How to find a Regent Seven Seas travel agent?

[caseymorgan]

We are considering the Athens to Venice cruise on the Mariner in July 2012. We have been on numerous cruises and cruise lines, but never encountered so many variables: "free this and free that, but only at this or that suite level, etc." :confused:

 

Is there a specific travel agency we should look for to help us sort this out? (We live in the Tampa Bay, FL area.)

 

Thanks.

[Travelcat2]

Unfortunately, we are not able to recommend specific travel agents on CruiseCritic. If you Google something about luxury cruising, you are bound to find some agents. You'll also see consortiums such as Virtuoso and Signatures with many travel agents (it is okay to list consortiums:-) Although Regent representatives can answer questions on the telephone, it really is better to book with a TA that has exprience booking Regent cruises. Most times there are extra benefits associated with booking through TA's.

 

It was a good idea to come to CruiseCritic. Many people assume that their local TA can book a luxury cruise for them. They can. . . . but, need to be able to tell you details that will make your Regent cruise that much better.

 

Last, there are many of us on the Regent board that will answer questions. For instance, the variables you were speaking of is the new "concierge" program that goes into effect next Spring. Here is a link to the all-inclusive benefits that are currently in effect: http://www.rssc.com/regentexclusives/allinclusive.aspx

 

And, here is a link to the new program. Hope this helps. http://bccruiseannex.com/wordpress/?p=1631

[caseymorgan]

That's exactly what I needed. We had used a local Virtuoso TA last year, so I'll see if she can help. Thanks a bunch!

[Host Dan]

TC2- Thats very good information. Thank you for reminding folks that it against CC guidelines publically on the boards.

Caseymorgan- I was lucky enough to find a luxury cruise specialist (Signature consortium) who even Hosts Regent cruises. They are out there, and well worth the search when found!

 

Host Dan

[TedC]

Keep in mind that on "hosted" cruises you may be paying for the "host" as well as your own fare.

 

 

 

I've never been on a cruise where I felt the need for a host - the ship staff is the "host."

[ChatKat in Ca.]

No you are not paying for the host. When your TA Has a group, they usually get a cabin for bringing a group onboard via the cruise line.

[Travelcat2]

Kathy -- I totally agree with you. But, I wonder if there are some TA's where this is the case? Certainly hope not.

[hvsteve1]

We found our TA by looking on the Regent web site. I believe they still have a "find a travel agent" link on their site that connects you with agents they consider as working closely with them. My TA, who I contact by phone and email, is familiar enough with the line that, if I'm considering a particular suite, he can tell me what I'll be looking at when I walk into the hall.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I think the "find travel agent" function is fine, but they will give you an agent that is physically near you (I believe.) I don't find that relevant, frankly, these days, although some do. I know there is at least one very highly-esteemed agency that specializes in luxury cruises here in my area, but I don't use them, although people all over North America do. I use one fairly far from me, although that's hardly relevant except that I prefer a US agent so that I can deal in USD.

 

But whoever you find, do make sure that they know the line and the ships well enough to be able to comment on specific cabin selection, as Steve mentioned.

[Threechicks]

I think the "find travel agent" function is fine, but they will give you an agent that is physically near you (I believe.) I don't find that relevant, frankly, these days, although some do. I know there is at least one very highly-esteemed agency that specializes in luxury cruises here in my area, but I don't use them, although people all over North America do. I use one fairly far from me, although that's hardly relevant except that I prefer a US agent so that I can deal in USD.

 

But whoever you find, do make sure that they know the line and the ships well enough to be able to comment on specific cabin selection, as Steve mentioned.

Wendy, the agent in your area deals in US$ only. I know because I book with them.