Booking cruise online or through travel agent?

[Tinwoman]

Somebody said that the cruise line pays the TA, I am not sure that is true in our area. I would rather the cruise line give me the TA's discount, I really don't like working through a third party, there is always extra fees that way.

Sometime TA's throw in a bottle of champagne, obc, wine or some other perk, but I have always managed to get the same perks through the cruise line.

[ktcruiser]

Okay, last question - can I transfer a booking to an online agency if I see a good deal or only to a traditional agency? I just found one online agency that offers a 10% discount (OBC, gratuities, etc.) which, for 14 days for 2 people, is a lot of OBC!

 

 

I used an on-line TA that offered 10% , obviously don't know if the same as the one you found (although I could only find one such place in all my searching :D ) - was not thrilled with their service. It's important to note that I did not get 10% off the price I saw on their website, but off a lower value than that which did not include taxes and port fees. So we did not get quite as much as we had originally been expecting, plus the, er, *witch* I talked to on the phone (calling to confirm the OBC) tried to take even more away on a technicality, actually writing a note in our file to that effect! (luckily, their Accounting Dept did not reduce it per her recommendation!). They also did not send us any boarding passes like I saw others carrying when we got to the dock.... I think I'll get a little bit less OBC and go elsewhere next time.

 

That being said, I've gone with a different online agent in the past and had no problems.

[florisdekort]

I think you are being very unfair to your coworker's mother. She spend 30-minutes giving you all kind of information and now you are going to just book with someone else. Don't you think that maybe you owe her something for the 30-minutes and her expertise?

 

Let me try to understand your logic. So if I speak to a car dealer for 30 minutes, I should buy a car? :confused:

 

If somebody selling something doesn't offer compelling arguments, go somewhere else.

[cpgrneyes]

Again, the TA I spoke with did NOT help me decide the cruise line or the itinerary, in fact, I already had a cabin on hold when I spoke with her. I had actually hoped to throw some business at her, but not without some benefit to me other than to confirm that she really enjoyed Azamara.

 

I was not expecting to shop any incentives she gave to find the absolute best deal, but did expect SOMETHING after reading all the posts here.

 

I ended up booking through an online agent that is also a bricks and mortar TA on the other coast. The cost of the cruise w/o port fees, fuel, etc. was over $8,000 (14 day sky suite for two), and I received OBC of $500 plus trip insurance.

 

So apparently, I should have given that up because of a 30 minute phone call where I already had all the info? Sorry, but no.

[CathyCruises]

I have been in sales for over 20 years. If someone comes in and spends 30 minutes with me, that is my golden opportunity to convince them that my product is best for their needs. If I fail to do that, I certainly don't expect to be paid for my time. Often, people come in just to get information about competing products, and I give that to them truthfully and tactfully.

 

IMHO, if the TA did not provide you a service and declined to earn your business during the conversations, you don't owe her a thing. I went on a cruise last year that was about $10K using a TA, and I got a coupon for two dinners at the specialty restaurant ($60 value). Next time I book, I will be looking elsewhere for prepaid gratuities and an OBC! That has become something of an industry standard and travelers will go where they must to find it. Live and learn!

 

Cathy

[Leejnd4]

Again, the TA I spoke with did NOT help me decide the cruise line or the itinerary, in fact, I already had a cabin on hold when I spoke with her. I had actually hoped to throw some business at her, but not without some benefit to me other than to confirm that she really enjoyed Azamara.

 

I was not expecting to shop any incentives she gave to find the absolute best deal, but did expect SOMETHING after reading all the posts here.

 

I ended up booking through an online agent that is also a bricks and mortar TA on the other coast. The cost of the cruise w/o port fees, fuel, etc. was over $8,000 (14 day sky suite for two), and I received OBC of $500 plus trip insurance.

 

So apparently, I should have given that up because of a 30 minute phone call where I already had all the info? Sorry, but no.

 

I am 100% in your corner.

 

You will notice that, for the most part, the posters on this board who a) have a problem with people asking for OBC's, or b) have a problem with shopping around, or c) suggest that having a conversation with a TA means you are morally and ethically obligated to book with them, ARE TA's.

 

I didn't see this thread until today, or I would have warned you to watch out, get ready, and develop a thick skin. I posted a thread about shopping around for OBC's a few weeks ago, and in that thread I was roundy verbally assaulted. I was called everything from a bottom-feeder to a cheapskate to a thief attempting to steal money out of the pockets of poor TA’s who now won’t be able to feed their families because of passengers like me.

 

Don’t let them get to you.

 

The bottom line is that you are purchasing an expensive commodity, and you have every right to shop around for the best deal. Since Celebrity doesn’t allow TA’s to discount, the ONLY way these days to get a better deal is through OBC’s (which they DO allow). And despite what TA’s and their friends in here might say, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to save money.

 

The TA who says that selling at a discount doesn’t buy loyalty is probably right – but then, that’s his problem as a salesperson, not my problem as a consumer. My sole concern is to purchase what I want to purchase, for the best deal possible, from a reputable source that will give me what I want. Why should I pay more, so I can be loyal to some salesperson?

 

Keep in mind there are different types of cruise consumers. To some, service is the primary consideration. These might be infrequent cruisers who need assistance in choosing their cruise, or help in selecting pre- and post-cruise stays, excursion recommendations, etc. They should probably stick with TA's like your friend's mother, who specializes in full-service (and usually won't discount). To others (like me), the key consideration is price. I do all of my own research, make all of my own reservations, purchase my own airfare, and by the time I’m ready to book a cruise, I know exactly what I want, down to the cabin number. What I’ll then do is book it through the cruise line, then shop around for the best OBC I can find, from agencies I know are reputable. Then, all the TA needs to do is transfer my booking. It’s the easiest commission that TA might make that day…no fuss, no muss, no effort – just transfer the booking.

 

No, your 30 min. conversation with that TA is not worth the amount of money you can save by going with the online TA. And it’s absurd for anyone to even suggest that. Naturally, the TA will be unhappy she didn’t make the sale – but then, it’s HER error to not have recognized that you were a price-shopper (which you made clear when you asked her for an OBC). If she wanted your business, she should have made an effort to win it based on YOUR buying criteria – which clearly wasn’t needing all that expertise. It sounds like she's a full-service TA, which isn't what you are looking for. And if you don't need it, why pay for it?

 

One common tactic used by all types of salespeople is to guilt clients into buying from them. It’s a well-used, ancient tactic. Smart consumers don’t make buying decisions based on emotion…they make buying decisions based on the facts. And the fact is, you found the same item for a lower price, and you don't need the additional services she is offering.

 

You got some great advice in this thread of things to watch out for. Be sure to do an apples-to-apples comparison of the prices quoted – fees and all. And then, buy the deal that makes the most sense to YOU. :)

[Leejnd4]

I have been in sales for over 20 years. If someone comes in and spends 30 minutes with me, that is my golden opportunity to convince them that my product is best for their needs. If I fail to do that, I certainly don't expect to be paid for my time. Often, people come in just to get information about competing products, and I give that to them truthfully and tactfully.

 

IMHO, if the TA did not provide you a service and declined to earn your business during the conversations, you don't owe her a thing. I went on a cruise last year that was about $10K using a TA, and I got a coupon for two dinners at the specialty restaurant ($60 value). Next time I book, I will be looking elsewhere for prepaid gratuities and an OBC! That has become something of an industry standard and travelers will go where they must to find it. Live and learn!

 

Cathy

 

Can I tell you how refreshing it is to hear this from a salesperson? THANK YOU! :D I do realize that not all salespeople are the same, but it just seems like so many of them who post in here are. I spent a number of years in sales myself (Telecommunications) and I always felt the way you describe.

[CathyCruises]

Well, I am a Realtor and sales manager at a large Rocky Mountain area resort development. I KNOW 90+% of the people who walk in my door aren't going to buy, but if I make the right impression, they may tell their friends who tell their friends who may someday come and buy a homesite from me. The referral is what it's all about--and knowing your customer is key to that.

 

IF the original TA had made a good impression and served your needs, her referral base would have grown exponentially. Penny wise and pound foolish, IMHO!

 

:o Cathy

[paulred]

A long time ago, in another life, I ran a sports club with a bar. I had a lot of beer and liquor salesmen wanting me to sell their products.

 

I told them all the same thing. I don't want anything special for giving you my business, but I do want anything and everything that you give to others in the same position as me.

 

That got me a measure of respect, and a lot of tickets to sporting events.

 

TAs should be the same, if you do offer incentives, don't make people beg for them.

 

Paul

[terrydtx]

I have used the same TA for the last 4 cruises and she works for one of the largest agencies that specialise in cruises. She has been on most of the ships and I find that she can give me an unbiased opinion of one cruise vs another. Also she always has a bottle of champagne waiting for us in the cabin. She also buys us one night at the specialty restaurant and provides an OBC as a thank you for sending her new business which has been every cruise so far. These are all things you do not get by booking online. She also handles booking our shore excursions and is very accessible by phone to answer questions or to help out with any unforeseen problems with the cruise line. They also have periodic specials for cruises that are not offered online.:D

[Giorgi-one]

Obviously, if you know exactly what you want and don't need any help you can book online. However, you usually cannot call an online agency and say, I want to go on a cruise, can you find me one. The work on very low profit per booking and do not have the time to do the reasearch for you. Now if you go to a TA and let them do all the research and then book online for a lower price, you are indeed a bottom - feeder.

 

I have heard and seen some things lately that indicates that cruise lines may be eliminating discounting and booking directly with the cruise line.

[Ardy53]

Hi

 

Can someone clarify something for me, bearing in mind that I fall into the same category as UK travellers, i.e. no refund of deposit if cancelling.

 

I booked through a travel agent before I found all this information on these threads. I picked the cruise myself, booked my own air and applied for 3 price drops, which they agreed to do.

 

If I now look at the online booking on the Celebrity website, including taxes, fuel and gratuities, should that be the same price that my travel agent will be charging me? (after adjustment for exchange rate)

 

If I understand the commission correctly, the agent gets paid out of the advertised booking fee (excl the surcharges). I find however that the agent's total price is MORE than that. Are they permitted to add an additional fee on for their services? Is it just my bad luck that I didn't know enough about the industry to shop around?

 

Roy

[Verity]

I have been reading all the posts from people on Cruise Critic for over 3 years. I have learned so much and I did use it to my advantage yesterday. I have booked a cruise on the Millenium through Celebrity. Over the months, I have gotten $700 in reductions by checking the site every week. We got a state and a over 55 deduction plus a Captain's Club coupon, all of which I found. On July 23rd we got an offer from a travel agency for an Azamara cruise with airfare included, gratuities paid and an OBC. After we checked things out and I always as thoroughly as possible check things out, we decided it was a good offer and we booked the cruise. I then asked the TA what she would give me if I transferred my Australia booking to her. We still hadn't made the final payment. I always hold out some of it until the due date in case there are further reductions. She offered us prepaid gratuities and an OBC if we transferred the Millenium booking so I took it. I have used a TA in the past but when we got caught in the Pacific on the Infinity, it was very obvious that the people with TA's had a huge problem. They couldn't make airline changes without going through the TA. Since I didn't have a TA, I was free to handle everything myself and as a result got one of the few remaining seats on the Redeye out of San Diego while others were still trying to get hold of their TAs. In other words, there are pros and cons of using one.

[Leejnd4]

Obviously, if you know exactly what you want and don't need any help you can book online. However, you usually cannot call an online agency and say, I want to go on a cruise, can you find me one. The work on very low profit per booking and do not have the time to do the reasearch for you. Now if you go to a TA and let them do all the research and then book online for a lower price, you are indeed a bottom - feeder.

 

And just for clarification - no one in this thread said they would, did, or are planning to do that. Nor did I in the other thread in which I was called a bottom-feeder. I made it clear, both there and here, that I do all the work myself and need nothing but the booking from the TA. And the OP had nothing more than a 30-minute phone call with a TA, in which no research was done, no services provided.

 

I would agree that it would be unethical to ask a TA to invest a great deal of time into your vacation planning, and they go and give the booking to a discounter. But then, most TA's probably aren't going to put a ton of work into a booking unless/until they actually know for sure the client is going to book with them. And once they have made the booking, if the client tried to take it to a discounter, the TA can charge the client a fee for transferring it to another TA - or not do it at all (they are not required to).

 

I would ask that you be a little careful throwing that "bottom-feeder" term around on this topic, as it's been applied way too liberally to people (like me) who've done nothing wrong. Thanks.

[SusieV]

Now I'm honestly interested in hearing everyone's response to this. Slightly off topic- change the cruise to an AI where discounting is allowed.

 

Since we had never taken one ourselves, I asked a Facebook friend who is a TA to make some recommendations. She sent me about six different resorts in all different locations. I took the names and headed over to TripAdvisor to read about them, and found out that a sister resort of one of the ones she suggested would fit our criteria much better. We came back to her and asked for price quotes and she was hundreds of dollars more than the online travel agency we use to book our cruises (and found out they did book resorts too!).

 

Was I obligated to pay much more to book with the first TA that I asked for help and who didn't even recommend the resort that was best for us, but who did set us on the right path to finding it?

[Verity]

It is ridiculous to think that you can go to any sales person, ask about their product, and be ethically committed to buy from that person. If that is the case, then I guess some people buy a car from the first person they talk to who will spend a lot of time trying to sell that car. A TA is a salesperson. If they take a "not interested" personally, they need to be in another line of work but I doubt that happens. Most salespeople, if not all, know that people shop around.

[Leejnd4]

Now I'm honestly interested in hearing everyone's response to this. Slightly off topic- change the cruise to an AI where discounting is allowed.

 

Since we had never taken one ourselves, I asked a Facebook friend who is a TA to make some recommendations. She sent me about six different resorts in all different locations. I took the names and headed over to TripAdvisor to read about them, and found out that a sister resort of one of the ones she suggested would fit our criteria much better. We came back to her and asked for price quotes and she was hundreds of dollars more than the online travel agency we use to book our cruises (and found out they did book resorts too!).

 

Was I obligated to pay much more to book with the first TA that I asked for help and who didn't even recommend the resort that was best for us, but who did set us on the right path to finding it?

 

No. IMO, you are not. All you got were price quotes, and then you did your own research, and you didn't choose what she recommended. Had you NOT done your own research, and asked her to do a bunch of research FOR you, that would be a different situation - but that's not what happened here. What you SHOULD do, however, is ask her if she will meet the lower price you found. You never know - she might match it.

 

Travel sales is a competitive field - and in a competitive marketplace, salespeople will win some deals, and lose some.

[Leejnd4]

It is ridiculous to think that you can go to any sales person, ask about their product, and be ethically committed to buy from that person. If that is the case, then I guess some people buy a car from the first person they talk to who will spend a lot of time trying to sell that car. A TA is a salesperson. If they take a "not interested" personally, they need to be in another line of work but I doubt that happens. Most salespeople, if not all, know that people shop around.

 

Ah, but you see, that's exactly what some people in this thread were actually saying. Obviously I agree with YOU, not them. ;)

[Giorgi-one]

Now I'm honestly interested in hearing everyone's response to this. Slightly off topic- change the cruise to an AI where discounting is allowed.

 

Since we had never taken one ourselves, I asked a Facebook friend who is a TA to make some recommendations. She sent me about six different resorts in all different locations. I took the names and headed over to TripAdvisor to read about them, and found out that a sister resort of one of the ones she suggested would fit our criteria much better. We came back to her and asked for price quotes and she was hundreds of dollars more than the online travel agency we use to book our cruises (and found out they did book resorts too!).

 

Was I obligated to pay much more to book with the first TA that I asked for help and who didn't even recommend the resort that was best for us, but who did set us on the right path to finding it?

 

 

Woud you have found the resort you finally settled on without her help? My guess is no. There are literally hundreds of AIs out there and if you had never been to one, you would probably have selected the wroong one.

 

By the way, never book anything less than a 5* AI if you want good food and liquors. The quality drops off very quickly. You just got some free advice - no need to book with me.

[SusieV]

Woud you have found the resort you finally settled on without her help? My guess is no. There are literally hundreds of AIs out there and if you had never been to one, you would probably have selected the wroong one.

 

By the way, never book anything less than a 5* AI if you want good food and liquors. The quality drops off very quickly. You just got some free advice - no need to book with me.

 

That's the thing, though- she didn't even mention the resort that we eventually booked at (yes, it is a 5 star). She mentioned a different resort which was nowhere near as appealing to us in the same chain. I found this one by reading a review of the other on TripAdvisor saying they wished they had stayed at the one we booked. Then I did some more research and realized how much better a fit this one was for us.

 

So I really feel that she didn't understand our needs or she wouldn't have recommended the one that she did in the first place. So although her help led to me finding the resort, it wasn't a direct result of it IMO.

 

I did give her the chance to match the price... she said she was unable to do so.

[HollyK]

An aside on remarks on this thread --

 

Leeann I entirely agree with you. As a realtor for many years, I went on multi listing appts. Those involved at least an hour of prep, 30 minutes minimum of 'appt' plus driving time to/from. I didn't always get the listing - drat! :) If sales is the game your in, then you play it the best you can & give the best you can. 30 minutes is a drop in the bucket.

 

Giorgio I feel you are being unnecessarily contentious. Enuf said.

 

So -- here is my dilemna and I really don't know what the lay of the land is here so please bear with my preamble.

 

As many others, I've always booked (almost all) my cruises myself, chosen my cabin(s), and chosen/booked my own air. I had the Solstice cruise booked and the Constellation on hold when I dropped in to pick up a Celebrity brochure to a large (bricks & mortar) Expedia associated company. The TA I spoke with seemed pleasant and interested/cooperative - what can I say - it seemed all good, so I transferred my bookings to her, feeling as some have expressed to keep $$'s within and supporting our community.

 

My emails to her are answered 2-3-4 days later. I would expect a MAX time of 24 hours (as I would do in RE). I've asked questions about cruise air which she answers vaguely (I've never done cruise air before). And at one point she sent me an email suggesting I look at the aft CC's (Constellation) on Decks 4, 5 + 6. :eek: For those not familiar with Connie, Decks 4 + 5 are the Dining Room and Deck 6 - totally stern are PH's. I am booked into a Deck 6 CC as far aft as you can get in CC. She should know that. I had requested her to watch for Stern CC's on Decks 7 + 8. There are a couple of other issues/questions that have gone disregarded as well, one being insurance for which she would get a small commision I believe.

 

As I hope you can understand, my confidence has waned considerably as has the desire to support the community at the risk of my trip(s) being screwed up by someone who appears to know considerably less than I. I think I'd like the control back in my own hands - ya know? :D But how does/can one do that? Can you reverse your booking(s) back to Celebrity?

 

I also noted on Celeb CC that one of my bookings reads confirmed but the other reads cancelled?? :eek: I mentioned this to her several days ago but as of today it is unchanged on Celeb's site and her reply to my email was something to the effect that I should trust that she knows what she's doing. :rolleyes:

 

Just FYI, there are no OBC's or other incentives here. So - can I get the bookings back to Celeb? If so, how do I do that? Sigh. sometimes its not really worth the trouble having a 'nice guy' mentality.

Appreciate your thoughts.

[TWELVEOHONE]

Somebody said that the cruise line pays the TA, I am not sure that is true in our area. I would rather the cruise line give me the TA's discount, I really don't like working through a third party, there is always extra fees that way.

Sometime TA's throw in a bottle of champagne, obc, wine or some other perk, but I have always managed to get the same perks through the cruise line.

 

Cruise lines give agents a commission for selling and servicing clients. They don't get a discount only commission

This is no different then an insurance agent or a real estate agent.

 

Lets get rid of all agents and watch how cruise prices go up.

 

If you ever talk to a cruise line reservation agent they will tell you how much time they spend answering questions and other small problems which they feel should handled by TA's.

 

Maybe this is why "Royal Caribbean recommends Using a Travel Agent"

Maybe this why Carnival who was marketing more to consumers to book direct have recently announced a 180 degree reversal. They will now be marketing to Travel Agents.

[TWELVEOHONE]

Let me try to understand your logic. So if I speak to a car dealer for 30 minutes, I should buy a car? :confused:

 

If somebody selling something doesn't offer compelling arguments, go somewhere else.

 

 

This is a bad comparison.

 

An automoble dealer can spend 30-minutes with 10 people before selling 1 car but the profit margin for that one car will more than make up for the hours wasted with shoppers and looker.

 

A TA has a very small profit magin where time is not only money but can make the difference between staying in business or not.

 

Also you are comparing seling a product not a service

 

A car dealer sells his one product, ask a Ford dealer about the Chrysler he will not know anything about. I have yet to have a car dealer tell me anything about a car that was not in the manufacturer brochure

 

Go to a GOOD TA and you are getting experiences, knowlege not in the brochures. Gee this sounds like a Lawyer or Doctor? They charge for 10-minutes let alone 30 minutes.

[Maya57]

A long time ago, in another life, I ran a sports club with a bar. I had a lot of beer and liquor salesmen wanting me to sell their products.

 

I told them all the same thing. I don't want anything special for giving you my business, but I do want anything and everything that you give to others in the same position as me.

 

That got me a measure of respect, and a lot of tickets to sporting events.

 

TAs should be the same, if you do offer incentives, don't make people beg for them.

 

Paul

 

The business just does not work that way

 

I am looking a buying a new car got a price from one dealer, then got a much lower price from a another dealer went back to number one who not only matched the others price but beat it by $300.00.

 

My question to them was why not give me the lowest price to start with instead of making me go back and forth between dealers

 

Thats the way the auto business works.

 

Car dealer buy a car (on consignment) from manufacturer. They then sell it at whatever price they can even sometimes above suggested retail price. The difference is what they keep as gros profit. They allso will sell you addons making them more profit such as extended warrenties.

 

TA's do nor purchase a cruise they are simply sales people for the cruise line. Like most salesmen and women the company pays them a commission. The discount you are seeing and/or getting is right from their commission earning them less money.

 

I have seen some on-line agent add fees such as a cancellation fee above the cruise lines. I saw a fee for any changes such as dining times.

[BrendaJ]

Although I do most of my research myself, and by the time I contact my agent, I know exactly what I want, I still like having an agent who knows all about cruises, goes on lots of Celebrity cruises, knows the good cabins and has an agency that holds blocks of good cabins on popular itineraries.

 

And I must say, although you may not need an agent when everything goes right, when things go wrong, it's nice to have someone on land that has your back.

 

In our case, quite a few years ago, we had booked a transatlantic cruise, starting in Malaga. We had booked one night before the cruise in a Toronto airport hotel and were already at the hotel when our agent contacted us to tell us our ship had experienced engine problems and our cruise was cancelled. If we had not had an agent, I suspect we would have flown to Spain for nothing, as I doubt the cruise line would have been able to track us down. This same agent was also able to book another vacation for us immediately without putting any more money down; if we had booked with the cruise line, we would likely have had to pay upfront for another vacation and wait for a refund from the cruise line, unless we booked another trip with the same company.

 

We get small perks from our current agent (although nothing like a $500 OBC); however, we are happy with her prompt service (anytime I e-mail her, I hear back in hours), we consider her a friend, and will continue to book our cruises with her.