TA payments - Direct to cruiseline or TA

[Jade13]

I know the original thread that covered this subject was locked because (I believe) some insisted on naming the agency in question. I just wanted to say that I e-mailed them and have confirmation in writing of both my final payment due date, as well as the fact it will be charged directly to the company (in my case it's not the cruise line but a 3rd party that has all North American bookings for my sailing).

I think its important that everyone checks and finds out where their payments are going (who shows up on their credit card statement).

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you have everything worked out AND in writing.

We have our own TA which is near us -- much prefer that -- she isn't reguired to send in our final payment until it is due. We are not required to send in the payment to her agency a month or so ahead of time. No worries on our part.

[cruzincurt]

I use many different agencies and always ask before booking "Will the credit card list the cruise line or your agency?" Correct answer is "The cruise line" or no booking. I'm not about to play games with TA's holding my money.

And the few that that claim I need to make full payment immediately months in advance to secure this great fare...no.

[localady]

Thanks Jade for the suggestion.:D
I too will be proactive about this issue from now on.:cool:

[haligonian37]

After reading the other thread, I checked with my TA just to be sure what their procedures were and was reassured that the payments are made directly to HAL.

I can't see myself booking with any other agency but the one I use now as they always provide competitive pricing, have promotions that include OBCs (as well as other treats) and my agent has gone to bat for me in some trying situations. It's also a plus to be able to drop in when I have a question, since their offices are 5 minutes away from mine.....for me, I like having someone to speak to face to face. It seems that good agents are getting harder and harder to find these days, so when you find a good one, hold on to 'em!

[jhannah]

My charges have always gone directly to the cruise line, and show up that way on my credit card statement. I agree that this should be checked, and if the agency you're considering floats the money then RUN, don't walk, to another agency. I just read a cruise contract and it specifically disclaims any liability for payments to TAs that are not forwarded to the cruise line. If the TA is late, you're out of luck!

[sail7seas]

Ditto, Jim.

I would not do business with any agency which played middle man that way. I have always only authorized charges direct to HAL. Non-negotiable.

[pms4104]

Always our T/A calls our card number directly to HAL ... I would have it no other way. Just made final payment today for our December sailing ... T/A phoned HAL with the magic number and within minutes I had a fax from HAL showing zero now due.

With the current deluge of huge and old and generally well-respected companies going down the financial toilet, I don't care how big or old a travel agency claims to be, I'll pay a few $$$ more, if need be, for peace of mind.