Trixsea

There is a huge difference between a professional travel agent and an order taker.  I have been working as an agent/owner for 30+ years and have experienced many things that are never considered at time of booking.

Phone calls at 2:00 am because flights were cancelled in Rome by cruise line

Husband had heart attack in Alaska and needs to get home... no insurance

Hurricanes, snow storms, volcano ash, 911...

Hours on hold with Covid related problems

So many more things I could list but sometimes the value of a good agent is ignored.

This has been happening alot.  Make sure you did not receive any other refunds before calling.

Will be refunded as an fcc  in client cancels.  Have a choice if it is cancelled by the cruise line.  

Following

On 8/1/2020 at 5:26 PM, Denny01 said:

Was the TA a private/own company set up or an OnLine or BigBox TA? Sounds as if it was a BigBox type since it took a while to find one of their TA’s who would work this. As you can see from this experience, there is a big difference between real TA’s and Booking Agents who are, in almost all cases, online/BigBox types. the OP is lucky they got the info they needed; they are unlucky on who they use as their ‘TA’. I had a group booking and my TA who runs her own company and has an office, got my refund portion that was booked on her company card. 

 

Many of the issues posters have had have been because of the TA they used, thinking they were actual professional TA’s. As posted by some, there are some BigBox with real TA’s who follow-up and work issues, but my direct experience and from many posts, they are few. 

 

Den

You said it perfectly!!

Thank you from a "real" travel agent!!

Celebrity issues the FCC's and the travel agent has online access to the fcc once it is issued.  If your travel agent has not been able to access it the fcc has not been issued.

Emails have been hit or miss and usually later than when the voucher is first issued.

13 hours ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

We truly feel bad for you and agree with all Celebrity will not talk to you if you booked thru a TA. Like they say keep the pressure on the TA. Go up the ladder. Reading this to me is another reason to forget booking with a TA. We learned our lesson last November when we booked our cruise with a TA. All others we booked direct. Never again will we use a TA.
But anyway we wish you luck getting your money refunded. Be persistent...

Or deal with a travel agent who has been in business for many years...has not been closed for one day since the pandemic started...has spent MANY hours on hold with the cruise lines and been able to assist ALL their clients.

Vouchers are emailed to both the travel agent and the guest.  

9 hours ago, LuvCruzn4Evr said:

Apparently the big box TA has one. They DO NOT participate nor is it allowed for you to participate since they don't. I've been there done that. You CANNOT submit a move up request on your reservation if you are booked with them. You'll receive a message saying such.  The big box TA's rationale is that they don't have the personnel to monitor their 'junk/spam/generic' emails where the offer gets sent to.   We no longer use them, especially since they give shop cards only and no longer give OBC for Celebrity cruises. 

I am not disagreeing with you I am just stating there is no reason why they shouldn’t.  Just curious...

A travel agency would have no reason to opt out.

Thank you.  I also worked through 9/11 and this is so much worse.

Free parking has been something available for the past few years through many travel agencies.  This is provided from Celebrity to the agencies.

Just remember this is for active, retired or veteran military only.

Thanks for the blog!!  Really enjoying it!

I have also used Walks of Italy and found them to be very professional.  We needed to cancel 1 tour with them and the payment was refunded immediately.  Will be using them again next summer.

Hello.  I can highly recommend the Lancelot Hotel.  It is located very close to the Colosseum.  Family run, clean and fairly priced but it does sell out early.   Happy planning...

Loving your review/photos!  Thanks

Booked 3 and all 3 were 20% off.  Med cruise next July.

Yes, you can change 1 name 1 time.

The cafeteria on the top floor of the El Corte Ingles department store in Plaza Catalunya. Wonderful views over Barcelona and a cheap cup of coffee. Probably no Michelin stars though....

 

 

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Great views!!! I was so surprised when we stopped by. Alot of quick offers as well as an oyster bar and cocktails.

Yes! I've heard about the market...is it easy to find?

Very easy to find. I think maybe there were some signs. Within walking distance for sure.

Since you mentioned you are a foodie...check out the local indoor food market. Great place to have lunch.

I fell in love with Cassis last summer. Very charming town on the water overlooking the white cliffs. Many small shops and alot of options for lunch. I have not been to Aix so I can't compare either.

I book with a travel agent and the promotion was emailed from Celebrity directly. Saved $180 on 2 excursions for next year:).

Did this tour last month and loved it!! There is a metro stop fairly close to Camp Nou but then there is still a bit of a walk. I would recommend spending the money on a taxi. The self guided tour is great!!