Local travel agents from Seabourn website

[alc13]

Seabourn will list local travel agents if you enter your zip code.  Has anyone tried that?  I wondered if the ones Seabourn links to might be more likely to give some OBC, for instance.

[Mr Luxury]

17 minutes ago, alc13 said:

Seabourn will list local travel agents if you enter your zip code.  Has anyone tried that?  I wondered if the ones Seabourn links to might be more likely to give some OBC, for instance.

You'll have to ask them

[cruiseej]

7 hours ago, alc13 said:

Seabourn will list local travel agents if you enter your zip code.

 

That seems pretty old fashioned: people don't need a travel agent in their immediate area. For many years, we've worked with a travel agent halfway across the country because their small agency specializes in luxury cruise lines. We've never met in person, but have a great working relationship. When I check the Seabourn travel agent finder, it shows me lots of local agencies which are not luxury cruise specialists (such as every AAA branch within 50 miles!).

[alc13]

I don’t disagree, but I like supporting local businesses, too.  I tried one of the options and am pleased so far. How does Seabourn choose them, I wonder. 

[frantic36]

2 hours ago, cruiseej said:

 

That seems pretty old fashioned: people don't need a travel agent in their immediate area. For many years, we've worked with a travel agent halfway across the country because their small agency specializes in luxury cruise lines. We've never met in person, but have a great working relationship. When I check the Seabourn travel agent finder, it shows me lots of local agencies which are not luxury cruise specialists (such as every AAA branch within 50 miles!).

 

While the need to have a travel agent nearby I wouldn't call old fashioned it certainly isn't necessary if you find a good one who specialises in luxury travel, especially cruising. Ours we have had for many years and though we talk fairly often on the phone I have never met her in person as she lives half way across the country.

 

54 minutes ago, alc13 said:

I like supporting local businesses, too.  I tried one of the options and am pleased so far. How does Seabourn choose them, I wonder. 

Unfortunately after trial and error I found it hard to find a local with the same expertise and resources. Good to know yours is working well. It would be interesting to know how the choose the TA.

[hoosier74]

My TA, who I personally think is the best ever, is about 1,000 miles away.  I actually met him on a Regent cruise, and even though we have met, I enjoy a fabulous email/phone relationship with him and always get OBC.

[kbnovak]

16 hours ago, alc13 said:

I don’t disagree, but I like supporting local businesses, too.  I tried one of the options and am pleased so far. How does Seabourn choose them, I wonder. 

I, too like supporting local businesses.

I suspect agents are included in the listings if they have passes all of the Seabourn Academy training.

[alc13]

So to report back - I called a local agent, who found a substantial promotional discount ($1300 off the list price of $6800) and $500 OBC, with a possibility of a bit more if they are combinable with the other offers.   The promotion doesn't appear on the website.  

 

I usually book our travel myself, but this experience was entirely positive.  Was it lucky timing, or are TAs the secret to saving money on cruise fares?  This agent is affiliated with a larger cruise travel organization, if that matters.  

[kbnovak]

1 minute ago, alc13 said:

So to report back - I called a local agent, who found a substantial promotional discount ($1300 off the list price of $6800) and $500 OBC, with a possibility of a bit more if they are combinable with the other offers.   The promotion doesn't appear on the website.  

 

I usually book our travel myself, but this experience was entirely positive.  Was it lucky timing, or are TAs the secret to saving money on cruise fares?  This agent is affiliated with a larger cruise travel organization, if that matters.  

Depending on which organization the TA works with, they may have access to exclusive deals/perks/savings that even the cruise line's agents can't access.

[cruiseej]

On 7/14/2023 at 1:28 PM, kbnovak said:

I suspect agents are included in the listings if they have passes all of the Seabourn Academy training.

 

I don't think so. It lists every AAA office within 50 miles of us. (When the page is working…which it is not currently.)

 

On 7/15/2023 at 4:23 PM, alc13 said:

Was it lucky timing, or are TAs the secret to saving money on cruise fares?

 

Lucky timing. Seabourn is offering some significant discounts — up to 45% — on cruises through travel agents only, not listed on their website. I got an email from our TA listing many dozens of cruises in the next year which qualify for this promotional pricing.