TA question

I notice from reading this forum,that lots of people mention using a TA to book their cruise.I know that names can't be mentioned on the forum,but is that a well known high street TA( don't think there are many left)?

Are the online companies also worth getting a quote from,and am I more likely to get a better price than booking direct with P& O?

Thanks in advance

Eve

We have always used a specialised Cruise Agent, never a high street TA. Our particular one does have an office you can visit if you happen to be in the midlands but the majority of their business is done over the telephone. I don't know if P&O still recommend TAs as they used to but this particular agent was the one that P&O recommended - I assume they don't any more because they want to do the business themselves. We use the same agent all the time and if she is busy then she calls us back - usually within 15 minutes or so. She now knows the sort of cabin we will usually be looking for. I have made a P&O booking with her in the last few days and the price undercut P&O by a considerable amount, plus we got extra OBC. Also when you pre-register she takes a list of the cabins we would be happy with and she's always managed to get us our first choice. On occasions I understand P&O will only let you reserve the grade of cabin and not the specific one - I wouldn't be happy with that. So for us it's a TA all the time.

Thanks for that- I’ll have a look at some websites

I'll check online to see if they do!

Thanks Eve

I use a TA for convenience and try to build up some loyalty. If they disappoint me on quality of service then I move onto another one. I check prices online to compare but QoS matters most to me so I don't go for the cheapest. If there is a significant price difference, I ask my TA for a price match.

TA for me every time, they can handle all my cruise bookings and as I always use the same sales consultant we have built up quite a good relationship. If I have any problems one quick phone call and she will do what's necessary to sort it out, leaving me free to do other things.

I am a bit surprised the mods have not deleted a few of the posts pointing to the best cruising TA in the business.

TA for me every time, a cruise specialist. They give me extra discount and I always use them. It was a recommendation on here, although not allowed.

It is well worthwhile looking at all options of where to book. It helps if you know what you are doing and being offered. In this respect having a printed brochure to refer to wherever you are and what ever has been said you can factor in the offer. Print outs of different offers are also good to refer to. Many facilities offer different side benefits and the fare basis upon which you are being offered early saver, saver etc. can be a greater benefit on different itineraries. Finally what matters to you in terms of choosing cabins, dining etc.

Regards John

Specialist cruise TA every time. Always cheaper than going direct to the company itself. And they also deal with things like the shareholder benefit where trying to contact Cunard or P&O can be a long tedious business.

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Thanks-I guess I would check cabin availability on P&O site then ask for that when booking via TA? Just one other question-when I looked at P&O this morning,it does not seem to come up with that much balcony cabin availability. Is it because they're already almost fully booked,or do they drip feed the release of cabins?

Thanks

Eve

Thanks-I guess I would check cabin availability on P&O site then ask for that when booking via TA? Just one other question-when I looked at P&O this morning,it does not seem to come up with that much balcony cabin availability. Is it because they're already almost fully booked,or do they drip feed the release of cabins?

Thanks

Eve

Drip feed and not always the best cabins, so best to decide where you want to be then ask the TA for the best cabin availability in that grade or area. The TA will always be able to view the full availability.

They do not drip feed and whatever cabins are available direct with P&O will be the same as specialist cruise TAs use the same booking site for availability. Just look at deck plans in brochures or P&Os website and then ask TA if its available if its booked it will only become available if its a cancellation.

They do not drip feed and whatever cabins are available direct with P&O will be the same as specialist cruise TAs use the same booking site for availability. Just look at deck plans in brochures or P&Os website and then ask TA if its available if its booked it will only become available if its a cancellation.

They definitely do drip feed them on their website, I agree their agent's do know all that are available as well, but I still feel my online TA gives 200% better service than P&O.o

Naming (or hinting at) Travel Agents is prohibited in Cruise Critic guidelines, which you all agreed to by joining this forum. Please desist.

Don't think anybody has mentioned a TA by name?

Don't think anybody has mentioned a TA by name?

Heavy hints have been dropped so Sharon’s post is justified.

They definitely do drip feed them on their website, I agree their agent's do know all that are available as well, but I still feel my online TA gives 200% better service than P&O.o

No they dont they might only show a small number on their website but if you ask for other numbers in the box online and they are available you can book them. It is just practical to show an example of availability not every balcony cabin etc. that is available at the same time.

No they dont they might only show a small number on their website but if you ask for other numbers in the box online and they are available you can book them. It is just practical to show an example of availability not every balcony cabin etc. that is available at the same time.

Isn't that the definition of drip feeding?

Even when using a specialised cruise agent I would never book online. It's amazing what you can achieve by booking over the phone as opposed to doing it over the internet.

I agree - there is always the possibility that the TA can see another, better cabin that is not visible to you.

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Isn't that the definition of drip feeding?

No it isnt because releasing only a certain amount of cabins at a time i.e. drip feeding gives the impression that those are the only cabins are available to book. Online on P&Os website or with a TA you can request any cabin number on the ship and if available you will be able to book it. Drip feeding means that only those cabins are available to book and if you want others, even if available, have not been released by cruise company which is clearly incorrect.

Many thanks to all of you for your helpful advice.

Much appreciated.

Eve

No it isnt because releasing only a certain amount of cabins at a time i.e. drip feeding gives the impression that those are the only cabins are available to book. Online on P&Os website or with a TA you can request any cabin number on the ship and if available you will be able to book it. Drip feeding means that only those cabins are available to book and if you want others, even if available, have not been released by cruise company which is clearly incorrect.

The same applies to those booking direct with P&O by phone. They have access to all empty cabins and are able to sell them. If booking online, try entering numbers of cabins you want rather than relying on the short list of cabins offered. If they are unsold, you can book them. In my opinion, best to phone rather than booking online, especially by using freephone number 0800 0523840.

The same applies to those booking direct with P&O by phone. They have access to all empty cabins and are able to sell them. If booking online, try entering numbers of cabins you want rather than relying on the short list of cabins offered. If they are unsold, you can book them. In my opinion, best to phone rather than booking online, especially by using freephone number 0800 0523840.

But why book direct with P&O when you can get the same cruise but cheaper with a cruise TA even if its only £20pp in a cabin for 2 that amounts to £40 a few drinks or couple of bottles of wine.

Couldn't agree more. My TA gives me 5% which on a 19 night cruise is definitely worth it.