Travel agent vs cruise line agent

[Magic#1]

Wanting to book a cruise to Alaska next year (we've never been). We've always used the cruise line agent with our other cruises to the Caribbean. We will obviously need to fly, since we are on the east coast. Which one may be able to get us the best rate and the best service all the way through.

[Tapi]

We normally book directly with the cruise line if there's no price advantage, but there are a handful of cruise lines that will offer better pricing through some of their preferred travel agents, so it does pay to shop around. 

 

That was the case when we sailed to Alaska. After some research, we narrowed it down to Holland America which did offer better pricing through a travel agent. We saved a substantial amount of money by not going directly through the cruise line. 

[Magic#1]

2 hours ago, Tapi said:

We normally book directly with the cruise line if there's no price advantage, but there are a handful of cruise lines that will offer better pricing through some of their preferred travel agents, so it does pay to shop around. 

 

That was the case when we sailed to Alaska. After some research, we narrowed it down to Holland America which did offer better pricing through a travel agent. We saved a substantial amount of money by not going directly through the cruise line. 

 

What travel agency did you use, if you don't mind me asking.

[CruiserBruce]

2 minutes ago, Magic#1 said:

 

What travel agency did you use, if you don't mind me asking.

We are not allowed to name or discuss travel agents on Cruise Critic.

[Tapi]

9 minutes ago, Magic#1 said:

 

What travel agency did you use, if you don't mind me asking.

Unfortunately, Cruise Critic doesn't allow me to share that information with you. But conduct an online search and you'll be able to compare different online travel agencies. 

[Coral]

I find pricing better with a travel agent. Though not all travel agents are cheaper.

 

I book air through the cruise line's website or on my own.

 

I encourage you to read about the ports in Alaska as they are different from each other (compared to Caribbean islands) and see which ones you want to go to and which glacier interests you best. I am partial to Glacier Bay.

[Ferry_Watcher]

On 7/10/2023 at 1:36 PM, Magic#1 said:

Wanting to book a cruise to Alaska next year (we've never been).

 

Just remember that whatever Alaska cruise you select, the ship will visit a Canadian port - and that means that you will have to show a passport or gov't issued US birth certificate/photo ID.  I work cruise check-in in Seattle, and it has been surprising how many folks arrive without the required documents that show citizenship.  

 

[Jeremiah On a Cruise]

I'd say that there are four general options:

 

1. A travel agent with a discount broker will typically be able to get you a discount on the posted rate.  However, their service is typically polite but limited to booking - they are unlikely to provide much support beyond that.  I recommend that you know exactly what you want, including dates and staterooms, if going this option.  
2. A travel agent with a customer-focused broker will typically match the cruise line's price, but will provide excellent service, and help locating (or even booking) excursions, talking through different cruise lines, different ships, destinations, options, rebooking, etc.  Note that a travel agent who doesn't provide a discount, and doesn't provide these services, should be fired IMO.
3. Booking through a travel agent at the cruise line will typically match the posted price, but will provide excellent service on the cruise.  I've found these agents top-notch at getting difficult to find staterooms, preferred dining times, and things like that.  They also have access to some unique discounts that may not be available via other paths (e.g. casino rates).  However, they typically charge full price, and are obviously limited to a single cruise line.
4. Booking directly remains an option that some love.  Here, the traveler will pay full price, but may have more control over their booking.  If you want control and don't mind paying full price, this is a great option.  Note that this is the only option I haven't used, but I know people who swear by this approach.

 

Hope that helps.

[AKJonesy]

We book through cruise discount agent.  We can't make suggestions to you but you will find them on google, etc.  I've been using same on line cruise discount broker/agent for at least 10 years.  I pick the room I want w/o an upcharge which seems to be what some of the cruise lines are doing now.  Only once in near 200 cruise days has the cruise line beat the price.  I book my own airfare so I can't speak to that.  IMHO and personally, I don't see need for someone else to book my airfare.  I know some people talk about if airline is delayed and if booking through cruise line, they are going to wait for you or make arrangements.  This can serve as a great piece of mind.  For me; I admit it's a bit different.  My husband and I usually fly down to the states for at least several days in advance of any cruise as a pre-cruise add on for us and not just fly to get to the cruise itself.  Do some comparison shopping.  I just saved $1800 on our upcoming cruise fare by booking through the cruise discount broker vs the cruise line.  

[CILCIANRQTS]

1. A travel agent works for you. The cruise line agent works for them.

2. A good travel agent has connections with the cruise line and will work to get concessions/special handling. The cruise line agent generally has to play by the book.

3. A travel agent earns their commission when things start to go wrong and they fix it. (I.e. COVID rebookings) A cruise line agent is primarily there to take new bookings, not hold your hand.

[mskaufman]

Even if the price is the same, some travel agents provide on board credit

 

[donaldsc]

My answer will be very short.  A cruise company agent is paid by and is responsible to the cruise company.  A TA is paid by and is responsible to you.

 

DON

[CILCIANRQTS]

Just now, donaldsc said:

My answer will be very short.  A cruise company agent is paid by and is responsible to the cruise company.  A TA is paid by and is responsible to you.

 

DON

Saying TA is paid by you may be confusing.

TA is paid by the cruise line at no extra cost to you.

[donaldsc]

8 hours ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

Saying TA is paid by you may be confusing.

TA is paid by the cruise line at no extra cost to you.

 

You are right and my answer was sort of correct but confusing.  What I meant to say is that the cruise company agent is employed by the cruise company and does what the cruise company says they must do even if it is not in your best interests.  While the TA may get a commission from the cruise their responsibility is to get the best deal for you.

 

DON

[CILCIANRQTS]

22 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

You are right and my answer was sort of correct but confusing.  What I meant to say is that the cruise company agent is employed by the cruise company and does what the cruise company says they must do even if it is not in your best interests.  While the TA may get a commission from the cruise their responsibility is to get the best deal for you.

 

DON

Agree totally. 👍

[tetleytea]

If the prices are about the same, here's a test:  call the cruise line's main number, and at the automated prompt select the options for "help with an existing cruise".  If they quickly redirect you to the right department to book a new cruise, then you reached a good customer service department.  If that takes forever, but then you call again and select the "book a new cruise" option, and have absolutely no problem getting through to a human, then you know the kind of treatment you will get once you have paid, should you select that cruise line. 

Edited July 22, 2023 by tetleytea

[Ashland]

Book your own air directly with the carrier. Cruiseline air isn't always a good idea.

[roninman]

"1. A travel agent works for you. The cruise line agent works for them. "

 

Travel agents collect revenue from the provider- in this case the cruise company.  Therefore, the cruise company is the client, hence the customer of the travel agency.

 

The product the travel agent sells to its client is me, the traveling consumer. 

 

Therefore, the travel agent works for its customer, the cruise line, and sells me- the product- to the cruise line in exchange for payment.

 

[Coral]

8 minutes ago, roninman said:

"1. A travel agent works for you. The cruise line agent works for them. "

 

Travel agents collect revenue from the provider- in this case the cruise company.  Therefore, the cruise company is the client, hence the customer of the travel agency.

 

The product the travel agent sells to its client is me, the traveling consumer. 

 

Therefore, the travel agent works for its customer, the cruise line, and sells me- the product- to the cruise line in exchange for payment.

 

Technically - I pay the travel agent who runs it through the cruise line's system and then they get their portion back in commission. 

 

My travel agent fights for me, the customer. They don't fight for the cruise line. My agent represents me. Not all agents are that way.

 

My travel agent sells a ton of products that compete with each other. The cruise line only sells their product. She tells me what product she thinks is best for me or what product has the best prices.