Should I be unhappy with my TA?

[carefreebee]

I sent an email to my TA three weeks ago asking her to send me the new 2018-2019 Americas launch info as soon as she had it. Since we became her clients four years ago, I have asked for to send these every season before they go live, In turn, on launch day, she has received several big bookings from us (last year it was a Club Class mini and one 10 day suite, year before a suite and B2B...).

 

Last year I also booked two 7 day CC directly with Princess during the Sip & Sail/$1 deposit promo. To be honest I was a little peeved with her then...our Anniversary Suite cruise she didn't given us any "perks" like I've seen on CC post talking about wine, flowers, chocolate strawberries and more from their TAs!

Anyway, I had intended to transfer the bookings to my TA but over the course of the year she never reached out personally to follow-up or give me any heads-up on any upcoming Princess promos...like the $1 deposit during the sip & sale! To be fair her Agency does send out those robo emails but I often just don't read them. When I asked, she did insure our current bookings received the Sip & Sail promo when it became available. But I'm not sure how that would have played out dealing directly with Princess because I've always been successful before working directly with them.

Last year I practically badgered her for the new cruise info because I wanted to book a popular cabin on a popular cruise on opening day. She claimed she had computer problems, which may have been true, but that was the same reason she gave the year before as why she hadn't sent them as I had asked.

This year I requested the 2018/2019 info as soon as I saw the buzz starting on CC that some TAs had them. She replied she'd send them to me "as soon as she has them". Well I know they've been available and last week I downloaded the Excel Doc that's been so generously shared on Cruise Critic. Today, just days before Princess goes live with the new itineraries, I have not received anything from my TA.

This TA is a top Princess performer and rummer has it she is the TA for some of the top CC super stars. You'd think her knowing I like to see it early and book quickly would motivate her to be quick with my request. She should know by now we cruise 2 - 3 times a year, exclusively with Princess. We are Elite and don't need any hand holding. I know what I want and when I want it!

 

Is my bar too high? Are my expectations of personal attention out of touch with a TAs service? Or am I just a small fish in my TA's big ocean? Those of you who have great TA's, what services do they provide that makes you think they're great?

After looking over the 2018/2019 itineraries I have narrowed down our choices. Now, I need to decide whether to book with my TA, go with a retail big box travel service, find another TA or book direct. All I know is we'll be cruising!

[Thrak]

Since you are happy booking directly why not just continue to do so? Once your cruise is booked to your satisfaction you can shop around for perks from various TAs. Ask what they can do for you and pick one or don't pick one. If you have been unhappy with your TA in the past why do you continue to use her?

 

I'm a bit confused by your statement "This TA is a top Princess performer and rummer has it she is the TA for some of the top CC super stars" If she is the TA for some of the top "CC super stars" does that mean she is one that is know for discounting fares up front? If so, I wonder why it is that you say she isn't giving you any perks. An upfront discount is a great perk. On the other hand, if she isn't giving you a discount and also isn't giving you OBC, etc. then what is it that makes her the TA for the "CC super stars"? Where did this rumor (not rummer) come from?

[JF - retired RRT]

She should know by now we cruise 2 - 3 times a year, exclusively with Princess. We are Elite and don't need any hand holding. I know what I want and when I want it!

 

Is my bar too high? Are my expectations of personal attention out of touch with a TAs service? Or am I just a small fish in my TA's big ocean? Those of you who have great TA's, what services do they provide that makes you think they're great?

After looking over the 2018/2019 itineraries I have narrowed down our choices. Now, I need to decide whether to book with my TA, go with a retail big box travel service, find another TA or book direct. All I know is we'll be cruising!

Check around and see what's on offer from other TAs. Why would you give so much business to someone who ignores your requests?

[volk904]

It really sounds like you are using a top TA that had so many clients they cannot give you the service you desire.

 

Maybe you should research and find a smaller TA that will give you the quick service you desire.

 

 

 

 

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[Selion]

You said you don't need hand holding, and yet you usually ignore the robo promotion emails and expect the TA to contact you whenever a new promo comes out. I'm confused.

 

You also mentioned you did not receive any gifts from the TA for your anniversary suite cruise. It wasn't clear whether if you booked that cruise with the TA or directly with Princess. Just want some clarification.

[Colo Cruiser]

IMO......certain % of $$ off the fare would override flowers, chocolate strawberries and more.

I will take the discount, thanks. ;)

[carefreebee]

Rummer, rumor I've heard it both ways!!:D

 

I have received some discounts from her but not on all bookings. Once we received a big Casino pricing that I had no idea about or how that came to be since we are very low $$ casino players.

 

I see that I'm not getting the service I crave. I question if my expectations are to high and petty. Honestly the idea of seeking a new TA is not appealing. If this is the way it is and most TAs don't release itineraries early or don't always gift wine, that's fine. It's possible the savings this TA provides outweighs getting little perks and services and that's something I will ponder over.

 

Like I said I may just book direct and look at other options.

[cruzrbachoua]

IMO......certain % of $$ off the fare would override flowers, chocolate strawberries and more.

I will take the discount, thanks. ;)

 

I agree why pay more for the cruise to get flowers, strawberries or wine...you are essentially paying for it yourself then. Give me $$ off the fare any day.

[Cruise Raider]

 

I have received some discounts from her but not on all bookings. Once we received a big Casino pricing that I had no idea about or how that came to be since we are very low $$ casino players.

 

 

Princess is most likely the one that offered you the casino pricing. We play on cruises but are nowhere near what you'd call a high roller. They still offered us and some friends a casino discount a few times....a couple of times we had not been notified but when calling down to Princess, they told us about the offer. The other times, we had received an email explaining all the details of the casino offers.

If you don't clue to the TA into the 'casino offer', they probably won't know about it ahead of time and may or may not be told about it when contacting the cruiseline. So, think your best bet is to call down to Princess and and ask about their discounts and then if you do call the TA or transfer the booking to a TA, you will have all the specifics.

[DrivesLikeMario]

IMO......certain % of $$ off the fare would override flowers, chocolate strawberries and more.

I will take the discount, thanks. ;)

 

Ditto. I find that most people prefer a discount off the price or OBC, not the strawberries, cheap wine or other stuff you can buy yourself at Princess.com.

[diane.in.ny]

I use a TA in a small company. I too wanted a specific cabin on a popular itinerary.

 

She was watching her computer all day the day it was supposed to be released at 4 pm. I had my cabin at 3:50 pm

 

Does she overload me with gifts or rebates or OBC? Sometimes a small gift like dinner in a specialty restaurant. But service like this more than compensates as far as I'm concerned.

[4cats4me]

No, you should not be unhappy. Your expectations are too high.

 

 

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[4cats4me]

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[Coral]

I know my TA received the America's schedule later than Cheryl's - she got them right before she left for a river cruise. It may have simply been timing. I did receive a few questions answered when on the river cruise but heard her internet was poor. She was glad to be back to make all the bookings on the 18th.

 

I prefer $$$ off my booking and not cheap wine.

[ar1950]

Rummer, rumor I've heard it both ways!!:D

 

Definition of rummer

 

 

 

 

 

1. : a large-bowled footed drinking glass often elaborately etched or engraved
   

 

Like I said I may just book direct and look at other options.

 

Pretty much what we do these days.

[Cruise Junky]

I think your expectations are too high. She's about volume and discounts not strawberries and remembering you want the schedule like 1000's of her other clients. You got it from here, so who cares how you got it. And as mentioned, she's been on a river cruise. You mentioned you crave service, that should have been your first clue in using a very high volume agent.

[CineGraphic]

There are plenty of TAs who would be happy to take your money and provide the service you require. I know my agent would love to have your business!

 

 

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[JimmyVWine]

I question if my expectations are to high and petty.

 

Honestly? I'd say yes. But I know that my goals and expectations do not mirror those of many here. When I buy a car, I know that somewhere out there is a person who bought an identical make and model and paid less than me. But if I paid what I consider to be a fair price that I am comfortable with, I am satisfied. When I board a plane, I know that somewhere on the plane there is someone who got a lower fare than me. But if I was quoted a fare that I am happy with, I don't worry. And when I take a cruise, I know that there are people booked in the same category of cabin as me who paid less and got a perk or two from their TA. But if I paid a price that I think is fair, I don't spend time worrying about not getting the very best deal. It sounds to me as if you have taken a composite of posts from CC'ers over the years and combined them, convincing yourself that your TA should:

1. Get you booking information the nanosecond it comes out, (if not before)
   
2. Get you the cabin you want at the absolute lowest fare possible
   
3. Get you multiple perks including but not limited to dinners, flowers, fruit.
   

On any given cruise, there will be 3,000 or so people on board. Very, very few people are going to get all of that. It might not be you. Shrug it off. If the itinerary works and the price is one that you think is fair, then book the cruise. Life is not a game where everyday one has to "win" in terms of money and extras. Again, that is my philosophy. It isn't shared by everyone. If I pay $2,500 for a cruise and I find out the person in the cabin next to me paid $2,450 and got strawberries, I don't get upset nor do I try to figure out how to do better next time. I've never booked a cruise because of a $50 savings, nor have I ever not booked a cruise over an extra $50 in fare.

[thinfool]

My idea....

 

Book direct

 

Call and tell her what you did, ask if she wants the booking and HOW badly...? LOL

 

See what happens.

[volk904]

To the OP maybe you should call your TA to discuss your needs and ask her if she can do as you asked or refer a agent with her agency who can help you. I know my TA is sometimes

 

 

difficult to contact but can usually talk to her assistant if needed.

 

 

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[4cats4me]

I just received my heads-up about a heads-up from my unicorn TA.

 

 

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[pris993]

I have not seen a ta that can do better for me than I can... in 30 years of traveling and cruising... this is especially true today with the internet and the amount of information available... if you have the time to handle things on your own... don't need someone to take care everything for you book direct. I book cruises, air, hotels and insurance all direct.. no packages... i am in control of my bookings if rates go down I request new rates and get them.

[sailinglisa]

[quote name='carefreebee;53087166

Anyway' date=' I had intended to transfer the bookings to my TA but over the course of the year she never reached out personally to follow-up or give me any heads-up on any upcoming Princess promos...like the $1 deposit during the sip & sale! To be fair her Agency does send out those robo emails but I often just don't read them. When I asked, she did insure our current bookings received the Sip & Sail promo when it became available. But I'm not sure how that would have played out dealing directly with Princess because I've always been successful before working directly with them.[/font']

!

 

Seems to me your TA IS notifying you of those specials - just via a bulk email instead of a personal email. If you choose not to read them, then you either start reading them or place the blame for not knowing about special promos on yourself. Take some responsibility please.

[spookyfudge]

I sent an email to my TA three weeks ago asking her to send me the new 2018-2019 Americas launch info as soon as she had it. Since we became her clients four years ago, I have asked for to send these every season before they go live, In turn, on launch day, she has received several big bookings from us (last year it was a Club Class mini and one 10 day suite, year before a suite and B2B...).

Last year I also booked two 7 day CC directly with Princess during the Sip & Sail/$1 deposit promo. To be honest I was a little peeved with her then...our Anniversary Suite cruise she didn't given us any "perks" like I've seen on CC post talking about wine, flowers, chocolate strawberries and more from their TAs!

Anyway, I had intended to transfer the bookings to my TA but over the course of the year she never reached out personally to follow-up or give me any heads-up on any upcoming Princess promos...like the $1 deposit during the sip & sale! To be fair her Agency does send out those robo emails but I often just don't read them. When I asked, she did insure our current bookings received the Sip & Sail promo when it became available. But I'm not sure how that would have played out dealing directly with Princess because I've always been successful before working directly with them.

Last year I practically badgered her for the new cruise info because I wanted to book a popular cabin on a popular cruise on opening day. She claimed she had computer problems, which may have been true, but that was the same reason she gave the year before as why she hadn't sent them as I had asked.

This year I requested the 2018/2019 info as soon as I saw the buzz starting on CC that some TAs had them. She replied she'd send them to me "as soon as she has them". Well I know they've been available and last week I downloaded the Excel Doc that's been so generously shared on Cruise Critic. Today, just days before Princess goes live with the new itineraries, I have not received anything from my TA.

This TA is a top Princess performer and rummer has it she is the TA for some of the top CC super stars. You'd think her knowing I like to see it early and book quickly would motivate her to be quick with my request. She should know by now we cruise 2 - 3 times a year, exclusively with Princess. We are Elite and don't need any hand holding. I know what I want and when I want it!

 

Is my bar too high? Are my expectations of personal attention out of touch with a TAs service? Or am I just a small fish in my TA's big ocean? Those of you who have great TA's, what services do they provide that makes you think they're great?

After looking over the 2018/2019 itineraries I have narrowed down our choices. Now, I need to decide whether to book with my TA, go with a retail big box travel service, find another TA or book direct. All I know is we'll be cruising!

 

Yes bar to high, sorry!

[Lucky TGO]

There are plenty of TAs who would be happy to take your money and provide the service you require. I know my agent would love to have your business!

 

 

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Ditto :D

Tony