Booking Online or TA?

[fireman845]

sorry double post

[lvtotrvl1]

Sorry it's against cc guidelines to recommend agents or agencies..you may want to take a look at the agencies that advertise on cc.

[hammybee]

NEVER pay in full before final payment date.

There is no financial incentive to pay in full before final payment date.

[garydm]

We have always found the cruise line itself to have the highest price, unless on a 5 day flash or something like that. We have used strict online agents (no phone) and it has always worked just fine and they have always had the best price for us. We have settled with an agent in Houston who is available by phone but with whom we typically communicate by email. So, I guess this would be a hybrid situtation. He gets prices close to the pure online firms, processes our AMEX Platinum benefits, and gets us a few goodies added on. We have been very pleased.

Gary

[hammybee]

If best price is your primary criteria, you have to shop it around.

Key to getting the best price is making sure your TA will honor subsequent price reductions, if any. Sometime such reductions are for new bookings only, meaning you will have to cancel your original booking and start all over. When you do this, there is a risk you may not get the cabin you originally booked.

Some TAs charge to cancel.

[dakrewser]

What is your opinion on getting the "better/best) deal? Is it good to just go ahead and pay for the cruise in full 11 months prior to cruise or wait until payment is due?

My wife and I are younger than most (mid 30's) and like most people we are just looking to get the best deal for our money... :D

Thanks in advance for your help and assistance!!!

There is absolutely zero benefit - and a number of drawbacks - to paying in full before the due date. Invest the money for those months and use the income to pay your bar tab! :rolleyes:

[fireman845]

Very good point and thanks soo much!!!

[hammybee]

Just noticed that there are 2 threads from the same OP on this topic. The conclusions are the same. Here is the link to the other one:


http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=712525