Transferring to travel agent

[Missywantstotravel]

I have a cruise booked through Carnival, yet I keep seeing some people saying they have transferred to a travel agent before the cruise itself to get perks. What is is that the travel agents do for you? I've never used one. I like using the main site itself because I can still make payments on the cruise itself, seeing as I don't leave until June 2017. If I transfer it, can I still make the payments? Will they allow me to get airfare and still make payments on that too? What is the benefit of transferring the reservation vs. leaving it with Carnival?

[champagne123]

I like maintaining control of my bookings. Once you turn it over to a TA, they have the control. For example..anything you want to change, your TA has to do it. You can't call your cruise line.

[Go-Bucks!]

I have a cruise booked through Carnival, yet I keep seeing some people saying they have transferred to a travel agent before the cruise itself to get perks. What is is that the travel agents do for you? I've never used one. I like using the main site itself because I can still make payments on the cruise itself, seeing as I don't leave until June 2017. If I transfer it, can I still make the payments? Will they allow me to get airfare and still make payments on that too? What is the benefit of transferring the reservation vs. leaving it with Carnival?

 

 

Travel agents will often give you discounts on cruises (mine gives 12-15% off) or if the cruiseline doesn't allow discounts then they give you onboard credit (OBC) to make it like a discount. They often also give you additional OBC, gifts such as wine or a free meal at a specialty restaurant or free travel insurance. They make their commission from the cruiseline so don't go with any agency that charges you a "service fee" or a cancellation fee. Calling them to make any changes is a minor detail compared to their help and financial deals. And agents who give cruiselines alot of business are able to "pull strings" when needed vs. the CSR who answers the phone for a cruiseline.

 

Not sure about making payments on cruises or airfare - I've never done that. I just pay my deposit, then save up my money in my savings account and pay the entire final payment when it's due. Really no different than making payments to the cruiseline except that you get to keep the interest. Even if it's not much, it's yours not theirs.

Edited May 30, 2016 by Go-Bucks!

[zqvol]

I have a cruise booked through Carnival, yet I keep seeing some people saying they have transferred to a travel agent before the cruise itself to get perks. What is is that the travel agents do for you? I've never used one. I like using the main site itself because I can still make payments on the cruise itself, seeing as I don't leave until June 2017. If I transfer it, can I still make the payments? Will they allow me to get airfare and still make payments on that too? What is the benefit of transferring the reservation vs. leaving it with Carnival?

 

Once you transfer it you are giving up a lot of control. You will need to make payments through the TA.

 

Unless you find the rare TA you gives you some benefit ( and most do not give you anything in spite of what people claim) you are better off leaving your reservation alone.

 

You also need to be aware that every line has its own rules about how long after booking you have to transfer your booking to a TA. If you have been booked for any length of time you ar likely stuck with Carnival, unless you cancel and rebook through the TA.

[taglovestocruise]

We usually book through the cruise line when they are having a great sale and giving perks, almost always with RCCL. We then transfer our booking to a online TA that we have used for years. We keep everything offered by the cruise line and then pick up 150 -200 in added OBC, always get one free specialty dinning for two, usually get free pre-paid gratuities or a added OBC for slightly less then the grats. Occasionally we can get another OBC if we use choice air. Anyone who thinks they get better service using a low paid cruise line cubical dweller rather than a TA is fooling themselves and wasting a lot of money. The biggest set of problems we have ever encountered was when JFK was shut down due to hurricane Sandy and we were heading to Rome from lax. Our online TA was able to transfer our flight to another airline and get us to Rome with no added cost, A good TA is the only way to go.. happy cruising

[paul929207]

Another benefit of a TA is you have someone on your side if there is a problem with the cruise line. The cruise line customer people are definitely on the side of the cruise line.

[MCC retired]

Another benefit of a TA is you have someone on your side if there is a problem with the cruise line. The cruise line customer people are definitely on the side of the cruise line.

 

 

If you chose to control your own booking , you are also on your own solving any issues that may occur . A good TA Cruise Specialist will have cruise line contacts that you don't have .

Edited May 30, 2016 by MCC retired

[montekat]

I booked my own cruises direct online for quite a few years, but then I found a TA who gives extra perks as well as OBC. I do all the research online, find exactly what I want, and either book online and then transfer or book with the TA direct. I keep up with prices and several times have upgraded to better cabins or gotten reduced prices. There are definitely TA's who are good.

[Keith1010]

Not all TA's are the same so the key is to find a reputable agent.

 

They can provide you amenities that the cruise line can't. They can be your advocate should something go wrong and they can often cut through the red tape to get an issue resolved. Some agents can provide other benefits including even obtaining better packages at hotels.

 

Keith

[silentbob007]

Over the years I've gotten thousands of dollars of "perks" (mostly OBC) from simply booking (or transferring) with a TA after I know exactly what I want. It helps to know what you want and what questions to ask (charge for changes? honor price drops if line does? availability?). I know I have a bit less control, but so far [knocks on wood] I've never not gotten a deal/price drop I wanted and, even if I did, I'd still be way ahead.

[Scrapnana]

I am not a good negotiator so I need a TA who is should a problem arise. Although I have recently changed TAs (found a company that gives much better perks than my last one), I have always gotten something from the travel agency that I would not have received if I booked directly with the cruise line.

[texlar1]

At the time that you transfer your reservation to a TA you loose the control on your booking, all the changes, payments, upgrades, etc you've to call to the TA. And the good news is that you can get more perks, gift certificates, bottles of wine, shore excursions discounts, etc. But is important to ask to your local friends some type of referalls to get the best TA in your area. And one tip.. Seek a TA who specialized in Cruises.