Best way to book a cruise?

Hi all,

Just thought i would ask where you all book your cruises?

Do you use a travel agent or is there a better way to book?:confused:

Cheers Marg:)

G'day Marg,

I think there are points for and against a travel agent.

If you are putting a package together a travel agent can be very helpful, but if you just want to get your cruise booked and over with, I think that dealing with the cruise line directly is the way to go.

The deal we got on our last trip on the PD through P&O killed anything a travel agent could have produced - but there was no package involved - just straight sea travel as a past passenger.

We are currently looking at a cruise package to Hong Kong on the Oriana in February09. So far the travel agents [especially the online ones] have far better deals than just dealing with P&O.

Horses for courses I guess. ;)

Hi Marg,

I am really interested in this also, as there are people on this forum who have a lot of experience. I don't have a lot of experience so all I can say is what I have found for myself.

I also know we are not allowed to give the names of agents on this forum.

Previously I have booked direct, with P&O and with Royal Caribbean's Australian arm. And have always had good results and I also felt secure dealing direct with the company.

I spoke to one agent who was very nice and he said that he could do better than what I was offered but only marginally.

However, I was told about an agent that was really good :) and thought I would try this agent.

Glad I did just amazing:D:D:D!!!

I firstly got the price From P&O and then went online and got quotes, but this agent beat them hands down on price with a better cabin and also gave me a great price on insurance.

I was doing my happy dance that day!:D

So I suppose booking cruises it pays to do your homework so you know what you are buying. Then get some quotes.

Glenda

We always book through our local travel agent.They are always very helpful.

Hi Marg,

 

I am really interested in this also, as there are people on this forum who have a lot of experience. I don't have a lot of experience so all I can say is what I have found for myself.

 

I also know we are not allowed to give the names of agents on this forum.

 

Previously I have booked direct, with P&O and with Royal Caribbean's Australian arm. And have always had good results and I also felt secure dealing direct with the company.

 

I spoke to one agent who was very nice and he said that he could do better than what I was offered but only marginally.

 

However, I was told about an agent that was really good :) and thought I would try this agent.

 

Glad I did just amazing:D:D:D!!!

I firstly got the price From P&O and then went online and got quotes, but this agent beat them hands down on price with a better cabin and also gave me a great price on insurance.

I was doing my happy dance that day!:D

 

So I suppose booking cruises it pays to do your homework so you know what you are buying. Then get some quotes.

 

Glenda

Glenda

Sounds like you got a good deal..:D

Don

Glenda

 

Sounds like you got a good deal..:D

 

Don

I sure did Don:D :D

Still in shock, it is a pity that we can't mention names of T/A on here as I feel like I want to tell everyone :) as I am sure everyone else does when they get well looked after.

Now all I have to do is try and curb my enthusiasm and not book any more for a while.:rolleyes:

Many thanks, :D Glenda

 

Glad I did just amazing:D:D:D!!!

I firstly got the price From P&O and then went online and got quotes, but this agent beat them hands down on price with a better cabin and also gave me a great price on insurance.

I was doing my happy dance that day!:D

 

 

Glenda

Hi Glenda,

I hope your DH knows you have actually booked this one! :D

Hi Glenda,

I hope your DH knows you have actually booked this one! :D

Hi Greg,

Yep, decided not to surprise him on this one. He actually agreed that it was probably a good idea to book this one. :D

But maybe there is still time to surprise him with the Dawn Princess one yet.;)

Glenda:)

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Kat

I would agree. I got a much better deal through my agent than I could have got with P*O direct. Saved loads of money.