Book direct or through Travel Agent?

[buchanan101]

On 1/4/2023 at 6:53 AM, DaisyUK said:

Apologies if this question has been asked and answered previously. I have searched the forum and cannot find anything that refers. I am wondering whether most of you book direct with Cunard, or through a Travel Agent and, if the latter, the reason why and whether you receive a discount by so doing? 

I booked direct the first (and only) time I sailed. This time for June 24 on QA I used a travel agent as they offered a 5% discount (on top of the early discount offered by Cunard).

 

I may live to regret it, others have relationships with TAs that don't offer discounts but offer them the service they want. Most fringe stuff I can sort myself so how I would judge a TA will only be on whether unnecessary problems arise because of them, or how they handle problems that arise.

 

They had booked me in to one of the only PG rooms on QA with a linked door to the next cabin (as the next cabin was for reduced mobility). I noticed and they changed it immediately, no problem. Maybe a real top notch TA would have noticed something like that?

 

But 5% was £280 in this case (for PG), so not to be sneezed at. 

 

 

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, buchanan101 said:

I booked direct the first (and only) time I sailed. This time for June 24 on QA I used a travel agent as they offered a 5% discount (on top of the early discount offered by Cunard).

 

I may live to regret it, others have relationships with TAs that don't offer discounts but offer them the service they want. Most fringe stuff I can sort myself so how I would judge a TA will only be on whether unnecessary problems arise because of them, or how they handle problems that arise.

 

They had booked me in to one of the only PG rooms on QA with a linked door to the next cabin (as the next cabin was for reduced mobility). I noticed and they changed it immediately, no problem. Maybe a real top notch TA would have noticed something like that?

 

But 5% was £280 in this case (for PG), so not to be sneezed at. 

 

 

Your agent would/should have been aware of communicating cabins as they are  easy to see on the QA deck plans.

 

Sadly, the only time you would be able to see how an agent performs under the pressure of problematic circumstances is when they occur. That's when a wonderful agent shows his or her stripes.

 

Edited January 6, 2023 by Victoria2
added QA

[Victoria2]

1 minute ago, Victoria2 said:

Your agent would/should have been aware of communicating cabins as they are  easy to see on the QA deck plans.

 

Sadly, the only time you would be able to see how an agent performs under the pressure of problematic circumstances is when they occur. That's when a wonderful agent shows his or her stripes.

 

 

[sfred]

Perhaps I've been silly all these years, but I've always booked direct through Cunard.  I similarly go direct to airlines, hotels, etc.  No good reason, really, it is just instinct and a (perhaps irrational) feeling that I have more control.

 

The benefits of using a (good) agent seem clear - potential discounts, extra OBC, assistance when things hit the fan, etc.  Is there any benefit at all of going direct through Cunard?   I'd hope there was some incentive somewhere for saving Cunard the commission paid to agents.

[buchanan101]

21 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Your agent would/should have been aware of communicating cabins as they are  easy to see on the QA deck plans.

 

Sadly, the only time you would be able to see how an agent performs under the pressure of problematic circumstances is when they occur. That's when a wonderful agent shows his or her stripes.

 

To be fair there are virtually no communicating cabins on QA so she may not have thought there were any. Also it was the first hour that bookings were open.

 

Anyway, we will see!

[buchanan101]

10 hours ago, sfred said:

Perhaps I've been silly all these years, but I've always booked direct through Cunard.  I similarly go direct to airlines, hotels, etc.  No good reason, really, it is just instinct and a (perhaps irrational) feeling that I have more control.

 

The benefits of using a (good) agent seem clear - potential discounts, extra OBC, assistance when things hit the fan, etc.  Is there any benefit at all of going direct through Cunard?   I'd hope there was some incentive somewhere for saving Cunard the commission paid to agents.

Seems to be no benefits at all going direct - my booking has Cunard early booking discount and full OBC. 

[Victoria2]

23 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

To be fair there are virtually no communicating cabins on QA so she may not have thought there were any. Also it was the first hour that bookings were open.

 

Anyway, we will see!

True, but the connecting stateroom symbol is in the symbol key blurb so you can't miss it.

 

Luckily, it's been sorted so no problem.

[Wordzz]

We used a TA once, many years ago, and didn't have the best experience. So we now always book direct with Cunard. Not because I think it's necessarily the best way, it's just that I have no idea how to choose a really good TA from the many out there, and don't want to take the risk of another bad experience.

[naturelovergirl]

The fact is… some people will say a TA is the ONLY way to go… while others will tell you the opposite.

The truth lies in the middle.

The answer is what is best for you and your comfort level of being a savvy traveler.

A good travel agent or a good travel agency can be wonderful for people who want ease or help in the booking… and yes sometimes there might be some perks too. A good TA or travel company is worth it.

But they are not all good.

In this modern age, you don’t have to use a travel agent. You can do your own research and deal with the cruise line directly.

 

Personally I use a mix.

With Cunard, I use a big travel company here in the US because I can get perks. They have done me well before the pandemic, dealing with cancellations during the pandemic, and after the restart have been helpful.

With another large line we use, I tend to book direct with that line because they are super easy to deal with and I like their booking interface.

Then… A large family line I took with our extended family, they wanted to use a TA they knew… and she was not worth it at all… we would have been much better to book directly… which my brother in law chose to do on a subsequent sailing on that family line.

 

So pick the choice best for you.

 

[D&N]

Going by the OP's name they are UK based. Depending on the complexity of the booking they plan to make they may or may not benefit from using a TA rather than booking direct.

In our case, living in France, Cunard UK may not have taken our booking and referred us to their French representatives or a French TA.  Standards of service in France are generally abysmal and it's very hard to find agents prepared to speak to you in English. You might think that's to be expected, but business French and the ability to argue contractual matters in the language are not something generally taught to foreigners.

Therefore in our case having a specialist UK based travel agent was absolutely essential and proved to be so in practice.

Everyone's circumstances are different, but although you might not benefit from massive discounts, being represented by an established specialist agent should give some peace of mind.

[LB_NJ]

On 1/4/2023 at 8:12 AM, 2Oldpeopleinlove said:

Dissenting voice here. Perhaps I’m a control freak,but we tried using an agent once, and I disliked the remove from direct communications. We’ve never had the drama with calling Cunard that many here describe. I prefer direct contact, and we’ve had deals we’re quite satisfied with booking onboard.

 

This has been my experience.  I do not like going through a TA.  However, that is not to say that there not good TAs out there.  Unless you actually find a GOOD TA (I would not trust anyone but a friend who has used the TA) booking direct is recommended.

[mangocruiser]

9 hours ago, naturelovergirl said:

The fact is… some people will say a TA is the ONLY way to go… while others will tell you the opposite.

The truth lies in the middle.

The answer is what is best for you and your comfort level of being a savvy traveler.

A good travel agent or a good travel agency can be wonderful for people who want ease or help in the booking… and yes sometimes there might be some perks too. A good TA or travel company is worth it.

But they are not all good.

In this modern age, you don’t have to use a travel agent. You can do your own research and deal with the cruise line directly.

 

Personally I use a mix.

With Cunard, I use a big travel company here in the US because I can get perks. They have done me well before the pandemic, dealing with cancellations during the pandemic, and after the restart have been helpful.

With another large line we use, I tend to book direct with that line because they are super easy to deal with and I like their booking interface.

Then… A large family line I took with our extended family, they wanted to use a TA they knew… and she was not worth it at all… we would have been much better to book directly… which my brother in law chose to do on a subsequent sailing on that family line.

 

So pick the choice best for you.

 

Can you recommend what company you use for insurance?

[naturelovergirl]

14 hours ago, mangocruiser said:

Can you recommend what company you use for insurance?

I do not believe that we are allowed on Cruise Critic to specifically name the travel agencies or travel products we use… they don’t want promotion on the boards.

So you usually see more cryptic or general descriptions.

In the US- If you are part of any membership big box stores you can look into their travel programs to see what they can offer.

[57eric]

16 hours ago, mangocruiser said:

Can you recommend what company you use for insurance?

Cruise Critic has an Insurance board.  There certainly don't seem to be any restrictions on naming providers.  You will likely find it helpful.

[LB_NJ]

49 minutes ago, 57eric said:

Cruise Critic has an Insurance board.  There certainly don't seem to be any restrictions on naming providers.  You will likely find it helpful.

I think the prohibition only applies to travel agencies because Cruise Critic makes money from travel agencies through their find a cruise page.

[buchanan101]

1 hour ago, LB_NJ said:

I think the prohibition only applies to travel agencies because Cruise Critic makes money from travel agencies through their find a cruise page.

They could also make money through links to insurance companies. I had to get pre-existing condition insurance (atrial fibrillation) - and it kicked off again first day in NYC after a crossing in October. Spent a day in ER (all I wanted was blood thinners as those are needed if heart in fibrillation). Doctor sent me to ER for a day. $1500 to be checked up but with the number of staff there this really is what healthcare cost. $100 for 10 tablets… 

 

Anyway insurance company paid up quickly no quibbles so I’m going to mention them ; Staysure. I didn’t rely on my Amex Platinum card insurance as doesn’t cover many pre-existing conditions. Also Staysure specifically covered cruises and top level Covid cover. 
 

it cost £350 for the two of us (60 and 51) for US + cruise cover included. Renewal cost for just me in Europe only (no cruise) is just £90. (OH has insurance on bank account - we only went for couple insurance for cruise / US / top Covid to be sure) 
 

 

[Windsurfboy]

Returning to agent vs direct.

 

I was a few days late booking Capetown to UK for April.  So could only get mid aft not preferred midships . However looked occasionally to see if any midship appeared. Today is final balance day , so checked for last few days. Yesterday  afternoon a midship cabin appeared , I rang at 5.50pm to grab it before it went.  I just wonder if an agent with many clients would have time to keep checking. If I'd have had to ring agent first then they ring Cunard they would have closed.

[D&N]

3 hours ago, buchanan101 said:

Anyway insurance company paid up quickly no quibbles so I’m going to mention them ; Staysure. I didn’t rely on my Amex Platinum card insurance as doesn’t cover many pre-existing conditions. Also Staysure specifically covered cruises and top level Covid cover.

Glad to hear that.  "Staysure Expat" were about the only company we could find offering the specific cover we needed, given our geographic location.  I did worry about some of the negative feedback regarding their claims handlers, although thankfully we had no need to make any claims.

Nice to hear that someone has had a positive experience with a claim.

[PSAdams]

Hi, this is more of a related question. I have booked direct with Cunard US and am happy to have secured the cabin I wanted, but am also aware of a Cunard specialist agency in Chicago that could take over my booking. Has anyone done this before? Is there an advantage after booking is done? Maybe for flights? I also booked direct with the airline, not through Cunard. Thanks!

[ratflinger]

We booked though a large warehouse chain here in the US.  The 8% commission is returned to us as a gift card.  We'll also get 1% as store credit and 2% back from the branded credit card, for a total of an 11% discount - not bad.  They also have travel insurance.  Last crossing they offered the commission as OBC and it didn't show.  They bugged Cunard until about 3/4 of the way through before it finally showed.  So they will work for their customers.

 

Their website also showed more cabin availability than Cunard's. Cunard offered a Q6 midship and the travel site offered us a Q6, slightly more forward for $1000 less.  We were more forward last time, with no ill effects.

[NYCSev20]

11 hours ago, PSAdams said:

Hi, this is more of a related question. I have booked direct with Cunard US and am happy to have secured the cabin I wanted, but am also aware of a Cunard specialist agency in Chicago that could take over my booking. Has anyone done this before? Is there an advantage after booking is done? Maybe for flights? I also booked direct with the airline, not through Cunard. Thanks!

I also booked direct with Cunard US and have booked the cabin that I wanted.  I origionaly contacted a Cunard specialist in the UK but was told due to cruise line and/or UK TA policies I could not be represented by a TA in the UK.  I am aware of the "Cunard specialist agency in Chicago" and I'm curious if anyone has any expierience with contacting them or another TA after booking and what any benefits their might be.  

[exlondoner]

11 hours ago, ratflinger said:

We booked though a large warehouse chain here in the US.  The 8% commission is returned to us as a gift card.  We'll also get 1% as store credit and 2% back from the branded credit card, for a total of an 11% discount - not bad.  They also have travel insurance.  Last crossing they offered the commission as OBC and it didn't show.  They bugged Cunard until about 3/4 of the way through before it finally showed.  So they will work for their customers.

 

Their website also showed more cabin availability than Cunard's. Cunard offered a Q6 midship and the travel site offered us a Q6, slightly more forward for $1000 less.  We were more forward last time, with no ill effects.

I don’t think there are any midship Q6s.

[Victoria2]

14 hours ago, PSAdams said:

Hi, this is more of a related question. I have booked direct with Cunard US and am happy to have secured the cabin I wanted, but am also aware of a Cunard specialist agency in Chicago that could take over my booking. Has anyone done this before? Is there an advantage after booking is done? Maybe for flights? I also booked direct with the airline, not through Cunard. Thanks!

The issue in the UK at the moment is some uncertainty over flights this summer.

Book with an airline and it's their responsibility to try and get you to your destination but if the ship has sailed, hard luck.

Book through Cunard and it's their responsibility to get you somehow to the ship and if everything goes whatsit up, their problem to sort out one way or another, not yours.

[PSAdams]

4 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

The issue in the UK at the moment is some uncertainty over flights this summer.

Book with an airline and it's their responsibility to try and get you to your destination but if the ship has sailed, hard luck.

Book through Cunard and it's their responsibility to get you somehow to the ship and if everything goes whatsit up, their problem to sort out one way or another, not yours.

Thanks, Victoria, that's a great point. I'm flying in the day before and spending a night in Southampton, so I think I should have some wiggle room. I bought refundable tickets so I might try calling Cunard anyway and see if they can get me a better deal.

[buchanan101]

1 minute ago, Victoria2 said:

The issue in the UK at the moment is some uncertainty over flights this summer.

Book with an airline and it's their responsibility to try and get you to your destination but if the ship has sailed, hard luck.

Book through Cunard and it's their responsibility to get you somehow to the ship and if everything goes whatsit up, their problem to sort out one way or another, not yours.

No more issue than normal in the UK this summer is it?  The LHR security dispute has been settled

 

I think even if Cunard were organising my flights I'd still give it a couple of days spare*; in your scenario Cunard might just decide to compensate you and let the ship sail on.

 

(*surely no one flies the day of a cruise departure - I wouldn't dare not be close to Southampton overnight - even driving 100 miles on the day of a sailing would worry me too much...)