Questions on planning a 2nd cruise

[momof2furkids]

We just had our first cruise this summer. We visited the Western Caribbean on FOS in June and loved it so much that we want to do the Eastern or Southern Caribbean next year.

 

We used a TA for our first cruise because I had no previous experience booking one. She got us a great cabin with a great location on the ship. We did get gift certificates to use at her agency's travel shop, but we got no other perks like OBC, wine, etc.

 

Can anyone recommend using the travel websites like Cruise.Com? I liked my TA and she answered a lot of questions for our first trip. But there was a $fee. I'm thinking I could book thru RCCI myself since I already know what deck and area on the deck I want a cabin. And since a TA can't get me a better deal, why not book myself and watch for price cuts (which I did on the first cruise and mentioned it to her and she got us some money back).

 

I would love one of those On Board Credit deals, though. That really seems to be the only "perk" that really interests us. Any suggestions on where and how to book? We want to go early next June - probably on Liberty. Should I go ahead and make plans now? If prices drop lower, RCCI will honor the lower price, right?

[Gonzo70]

Cruise critic rules prohibit anybody from recommending a travel agent - even online ones.

[sailawayjack]

We just had our first cruise this summer. We visited the Western Caribbean on FOS in June and loved it so much that we want to do the Eastern or Southern Caribbean next year.

 

We used a TA for our first cruise because I had no previous experience booking one. She got us a great cabin with a great location on the ship. We did get gift certificates to use at her agency's travel shop, but we got no other perks like OBC, wine, etc.

 

Can anyone recommend using the travel websites like Cruise.Com? I liked my TA and she answered a lot of questions for our first trip. But there was a $fee. I'm thinking I could book thru RCCI myself since I already know what deck and area on the deck I want a cabin. And since a TA can't get me a better deal, why not book myself and watch for price cuts (which I did on the first cruise and mentioned it to her and she got us some money back).

 

I would love one of those On Board Credit deals, though. That really seems to be the only "perk" that really interests us. Any suggestions on where and how to book? We want to go early next June - probably on Liberty. Should I go ahead and make plans now? If prices drop lower, RCCI will honor the lower price, right?

 

:cool:I booked by first three thru a travel agent. After that, the next 8 were thru RCCL. Get familar with their website. Learn every part of it. Make sure that you have signed up for Crown and Anchor after your lst cruise.

 

Since you know where you want a cabin (i.e. category and floor), pick out four or five cabins, and when you call them, go right down your list and ask if those cabins are available. Do not use the ones that they show available. They have many more. RCCL is more than glad to help you. After you book, check rates twice a week or so to make sure the rates have not gone down. If you are 55, or ex or current military, check for deals. Also check under your state of residence. These deals pop up.:cool:

 

Of the four Caribbean areas (bahamas, eastern, western, and southern), you took my least favorite. If you enjoyed that, the southern, eastern, with really interest you, in that order. Go down a day early. Out of Miami, stay at Clevelander hotel in south beach, or if you go out of San Juan, try hotel Milano in old San Juan, or if upscale does not scare you, try the El San Juan hotel and casino.:cool:JACK IS SAILING AGAIN

[momof2furkids]

:cool:I booked by first three thru a travel agent. After that, the next 8 were thru RCCL. Get familar with their website. Learn every part of it. Make sure that you have signed up for Crown and Anchor after your lst cruise.

 

Since you know where you want a cabin (i.e. category and floor), pick out four or five cabins, and when you call them, go right down your list and ask if those cabins are available. Do not use the ones that they show available. They have many more. RCCL is more than glad to help you. After you book, check rates twice a week or so to make sure the rates have not gone down. If you are 55, or ex or current military, check for deals. Also check under your state of residence. These deals pop up.:cool:

 

Of the four Caribbean areas (bahamas, eastern, western, and southern), you took my least favorite. If you enjoyed that, the southern, eastern, with really interest you, in that order. Go down a day early. Out of Miami, stay at Clevelander hotel in south beach, or if you go out of San Juan, try hotel Milano in old San Juan, or if upscale does not scare you, try the El San Juan hotel and casino.:cool:JACK IS SAILING AGAIN

 

 

Thanks Jack! That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for!

[momof2furkids]

Cruise critic rules prohibit anybody from recommending a travel agent - even online ones.

 

I was not looking for a specific recommendation. I meant had anyone with experience using online travel sites had good luck/service booking cruises or did they prefer using a local TA or booking themselves?

[karena1]

I was not looking for a specific recommendation. I meant had anyone with experience using online travel sites had good luck/service booking cruises or did they prefer using a local TA or booking themselves?

 

I always book through RCCL and then transfer to a TA right before final payment in order to get the OBC. Found her through one of the online agencies. Key is to ask the right questions before deciding to transfer - ie do they honor price drops without a fee, do they pay Royal direct rather than you paying them and then they pay Royal, that type of thing. I got lucky and found a good one and she has been very helpful with things changing after final payment.

[kruzerci]

I always book through the cruise line now, the first cruise I used a TA but I've had better luck booking through Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

[fridaythe13th]

I have used a TA a couple of times but now book direct with the cruise line. I like to talk to them directly as opposed to asking my TA who will call the cruise line and then call me back. If you have signed up for the Crown and Anchor Club there are savings certificates on RC website which may help you decide on a cruise. These come out quarterly. The ones that came out 7/1 are mostly for over the winter (not mine of course). I tend to book when I decide where and when I want to go so I have a better choice of cabins.

[yogimax]

I prefer having control over my reservation by booking directly. It's worth the onboard credit or box of chocolates knowing that I can immediately receive a price drop by one simple call.

[Papa T]

A good TA is worth her/his weight in gold. A good one can open doors and solve problems that the often undertrained staff at a cruise company (including RCL) can't or won't. I won't bore you with some of my experiences over the years in trying to solve problems - but this advice comes after 50+ cruises since 1983 - the largest share of them with RCL.

[momof2furkids]

I always book through RCCL and then transfer to a TA right before final payment in order to get the OBC. Found her through one of the online agencies. Key is to ask the right questions before deciding to transfer - ie do they honor price drops without a fee, do they pay Royal direct rather than you paying them and then they pay Royal, that type of thing. I got lucky and found a good one and she has been very helpful with things changing after final payment.

 

That is useful info to know - thanks!

 

It looks like you practically live on a cruse ship from all the listings in your signature! What's your favorite destination and favorite ship?

[momof2furkids]

I have used a TA a couple of times but now book direct with the cruise line. I like to talk to them directly as opposed to asking my TA who will call the cruise line and then call me back. If you have signed up for the Crown and Anchor Club there are savings certificates on RC website which may help you decide on a cruise. These come out quarterly. The ones that came out 7/1 are mostly for over the winter (not mine of course). I tend to book when I decide where and when I want to go so I have a better choice of cabins.

 

 

If I book now, will I still be able to use the Crown & Anchor savings certificates if one becomes available for the cruise I'm signed up for?

[sailawayjack]

If I book now, will I still be able to use the Crown & Anchor savings certificates if one becomes available for the cruise I'm signed up for?

 

:cool:Current savings certificates expire Sep 30th 2009. They must be submitted to RCCL by that date, and before final payment is made. I see cruises projected as far ahead as May 2010. You have to sign up for Crown and Anchor, then you will get info in mail, and you can check website under C&A to see savings certificates. I always like to book early, but you could wait until next quarter and see what next grould a certificates are. HOWEVER- if rates do go up--TOO BAD. Doubt they will with economy as it it though. May pay you to wait.:cool:

[momof2furkids]

:cool:Current savings certificates expire Sep 30th 2009. They must be submitted to RCCL by that date, and before final payment is made. I see cruises projected as far ahead as May 2010. You have to sign up for Crown and Anchor, then you will get info in mail, and you can check website under C&A to see savings certificates. I always like to book early, but you could wait until next quarter and see what next grould a certificates are. HOWEVER- if rates do go up--TOO BAD. Doubt they will with economy as it it though. May pay you to wait.:cool:

 

I'm actually thinking of booking on Liberty for a June 7 day trip. But I'm not finding any deals on it. Maybe it's just too soon...

 

But if I book now and a certificate comes out Sept. 30 for that cruise, can I still use it?

[sailawayjack]

I'm actually thinking of booking on Liberty for a June 7 day trip. But I'm not finding any deals on it. Maybe it's just too soon...

 

But if I book now and a certificate comes out Sept. 30 for that cruise, can I still use it?

 

:cool:Yes. Just use by deadline and do not make final payment until you have to.:cool:

[momof2furkids]

:cool:Yes. Just use by deadline and do not make final payment until you have to.:cool:

 

 

Gottcha! Thanks again!