We like you have very rarely used travel agents. We’ve done over 35 ocean cruises and maybe used an agent for 5.
However with a river cruise we are looking at a lot more money....I put out an inquiry’s to 3 agents. One offered nothing but their experience and advice in return for the booking. One offered $250. I’m using the one who offered me $550.
i don’t need them. I booked the cruise myself, called the line directly to book airfare and just before final payment (and less then 60 days from deposit) transferred the booking to an agent. I like to control my own bookings but $550 was too good to pass up. I wouldn’t give up control for nothing that’s for sure.
If you don’t know where to go and what line to use then you need an agent. It’s a big investment. However some of us like to do our own research and know more then the agents! I used a “advisor for river cruise” ( hint) for some comparison shopping and feel we got a decent deal and picked the right line for us.
My advice is to shop around if you want to use one.
Sorry, but I 'm somewhat confused. You say that one TA offered you $250, and another offered you $500 (which you accepted). I've read that TA's charge travelers nothing, but instead charge the cruise lines. So are you saying these TAs offered YOU money to use their services, i.e., shared their commissions from the cruise lines?!
Do I really need a travel Agent?
in River Cruising
Posted
Sorry, but I 'm somewhat confused. You say that one TA offered you $250, and another offered you $500 (which you accepted). I've read that TA's charge travelers nothing, but instead charge the cruise lines. So are you saying these TAs offered YOU money to use their services, i.e., shared their commissions from the cruise lines?!