Why should I use a TA?

[cruise10000]

I have found that I dont mind doing the necessary research to book the cruise we want. I like dealing directly with the cruise line and not having to call a TA to make any changes, if necessary.

 

A TA informed me that it would "cost about the same either way".

(That statement cost her my business!)

 

So, what am I missing here? Thanks.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Booking directly with the cruise line -- no perks.

We book through a TA we have used for over 24 years. She knows our preferences. We like the idea that we can talk to her any time we want to see -- go and see her if want to. And we get some shipboard credit, a free dinner and sometimes a bottle of wine.

[wenjoyjack]

I have found that I dont mind doing the necessary research to book the cruise we want. I like dealing directly with the cruise line and not having to call a TA to make any changes, if necessary.

 

A TA informed me that it would "cost about the same either way".

(That statement cost her my business!)

 

So, what am I missing here? Thanks.

 

I guess it's like every profession, there are good, bad and mediocre. My TA is wonderful - have dealt with her for 20 years and she has never let us down. To date we have not found a better deal on flights or anything else to do with travel that she cannot match or better. The hard part is finding this expert in her field. Unfortunately there are many incompetent and inexperienced practitioners out there.

[paul929207]

We save 10 to 20% by booking thru a TA that will discount. Note: not all cruise lines allow discounting.

 

In addition, we get some OBC.

[Gloria Mundi]

Our cruise line doesn't discount and we use a local TA anyway. We get zero benefit out of it but they get a commission. I don't use them for very much; I love arranging our trips and I'm a bit of a control freak about some of the details, so we end up using them for little things that don't pay much (e.g., train tickets between cities in Europe). I'm happy that we've booked a couple of expensive cruises with them now.

 

In our case, on-board credits wouldn't have been that useful- practically everything is included and our bill for extras (alcoholic drinks plus my snorkeling expedition) came to $140 for 7 days.

[Hlitner]

Our cruise line doesn't discount and we use a local TA anyway. We get zero benefit out of it but they get a commission. I don't use them for very much; I love arranging our trips and I'm a bit of a control freak about some of the details, so we end up using them for little things that don't pay much (e.g., train tickets between cities in Europe). I'm happy that we've booked a couple of expensive cruises with them now.

 

In our case, on-board credits wouldn't have been that useful- practically everything is included and our bill for extras (alcoholic drinks plus my snorkeling expedition) came to $140 for 7 days.

 

Although several cruise lines have implemented a very strict price control policy it does not really impact on certain amenities offered by many of the large online agencies. Have never had a situation where we could not use OBCs as we can always order a nice bottle of wine (even on luxury lines that include most alcohol...but not premium wines). We should mention that even with the price controls, there are times when certain large TAs are still able to offer discounts but not allowed to advertise those deals. The way you find out is to register with several major online TAs which will get you some unwanted e-mails....but will also get you info on special rates (with some agencies you can only get the best rates over the phone). We are not just talking about saving a few dollars. On one longer cruise we took in 2012 we managed to save about $3000 on a booking by simply shopping around.

 

But the important thing is that it costs you nothing other then perhaps a half hour of your time to simply shop around online.

 

Hank

[dsrdsrdsr]

You aren't missing anything, cruise10000. You've looked at what a travel agent offers, and decided none of it adds any value, so decided not to use one. There's no reason why you should use a travel agent.

 

I always use a travel agent, but to tell you why would be decidedly off-topic. ;)

[Scrapnana]

If there is a problem, I like having the TA to go to bat for me. She has far more experience working with these large companies (and maybe a little more clout) than I could ever have. The perks are also nice.

[cruise10000]

You aren't missing anything, cruise10000. You've looked at what a travel agent offers, and decided none of it adds any value, so decided not to use one. There's no reason why you should use a travel agent.

 

I always use a travel agent, but to tell you why would be decidedly off-topic. ;)

 

I have not ruled out a TA, I can always transfer the booking.

 

Knowing the value of using a TA would be dead on-topic.

 

That was the purpose of the question.

[cruise10000]

Thanks for all the constructive responses.

 

Good Bye!

[Keith1010]

A TA can provide more amenities to you than the cruise line and can also be your advocate if things go wrong.

 

Keith

[Hlitner]

You aren't missing anything, cruise10000. You've looked at what a travel agent offers, and decided none of it adds any value, so decided not to use one. There's no reason why you should use a travel agent.

 

I always use a travel agent, but to tell you why would be decidedly off-topic. ;)

 

Do not fear my English friend. Much of what we say, about saving money with TAs, does not apply to you or your fellow countryman since there have been various restrictions put on the bookings of Europeans by various cruise lines. As a stockholder we are pleased that you prefer to pay higher prices :)

 

Hank

[dsrdsrdsr]

I have not ruled out a TA, I can always transfer the booking.

 

Knowing the value of using a TA would be dead on-topic.

 

That was the purpose of the question.

But you already know the main reasons for using a travel agent. It's so you don't have to do the necessary research, and so you don't have to deal with the cruise line direct. Like I said, you aren't missing anything, it's just that travel agents are not for you.

[cruise10000]

Thanks to the sound advice of the ones who offered "constructive" replys my question, I spent a little time online/phone to "shop around".

 

Results: Found a very knowledgeable TA, (24 years experience), that offered some very nice OBC/perks should I transfer my booking to her firm.

 

More importantly, It seems that I may have found someone who would be our advocate, should we have a major problem while out of the country.

 

So, score one more for Cruise Critic.:D