How to know a travel agent timeline is a good fit?

[Mythicalbee]

We are first timers and didn't even know where to begin, so reached out to a friend who is a travel agent. She was very professional in saying if she couldn't help us she would connect us with someone who could. Reached out to her 3 weeks ago and though she has given us some ideas, still aren't making progress (want to cruise in May 2019) Is this usual for the timeline of planning a cruise? Or should I move on and find another option/agent? TIA for your help!

[paul929207]

To me, three weeks is a long time to get a response. Depending on how close of a friend she is, I would either threaten to contact someone else or just go to another TA

[Mythicalbee]

19 minutes ago, Mythicalbee said:

We are first timers and didn't even know where to begin, so reached out to a friend who is a travel agent. She was very professional in saying if she couldn't help us she would connect us with someone who could. Reached out to her 3 weeks ago and though she has given us some ideas, still aren't making progress (want to cruise in May 2019) Is this usual for the timeline of planning a cruise? Or should I move on and find another option/agent? TIA for your help!

 

Have no problem going to another TA and letting her know we went with someone else. My query was based on expectations of a timeline. Appreciate your input!

[Flatbush Flyer]

21 minutes ago, Mythicalbee said:

We are first timers and didn't even know where to begin, so reached out to a friend who is a travel agent. She was very professional in saying if she couldn't help us she would connect us with someone who could. Reached out to her 3 weeks ago and though she has given us some ideas, still aren't making progress (want to cruise in May 2019) Is this usual for the timeline of planning a cruise? Or should I move on and find another option/agent? TIA for your help!

A knowledgeable, respected cruise specialist TA  can interview you regarding your demographics, travel experiences, preferences and means in less than an hour. Their initial reaction might, at least, help you decide on which industry segment (mass market, premium, luxury and/or perhaps even expedition or yacht charter) best fits your "profile."

Add to the discussion (then or in a subsequent session) determination of a list of desired geographical/environmental factors for your ideal destination(s) and you should quickly have a list of possible cruises ready for a check of cabin availability. 

A few "days" to get to a short list could be reasonable. Three weeks is ridiculous.

 

[Essiesmom]

What kind of ideas did she give you?  Have you talked with her since she presented the ideas?  She may be waiting for you to further refine your objectives...EM

[Mythicalbee]

Thanks all - she was doing me a favor to just get us started. However, it's the holiday season and I may have dropped off of her to do list OR she's not sure how to tell me she doesn't want to do it. Moving on!

 

[MCC retired]

For a cruise that close to sailing , their is no reason that a Good Cruise Specialist TA can't qualify you via phone and get back with good choices for you within minutes.

Your TA sounds like she has zero cruise product knowledge , look elsewhere now .

[Hlitner]

A Travel/Cruise agent is about having a business relationship with an agent or agency.  Using a friend is often a big mistake because you may get awful service, not nearly the best deal, and also lose the friend.  When we talk to our cruise agencies (we use 3) we expect an answer on the spot or within a few hours (if they are very busy).  Otherwise, bye bye.   One tip-off for the OP was when her friend said "if she couldn't help her" she would refer.  Why?  Any real TA or Cruise Agent should easily be able to help and deal with questions.  My favorite cruise agent handles dozens of cruise bookings every day!  

 

Personally, we recommend sticking with high volume cruise agencies because they have the most experience (they will handle more bookings in a day then many small agencies handle in a year), understand the industry, and generally have some clout with the various cruise lines which can be useful if there is some kind of issue.

 

Hank

[lauren009]

Sounds to me like you should move on to another agent. It's a sales position and your agent should get back to you quickly and never leave you hanging. I may be biased, as I would love your business myself.

 

I recently planned my wedding, and for every service I needed (hotel, venue, photographer, etc.) I narrowed my options down by how fast they got back to me. If they don't get back to me fast now when it's not important, how do I know they'll pull through when it does matter.

Edited December 30, 2018 by laurenofalltrades

[ldubs]

38 minutes ago, laurenofalltrades said:

 

I recently planned my wedding, and for every service I needed (hotel, venue, photographer, etc.) I narrowed my options down by how fast they got back to me. If they don't get back to me fast now when it's not important, how do I know they'll pull through when it does matter.

 

Smart way to evaluate vendors. Thanks for sharing.   

[Flatbush Flyer]

On 12/29/2018 at 4:49 PM, ldubs said:

 

Smart way to evaluate vendors. Thanks for sharing.   

"Smart" or "common sense?"

[ldubs]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

"Smart" or "common sense?"

 

I don't think the two are exclusive of each other. 

 

     

[Mythicalbee]

On 12/29/2018 at 7:09 PM, laurenofalltrades said:

Sounds to me like you should move on to another agent. It's a sales position and your agent should get back to you quickly and never leave you hanging. I may be biased, as I would love your business myself.

 

I recently planned my wedding, and for every service I needed (hotel, venue, photographer, etc.) I narrowed my options down by how fast they got back to me. If they don't get back to me fast now when it's not important, how do I know they'll pull through when it does matter.

would love a chat! went to AAA for the boys passport photos (shame on us they expired over a year ago!) and since we were there asked about cruises. They gave us basic information but nothing that wow'd me or made it feel like a fit. Contacted an agent - literally - down the street from us via email and phone to no avail. Is there a way to private message my contact information to you?

[TruckerDave]

Why not just go to the various cruise lines websites and start from there?  You can see the various itineraries (you didn't mention where you want to go), time lines (what days the ships sail/return), cabin types etc etc etc.  Then you can go back to a T/A if you decide with specific questions for them.