Finding it Hard Finding a Good TA

So Im officially Ready to hand over the steering wheel.

After this week attempting to work on two cruises one with Royal and one with Celebrity, i have spent hours on phone calls, computer problems on their end, resolution teams, and downright mean CVP's.

All i wanted to do was to transfer onboard booking to new booking and Keep my OBC, and hopefully get a good rate.

I would have to say Royal treated me the worst, so I thought i need to move to a TA.

Sometimes, i would transfer my bookings to a very large well know warehouse booking cruise that offered additional OBC. Well, I called them and nonchalantly asked then if Royal didn't like them? He admitted that the company has had a very contentious relationship and don't play well together. Ok- so I think that says that- I should find another. Also- I want one that is my advocate where I am not doing all my own battles.

So, I then call another large internet travel company, recommended by someone from the cruise prior, spoke to a SV, got a name, asked some questions, and hit a wall?

I asked if he works m-f, what happens if the price drops, or i needed to contact him on the weekends? He replied, you can speak with my manager, but eventually that behavior would look bad upon him and his performance???

ok, so any thoughts on how to make this leap, because I am ready but truly I am way to OCD, to have a novice as a TA? And let's be clear, I am not being demanding, just simple bookings, truly. I just want to make sure the TA knows it's product well and appreciates its customers. Is that too much to ask for?

I have a great lady who is a top TA and really knows her stuff. She is a cruise specialist . Is there not a private message here on CC ? I would send you her info.

I have a great lady who is a top TA and really knows her stuff. She is a cruise specialist . Is there not a private message here on CC ? I would send you her info.

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Got it !:eek:

my advice is to find a local TA. Build up a relationship with him/her. They have more time for you, personally. Express to them what you are wanting or looking for on a vacation and I bet they will go to long lengths to please you.

I use a local TA for our cruises, this way she and her staff know us personally and what we like. I can reach her on weekends and if she is out of the office I will use one of her associates to make adjustments such as a change in room etc. I let her know the cruise and location we want, she takes care of the rest.

If you are OCD...you may want to control your booking on your own...nothing wrong with that! Go for it!

my advice is to find a local TA. Build up a relationship with him/her. They have more time for you, personally. Express to them what you are wanting or looking for on a vacation and I bet they will go to long lengths to please you.

I agree one hundred percent. We are from a small town and there is a local agency here as well as in the neighboring communities. It's nice to be able to put a face to your agent and at the same time support local business.

Thanks for the advice! Moving a great deal does add complications, but local seems best

Thanks for the advice! Moving a great deal does add complications, but local seems best

Local is nice...but I tend to favor a large online TA where someone can take your call 24/7 and they deal in such volume that your prices or perks are far better!