Stupid TA questions

[msiowa]

Although I've been on 3 cruises, I've never dealt with a travel agent for cruising (someone else always did it for me.) I have a couple of questions:

 

1. How long should I expect it to take from the time I ask for a quote until the time I receive it?

 

2. If I pay a deposit to hold a cabin, and then get a better quote from another TA for the same ship and class of cabin, can I cancel the first cabin? If so, do I get my entire deposit back?

 

Thanks for your help.

Joanie

[Joyvey]

I am going to answer your questions since I am a cruise travel agent.

1. A good travel agent should respond to a quote request within 24 hours.

2. A good travel agent is on the lookout for price reductions and should find them before you do. If not, the travel agent should be more than happy to get that lower rate for you.

Hope this helps

 

Carnival Miracle 12/2004

Galaxy 2004, fantasy 2004, glory 2003, zaandam 2003, fantasy 2003, century 2002, voyager 2002, maasdam 2002, Ncl star 2003, norway 2002, inspritation 2002, fantasy 2002, sovereign 2001, statendam 2001, noordam 2001, Grand princess 2003, golden princess 2003, regal empress 2001,

[teedee]

Hi Joanie - Your questions are not at all stupid.

 

#1 I use a local agent and she gets me a quote within an hour, however if you're using an online service I would say within 24 hours at the most, and sometimes sooner.

 

#2 Yes, you should get your entire deposit back as long as you are not in the penalty phase, but in that case you would have had to pay in full (I think, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong) so it doesn't apply.

 

Terri

 

Skyward - 1989

Carnivale - 1991

Holiday - 1994

Fantasy - 1998

Century - 2002

Century - 2003

Jubilee - 7/04

Century - 9/04

Coral Princess 3/05

[denisey]

The only thing I would add to the above posters is to check what the TA's policy on cancellations is. I've noticed a trend recently which the agency charges a $50 cancellation fee. That could really eat into any discount you might get elsewhere! It's probably a good idea to know what the TA's and cruise line’s policies are on cancellations in general!

 

So, if you see a lower price after you book, ask your current TA if they can match it before you cancel!

 

Denise

 

Celebrity Zenith March, 2005

Carnival Glory March, 2004

Carnival Pride September, 2003

Carnival Legend Februrary, 2003

Carnival Pride, March 2002

Paradise Back-To-Back May, 2001

Carnival Destiny, March 2000

[Shadow]

Another thing to check on, is that the TA puts your deposit through the cruise line not through their agency. Sometimes TA's go out of business and if the cruiseline isn't holding the deposit from you, your out of luck.

 

Millennium - 6/2/04 - Mediteranean

 

Infinity - 12/5/04 - Hawaii - Infinitinis

[Bruin Steve]

I'll add my two cents:

1. Depends on the TA and how busy they are when you make the request...I've had my TA get back to me the following day--especially when I've given her a broad assignment like checking prices on multiple alternative ships and multiple alternative sailings...and I've also had her call the cruise line and get a quote while I'm still on the line--if it's a particular ship and sailing...But, on the whole, most TAs should be able to get you a quote within that 24 hour timeframe...

 

2. Yes, you can cancel and receive your deposit back at any time prior to when final payment is due...however...Also be aware that the cruise lines typically allow for a short period in which the TA can hold the cabin before you actually have to submit a deposit...I usually get a quote, go home, discuss it with my wife...and then, charge the deposit the following day...But, if you want, you can ask the TA to hold the reservation and then go out and get your competitive quotes from other TAs and pick the one you want...Charge the deposit and confirm the reservation when you are certyain you've got the deal you want...

 

TAs often differ in the amount they quote based on a couple of factors...There is a specific quote you can get from the cruise line at any time (just run it through the reservations page on the website) which is the same number MOST TAs will give you...It includes a full, undiscounted commission...

 

A TA can offer you a lower price generally only one of two ways:

1) They have prearranged for a large block of cabins on a "group rate"; or

2) They can discount from their commission...Some large volume TAs receive a fairly high commission schedule and, in order to attract business, are willing to discount the cruise prices set by the line by 5%, 10% or even a little more...

 

Let's say Celebrity sets a cruise price for a specific ship, sail date and cabin at $2000 per person...The cruise line website will book you at $2000...most TAs will do the same...Some TAs will have a different price based on a group booking...others will cut that price down to $1900 or $1800 or even a little less...Say, $1770 (11.5%)...Each is merely competing with the bulk of local TAs and with the other discounters to get your business...

 

Many of the discounters can afford to slice their commission because they are dealing with low overhead--no storefront rent, internet advertising only, whatever...Some have no phone contact or they're shaving service in some other way to cut costs...

 

The trick is to find a TA who discounts AND provides good service...There are some out there...

 

But my advice is to do the research FIRST...contact as many TAs as you want up fronty...settle on a TA and book itwith them...once you've done that work and they've done their work--be HAPPY...If you find lower rates LATER, call your TA and see if they can get you an adjustment...rates do drop at times and a good TA will get you the drop...

 

Oh, yeah...and DON'T use a TA that charges "cancellation fees"...the cruise lines don't charge them (unless close to the sail date), why should the TA--cancellations are just part of the business...

 

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

 

[Kathleen P.]

I am a TA, although I do not specialize in cruising, (I specialize in high end land travel), although I have done a few cruises, I have found that a TA makes 10% commission. Of that 10% commission which may be $250.00, half goes to the owner of the Travel agency. So your TA is making $125.00, which he or she will see 2 weeks AFTER your cruise. Not a lot of money. The agency may get paid earlier thatn that, the owner holds the money for a while. Agencies are now charging a fee $25-50-75 and will keep a certain amount if you cancel, due to the time involved in speaking to you, doing research and the actual booking, which can take up a lot of time. Believe it or not the TA owner will keep 50% of the cancellation fee too.

 

Im my experience, I have found that TA's really cannot do anything more for you thatn what is offered by the cruise line, it just may be that you are not aware of all that is offered so you think your TA is getting you a "deal". All the faxes I get everyday from different cruise offers are always listed for the general public. If you call a TA and book your cruise and use your AmEx card, you will get a shipboard credit from Amex, thinking it is from your TA. Also some agencies get you a lower rate because they use a senior discount, which the cruise line are now checking.

I do many involved high priced land vacations to very exclusive destinations in which you do need a TA. When booking a cruise, I can honestly tell you you do not need a TA. Call the cruise line yourself. There is nothing special that a TA does. Wehn I book a cruise for myself, I do not call as a TA, I use my name, not my company. I have found that if you call, you will be given a larger selection of cabins than what is listed on the website. Your TA is not working magic, he/she is calling the cruise line and getting the info from there. Also, I do not know how a TA can waive a commission, as the owner may be very upset because there is no money to be made for the company. I would be pissed if a TA waived the commission, as that is how money is made.

My best advice is to call the cruise line yourself, ask for the cabin you want, even if it is not listed on the website, aks for any coupons/ship board credits that can be applied to your booking. Not only will you most likely get what you asked for, but you are in control of your booking, which means you can call the cruise line directly with questions, changes, payments and the docs will be mailed directly to you, not thru a TA then to you.

 

With this website and the many helpful wonderful people and great info, you should not have a problem booking your own cruise. The reps at the cruise lines are like built in Travel Agents, and will get you any info you need.

 

The type of travel I arrange, without a doubt needs a TA who has knowledge of different islands, resorts, private boat and air charters, restaurants, luxury car rentals etc...with a cruise, it is all built in for you.

[mrscintn]

Katleen P-It is obvious that you do not do much business in cruises, because most of what you have posted here relates to YOU and YOUR employer, not a cruise only specialist agent or agency.

 

Most cruise agents( those that specialize in cruises), do not get 50% of 10% but rather 80%-100% (depending on their deal) of whatever their commission rate is based on volumne and they can afford to discount their commissions. They also(the ones who do tons of business) also get preferred rates from some of the cruiselines, plus other perks and goodies that they pass along to their clients. Most decent cruise agents do not need the business badly enough to cheat and put clients at risk by booking them in a fare code that they do not qualify for. That fare code information is right in their face when they open their booking systems......

 

If a TA is going to recommend that passengers will get their best deal direct from the cruiseline, then they do not need to be in the cruise business at all as you are steering your clients in the wrong direction and definately not getting them the best pricing or giving them the best service............

 

Run away from any agency that will CHARGE you for their services.

 

Ok, I will go back to lurk mode..........this post really got my goat.

 

 

 

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kathleen P.:

I am a TA, although I do not specialize in cruising, (I specialize in high end land travel), although I have done a few cruises, I have found that a TA makes 10% commission. Of that 10% commission which may be $250.00, half goes to the owner of the Travel agency. So your TA is making $125.00, which he or she will see 2 weeks AFTER your cruise. Not a lot of money. The agency may get paid earlier thatn that, the owner holds the money for a while. Agencies are now charging a fee $25-50-75 and will keep a certain amount if you cancel, due to the time involved in speaking to you, doing research and the actual booking, which can take up a lot of time. Believe it or not the TA owner will keep 50% of the cancellation fee too.

 

Im my experience, I have found that TA's really cannot do anything more for you thatn what is offered by the cruise line, it just may be that you are not aware of all that is offered so you think your TA is getting you a "deal". All the faxes I get everyday from different cruise offers are always listed for the general public. If you call a TA and book your cruise and use your AmEx card, you will get a shipboard credit from Amex, thinking it is from your TA. Also some agencies get you a lower rate because they use a senior discount, which the cruise line are now checking.

I do many involved high priced land vacations to very exclusive destinations in which you do need a TA. When booking a cruise, I can honestly tell you you do not need a TA. Call the cruise line yourself. There is nothing special that a TA does. Wehn I book a cruise for myself, I do not call as a TA, I use my name, not my company. I have found that if you call, you will be given a larger selection of cabins than what is listed on the website. Your TA is not working magic, he/she is calling the cruise line and getting the info from there. Also, I do not know how a TA can waive a commission, as the owner may be very upset because there is no money to be made for the company. I would be pissed if a TA waived the commission, as that is how money is made.

My best advice is to call the cruise line yourself, ask for the cabin you want, even if it is not listed on the website, aks for any coupons/ship board credits that can be applied to your booking. Not only will you most likely get what you asked for, but you are in control of your booking, which means you can call the cruise line directly with questions, changes, payments and the docs will be mailed directly to you, not thru a TA then to you.

 

With this website and the many helpful wonderful people and great info, you should not have a problem booking your own cruise. The reps at the cruise lines are like built in Travel Agents, and will get you any info you need.

 

The type of travel I arrange, without a doubt needs a TA who has knowledge of different islands, resorts, private boat and air charters, restaurants, luxury car rentals etc...with a cruise, it is all built in for you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Bruin Steve]

Kathleen,

I beg to differ...

First, not all TAs are on the same commission schedule with the cruise lines...Your agency is undoubtedly toward the low end of the schedules...

 

The cruise lines give a smaller cut to low volume agencies than to high volume agencies...Since your agency specializes in travel other than cruises, they are probably not coming close to the volumes some internet-based or mass-marketed national agency is doing...Those guys get a much higher percentage than you do (Of course, many offer less service as well I'm sure)...

 

Because they have a higher commission and a lower overhead, they are able to discount...It's easy to find discounters--some are advertised (like Costco--which I believe slices off 5% to members), some can be found with a quick google search or through recommendations (I will not post the name and phone number of my TA on this board, I don't think that's appropriate...but I have given it out to people who've E-Mailed me)...

 

Yes, it is VERY hard for small local TAs to discount...they have low commission schedules, high overhead, commission splits, etc. But they offer something different...some people don't care about saving a few dollars and prefer the personal contact, in-person accessibility, personalized service. Of course, other people know exactly what they want and just want it at the lowest price...for that, find a discounter...

 

Oh, and yes, there are some TAs of both sorts (local and internet) who have been known to abuse "senior discounts" and the like...but, that is NOT how many honest discounters do it...

 

And, BTW, there are many things a really GOOD TA can do for you with a cruise:

 

Mine researches alternatives for me, finds me deals I could not have found myself, straightens out problems with the cruise line, watches for price drops or cabin availability, ...and much more...AND DISCOUNTS the price...MOST ABSOLUTELY...

 

As an example, I booked the Summit while on the Millennium with the onboard future cruise consultant...I was given a set price from Celebrity on an 11-night cruisetour on the Summit, July 9 sailing, Cabin #7002 for $5055...

 

When I got home, I immediately called my TA (We set it up with the line to transfer the booking to her)...She recomputed the fare with her discount--SAME BOOKING--and it was drastically less...

 

We then decided to extend it to a 13-night cruise tour instead (on her advice, which I value)...and our new, DISCOUNTED price--same sailing, same cabin, more expensive cruisetour package: $4800

 

So with our TA, we saved $255, added two nights and more amenities to our land portion and are getting the same cabin and same sailing...

 

Since then, we've added a second cabin for our kids, added air through Celebrity, added two nights hotel in Vancouver and switched the cabins to the port side of the ship (when my TA saw the specific cabins come available)...My TA did all of this for me with great ease...it's what a good TA does...

 

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

[tessea]

Bravo Bruin Steve, I could not have said it better myself.

[BurBunny]

I echo that. Bravo, Steve!

 

<font face="Imprint MT Shadow" size="5" color="#FFCC00">Amber</font>

<font size="4" face="Berlin Sans FB">Cruise Resource

BiddingFun and BiddingHELP</font>

 

 

[Kathleen P.]

mrscintn

If you re read my post, first of all I say that I DO NOT specialize in cruises, nor do I steer any of the very very few cruise clients to book themselves. I do refer customers that I do not wish to service, for one reason or another to another Travel Agency. I do own my own travel agency and I specialize in elite destinations. I don't work for anyone but a select few clients that spend upwards of $20,000 per vacation, they are for sure not the coupon clipping crowd Also no one works for me I started my very small agency because I love to travel, and since we do travel often, I get some discounts from being a TA, but they are not as good as they used to be.

 

I used to work for a very large agency, which was also an

American Express Agency. The agents there, who were life long travel agents and have worked there for many years, made 10-15% commission, which was split with the "house". Since the agency was very large, they received "specials", which in fact are no big deal. With so many people not using a TA, many agencies that have not folded need every penny they can get...to keep the store open, so if a TA waives their commission, there is no money made on the booking. It may go towards a volume bonus of some sort, but the instant $$ are gone. The travel agency does not pay these people a salary, but they are paid on the commission they generate only. A "busy" TA makes about 20k per year, and that is one with a client base. I got tired of splitting 300.00 or 250.00 with someone and having to wait 6 months to get it, with clients that I supplied to the agency - to me that is just BS. I have owned my own agency for a 4 years now. I have an office in my home and I am the only agent...I work very part time. Many travel agencies have been put out of business by internet agencies which are large wholesalers (like Expedia/Classic Custom Vacations), many of which you don't even have to speak to anyone. My opinion is it is much better to speak to a real person, have a contact, than to save a few dollars. Some shop price only, others want full service.

 

I have booked 2 crusies for myself, without any TA discounts (as you do not get a discount on suites and in order to get a TA rate it is pretty much last minute to get the $75.00 per day rate, and the cabin selection is very limited). I have called celebrity both times, without giving my IATA or CLIA # and I have gotten the best price/cabin location that I can get. I have yet to find any price better than what was given to me by celebrity. Maybe it's because even when I book my own, I am in Ta mode, so I auomatically do the things I do that other people do not think to do. I was trying to give info to the person who would like to book their own as not all TA's are created equal, sometimes you are better off doing it yourself. The more knowledge you have the better, that is what makes this board so great.

 

Since I am not a cruise specialist, I do rely on this board for great information for my own cruise vacations. We do travel a lot, but just completed our first cruise..if you read my posts, I never claim to be a cruise expert, I am just the opposite. Since I do not sell cruises, I really never had a need to go on one. I have 5 vacations planned for the next 14 months, and the last trip is a cruise, so I really do not know anything other than what I have learned here.

 

From being a TA, I personally do not charge a fee of any kind. I do however understand why agencies do charge. There is a lot of work involved in booking a vacation, there is the interview with the client to learn needs, wants, and budget, then is the research, then is the phone calls. The first call to the hotel/resort/airline/whatever to get prices and put a hold on what you think the client will want. Then is the call to the client to give them the info, in the mean time, they spoke to someone who thinks they know what they are talking about and throws another variable in the reservation. Then you call back and forth and back and forth. You get a small deposit and they cancel a few days later. Don't you think the TA should get something for all that work? Don't you think anyone's knowledge, time and effort is worth something?

 

That is why I have my own small little company. No I may not be making a million dollars a year, but my clients do not nickel and dime and they do not cancel. They also know when they book with me that they get the best room/location/flights whatever they want is theirs. Because I have been to these locations, and I get to know the hotel managers personally when I visit and they know the type of clients I send. So when I call, they take care of my clients needs. There are many that I turn away and refer to another agency because I do not want to deal with their BS. I do not do it for the $$, it is more of a hobby for me.

 

If my previous post "got your goat", it's not my problem. The emotions you feel are your own. I did not say anything disrespectful, but gave my experience of working in a large travel agency and gave information to anyone interested in booking their own cruise.

 

[This message was edited by Kathleen P. on 04-22-04 at 02:53 PM.]

[Jacqueline]

Kathleen, the problem with your post is that you said it is better to go to the cruise line than to a TA and that is absolutely wrong. As a HAL rep told me the other day on the phone- its better to use a TA because SOME of th HIGH VOLUME Ta's have access to special promotions which we dont !

Prices given by the cruiselines in my experience are almost always higher than I have gotten from a good cruise TA. And then there is the personal service component and tips that a good TA should be able to offer if they are a cruise specialist (ie good cabins, cabins to avoid, excursion advice, and more !).

 

Jacqueline

Constellation 3/20/04

HAL Westerdam 7/30/04

Tahitian Princess August 2003

Grand Princess Western Caribbean 2003

Brilliance of the Seas Baltic 2002

Ocean Princess- Alaska 2001

Celebrity Zenith- Bermuda 2001

Grand Princess Med 2000

 

[tessea]

I don't understand why the price a person spends on vacations determines the worth of the travel agent. Whether it is a $500 vacation or a $20,000 trip, the value of a good travel agent is priceless.

[Kathleen P.]

Not every TA can specialize in every kind of travel. There are ones that speicalize in budget, high end, the caribbean, disney, europe, cruising etc. If you are going to use a TA find one that best suits your needs. This discussion has nothing to do with $$, but the value of a "good" travel agent and what they can do for you. For example: you cannot expect a travel agent who specialzes in Las Vegas to get you the best price/value/information on a cruise.

 

You will also be surprised as to how many travel agents do not travel!

 

So when using a TA for the first time, ask some questions. Even if you got one as a referral, ask! It's your hard earned money, ask before giving over your cc# and make sure you feel comfortable.

 

The reason why I refer people to another travel agent is because I know I cannot meet their needs for whatever reason. For instance, I had someone call on a referral and wanted to book a 12 day honeymoon touring Spain for $2000.00 - including air! There is not way I am going to do anything like that, not because of money, but because the hotels (or flop houses) were not very safe and not in a safe location. Neither of them has been before so I did not feel right about doing this, as an American traveling anywhere out of the country, you have to be very careful on where you stay. He would not budge or listen to reason , so I referred him elsewhere. I personally do not care how much you wish to spend, it just so happens I booked a trip for a friend who referred me to a friend who has a lot of money - and so do her friends...so that is how it happened.

 

I also like to travel to the property and stay for a week or so and explore. I take notes, tour the different rooms and try different restaurants.

 

So I am a TA who actually travels to the destinations I recommend.

[tessea]

Therefore I guess a cruise specialist is also a valued travel agent.

[msiowa]

Interesting discussion. Thanks to everyone for answering my questions.

 

I've contacted 3 TAs via e-mail (2 of whom I was referred to by friends) and asked for 3 specific quotes - ships, dates, and type of cabin. A week later I haven't heard anything except from one who gave me information for 2004 when I asked for 2005. This is not good.

 

I know you're not allowed to recommend specific TAs on this site, but if anyone would be willing to recommend their TA, please feel free to e-mail me at rshine@iastate.edu.

 

Thanks!!

Joanie

[ILov2cruise]

Why shouldn t there be a cancellation fee.

You make the TA crazy, look at this ship, look for that port, this room that room than you book and than cancel.

She worked her a$$ off to get you the best fare she was able to get, shouldn t she get something for doing all this leg work.

Would you stay 2 hours late everyday at work just because your a nice person.

You should decide before you put down your deposit if you like the price.

Some TAs book blocks of rooms, than when they can t get rid of them they lower the price, should your TA be punished for this.

Seems like all on line TAs are now charging cancellation fees, maybe because we go from site to site making these people do all this work, than they get nothing.

 

[Toto2Kansas]

msiowa, you might try cruiseresource.com I know that you will be able to receive that quote within a few hours if not sooner.

And best of luck on that future booking.

 

Tahitian October 14th,2004

[Lois R]

Joanie, should your email be .com on the end?

I just sent you an email..hope it goes through!

 

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

 

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising

[Shadow]

Kathleen,

You might find a TA that specializes in Cruises and see what price they can give you for your up coming cruise. Have Bruin Steve email you his TA's name. This way you'll know if you got a good deal or not. BTW - you can also get a discount on suites. One thing that Bruin Steve forgot to mention was that he probably received a $100 to $250 room credit also by booking while on board.

 

Millennium - 6/2/04 - Mediteranean

 

Infinity - 12/5/04 - Hawaii - Infinitinis

 

 

[Kathleen P.]

Hi Shadow!

 

Steve is great, he has given me so much info on my Summit Alaska 2005 cruise - what a help he gave me info on a landtour (which I did not even know what one was)! Like I said when it comes to cruises, I really do not know anything.

 

We just returned from the Century and we were in a SS. When I called my rep, she told me that butler suites cannot be discounted, but if I want I can get a free upgrade, but other thant that there is not much she can do. I did receive a coupon from Celebrity, a "welcome home" gift $50 off next cabin if booked before a certain date. I also called the captains club (just give them your booking # and ask if ther are any coupons to be applied) and applied coupon code JAAA for 125.00 off. I also do not take commission, which means the commission is deducted off the bottom line (minus protection plan). I would love to get a price, but I think I have close to $1000 off right now, as not taking the commission really helps, six of one really. Instead of getting a commission check from celebrity, because I paid full price, and I am the booking agent, I deduct it. I also do not wnat to have to cancel my booking with Celebrity because I do not want to loose the Sky Suite I have, as I got very lucky and got one of the two extra large ones on the ship.

 

I think though by the commission deduction, I got a good price, but would love to know

 

Thank You-

 

I would love to return the favor, although I cannot when it comes to cruises - if you guys need info on a great getaway locations, ask away! Not asking as a TA, just a poster

I actually do not want anymore clients, but will give any advice!

[Lois R]

Shadow..Kathleen wasn't the one looking for a TA..the original poster is Joanie.

Kathleen is a TA

 

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

 

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising

[MSBYRDY]

Kathleen, whoever told you that Butler suites can't be discounted doesn't know what the heck they're talking about. We have them most of the time and have never paid full price. You need some better source of information.

Marilyn

[Bruin Steve]

Kathleen,

Thanks for the good words...also know that I meant nothing personally in this thread by disagreeing with you...

 

If you are acting as your OWN Agent in your booking and getting the full commission netted out, you may be ahead of the game...For most of us, we aren't TAs so we don't have that option...

 

And, yes, shadow, I received a $200 discount by booking onboard...that was already reflected in the price I reported above...It's why I booked on board...and I transferred it to my TA for the additional discount...

 

Unfortunately, there has been no Captains' Club coupon that appeared for this cruise (last year, I got an extra $200 off the Millie for my Med Cruise by way of a coupon)...but I did also get an additional discount on each cabin just for being a Captains' Club Member...

 

All said, Captains' Club, booking onboard, Captains Club coupons and discounting TAs, all put together, can dramatically lower the price of your cruise...

 

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour