Aussies using overseas travel agents

I know we can not mention travel agents by name on these boards, but I have seen so much discussion about travel agents and was wondering how many Aussies use overseas travel agents so get a better deal.

I have booked both directly with the cruiseline before and with travel agents, and I always thought I got a reasonable deal, but only on my latest booking (using an Aussie travel agent) did I get a good deal (IMO) but also received on board credit.

Seems American travel agents always offer on board credit, but are their fares higher to compensate for this?

It depends on the deal, the cruise line, and where the cruise is.

Usually I don't bother using a US TA for local cruises that are priced in AUD.

I have used a US TA for international cruises, one of which is our upcoming cruise on a cruise line she specialises in (Crystal) and so was able to get us a cabin when the cruise was almost booked out. The other time was for our Med cruise last year. I booked through her to take advantage of a promotion that is never offered here in Australia. Later on the prices dropped significantly and she was able to refare the cruise for us - we lost the original promotion deal but saved thousands of dollars overall.

The downside to using a US TA is that you can never predict what the exchange rate is going to be.

Some people I know swear by them even for Australian cruising.

But one thing I have noticed is that they have hidden charges such as taxes and fees.

So if you get a quote ask for a all inclusive price in A$.

And you will be up for international transaction fees.

 

Seems American travel agents always offer on board credit, but are their fares higher to compensate for this?

Not all, and they don't always include onboard credit.

Often where they do, it's because they credit some of their own commission back to you. This is for the really big retailers, because they are a much bigger market than we are, just like how supermarkets were cheaper than the corner store thanks to bigger volume.

Generally, they are more likely to offer credit, whereas the local agents that offer extra discount the price instead.

I always use a US based TA. (Actually I have used a few, but have settled on one).

I’m currently looking at a cruise that is roundly A$4,000 pp here and US$3,000 all up with my agent, which works out to a similar amount. However, the US agent is offering US$325 per cabin on board credit, plus a $50 loyalty bonus.

Also, cruise companies in the US will generally compensate for price drops up until final payment (I foolishly used an Australian agent for a local cruise last year and was burned by the price drop policy)

I know we can’t name agencies, but I will say that the one I use is an “outlet” and seems to be run by a lady called Sandy. I got on to them through Travelzoo.

Hi Daniel, if you email me, I will give you the details of two very good TA's in the US that we use. They nearly always beat the price here and OBC is good sometimes great.

Cheers

Di

I still compare the US TA to the local TAs and direct and just go with the best deal. Noting that you need to research to make it comparable (i.e include all costs, fee, taxes and currency conversions- even with a possible increase included) so that it is the total package and then can be compared as like for like.

I still compare the US TA to the local TAs and direct and just go with the best deal. Noting that you need to research to make it comparable (i.e include all costs, fee, taxes and currency conversions- even with a possible increase included) so that it is the total package and then can be compared as like for like.

I do the same but if you are cruising on Royal the US deals has a few bonus conditions - price drops being honoured is the big one. Also we don't eat in the MDR and if I book through the US I can adjust the tips, if I book through Australia I cannot.

I will be interested to hear how you go on Carnival.

Cheers

Di

Hi Daniel, if you email me, I will give you the details of two very good TA's in the US that we use. They nearly always beat the price here and OBC is good sometimes great.

 

Cheers

Di

Hi Daniel, I am interested in who you deal with in the US we are currently looking at 2 cruises next year one out of Honolulu and Alaska. Considering whether to book in Australia or use US as did once before and they were very good.

Hi Daniel, if you email me, I will give you the details of two very good TA's in the US that we use. They nearly always beat the price here and OBC is good sometimes great.

 

Cheers

Di

Hi Di,

Great to hear from you. Thanks again for the drinks on the balcony at New Years. :cool:

I have already booked through an Aussie agent as I thought the deal sounded pretty good. We going on Explorer on 18th December to South Pacific. I will email you for details for future bookings.

Cheers,

Daniel

Hi Daniel, if you email me, I will give you the details of two very good TA's in the US that we use. They nearly always beat the price here and OBC is good sometimes great. Cheers Di

I booked 2 cruises on Royal ex Venice using a US agent and the cost of each cruise was $600 cheaper than I could have got here. So went with them. I have a fee free credit card which helps.

In pricing my NZ cruise on Ovation I found that the US and Aus travel agents come out roughly the same price.

Also looking at Princess ex LA and the Aus travel agents are cheaper.

It just depends on where and when on whether you great a good deal.

It may also depend on the cruise line as some US TAs are passing on a $100 fee that the cruise line charge the TA for non US citizens booking with them.