Why use a TA?

[mablinki]

I love my TA. Booked a guaranteed balcony. Prices went down and I got upgraded to mini suite. You want to get recommendations from someone. That's how I got hooked up with this TA good luck!

 

 

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[S.S.Oceanlover]

everyone has his/her own opinion about which way is better. Totally booking on line isn't always best. In fact it isn't best very often. If you don't want to use an agent, at least use a pcc from the cruise line. Yes, there are often perks from using a TA, they do not charge or if they do, only a few $$s and if something goes wrong you have someone on your side who knows the ropes and knows how to handle situations. Normally nothing does go wrong, you will book, like you did, sail when you are supposed to and that will be the end of it. But, TA are worth their weight in gold if something does go wrong, plus they have the knowledge to explain details you can not get by checking a website.

 

I booked with a big online travel agent for a Princess cruise. Got to my destination Friday evening as I try to get there the day before and something was wrong with the ship.

 

Tried calling the agency on Friday night and Saturday morning. Guess what? They were closed for the weekend. No number to call for emergencies.

 

I know you are pro TA since you were one but one size doesn't fit all.:)

 

Bill

[hominid]

Cruise? Doesn't everyone just book that online nowadays?:cool:

 

What is a brick and morter TA? BJ's, Costco, AAA? I have always at least broke even on those prices booking direct. I have been to a couple real, supposedly "respectable", travel agencies in the past. Those ended up costing me more. And if they can book you a cruise, why would you not want them to book the other stuff too? Isn't that what they are for?

 

.

 

Our cruise in 2012, we used one of these and I was able to get a suite (SJ) for $880 less than NCL was offering and $650 in OBC. It was a no brainer. Our upcoming, I was going to book direct with NCL, but checked with the same TA and their price was $191 less than NCL and an extra $50 in OBC.

For me, that means more $$ to play on the cruise:cool:

[emeraldlover1]

I too booked with an online agency after checking many online agency's, NCL, and a local TA who insisted they could do better than any price I could find through NCL or online. Guess what? He couldn't. I got an inside where I could pick my cabin for less than his guarantee plus $175 OBC versus his $25. No brainer for me.

 

This is my first time on NCL. I have booked direct with Carnival in the past, but my best Carnival deal was my trip to Alaska booked through Priceline for cruise, Jet Blue for round trip air to Seattle from Boston and Hotels.com for our pre-cruise stay (one night in Boston with free car parking and free shuttle to airport and a night in Seattle in a fancy, boutique hotel. Whole trip for two in a balcony with all excursions and souvenirs was $3,200. Most people can't believe it, but it's true.

 

So yes, it is personal preference, but with the net, you can do a ton of research to get the best prices or at least make informed decisions. That's why we are on CC too.

 

 

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[graphicguy]

S.S. One of the signs of a good online TA is having a live person(s) to call 27/7 with any issues.

 

Big box stores (namely the one in WA) are good. But recently, I've found a really good one, offering excellent service, based on the East Coast.

[Out to sea!]

S.S. One of the signs of a good online TA is having a live person(s) to call 27/7 with any issues.

 

Big box stores (namely the one in WA) are good. But recently, I've found a really good one, offering excellent service, based on the East Coast.

 

Which planet has 27 hour days??? :eek::D

[Warm Breezes]

I do my own research first. By the time I am ready for a TA I know exactly what dates, ship, and even room number I want. I also know what the cruiseline is charging and any promotions they are offering. I then go to a site that allows TA's to compete for my business. There are 2 TA's that always seem to get me a better deal than I can get from the cruiseline directly either by lower cost, OBC, and/or gifts. I call the one up I choose and tell them exactly what I want. Since I have used them before they already have my basic information on hand. When there are price drops I send them an e-mail with screen shots of what I am seeing and let them take care of dealing with the cruiseline. They always get this taken care of for me...sometimes I see it in my cruiseline account within hours. I have never been charged for this or any other services they have done for me. Never a problem, never a hassle. I will continue to use them.

[Sizzlechest]

One reason: Cheaper prices and better deals. That's about it as far as a cruise is concerned. The one gotcha to worry about is cancellations. Some TA's will charge a separate penalty fee if you cancel.

 

True, but to me, the paltry benefits never outweigh the hassle of using a TA.

 

You have a bad TA.

[Out to sea!]

One reason: Cheaper prices and better deals. That's about it as far as a cruise is concerned. The one gotcha to worry about is cancellations. Some TA's will charge a separate penalty fee if you cancel.

 

 

 

You have a bad TA.

 

Actually, the few times I used them, they were very good (big name online TA). Then I read some of the finer points of their contract and didn't like the terms. Plus I prefer to have direct control of my booking and the cost differential is not worth giving up control.

[Sizzlechest]

Actually, the few times I used them, they were very good (big name online TA). Then I read some of the finer points of their contract and didn't like the terms. Plus I prefer to have direct control of my booking and the cost differential is not worth giving up control.

 

In general, the biggest issue with online big TAs is their cancellation policies. If you're going to be purchasing trip insurance, this ought to be a moot point. What type of control are you seeking that's worth throwing money away?

[Out to sea!]

In general, the biggest issue with online big TAs is their cancellation policies. If you're going to be purchasing trip insurance, this ought to be a moot point. What type of control are you seeking that's worth throwing money away?

 

The biggest point to me is price drops. Now, I normally sail Carnival, and with their ES rate, I am allowed to get price drops up to 2 business days before sailing. As you know, many cruise lines start to drop their rates after final payment date so when I found out the online TA I used charged $25 per rate drop (no matter the size of the rate drop), I was pretty miffed (sometimes a rate drop might only be $10 but hey, it still $10). Plus, in the case of a rate drop, I don't have to worry about a TA forgetting to submit paperwork or deciding it wasn't in their best interest (less commission due to lower sale cost). And there are other things that I like to call my PVP about which she will help me with if I'm booked directly. Through a TA, I'm told "sorry, we can't help you, call your TA".

 

And I've only purchased travel insurance once in 13 cruises.

Edited April 11, 2014 by Out to sea!

[NH Cruisers]

 

NHcruiser: you should always get a referral before using any service. If you had asked friends I bet you would have found a TA that didn't cost you a penny more than doing it yourself and would have been a lot more knowledgable than you. We are not talking Brick and Mortar and not even on line agents. They agent does not have to be in your area either. They often have very successful franchises, out of their home and yes, because of the net they can be anywhere in the country, but that isn't the same as a strictly on line company. there is no way, if you have a good agent you are getting a better price booking directly through NCL or any other cruise company.

I was refered to a suppodedly "knowledgable and repidable" agent. That is why we took our first cruise to begin with. Along with that balcony being to this day our most expensive cruise, the TA assured us that flying to Ft. Lauderdale from Boston on same day as cruise was the way to go. That was so stressfull.

 

The other TA we went through told us all about her cruising experiences. We took her advice and booked a Princess cruise instead of a RCCL cruise. Though it was fun and all, Princess cruises are our least fun. After we got back from our cruise, she (our TA) told us about the wonderfull time she had on the Freedom of the Seas. And she said she could not believe they had shower doors, not a curtain. She told us before she sailed on RCCL extensively. Come to find out that was her first time. Also they were our second most expensive cruise. But I did get a $60 band saw as a thank you. It busted on second use too.

 

Another TA we were thinking of using went bankrupt just prior to us checking him out. 100's of folks lost a lot of money.

 

So, for these reasons I don't really care for TA's.

Edited April 11, 2014 by NH Cruisers

[Crusin6]

I was refered to a suppodedly "knowledgable and repidable" agent. That is why we took our first cruise to begin with. Along with that balcony being to this day our most expensive cruise, the TA assured us that flying to Ft. Lauderdale from Boston on same day as cruise was the way to go. That was so stressfull.

 

The other TA we went through told us all about her cruising experiences. We took her advice and booked a Princess cruise instead of a RCCL cruise. Though it was fun and all, Princess cruises are our least fun. After we got back from our cruise, she (our TA) told us about the wonderfull time she had on the Freedom of the Seas. And she said she could not believe they had shower doors, not a curtain. She told us before she sailed on RCCL extensively. Come to find out that was her first time. Also they were our second most expensive cruise. But I did get a $60 band saw as a thank you. It busted on second use too.

 

Another TA we were thinking of using went bankrupt just prior to us checking him out. 100's of folks lost a lot of money.

 

So, for these reasons I don't really care for TA's.

 

The bankruptcy issue is never really an issue because you absolutely only give the ta your credit card never cash or a check and immediately upon any payment you check the card to make sure the charge is from the cruise line NOT the travel agency

 

The big online cruise specialist agency that many use is more than reputable and financially solvent.

[Markanddonna]

My experience with TA's is that they are not as OCD as I am about MY TRIP. The last time I used one, I called for him to check on a free cabin upgrade promotion and he called me back, two or three days later with just an apology. If you are willing to let your TA have full control over your booking, then go right ahead. I also learned during a cruise right before Hurricane Sandy that it was up to ME to get things done and make the changes.

 

If you are a "suite life" person who wants the upgraded experiences and are busy and don't have the time or skill, then a TA is probably a good idea.

 

I have had a 14 night TA booked for over a year at $639 PP with a $100 OBC. I doubt a travel agent could squeeze much more out of NCL, unless it was a last minute booking.

[newmexicoNita]

I booked with a big online travel agent for a Princess cruise. Got to my destination Friday evening as I try to get there the day before and something was wrong with the ship.

 

Tried calling the agency on Friday night and Saturday morning. Guess what? They were closed for the weekend. No number to call for emergencies.

 

I know you are pro TA since you were one but one size doesn't fit all.:)

 

Bill

 

Bill, you are right, one size does not fit all and some on line only companies have no one to call after hours. But many have 24/7 or certainly 7 day a week service. I know the one I use does and both the companies I worked for in the past do as well. This is something people should ask when booking. I am not crazy over on line only companies. Many agents are just order takers. I want an agent that is experienced and professional.

[newmexicoNita]

S.S. One of the signs of a good online TA is having a live person(s) to call 27/7 with any issues.

 

Big box stores (namely the one in WA) are good. But recently, I've found a really good one, offering excellent service, based on the East Coast.

 

that is the secret to booking with a TA. And many are very good.

[Cubechick]

True, but to me, the paltry benefits never outweigh the hassle of using a TA.

 

I was just answering the OP's question...not getting into the TA vs. direct booking debate. ;)

[Hawaii_Flyer]

Hi all, I have never used a ta, I'm an online research freak. That being said I have never gotten an upgrade or paid a lower price at final payment out of 6 cruises. I always thought I got a good deal :). Maybe I should try one. But I have no idea how to begin to find a good one. If anyone has recommendations it would be great if you could message me. Someone also mentioned a site where multiple ta quote, does anyone know what the site is.

 

Mahalo

Edited April 11, 2014 by Hawaii_Flyer

[Warm Breezes]

Hi all, I have never used a ta, I'm an online research freak. That being said I have never gotten an upgrade or paid a lower price at final payment out of 6 cruises. I always thought I got a good deal :). Maybe I should try one. But I have no idea how to begin to find a good one. If anyone has recommendations it would be great if you could message me. Someone also mentioned a site where multiple ta quote, does anyone know what the site is.

 

Mahalo

 

Cruise Critic rules are that we can't tell you. You are an online research freak. Do some searching and I'll bet you'll find it.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Hi all, I have never used a ta, I'm an online research freak. That being said I have never gotten an upgrade or paid a lower price at final payment out of 6 cruises. I always thought I got a good deal :). Maybe I should try one. But I have no idea how to begin to find a good one. If anyone has recommendations it would be great if you could message me. Someone also mentioned a site where multiple ta quote, does anyone know what the site is.

 

Mahalo

 

Unfortunately we are not allowed to recommend travel agents or travel agencies on this site either by posting on the forum or by email.

 

Private messaging is disabled on this forum, probably for that reason.:(

 

Bill

[Out to sea!]

I was just answering the OP's question...not getting into the TA vs. direct booking debate. ;)

 

As was I. ;)

[graphicguy]

that is the secret to booking with a TA. And many are very good.

 

Yep....actually, I primarily us one online TA. They aren't one of the big online travel sites. They're always available. And, they consistently give better service than the cruise lines' PCCs and significant OBC/perks that the cruise line agents can't touch.

[Hawaii_Flyer]

Unfortunately we are not allowed to recommend travel agents or travel agencies on this site either by posting on the forum or by email.

 

Private messaging is disabled on this forum, probably for that reason.:(

 

Bill

 

I thought that might be the case, but thought maybe you could message a recommendation. Yes I can find hundreds online, but I always prefer a recommendation and haven't found anyone I am impressed with yet. None of my friends are cruises or use TAs so no recommendations there.

 

Luckily I made a lot of friends on my last cruise, I'll ping them on TA's.

 

But thanks, I was not trying to break any rules, just unaware...

[JayinAZ]

I don't think it's forbidden to say that ************* .com does not work with NCL anymore. This was kind of controversial and discussed on cc forums. Lots of TAs there which is where I was able to get $335 OBC on my cruise on Pearl next month as compared to NCL giving me nothing.

I don't need anyone to hold my hand and make recommendations on what they think is best, nor do I call over and over again asking questions and trying to change my plans. Like many others, all I do is use the TA to book and give me some perks, then I'm done. Easy money for them and the customer is happy.

BTW you can still book dining and beverage packages and excursions on NCL.com whether you book directly with NCL or use a TA.

TA or direct is the customer's choice, either way you get the same product once onboard.

[JayinAZ]

Well I guess I got my answer about being forbidden to mention that website as evidenced by the asterisks in my above post. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out the competing website for cruises though. Haha!!!!!!!!