Have you ever cancelled with on TA and re-booked with another?

[stacymills99]

Just wondering if anyone has ever cancelled with one TA and re-booked with another, because another can offer you a much lower price and/or better incentives? Just wondering how it worked out if you did?

[helen haywood]

Sure. I only book with TAs that do not charge cancellation fees. I just send them an email and tell them I need to cancel the booking. I don't have to give a reason. Then I check to make sure my deposit shows up on my credit card....usually in two or three days. Rebook with whomever I please.

[Queen of Oakville]

No, but in a few cases, I probably should have.

 

I have booked through a cruiseline though, and then transferred to an agent.

[cruisingsince94]

Absolutely. I did so when I found an agency that offered more perks than the one I had originally booked with. As a courtesy to the agent I gave them the opportunity to match the other deal but they could or would not so I cancelled and booked with the new agency.

[maxsales]

Absolutely. I did so when I found an agency that offered more perks than the one I had originally booked with. As a courtesy to the agent I gave them the opportunity to match the other deal but they could or would not so I cancelled and booked with the new agency.

 

I wonder how you would feel if that agent found someone who would pay more for the cabin you booked and canceled you and gave it to them? Just asking if you feel it is right if the knife cuts both ways.

[curiouscat]

i wonder how you would feel if that agent found someone who would pay more for the cabin you booked and canceled you and gave it to them? Just asking if you feel it is right if the knife cuts both ways.

 

:D

 

 

cc

Edited April 13, 2014 by curiouscat

[workingonlytocruise]

I wonder how you would feel if that agent found someone who would pay more for the cabin you booked and canceled you and gave it to them? Just asking if you feel it is right if the knife cuts both ways.

 

I think the better question would be - how would you feel if your boss fired you because he/she found someone who would do the job cheaper.

[bccolaman]

My TA has always matched whatever was being offered..courtesy to give them a chance to retain the booking. If they can't or won't match, cancel.

[Lsimon]

I wonder how you would feel if that agent found someone who would pay more for the cabin you booked and canceled you and gave it to them? Just asking if you feel it is right if the knife cuts both ways.

 

I think the better question would be - how would you feel if your boss fired you because he/she found someone who would do the job cheaper.

 

No offense guys but neither of these analogies make any sense. They just are not the way the world works, are not comparable and the fact is that the knife does not cut both ways. As consumers we have the right to shop for the best deal possible. Some of us consider customer service and some of us consider only price - these are personal decisions. If someone is booking on price alone then why wouldn't they switch if they find a better deal?

 

A better analogy would be: "What would you do if you bought a dish at one store and before you even took it out of the bag you found it for far less money at another store". The clear answer is that if the price difference was significant enough to make it worth the hassle, and you had no unusual tie to store one, most would return the item and buy it from the store with the lesser price. Why is the situation above any different?

 

Note to original poster: There are several things to consider: Does the original TA charge cancellation fees? Do you care if you lose the original cabin selection? Does the original TA offer anything special in terms of customer service or perks?

Edited April 14, 2014 by Lsimon

[stacymills99]

No offense guys but neither of these analogies make any sense. They just are not the way the world works, are not comparable and the fact is that the knife does not cut both ways. As consumers we have the right to shop for the best deal possible. Some of us consider customer service and some of us consider only price - these are personal decisions. If someone is booking on price alone then why wouldn't they switch if they find a better deal?

 

A better analogy would be: "What would you do if you bought a dish at one store and before you even took it out of the bag you found it for far less money at another store". The clear answer is that if the price difference was significant enough to make it worth the hassle, and you had no unusual tie to store one, most would return the item and buy it from the store with the lesser price. Why is the situation above any different?

 

Note to original poster: There are several things to consider: Does the original TA charge cancellation fees? Do you care if you lose the original cabin selection? Does the original TA offer anything special in terms of customer service or perks?

 

I was considering switching because we can upgrade by using a different TA for a much better price. But I am still about 9 months out, so I may wait a while and see if I can upgrade for a small charge with my TA if the price drops.

[Lsimon]

I was considering switching because we can upgrade by using a different TA for a much better price. But I am still about 9 months out, so I may wait a while and see if I can upgrade for a small charge with my TA if the price drops.

 

There is a lot of talk on these boards about price drops. When we've cruised it has tended to be during busy times of the year and more often than not we've seen price increases rather than drops lately. Price drops don't always happen.

 

Personally, we've stuck with a single TA over the years and haven't price shopped beyond making sure our initial price and perks were market pricing and that we were adjusted for any general price decreases. We've stuck with one TA as we do get some personal service in the past and I believe that because we're a good customer they'd help in the future if we had a problem that needed their assistance.

 

But if you are the type of customer that shops on price alone and you've found a deal that you feel is significantly better than the deal you have now then I'd take it. Why wait for a price drop that might never happen. If the there are further price drops in the future you can always ask for those as well. Just be aware of the TA's cancellation policy if it differs from Celebrity's or has additional charges.

[cynbar]

I actually disagree with many of the replies here. It would have to be a substantial difference for me to do this. I understand that the world works on the premise of getting the best deal, but I just wouldn't pull the rug out from 1 TA, who would the receive no compensation for the time he/she had put in, and go to another TA for a title more OBC or whatever. Just my opinion. Now, I admit I haven't thought much about what that threshold would be to get me to switch.....

[chamima]

I was under the impression that with Celebrity, after 60 days no changes of booking agent were allowed.

(Also, if we had booked with Celebrity directly we only had 60 days to transfer to a TA)

[Lsimon]

I was under the impression that with Celebrity, after 60 days no changes of booking agent were allowed.

(Also, if we had booked with Celebrity directly we only had 60 days to transfer to a TA)

 

In the USA, and some other countries, you can cancel a Celebrity cruise up until the final payment day with no penalty. Some TA's do charge an agency fee for cancellations or changes but many do not.

 

I believe the OP here was talking about cancelling his existing booking with one TA and then making a new booking with the lower cost TA.

 

I actually disagree with many of the replies here. It would have to be a substantial difference for me to do this. I understand that the world works on the premise of getting the best deal, but I just wouldn't pull the rug out from 1 TA, who would the receive no compensation for the time he/she had put in, and go to another TA for a title more OBC or whatever. Just my opinion. Now, I admit I haven't thought much about what that threshold would be to get me to switch.....

 

I agree with your point as well. I wouldn't bother switching everything for $50 once I had it all set but I can't say exactly where I would make the change. Since I've stuck with one TA for years I'd say the difference would have to be very substantial for me.

 

But if I was the type of cruiser that selected different TA's for each cruise based on who offered the best deal then the threshold would likely be pretty low.

Edited April 14, 2014 by Lsimon

[chamima]

In the USA, and some other countries, you can cancel a Celebrity cruise up until the final payment day with no penalty. Some TA's do charge an agency fee for cancellations or changes but many do not.

 

I believe the OP here was talking about cancelling his existing booking with one TA and then making a new booking with the lower cost TA.

 

 

 

I agree with your point as well. I wouldn't bother switching everything for $50 once I had it all set but I can't say exactly where I would make the change. Since I've stuck with one TA for years I'd say the difference would have to be very substantial for me.

 

But if I was the type of cruiser that selected different TA's for each cruise based on who offered the best deal then the threshold would likely be pretty low.

 

 

Thanks Larry,

I guess i misunderstood the original question.

 

We, too have used the same TA for years and there would have to be a substantial difference (probably a couple hundred dollars or more) to use anyone else.

 

Just like the fact that there are some small local businesses we frequent that I know charge a little more than the big box places but I feel better about supporting the smaller places.

[maxsales]

My TA has always matched whatever was being offered..courtesy to give them a chance to retain the booking. If they can't or won't match, cancel.

 

Very nice attitude, loyalty for past service means nothing. People wonder why TA don't seem to do a good job for them.

 

in line with the previous post, say you make twenty dollars an hour at your job and your supervisor comes to you and tells you that he has someone who will do your job for ten dollars an hour.

 

He further tells you that it no problem and he will be happy to let you match that offer and start working for ten dollars an hour. I bet you would jump all over that.

Edited April 14, 2014 by maxsales

[maxsales]

I actually disagree with many of the replies here. It would have to be a substantial difference for me to do this. I understand that the world works on the premise of getting the best deal, but I just wouldn't pull the rug out from 1 TA, who would the receive no compensation for the time he/she had put in, and go to another TA for a title more OBC or whatever. Just my opinion. Now, I admit I haven't thought much about what that threshold would be to get me to switch.....

 

 

This is a great attitude to have, except maybe the last sentence.

[maxsales]

No offense guys but neither of these analogies make any sense. They just are not the way the world works, are not comparable and the fact is that the knife does not cut both ways. As consumers we have the right to shop for the best deal possible. Some of us consider customer service and some of us consider only price - these are personal decisions. If someone is booking on price alone then why wouldn't they switch if they find a better deal?

 

A better analogy would be: "What would you do if you bought a dish at one store and before you even took it out of the bag you found it for far less money at another store". The clear answer is that if the price difference was significant enough to make it worth the hassle, and you had no unusual tie to store one, most would return the item and buy it from the store with the lesser price. Why is the situation above any different?

 

Note to original poster: There are several things to consider: Does the original TA charge cancellation fees? Do you care if you lose the original cabin selection? Does the original TA offer anything special in terms of customer service or perks?

 

 

The way whose world works,yours? In my world when I commit to something I stick with it. I don't expect someone to do work for me and then throw them under the bus because someone else can jump on their work and save me a couple of bucks. What ever happened to your word is your bound?

 

People complain that many TA's are adding cancellations fees, now you know why. Simply because they can't trust their clients to do the right thing. Just because you can do something doesn't make it the right thing to do.

[Theodorable]

I have no idea how you need a TA to spend much time on you when you book a cruise. I do all the research, the ship, the ports, the date, the cabin or deck I want. I then phone my big box TA and book the cruise. In all the cruises I have been on, I haven't found the TA I use to be undercut. I always get gratuities comped and some onboard credit. The amount of time the TA works for me is minimal. Just have a look on the internet....everything you could possibly need to know about a cruise is there if you search a little.

 

Why on earth would you feel guilty about dumping one TA for another when you could save money! I work very hard for my money and there is no way I am just going to throw it away so as not to hurt a TA's feelings!

Edited April 14, 2014 by Theodorable

[delirious9876]

No, but I've got Celebrity Eclipse TA booked for this week and have just booked RCI Indy of the Seas TA for 2 days after we get in on Eclipse. The RCI TA including one way international flight was $1900 for both of us (inc' taxes)

[delirious9876]

Ha ha ha !!!!!!

 

Stupid me !!!!!

 

You meant TA as in travel agent, NOT TA as in transatlantic - duh ?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[stacymills99]

Just an update. I ended up calling my TA today and she was excellent. She called Celebrity:) and we ended up getting the same deal as if I would have gone through another TA and we got to keep all of our perks. Doesn't hurt to call, and I guess in the end Celebrity is the one who makes all the calls on the prices, the TA's just get to add all the extra perks.

[Lsimon]

The way whose world works,yours? In my world when I commit to something I stick with it. I don't expect someone to do work for me and then throw them under the bus because someone else can jump on their work and save me a couple of bucks. What ever happened to your word is your bound?

 

People complain that many TA's are adding cancellations fees, now you know why. Simply because they can't trust their clients to do the right thing. Just because you can do something doesn't make it the right thing to do.

 

Before I get to the guts of my response I'll again point out that I've never changed a booking from my TA nor have I used a different TA since I started using my current one 8 years ago.

 

When I said "the way the world works" I was referring to laws and practice and not the moral side of the issue. Fact is that in practice TA's do not cancel cabins to sell to others at a higher price and may not even have the legal right to do so. But customers do have the right to cancel and rebook with a different agency and I'm sure some do exactly that in practice. My example of returning an item to a store when you've found a lower price happens all the time.

 

How about a theoretical example right on point and not just an analogy: Say you booked a nice cabin on a Mediterranean cruise this summer on the Eclipse at a cost of around $3K per person or around $6,500 with taxes. Now lets say that you are within the cancellation period and have the right to cancel without penalty. You become aware that another TA is selling the exact same cruise and same category of cabin for $4,300 total - a whopping 34% less than what you're booked at and a savings of $2,200! You call the your TA and they say they can not match that price. Are you telling me that you wouldn't switch? Despite my loyalty to my TA I would! In fact I wouldn't be surprised if my TA apologized that they couldn't match the price and told me that I should go ahead and make the switch. Now would I do it for $100 savings? No. Where would the line in between $100 and $2,200 be? I don't know. Would I think poorly of another cruiser who would do it for a $100 savings? No.

 

In any event I'm happy that stacymills99, the OP, was able to get her TA to match the lower price without a hassle and without having to switch.

Edited April 14, 2014 by Lsimon

[sunluva7]

Before I get to the guts of my response I'll again point out that I've never changed a booking from my TA nor have I used a different TA since I started using my current one 8 years ago.

 

When I said "the way the world works" I was referring to laws and practice and not the moral side of the issue. Fact is that in practice TA's do not cancel cabins to sell to others at a higher price and may not even have the legal right to do so. But customers do have the right to cancel and rebook with a different agency and I'm sure some do exactly that in practice. My example of returning an item to a store when you've found a lower price happens all the time.

 

How about a theoretical example right on point and not just an analogy: Say you booked a nice cabin on a Mediterranean cruise this summer on the Eclipse at a cost of around $3K per person or around $6,500 with taxes. Now lets say that you are within the cancellation period and have the right to cancel without penalty. You become aware that another TA is selling the exact same cruise and same category of cabin for $4,300 total - a whopping 34% less than what you're booked at and a savings of $2,200! You call the your TA and they say they can not match that price. Are you telling me that you wouldn't switch? Despite my loyalty to my TA I would! In fact I wouldn't be surprised if my TA apologized that they couldn't match the price and told me that I should go ahead and make the switch. Now would I do it for $100 savings? No. Where would the line in between $100 and $2,200 be? I don't know. Would I think poorly of another cruiser who would do it for a $100 savings? No.

 

In any event I'm happy that stacymills99, the OP, was able to get her TA to match the lower price without a hassle and without having to switch.

 

Competition is fierce among travel agents, especially when you pit a high volume bargain cruise outlet against, say, a trusted neighborhood cruise specialist. The local agent, who's been providing a repeat client with consistently great service, gifting some onboard credit or a specialty restaurant dinner for a special anniversary celebration is suddenly not good enough because she can't afford to give up most of her commission to meet the steep discounted price of the bargain outlet. I know price is an important factor when buying a cruise, but whatever happened to loyalty?

[annie99]

Sometimes value is more than just the initial dollar amount. Sometimes, past experiences and personal knowledge of a port can save money too. If a TA can say that I don't need a shore excursion in a certain port and here is how you do it on your own, then that is worth something too. Sometimes, TA's can arrange private tours or special destinations that can make the difference between a good cruise and a great memory. Yes, you can find a lot of info on the internet, but there is no substitute for someone who has been there and done that. My time is valuable on a cruise and I want to make the most of my short time in ports. Someone who can help me avoid the rip offs or the less than thrilling excursions has value to me as well. It is the bottom line that matters when the cruise is over. Did I get value for my money? My value comes from a great experience rather than a $50 shipboard credit.

Now ,if we are talking a $ 1000 difference - I don't know.