving money over instant responses. I save enough money over several cruises to afford to take another without it costing me more money. Different approaches for different goals. 

 

I did not see the comment as snarky.  To each his/her own personal choice.  I prefer to be in control of my bookings with cruise lines, hotels, airlines so book them all direct.  Works for me.   Like you say we all have different approaches and objectives.  Do what works to meet whatever goals one sets. 

[dreaminofcruisin]

Meh....I am 0 for 3 on TAs. One of them was recommended by someone I met on a cruise. They assured me they always got good 'deal'. Eh....not so much. I also have a PVP who is really responsive if I want to book a cruise...other times not so much.

 

I don't doubt that people have been fortunate to find good TAs that discount, but do consider yourself REALLY fortunate as I think they are few and far between.

 

I'm just over it....back to booking online and controlling my bookings and just fine with that. 😀

[fleeflicker]

13 minutes ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

Meh....I am 0 for 3 on TAs. One of them was recommended by someone I met on a cruise. They assured me they always got good 'deal'. Eh....not so much. I also have a PVP who is really responsive if I want to book a cruise...other times not so much.

 

I don't doubt that people have been fortunate to find good TAs that discount, but do consider yourself REALLY fortunate as I think they are few and far between.

 

I'm just over it....back to booking online and controlling my bookings and just fine with that. 😀

That’s where I am at. 

[wrongwaywatson]

We really liked out travel agent that we had used for several years.  She always beat Princess's price, as well as other agencies that we had checked.  She retired during the pandemic and we started using someone else in her office.  We don't like her as much as the previous agent, she isn't as accessible, but her pricing and the agency perks we get really are great.  As for needing attention quickly, we can always get someone else in their office if need be, that can either get ahold of her or take care of our issue.

[Princessfan20]

2 hours ago, pris993 said:

I did not see the comment as snarky.  To each his/her own personal choice.  I prefer to be in control of my bookings with cruise lines, hotels, airlines so book them all direct.  Works for me.   Like you say we all have different approaches and objectives.  Do what works to meet whatever goals one sets. 

We are the same way and have traveled for so many years for business and leisure that we are very aware and informed of getting excellent bookings with cruise lines, airlines, hotels and rental car companies.  
 

You really do give up a lot of control if something goes wrong with a travel reservation.  You are almost always going to be told to contact who every did the reservation instead of being dealt with directly.

 

I think there may be some TA’s on CC who promote the idea you cannot live without a TA.

[Outerdog]

28 minutes ago, Princessfan20 said:

I think there may be some TA’s on CC who promote the idea you cannot live without a TA.

 

 

Agreed. And the "thousands of dollars" in savings is a little hard to believe. 

 

[SantaFeFan]

36 minutes ago, Outerdog said:

 

 

Agreed. And the "thousands of dollars" in savings is a little hard to believe. 

 

 

That you find it hard to believe doesn't change the fact. For that cruise Princess listed it around $9,300 for a Princess Plus Mini-Suite a few months ago when I booked the cabin. The TA gave me a price of $7,315.26 for the same room and package. And I have the invoice to prove it (pasted below). You can verify the cruise line's prices and the cabin locations with Princess if you still don't believe it. 

 

Here is the CURRENT price as of today for the cabin next door (prices have stayed very stable):

 

 

 

 

And the invoice for my cabin (note: subtract trip insurance and the total is actually $7,299.00):

 

 

 

 

“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”

― Daniel Patrick Moynihan

 

 

 

Edited September 12, 2022 by SantaFeFan

[minabruuke]

5 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

As far as OP is concerned, if those cabins showed up, they are probably for new bookings only.  It is past the point of cancelling and rebooking.  Possible, but doubtful, that OP would have been able to secure the new cabins so close to sailing via Princess agent or TA.

My Princess CVP has on many occasions been able to change my cabin to a better one in a different category well after final payment. On one cruise, I think we did this 3 times after final payment (better rooms at a good price opened up) and we have definitely done so less than two weeks before sailing.

 

I have seen many people on here talking about cabins being for new bookings only but I have yet to be told no when I have wished to make a change that involved moving up in category (obviously no refund for a price drop after final payment). I have always paid the difference between what I originally paid and the current price I see on the website (at least once that price difference has been $0). Whether I have been incredibly lucky or the Princess CVP's have a bit more freedom when it comes to changing bookings after final payment...I have no idea?!

 

With other cruise lines I tend to book with a TA who can offer extras and/or savings but I have a great CVP with Princess so as long as she sticks with Princess, I plan to continue to use her. Travel agents are great for some people and booking direct is great for others. I am grateful we have the choice to do whatever suits us best!

[Princessfan20]

1 hour ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

That you find it hard to believe doesn't change the fact.

And the invoice for my cabin (note: subtract trip insurance and the total is actually $7,299.00):

 

“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”

― Daniel Patrick Moynihan

 

 

 

Proves nothing because prices change all the time on Princess.  We get much better deals with a casino rate then that.  
 

But glad you are happy with your TA but most people who know travel know that TA’s really have very little unique training that a regular person cannot do the same travel arrangements themselves.

 

We still find dealing with Princess as the best option.

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

That you find it hard to believe doesn't change the fact. For that cruise Princess listed it around $9,300 for a Princess Plus Mini-Suite a few months ago when I booked the cabin. The TA gave me a price of $7,315.26 for the same room and package. And I have the invoice to prove it (pasted below). You can verify the cruise line's prices and the cabin locations with Princess if you still don't believe it. 

 

Here is the CURRENT price as of today for the cabin next door (prices have stayed very stable):

 

 

 

 

And the invoice for my cabin (note: subtract trip insurance and the total is actually $7,299.00):

 

 

 

 

“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”

― Daniel Patrick Moynihan

 

 

 

Excellent deal (and I mean it because never seen this much discount).  My calculation is you received a 25% discount off commissionable fare.  Wish I knew who your TA is.  I recognize the invoice format, but I am pretty sure multiple agencies are using similar invoicing software as I have seen it before.  It does match my current agency format for the piece you have shown us.   I don't book Mini's, so I can also imagine the discount can be more for a more expensive cabin.

Edited September 12, 2022 by Steelers36

[Steelers36]

15 minutes ago, Princessfan20 said:

Proves nothing because prices change all the time on Princess.  We get much better deals with a casino rate then that.  
 

But glad you are happy with your TA but most people who know travel know that TA’s really have very little unique training that a regular person cannot do the same travel arrangements themselves.

 

We still find dealing with Princess as the best option.

It isn't right or fair to compare casino rates with "everyday guest" rates.  Sure, some folks even get comp'd the cabin on a casino deal.  But not everyone gets those.  I think it is more reasonable to compare what's available retail.  Cannot count TA fares or "inter-line" fares and such. 

 

ETA:  When the price changes on Princess - either up or down - it also changes with the TA.

Edited September 12, 2022 by Steelers36

[Steelers36]

45 minutes ago, minabruuke said:

My Princess CVP has on many occasions been able to change my cabin to a better one in a different category well after final payment. On one cruise, I think we did this 3 times after final payment (better rooms at a good price opened up) and we have definitely done so less than two weeks before sailing.

 

I have seen many people on here talking about cabins being for new bookings only but I have yet to be told no when I have wished to make a change that involved moving up in category (obviously no refund for a price drop after final payment). I have always paid the difference between what I originally paid and the current price I see on the website (at least once that price difference has been $0). Whether I have been incredibly lucky or the Princess CVP's have a bit more freedom when it comes to changing bookings after final payment...I have no idea?!

 

With other cruise lines I tend to book with a TA who can offer extras and/or savings but I have a great CVP with Princess so as long as she sticks with Princess, I plan to continue to use her. Travel agents are great for some people and booking direct is great for others. I am grateful we have the choice to do whatever suits us best!

Great that you are happy with a good CVP.  As far as the cabin move, I would think anyone could do a move where prepared to pay the difference to upgrade to a higher level cabin.  

[pris993]

2 hours ago, Princessfan20 said:

We are the same way and have traveled for so many years for business and leisure that we are very aware and informed of getting excellent bookings with cruise lines, airlines, hotels and rental car companies.  
 

You really do give up a lot of control if something goes wrong with a travel reservation.  You are almost always going to be told to contact who every did the reservation instead of being dealt with directly.

 

I think there may be some TA’s on CC who promote the idea you cannot live without a TA.

Being a TA today is not an easy business to be in for sure.  I think back before the internet and access to so much travel information, it was not easy to make travel arrangements on one's own.  Now the reverse is true.   For those of us who do our own bookings directly, we understand how easy it is to do and are obviously satisfied doing so.  

[PTMary]

1 hour ago, Princessfan20 said:

Proves nothing because prices change all the time on Princess.  We get much better deals with a casino rate then that.  
 

But glad you are happy with your TA but most people who know travel know that TA’s really have very little unique training that a regular person cannot do the same travel arrangements themselves.

 

We still find dealing with Princess as the best option.

 

It's amazing how some people will refuse to acknowledge something they don't want to accept as fact. Provide proof, and they claim it "proves nothing". It's a common trait of humans in general not to admit they are wrong, so providing facts won't change that mind set for some. They will never admit that someone is better at something than they are. Quite amusing!!

Edited September 12, 2022 by PTMary

[caribill]

7 hours ago, PTMary said:

 

You don't have any less ability than with a TA. In most cases, you still have to talk to someone to get your issue resolved, whether it's a cabin change or getting a reduced fare if they have gone down. An experienced TA will have the same control over your booking as the Princess rep will have. Both will follow the same chain of command to get issues resolved. 

 

 

OP's problem is that the TA was not available over a weekend while a Princess rep might be.

 

I once wanted to be on a totally sold out cruise when on a Saturday evening I found a cabin was available on the Princess web site, but it was after Princess had closed for the day.

 

My TA was open until 10 PM on Saturdays, so a call to him resulted in my booking that cabin.

 

So the availability of a Princess rep or a TA on a weekend can vary. Whether you booked directly with Princess or with a TA, reaching them on a weekend may be difficult.

[Princessfan20]

7 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

It isn't right or fair to compare casino rates with "everyday guest" rates.  Sure, some folks even get comp'd the cabin on a casino deal.  But not everyone gets those.  I think it is more reasonable to compare what's available retail.  Cannot count TA fares or "inter-line" fares and such. 

 

ETA:  When the price changes on Princess - either up or down - it also changes with the TA.

 

What you pay is what you pay and if Princess has a casino rate that a person qualifies for and it beats a rate a TA can get for the same cruise and cabin category I will take the casino rate.   It has nothing do to with fairness.  But posting a temporary booking without final payment being made proves nothing.   It is all smoke and mirrors in saying TA's are the only ones who get get great discounted rates on Princess.  

Edited September 12, 2022 by Princessfan20

[wrongwaywatson]

I don't think anyone said that TA is the only way to get great discounts.  I think that the poster was just saying that, for the, the price discount is more important than having the control to call Princess themselves.   

I've done it both ways, and right now, I prefer to get the TA discount.  Although each of the last 4 cruises that I have booked, I have compared rates going direct and with 2 other travel agencies.

[vjmatty]

7 hours ago, PTMary said:

 

It's amazing how some people will refuse to acknowledge something they don't want to accept as fact. Provide proof, and they claim it "proves nothing". It's a common trait of humans in general not to admit they are wrong, so providing facts won't change that mind set for some. They will never admit that someone is better at something than they are. Quite amusing!!

 

There is no "wrong".... some people choose to use TA's and some don't.  Neither choice is right for everyone so lets all just be content with our own choices and not judge others for theirs.  It's Cruise Critic, not Cruise Passenger Critic.

[geoherb]

I do not save thousands of dollars, but it's because my cruises are not costing thousands of dollars. I am saving around $100 on my next cruise by booking with a TA over booking directly with Princess. I placed a hold on the cruise on the Princess website then contacted my TA to see what she could do. It's hard to figure an exact percentage of the savings because I'm going by the total cost to me, including Princess Plus, airfare, insurance, and taxes and fees less any OBC offers. 

[PTMary]

2 hours ago, Princessfan20 said:

 

What you pay is what you pay and if Princess has a casino rate that a person qualifies for and it beats a rate a TA can get for the same cruise and cabin category I will take the casino rate.   It has nothing do to with fairness.  But posting a temporary booking without final payment being made proves nothing.   It is all smoke and mirrors in saying TA's are the only ones who get get great discounted rates on Princess.  

 

No one ever said that TAs are the only ones who get great discounted rates on Princess. 

 

Edited September 12, 2022 by PTMary

[azbirdmom]

2 hours ago, Princessfan20 said:

 

What you pay is what you pay and if Princess has a casino rate that a person qualifies for and it beats a rate a TA can get for the same cruise and cabin category I will take the casino rate.   It has nothing do to with fairness.  But posting a temporary booking without final payment being made proves nothing.   It is all smoke and mirrors in saying TA's are the only ones who get get great discounted rates on Princess.  

 

I get the casino rate AND get the TA discount on top of that.  TAs can input the CASINO code just like Princess can (and you can too by doing that little trick of accessing Princess.com via an offer email from the Princess Players Club).  No smoke and mirrors involved, my TA beats whatever fare I can get from Princess 100% of the time plus she provides extra perks.  Well there is one caveat - I must go to the Princess casino reservation area to book a free cruise, but when I'm paying, the best deal is always through my TA.