OK to use more than one TA?

This is my first cruise and I've got tons of questions. I've been working for a week with one TA who is a cruise specialist. She's given me two choices she says are "the best deals out there." The prices are good until this coming Monday. I'm afraid to hold off or prices may go up, but she isn't answering my questions in a timely fashion. I get the feeling she's impatient with me but that may just be my sensitivity. Is it okay to seek out another agent in the meantime? And do I have to tell the first one or not? Seems like, if you can shop around for a car you should be able to shop around with TAs.

No need to tell TA that you are shopping around , she probably already knows and expects it.

If she is impatient with you before the booking ( working with her for a week could do that , eek!) , imagine after the booking is made and you have a ? or problem ?

What is not fair is giving the next TA her price , who of course will offer something a bit better before you get off the phone (a good salesman ,perhaps not a good TA?)

Select your TA by recommendation from friends, relatives , neighbors or coworkers who cruise often.

Interview the TA before booking:

Any fees?

TA's certification (such as CLIA) and experience.

7 day coverage of phone/email ?

You certainly can talk with as many different TA's (or cruise lines) as you wish in researching a cruise. But once you book with a TA, they "own" the booking.

You should ask before booking if the TA charges any additional fees not charged buy the cruise line for originating, modifying, or cancelling a booking and if they do, I would suggest looking for one who does not. Some TA's charge these fees but many others do not.

Also, with most mass market cruise lines there is no difference in the stateroom rate booked directly or through a TA - they do not discount their fares through a TA. If the stateroom you are being quoted is part of a block of rooms reserved by a TA there may be a slight discount based on the number of rooms they are holding.

Also many TA's will offer OBC's or other ship "perks" out of their commission as an incentive to book through them. But the stateroom rates will be the same.

Do some homework to understand the TA's policies - in particular regarding fees - before you book.

No problem with talking with any number of T/A's to get an idea of what you want to book - but in most cases once you actually book a cruise the agent will " own" the booking, and you can no longer switch.

If you are having bad vibes from her before you have even booked, she may not be the best choice for you to use as TA.

By all means, shop around.

OK to use more than one realtor when buying a house???

If you find an agent that will give you a better price and better perks -- go with him/her.

You are not obligated to report back to the first TA.

Yes look around and get the best deal

If your gut is saying something on the ta listen to it

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

If you are having bad vibes from her before you have even booked, she may not be the best choice for you to use as TA.

 

By all means, shop around.

 

Agreed! If she is not timely with questions now, I bet customer service will be worse after she has your booking. I would look elsewhere ;)