Cruise Booking Options- Advice Needed

Let's try this again...

Is it worth it to book non-direct if there are an extra $430 in benefits on a $2300 cruise such as on-board credit, paid gratuities, and paid deposits? (agents or online travel websites in general) I have found a few different options and the cruise line refuses to match and even tells me to go with the other options. Will I be able to take advantage of cruise price drops if I don't book direct?

Thank you for any help. First time cruiser and cruiser booker here and I am afraid to make the wrong choice with the booking. All of the current deals expire tomorrow.

I book direct but if almost a 25% price difference nothing wrong with going through a agent. It is a little hard to answer because you have supplied limited information. It would be helpful to know the cruise line, ship, cruise. Because in some cases it could change the answer. In general take the best price.

A few things you should do. Sign up for the cruise lines rewards program and open a on line account with the cruise line. That way you can have the information listed in the cruise line systems and check it. But the most important thing I can say is have fun it is your first cruise, even if you make mistakes and errors, just move on and have fun. Don't waste time thinking about I did this wrong, could have fixed this way, etc. Get on the ship, explore and have fun. Welcome to cruising it is a get way to travel.

It is a little hard to answer because you have supplied limited information. It would be helpful to know the cruise line, ship, cruise. Because in some cases it could change the answer. In general take the best price.

Sorry, I am looking at an Eastern Caribbean Carnival Cruise on the Magic in October. I am just worried that booking through a major online travel website would make it less personal, or less flexible if the price drops.

Personally, I would go with the agent for the benefits. Think of it this way, even the cruise line told you to go with the agent.

If the price drops, the agent will (most likely) match the price drop.* However, in that case, expect to lose some or all of the benefits. You can't have everything**. Don't stress, you have a found a fair and reasonable offer. Enjoy.

* Ask that question to the TA. And ask about a corresponding drop in benefits. More information is always good.

** Think Marie Antoinette

Personally, I would go with the agent for the benefits. Think of it this way, even the cruise line told you to go with the agent.

If the price drops, the agent will (most likely) match the price drop.* However, in that case, expect to lose some or all of the benefits. You can't have everything**. Don't stress, you have a found a fair and reasonable offer. Enjoy.

 

* Ask that question to the TA. And ask about a corresponding drop in benefits. More information is always good.

** Think Marie Antoinette

In addition to a TA (the TA is offering $190 OBC total) I am also looking at an online travel website offering the $430 in benefits. I'm leaning more toward the travel website.

Remember the online travel website would function as your TA, with all the responsibilities and abilities of a brick and mortar shop or a big box store selling cruises. Personal service can vary widely between all the iterations of "TA", but most of the time the bookings go smoothly.

Sorry, I am looking at an Eastern Caribbean Carnival Cruise on the Magic in October. I am just worried that booking through a major online travel website would make it less personal, or less flexible if the price drops.

You can still call Carnival with questions even if you have booked through a agent, you do not lose customer service. As for deposits and being flexible you need to review the agents site. The lines policy is very simple for 6 - 9 days cruises the standard deposit is $250 per person, full payment is due 75 days prior to sailing. So you can make any changes you want up to 76 days before sailing, including full refund. Many travel sites have a no change policy and may require full payment to lock your deal in.

We use a Travel Specialist.

They can normally offer amenities such as what you mentioned that a cruise line cannot.

We also want someone who can cut through red tape and also someone who will be our advocate should something go wrong with the cruise line.

Keith

We book thru a TA. She gives us a discount on the cruise price plus some OBC.

Yes. I would book through the agent under this set of circumstances. You may face cancellation penalties, not imposed by carnival by booking through them. So just keep that in mind. But I’ve not had an trouble getting price drops through a TA

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Does anyone have any experience with bigger travel sites like Expedia/Orbitz/Travelocity/Priceline? I am not trying to name specific agents/offers, just want feedback on these. I have to decide who to book with today. I do know that if I cancel I will be subject to the same restrictions as the cruiseline in addition to the $100 cancellation fee and $24.99 processing fee that is unique to the travel website.

Does anyone have any experience with bigger travel sites like Expedia/Orbitz/Travelocity/Priceline? I am not trying to name specific agents/offers, just want feedback on these. I have to decide who to book with today. I do know that if I cancel I will be subject to the same restrictions as the cruiseline in addition to the $100 cancellation fee and $24.99 processing fee that is unique to the travel website.

Yes. That is who I use to book with. Not one site but just the large online sites in general. I have only had good experiences booking through them.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for all of your help! I just spoke to an agent on one of the big travel sites and I feel much better about booking with them. The extras they are offering (paid gratuities for first 2 guests plus $75 on board credit) are too good to pass up I think.