Why Use a Travel Agent?

[petesweet]

I wish I had known about the online agency for the prepaid gratuities as DH and I are on a very tight budget...the cruise was a gift and we have no money...is there a charge for the online service?

 

I don't believe you mentioned when your cruise is. Check out a thread I started a short while ago that gives you some tips about how to get onboard credit. Even if you can't afford to buy stock, perhaps you would want to get the RCL Visa card. If you have time for the paperwork required, you can perhaps get as much as $300 onboard credit just for applying. If you don't pay your card off each month, be alert to the interest rates; however, all you have to do is charge what you would normally charge and then pay it off right away and you'd still have that lovely credit. Here's the thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=629807

[gxchan]

It's hard to believe that some TA's would even try to sell the brochure rate to unsuspecting people.

 

That was exactly the problem I had with the first TA I spoke to about cruising, she wanted me to pay full brochure price and still wasn't giving me anything, no OBC, wine, nada. Some vendors will try to take advantage of newbies so consumers have to check multiple sources. Just like getting a second medical opinion.

[cruzincurt]

In my opinion, if a TA is selling a cruise at a higher price than you can buy direct from the cruiseline, find another TA. The cruiseline will not undercut the travel agents in price. They need each other to support the industry. Remember, the TA is not necessarily looking out for your best interest. They are the brokers between you and the cruiseline.

 

Prices being the same from the cruiseline and the TA, I'll book with the TA to support small business. Being a part owner of a 40 person business, it's my belief that small businesses are the backbone of this country.

[Melissa401]

If you book your vacation directly with the airlines & cruise lines, you may not be able to obtain financial default coverage.

Many insurance providers state this coverage is only available if the trip is purchased through a third party (travel agent).

This type of travel insurance will provide protection in the event your cruise line or airline goes bankrupt.

 

And I agree with cruzincurt - If the cost is the same, use a travel agent.

Also, if the cruise line is quoting lower than the TA, call your TA and let them know.

The cruise lines should not be competing with their agents.

[Az's Cruising Nana]

I think everyone has definate opinion on this one. I think as long as you are happy with the end result that is what matters the most. We always use a cruise only TA. The owners are both exship employees. They have been able to give us the ins and outs of cruising. If I call with several cruises they give me their advice. They know what we like and have not ever given us bad suggestions. The prices are comperable to what we see online. I have not gotten OBC but there is always a sailaway gift onboard from them. I do not shop for a cruise looking or a freebie. I book through them knowing I am going to get good sound advice from start to finish. They sat us down the first time we booked through them and went page by page through the documents so there would be no surprises.

 

This spring on our So. Carribean sailing I stumbled across what I detected to be a problem at 8:00 @ night. They called me back first thing the next AM and had all the answers we needed to make an informed decision. The sailing had indeed been cut short from 7 to 5 days due to dry dock. We knew what was being offered for compensation right up front. Those that booked directly with RCCl were told we'll call you later with your options. For some that was a good week to 10 days later.

 

Even though we now live in anoher state I still use the same TA. They will have a lifelong customer. Throw my vote on the TA side!!!!! Sue

[Icyhill]

My TA was 1 of 100 nominated to be Godmother of the Liberty. Ok, she didn't get it. But she deals with Royal and Carnival all the time. When a problem happens she knows exactly who to go to. Royal messed up our onboard credit recently and she was the one who got to duke it out with Royal. She also got us an ungodly amount of credit and reduced rate for a change in our sailing date. I certainly couldn't have done that on my own. I have no pull - she however sells a lot for them - she does.

 

I want to transfer my RC booking to a great TA to get some OBC, etc. Why not? But, I am very leary and would only want a great TA.

 

Since no one can give out recommendations here (ugh) how can I find a good one, without spending hours and hours researching??

 

THANKS for any help!!

[whogo]

I want to transfer my RC booking to a great TA to get some OBC, etc. Why not? But, I am very leary and would only want a great TA.

 

Since no one can give out recommendations here (ugh) how can I find a good one, without spending hours and hours researching??

 

THANKS for any help!!

I would be wary of any recommendations.

[sgttami]

I'm confused. I see discussions about travel agents on this board--some good and some bad--and I wonder why you need a travel agent. If Royal Caribbean does not offer reduced prices through a TA (which I am told is the case), why not just deal directly with Royal Caribbean? Is it because you get special perks through a TA? I never have, but it may be because we just get the cheapest cabin. I think I'll not bother with a TA again. I do all the work anyway. I'd be curious about the pros and cons. Thanks.

 

 

 

I didn't read all the previous posts but I use a TA for cruises only. I found my guy a few years ago and I love him!! He will call when there are price reductions, new cruises, new ships etc...

 

We get the little perks of wine/flowers delivered to the cabin and we've gotten onboard $$ as well.

 

I've changed and flipped cruises a million times. He takes care of it in minutes..I've booked directly through the cruiseline and got nothing but aggravation when changing trips!!

 

Land trips and air...another story. I always book on my own...

[BRMAN]

I have done both. I like having a TA, she was able to get the cabin that I wanted and also gave me a fruit basket, bottle of champain, $25 in casino tokens and coupons ($40) for Chops or Portifino's specialty resturant. All in all in was over $100 gift. She was also very helpful in recommending cabin selection as I had never been on the Mariner before and gave a lot of advise and tips. She blocked and reserved several cabins

( ~ 1 month) for us so we could see if others wanted to cruise with us with no deposit.

 

She also got me a $450 price reduction when the cruise line dropped the price of our cabin.

 

She always answers any question, phone call or email very promptly.

[Kruzeagain]

Our first cruise was booked with a solid TA, who gave us tremendous (yet brief) outlines of all the various ships and personalities. It made it very easy to choose RCI and we were delighted with the choice. Peace of mind came from the sheer size of this cruise specialist here in Canada.

Our 2nd cruise booking was a piece of cake for both the TA and us: Simply e-mailed the TA once with our preferences and everything was taken care of.

My only little gripe would be that this TA has never offered any kind of bonus i.e. OBC. Nothing. Nada. And we have never once haggled over anything. I kinda thought that perhaps TA's might appreciate the Clients who don't make them sweat over every tiny detail but I guess not...

So if we plan to do another basic Carib cruise again we'll probably just book it direct with RCI.

 

Happy Cruising,

Alan

PS...and yes, we book the flights ourselves.

[kathyanddick]

What is the story about onboard credits and other gifts from TAs? Maybe only if you book expensive cabins? I usually book two (sometimes three) cabins, but always the cheapest ones. Should I expect a little gift of appreciation from my TA?

 

Do you expect to get a gift when you buy the cheapest thing in any store?

I have never received a gift when I shop for the cheapest car on the lot from my local car salesman. I get a birthday card from him every year. But never have I received an "on the lot credit" or a bottle wine, etc. I don't receive a gift from my local grocery store where I spend $100+ per week in there. I don't see WalMart sending me gifts everytime I purchase from them.

When I have purchased basic balcony cabin or higher from my TA, she gives me an OBC or other modest gift on board. When I purchase a basic oceanview or inside cabin, I don't get anything. What I get is someone to take the time to do all of the work for me as I am a very busy person and cannot be bothered. I want someone to take care of all of the details for me. She does that very well and all I have to do is pack and go.

I think she would pack for me if I asked her to. But not give up her commission. That is her bread and butter.

Just my humble opinion.

kathyanddick

[abschnick]

We use a travel agent because it is the only way we get cash back award from Discover Card. Discover specifies the agency to use. Plus the TA has always been very helpful.

[Cincy-David]

I would be wary of any recommendations.

 

I agree. For my first cruise I used a TA who did nothing more than make the reservation and collected the money.

 

Then a very experienced cruiser referred me to her agent who I just adore. She has provided valuable assistance, great advice and she is just a sweetie.

 

She booked me on our upcoming Radiance Cruise and I couldn't be happier. I have referred many friends and family to her and all are as happy as me.

 

My best suggestion. Take a recommendation only from someone you trust. Many agents use CC to drum business (despite it being against the rules). Just because they are on CC, doesn't make them honest.

 

Second suggestion, don't chose a TA just to get a free bottle of wine. Choose one for service.

[big al]

From my manual on using TA's or Cruise agents:

 

Should I use a travel/cruise agent and if so,what’s the advantage? Using an agent is better for one BIG reason-service!! If you call Carnival or Princess directly,you will get a person on the end of the line who most likely makes $7 an hour and has no clue about what you want and doesn’t care. I,for example,on the other hand will research the best cabins available to make sure you don’t get stuck near the engines.Or below the pool deck,where at 6 AM,the crew starts putting down lounge chairs and it can get noisy.Or just above/below the disco.I have ALL the deck plans of all the cruise ships,so I can get you a cabin according to your wishes-PROMISE!!

So let’s say you’ve found a cruise after some research.For argument’s sake,let’s say that you’ve decided on cruising the Eastern Caribbean on RCI’s Liberty of The Seas,which deduts in May 2007.You’ve chosen an October cruise,5-6 months from now at this writing.Hint:It is always a good idea to book a cruise way in advance-I suggest 6-9 months-earlier if it is during a holiday time..why? 1) you’ll get the best cabin on the exact cruise and exact ship you want if you book early..2) More time to shop around for better deals…3) Most cruise lines give a great discount when you book early-so if possible,plan ahead..then 4) You’ll have something to look forward to!!! You’ve decided on a balcony cabin.NOW WHAT??? First you must either call myself,a cruise agency,or lastly the company itself. I always recommend agents because they know the business and know what others have said about this line,this ship,etc PLUS they may have special rates or group sailings where they block a certain amount of cabins on select cruises… And I can give you a brochure! I have brochures of all the cruise lines..BTW,don’t pay attention to the prices in the brochures- they are often much higher and I normally can beat their prices…some tips on the cabin location: 1)always pick a cabin that has cabins above it,and/or below you…why? Less noise.Do you want a company agent from RCI putting you in a cabin below the night club? Or the Show lounges? I know-I’ve been in those cabins,and if you’re a light sleeper or you like piece & quiet,than take my advice..2) If you ‘re prone to motion sickness,choose a cabin midship.Cabins at the back (“aft”) or the front can be windy,and have more motion,as well as wetter (more front for wetter)..if you have any physical disabilities,you might want to be near the elevators..3) Make sure your view is not obstructed in any way.Hint: Aft balconies often have balconies 25-50 % bigger than those regular ones on the side of the ship..and you can see the wake(waves made by the ship) as you cruise along and it is very tranquil back there and more secluded than other cabins.

 

Big Al

[FL_Cruiser64]

If you book your vacation directly with the airlines & cruise lines, you may not be able to obtain financial default coverage.

Many insurance providers state this coverage is only available if the trip is purchased through a third party (travel agent).

This type of travel insurance will provide protection in the event your cruise line or airline goes bankrupt.

 

And I agree with cruzincurt - If the cost is the same, use a travel agent.

Also, if the cruise line is quoting lower than the TA, call your TA and let them know.

The cruise lines should not be competing with their agents.

 

That statement sounds like when a cruise line is lower than a TA that it is the cruise lines fault. If a TA is higher than a cruise line it is definitely the TAs fault. Your last sentence should be something like: The TAs should not add additional fees to the cruise lines advertised price. That would bring your paragraph into the right contex.

[FL_Cruiser64]

I want to transfer my RC booking to a great TA to get some OBC, etc. Why not? But, I am very leary and would only want a great TA.

 

Since no one can give out recommendations here (ugh) how can I find a good one, without spending hours and hours researching??

 

THANKS for any help!!

 

 

Its not worth the effort but try it anyways.\

 

I emailed over 25 TAs, ran the same quote on the same cruise, the same category, same time frame. Of those 25, at the end only 20 even bothered to respond. Out of the 20 a total of 6 charged additional fees such as processing fees etc. Out of the remaining 14 (OBCs ranged from 50 dollars OBC to prepaid gratuities of $163) I went into detail: what if I have to change my booking, cabin category etc. Out of those 14 a total of 11 had rebooking fees, changing fees etc which essentially would have eaten up most of the credit. Left were three TAs. Each of them with $50 OBC. The 50 bucks is not worth it to me to give up control over my booking. My vacation planner at RCI has never refused nor complained about all those changes I make. He is also a great guidance for me when I have a question regarding C&A etc and is extremely knowledgeable about the ships.

 

I would say, in my case, TAs won't pay off (I kinda smile when I read those stories "oh I got 600 dollars OBC from my TA"). I do believe TAs come in handy if it is a cruiser who switches frequently cruise lines or doesn't cruise on one particular line or a newbee. For me (I tried others), not so. I cruise RCI until I run out of ports-of-call (I do will cruise Celebrity though).

[bickee]

Its not worth the effort but try it anyways.\

 

I emailed over 25 TAs, ran the same quote on the same cruise, the same category, same time frame. Of those 25, at the end only 20 even bothered to respond. Out of the 20 a total of 6 charged additional fees such as processing fees etc. Out of the remaining 14 (OBCs ranged from 50 dollars OBC to prepaid gratuities of $163) I went into detail: what if I have to change my booking, cabin category etc. Out of those 14 a total of 11 had rebooking fees, changing fees etc which essentially would have eaten up most of the credit. Left were three TAs. Each of them with $50 OBC. The 50 bucks is not worth it to me to give up control over my booking. My vacation planner at RCI has never refused nor complained about all those changes I make. He is also a great guidance for me when I have a question regarding C&A etc and is extremely knowledgeable about the ships.

 

I would say, in my case, TAs won't pay off (I kinda smile when I read those stories "oh I got 600 dollars OBC from my TA"). I do believe TAs come in handy if it is a cruiser who switches frequently cruise lines or doesn't cruise on one particular line or a newbee. For me (I tried others), not so. I cruise RCI until I run out of ports-of-call (I do will cruise Celebrity though).

 

Well I use a TA and not only receive the TA benefits but also the RCI loyalties...what do you think you're getting that I'm not by booking through the cruiseline? Just curious...

[petesweet]

This is good information; however, CLIA actually has 4 certification levels -- ACC (Accredited Cruise Counsellor), MCC (Master Cruise Counsellor), ECC (Elite Cruise Counsellor), and ECCS (Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar). As you progress through the certification levels, the ranks get smaller and smaller. Last time I checked, there were only about 35 travel agents in North America that hold the certifcation ECCS. If you deal with an ECCS, you are definitely dealing with someone who knows cruises!

 

I've learned a lot since starting this thread.

 

I found an on-line TA who has offered me a nice OBC for the two cabins (next-to-last price level for inside cabin) we have booked. He can be reached around the clock. He has two offices--one in Connecticut, and one in Florida. He will not charge me for canceling or making changes. If there is a price drop, he will see that I get the drop but make a slight adjustment in the OBC since that comes from his commission, which is lowered when the price drops. (All of this is in writing.)

 

I am a control freak, so I do all the research and work and will just move this booking to him at the last minute before the final payment is due. He understands and has no problem with this. Less work for him for the same commission. We have had numerous phone calls so far.

 

On the other hand, I researched the CLIA website and found one a couple of blocks up the road from me. I called three days ago and got a recording that she was busy. She has yet to call me.

[petesweet]

I want to transfer my RC booking to a great TA to get some OBC, etc. Why not? But, I am very leary and would only want a great TA.

 

Since no one can give out recommendations here (ugh) how can I find a good one, without spending hours and hours researching??

 

THANKS for any help!!

 

Here's what I did and what I recommend you do. It doesn't really take a lot of time.

 

1. Prepare a list of questions so you can interview prospective travel agents. Describe the cruise you have booked or wish to take--length, cost, type of cabin. Research the cost ahead of time and tell the potential TAs the price you have. If it is not a Royal Caribbean cruise, perhaps the TA can get you a better price. (RCCL cruises cannot be discounted by a TA.) The TA's price should NEVER be higher than what you can do yourself!! Ask if there is a charge to make a change (i.e., if you see a price drop) or need to cancel. Ask how available they will be when you want to reach them. (Mine handles his business 24/7.) Ask what they will offer in the way of incentives to take over your reservation. They get a commission from Royal Caribbean, so you're not out of line to ask this. They will be sharing their commission with you.

 

2. Go to the Cruise Critic main page and you will see a link right under "Cruise Critic" that says "Cruise Agencies." Click on that and you will find all the agencies that advertise there. Send an e-mail to all of those agencies telling them you are "interviewing" potential TAs and would like an answer to your prepared list of questions.

 

3. Once you find the TA you will be comfortable with, make arrangements to sign your reservation over to him/her. The TA may do the work for you, or you might need to fill out a form yourself.

 

Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean ENCOURAGES cruisers to use a TA. They would rather pay a commission to a TA than have to hire additional service personnel to handle all of our questions, etc.

 

One more thing: Take it upon yourself to check your cruise price every day to watch for a price drop. Don't expect a TA to watch prices for every client. If you find a price drop, call your TA and he/she will take care of it with the cruise line.

 

(I personally plan to keep a written record--e-mail transactions--just in case.)

[petesweet]

Do you expect to get a gift when you buy the cheapest thing in any store?

I have never received a gift when I shop for the cheapest car on the lot from my local car salesman. I get a birthday card from him every year. But never have I received an "on the lot credit" or a bottle wine, etc. I don't receive a gift from my local grocery store where I spend $100+ per week in there. I don't see WalMart sending me gifts everytime I purchase from them.

When I have purchased basic balcony cabin or higher from my TA, she gives me an OBC or other modest gift on board. When I purchase a basic oceanview or inside cabin, I don't get anything. What I get is someone to take the time to do all of the work for me as I am a very busy person and cannot be bothered. I want someone to take care of all of the details for me. She does that very well and all I have to do is pack and go.

I think she would pack for me if I asked her to. But not give up her commission. That is her bread and butter.

Just my humble opinion.

kathyanddick

 

Actually, I have found a whole range of offers in my interviews with prospective travel agents. I do all the work; they get the commission, which they will share with me. Some have offered money; one said the least I would get would be a couple of port excursions. The one I settled with has offered a nice amount in OBC for each of the cabins we booked. This agent knows (1) I am willing to do all the work and (2) he will have a regular customer who cruises a lot -- even though in the cheapest cabin -- and usually books two or three cabins at a time. And actually my TA does not ask that I do all the work--it's the way I prefer to operate. Everyone is happy:)

[FL_Cruiser64]

Well I use a TA and not only receive the TA benefits but also the RCI loyalties...what do you think you're getting that I'm not by booking through the cruiseline? Just curious...

 

I am just stating my experience. You got your experience. There is not one single perfect situation which fits everybody. The individual has to make the choice. If the 50 bucks or 10o bucks is priority then a TA is the way to go. But besides that, no TA has shown me the advantage over a direct booking.

 

I am not here to convince anybody.