Booking through HAL directly or TA??

[EbayCruiser]

What are your opinions? Our last cruise was through our travel agent and I feel like we did get a good price but now we are looking to cruise to Hawaii sometime in 2005 and can book WAY in advance.

What are the advantages of both???

Thanks!

[Stevesan]

I booked one cruise direct w/HAL because the price was right. The service was far superior to any TA experience I've had. The reps promptly responded to e-mail and phone inquiries. They were alway super courteous and helpful as well as knowledgeable. For example, I was booking an SS for our first Vista class cruise and the rep steered me away from less desirable locations.

Given near equal pricing, I much prefer direct booking. Unfortunately, there's usually a significant enough difference to go the TA route. I don't mind, however, because I finally found one of the few TAs who actually knows the cruiseline industry.

[jhannah]

There really are advantages both ways. It all depends on what's important to you. If you don't have access to a knowledgable TA, then you might want to consider booking directly. If you know what you want and don't mind not having a direct rep, then use one of the online agencies (who sometimes do have a rep assigned to you.)

[merryecho]

I have had great luck with an online agency - better than any in-person agent I tried. And, they have a program where you get 5% of the price of your cruise discounted off your next trip booked through them. Actually, last time they just sent me a check for the 5%, and as we took kids (grown) and booked a suite and 2 rooms, it was a good sized check. I have my own agent with them and she knocks herself out to get me the room I want, discounts, etc.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Last Friday a suite opened up for us on a particular (thank you boards) cruise that we were interested in. After several months DH convinced me to not worry abour Christmas for 1 year - by then all the suites were gone. We knew that our TA was on vacation so at 8 AM eastern time we called HAL and booked that cruise and got our suite. We informed the man we talked to that we would be wanting to switch the booking to our TA.

No problem - on Monday we went to see our TA & signed the paper for HAL to switch the booking to our TA.

Still like to deal with a TA that we can see and talk to.

[trubey]

Well, let's see . . . HAL wanted $1386 per person more than the TA where we booked our cruise.

LKT

[Ziggy7]

HAL 's prices were alot more than our TA, it was a no brainer for us after that hehehehe :)

[daju22]

"I have had great luck with an online agency - better than any in-person agent I tried. And, they have a program where you get 5% of the price of your cruise discounted off your next trip booked through them. Actually, last time they just sent me a check for the 5%, and as we took kids (grown) and booked a suite and 2 rooms, it was a good sized check. I have my own agent with them and she knocks herself out to get me the room I want, discounts, etc."

Is there anyway you can tell me or hint to me or type in tiny letters the name of the online agency. I know it's frowned upon to hype an agency, but maybe if you are asked they'll allow it. Would like to try booking online as I'm a do-it -yourself type person.

Thanks,
Judy

[stillfrantic]

I booked directly with HAL. I was to be on the 9/4 cruise that got disrupted and shortened by the hurricane. We took the offer of the refund, and should get back the full amount. Those that used travel agents have received refunds for the amount, less the travel agent's commission. So, in this case, I'm glad I booked with HAL.

[merryecho]

I don't know what the rules are about naming agencies, but I promise I have nothing to do with this agency other than the fact that I have booked a bunch of rooms with them, and been more than happy with the service. I use Kathy Duckworth at vacationwired.com. If you go to their website be sure to click on the 'rewards program' on their homepage- if you don't ask about it and register before buying a cruise, the credits don't apply.
We are taking a HAL trip to Panama in November with a group of 6 couples, booked through a AAA agent because the anniversary couple got a discount that way. A 7th wanted to join, but the AAA agent could not get a room for less than HAL brochure rate (more than $2000 for an inside cabin) Kathy got them one for $1,600, plus the 5% rebate. Good luck!

[cactuslady]

I use my DH, who is the world's best shopper.

He looked around the internet, found the best price (including airfare) on the HAL site, and booked direct. Then he kept looking, found a better price for a group cruise with AAA, went to AAA and had the booking transferred. The AAA agent didn't see the better rate, so DH pointed it out to her and got it.

Also, DH's efforts got us several onboard credits, from AAA, a cruise magazine, etc., totaling $250 or so.

Plus, DH kept looking online at the seat availability for each of the flights we are booked on until he finally got the seats he wanted.

What a great deal to have a retired husband who keeps working so hard for my benefit. He's an angel. :D :D :D

[tommy]

We have done 16 cruises 8 with ta 8 booking direct,and we do better booking direct.We have been upgraded 5 of the 8 times and if you watch prices daily and catch every reduction The lines will lower price.We always end up as low or lower than when we useed tas.Saying this if it was my 1st cruise or I were not sure of what I was doing I would DEFINITLY use a ta.But if you are expierence and want to put some time into it you can do just as well or better booking your own. TOM

[daju22]

I don't know what the rules are about naming agencies, but I promise I have nothing to do with this agency other than the fact that I have booked a bunch of rooms with them, and been more than happy with the service. I use Kathy Duckworth at vacationwired.com. If you go to their website be sure to click on the 'rewards program' on their homepage- if you don't ask about it and register before buying a cruise, the credits don't apply.
We are taking a HAL trip to Panama in November with a group of 6 couples, booked through a AAA agent because the anniversary couple got a discount that way. A 7th wanted to join, but the AAA agent could not get a room for less than HAL brochure rate (more than $2000 for an inside cabin) Kathy got them one for $1,600, plus the 5% rebate. Good luck!
:D Much appreciation for the help! Will try them for our next cruise.
Judy

[daju22]

posted twice:o oops

[daju22]

We have done 16 cruises 8 with ta 8 booking direct,and we do better booking direct.We have been upgraded 5 of the 8 times and if you watch prices daily and catch every reduction The lines will lower price.We always end up as low or lower than when we useed tas.Saying this if it was my 1st cruise or I were not sure of what I was doing I would DEFINITLY use a ta.But if you are expierence and want to put some time into it you can do just as well or better booking your own. TOMAre you saying that you book directly with HAL? Then if you see any lower price online from any agency, HAL will match that price?

Or, will HAL only match their own lower prices?

Only been on 2 cruises so far and this is confusing.:confused: :confused:

Do you book guaranteed?

Thanks a bunch:)

Judy

[daju22]

I use my DH, who is the world's best shopper.

He looked around the internet, found the best price (including airfare) on the HAL site, and booked direct. Then he kept looking, found a better price for a group cruise with AAA, went to AAA and had the booking transferred. The AAA agent didn't see the better rate, so DH pointed it out to her and got it.

Also, DH's efforts got us several onboard credits, from AAA, a cruise magazine, etc., totaling $250 or so.

Plus, DH kept looking online at the seat availability for each of the flights we are booked on until he finally got the seats he wanted.

What a great deal to have a retired husband who keeps working so hard for my benefit. He's an angel. :D :D :D
Maybe he can teach a seminar on board ship? Or do you rent him out? Lucky lady!!! Sounds like you just have to be persistant and call them constantly. Squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Judy

:D Judy