Should I go through a Personal Cruise Consultant?

[EMOSEA]

I put the cruise on hold for a few days to sleep on it and was contacted by a PCC, which I assume is normal since I put my info in the system (I've only previously cruised with Carnival and they haven't done this with any of my cruises).

My question is: Is there an advantage to calling him back to book the cruise for me? Or continue to do it myself? 

Edited May 8, 2019 by EMOSEA

[YVRBassElectric]

There are some great PCC, if you have questions about your cabin, entertainment, dining, the ship, I would call them back they might be a great resource (they might give you wrong information)

if you can get your questions answered on line, book through the website

 

the PCC has been assigned to you and might keep calling/emailing 

[Notnewtoit]

IMHO PCC's deliver little value and much more annoyance (unsolicited sales calls). The NCL call center can answer any question they can and there is very little that cannot simply be read on the website. Also in my experience they come and they go...

Edited May 8, 2019 by Notnewtoit

[lefty2450]

I would rather sit on hold for 15 to 30 minutes, than deal my current PCC!

Edited May 8, 2019 by lefty2450

[valleyvillage]

We have a wonderful PCC! But as you can see from the replies here, your mileage may vary. You can't make a mistake by calling back and then evaluating the service you get.

[dubroben22]

I also have wonderful PCC and it is much easier to deal with him directly. i mostly communicate with him through e-mails

[collectingcoke]

No advantage, do it yourself.  Not at all happy with mine. 

[AK Dreaming]

I only used one once and I've had over 7 cruised with NCL.  It was way more trouble and not benefit.  

[purpleally]

Use a travel agent

[valleyvillage]

There you have it, EMO! Plain to see the variety of experiences people have with a PCC. But you and I are Utahns and it may be that we just have a magic touch on the phones! 

[MeHeartCruising]

Normally, I'm a do-it-yourself-on-the-internet type of guy.  But, I had a great PCC for a few cruises.  I would do my research on what cruise I wanted, then I simply emailed her and had her call me at her convenience to book it.  She always called back right away.  Once even on a day off.  Once she came up with some additional OBC (it was only $25, but it paid for a few drinks) that was not available to me on the internet.  It was a promo OBC for Miami Dolphin football team fans targeting Miami-area residents.  I did have to "swear" that I was a Miami Dophins fan.  🙂

[01Sweetpea]

This will be our first NCL cruise in a few weeks, however if we decide to book another NCL cruise it will NOT be with our current PCC. 

[nltc]

I used a PCC on my very first cruise and after that I just booked online because it actually seemed easier to me since you can take your time and look things over yourself. I did at one point on one of my cruises need to make a change and I thought why don’t I call the PCC I used on my first cruise? Well that was a big mistake. She literally YELLED at me and berated me for booking online and not using her. Needless to say I will never call her ever again.

[jethrojam]

I had a cruise booked 2 years ago online, was assigned a PCC.   He emailed me and called me way too much about nothing.   Finally I asked him to only email me (I work nights so the wake up calls were really ticking me off).   He said sure, but a week later I got another one.   

I cancelled the cruise the next day.   Screw that.  When I need some help, I'll ask for it thanks.   TBH if it were for the fact that I won a "free cruise" from a casino I would have never gone back to NCL.   I'm over it now and will book again eventually.  Just going to use my own TA.  

[bonvoyagie]

Never had a PCC - we started cruising in 02 back when NCL only dealt with real TAs. I had a real live brick and mortar one so he was assigned my cruise. He is local, I can see him in person, he is on my time zone, he also loves to travel and cruise. He helped us (and several of our friends) find good cruises and his advice on our first cruise saved us from several pitfalls. During my last cruise, I got some e-mails from a PCC - after awhile they stopped - I suspect he went away.

 

It is possible to book on the internet - not sure if you are assigned a PCC or not - I did this on my upcoming cruise and then called my TA and we transferred it to him - I was up late on a Friday nite and found the cruise and cabin and deal I wanted and jumped on it.

[timf2001]

I've never had luck reaching my PCC beyond the initial call.  If I try their extension, I get voicemail and calls go unreturned.  It's easier to just call the general number.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

I'm very happy with our PCC.😁 She always answers or calls back promptly when I call.👍

[yearsofcruising]

My input. took my family on BA cruise and booked 4 cabins while on previous cruise. Did not have a PCC at the time ! When time came to book Specialty restaurants , dinner shows , MDR, Taste & Savour , I called NCL.  Never booked with him before !!!

I have since booked 4 cruises with him and never had extra calls, emails, etc..

I call him , tell him when, where, what restaurants.  Done...Any questions I call back and they are answered.

Just got an additional cruise promotion added 3 days ago. How nice..

[yearsofcruising]

I guess it really does depend on the PCC rep. Granted

[fmrlkr]

I have had the same PCC since our first NCL cruise in 2009.  He only call after I call him first.  I do all the research online then call him to book or to debate between options.  I personally like having someone to talk with.  We have had to change/cancel two cruises and he was wonderful helping us.  Once I tell him what I want be finds the best deal, then makes recommendations based on his experience on that ship or that itinerary.  It doesn't cost more to use a PCC so why not try it.  Hope you get one as good as mine.

[JamieLogical]

I have mostly benefited by booking through my PCC. She never calls me unsolicited. I always do my research ahead of time and tell her exactly what I want (including room number). Sometimes I have even done everything online right up to putting a 24-hour hold on the room, then call her up to finalize it. The advantage I have found when booking through her is that she is always very responsive when I have questions, she has helped me re-book when it has made sense to do so for added perks, and she has managed to get me OBC when prices have dropped after final payment. If I had any "complaint" about her, it's that she won't really correspond via email. Every time I've emailed her with questions, she would just email me back telling me to call her and what hours she's in the office that day.

[Greenpea2]

I've used the same PCC for 10 years and she is terrific. Always gets back to me within an hour or so, always helpful and professional, as well as just a very nice person. If you can find one you like, use one. I do all my own research because I want to and she does the actual leg work.

 

[EMOSEA]

13 hours ago, valleyvillage said:

There you have it, EMO! Plain to see the variety of experiences people have with a PCC. But you and I are Utahns and it may be that we just have a magic touch on the phones! 

Haha, Hey neighbor! 

[brer111]

I use to use a NCL person years ago who was great - then she left and the person they assigned us was terrible. So now I use and outside person who is fantastic.

[pepsiguy]

• We've always used my PCC for 14 cruises. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten more OBC or a better cabin which I wouldn't have gotten online. I can always call him with any questions. I have yet to receive a sales call from NCL. I'm very pleased with my PCC and will continue to use him for NCL cruises. I guess I've been lucky with my guy and would tell anyone to go with a PCC if you can get a good one like mine.