Finding an Oceania Travel Agent

[corpkid]

Before anyone deletes this - I'm not asking for recommendations on specific agents (a big no-no here).  I AM asking how do I find one?  My old one retired, and I've contacted two and neither has responded to me.  I've never used one before (in about 15 cruises over as many years except for once, of which I didn't get any added value) but everyone I mention this to thinks I'm nuts, so I'm reevaluating. 

 

I'm trying to book a segment of the 2022 ATW cruise and need to get this finalized ASAP as the B1/B2 cabins are in short supply after speaking with Oceania directly.

Edited May 19, 2020 by corpkid

[Hawaiidan]

2 minutes ago, corpkid said:

Before anyone deletes this - I'm not asking for recommendations on specific agents (a big no-no here).  I AM asking how do I find one?  My old one retired, and I've contacted two and neither has responded to me.  I've never used one before (in about 15 cruises over as many years) but everyone I mention this to thinks I'm nuts, so I'm reevaluating. 

 

I'm trying to book a segment of the 2022 ATW cruise and need to get this finalized ASAP as the B1/B2 cabins are in short supply after speaking with Oceania directly.

Search the internet for people......have a list of what you want and  are planning to do and require ..stress loyality.... ask about rebates and %.......it takes time

[Paulchili]

Book directly to get your cabin and then you have 30 days to transfer to a TA

[LHT28]

I agree  with Paul

Book now to get the cabin  then work on getting  a TA  to transfer the booking to

It is a small window 

 

Do you have friends   you can ask about their TA?

 

You could google  "Oceania Cruise Connoisseur Club"  & go through the ones you find  to find the right fit  for your needs

Good luck

Good TA's are hard to find 😉

[corpkid]

19 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

I agree  with Paul

Book now to get the cabin  then work on getting  a TA  to transfer the booking to

It is a small window 

 

Do you have friends   you can ask about their TA?

 

You could google  "Oceania Cruise Connoisseur Club"  & go through the ones you find  to find the right fit  for your needs

Good luck

Good TA's are hard to find 😉

Thank you all - I'm going to book this tomorrow AM w/ O directly then go on a hunt for an agent.  A couple questions if it wouldn't be too much trouble, please:

 

1) Physical location (in the US) doesn't  matter, correct?
 

2) I'm not even sure what kind of things to ask for/expect/etc. since I'm so inexperienced using TAs. I know a little OBC is pretty standard, but what else should I be on the lookout for?
 

3) Does the TA act as a proxy between the Air Dept. and oneself? We don't usually take the air option, but might for an EU trip we are looking at for mid-2021 (God/vaccine-willing).

 

Thank you again for your help.  🙂 

Edited May 19, 2020 by corpkid

[KS&JW]

2 hours ago, corpkid said:

Before anyone deletes this - I'm not asking for recommendations on specific agents (a big no-no here).  I AM asking how do I find one?  My old one retired, and I've contacted two and neither has responded to me.  I've never used one before (in about 15 cruises over as many years except for once, of which I didn't get any added value) but everyone I mention this to thinks I'm nuts, so I'm reevaluating. 

 

I'm trying to book a segment of the 2022 ATW cruise and need to get this finalized ASAP as the B1/B2 cabins are in short supply after speaking with Oceania directly.

deleted  

 

Edited May 20, 2020 by KS&JW

[KatieBelle]

1 hour ago, corpkid said:

Thank you all - I'm going to book this tomorrow AM w/ O directly then go on a hunt for an agent.  A couple questions if it wouldn't be too much trouble, please:

 

1) Physical location (in the US) doesn't  matter, correct?
No, location really doesn't matter.  Our TA is half a continent away.  But she is very attentive and responsive.

2) I'm not even sure what kind of things to ask for/expect/etc. since I'm so inexperienced using TAs. I know a little OBC is pretty standard, but what else should I be on the lookout for?
We receive a combination of perks.  Flatbush probably gets a sweeter deal than most.  But the exemplary service we receive is worth a lot to us.

3) Does the TA act as a proxy between the Air Dept. and oneself? We don't usually take the air option, but might for an EU trip we are looking at for mid-2021 (God/vaccine-willing).

Ours does an outstanding job for us in dealing with O Air Dept.  Working with O Air Dept. can be enough to make one crazy.  We don't have enough air miles anymore to do our own international travel.  Add to that the fact that we often extend before and after an overseas cruises, the options and all the back and forth is daunting.  Our TA handles it all without any hint of exasperation.  

49 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

If you're in a hurry, you can start your search on the Oceania website: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/find-agent/. It's just a data base (without reviews) that will show locals in your zip code. But, that doesn't mean you can't look elsewhere (DO THE RESEARCH). Normally, I'd suggest you ask anybody/everybody on your next O cruise who they use/like. Do it enough and you'll start hearing the same TAs (agencies and agents).

Mr. Flyer will always suggest that you start here.  2 points:

1) I have never found the O search for a TA to be very intuitive/helpful.  I have tried to search for my own TA on their site and have never had the Agency nor the agent appear.

2)  If you do find an agency on the O search site, be aware that not all agents in an agency are Connoisseur Club/O specialists.  That makes all the difference.  

 

We found our agent many years ago by privately contacting CC members who were kind and helpful in their responses.  Sadly, the likes of Don Horner are no longer with us.  But there are still a few dear souls around who can be very helpful.  Good Luck! 

-Katie

 

[CintiPam]

I agree with Katie Belle that you privately contact CC members whose advice on this Oceania board you respect.  That is how we found our agent as well. Thirty days is plenty of time to check around.  Good luck! 

[LHT28]

3 hours ago, corpkid said:

1) Physical location (in the US) doesn't  matter, correct?
My TA is in California ..I am not 😉   so do not think it matter 

 

2) I'm not even sure what kind of things to ask for/expect/etc. since I'm so inexperienced using TAs. I know a little OBC is pretty standard, but what else should I be on the lookout for?
Pre paid gratuiities?

 

3) Does the TA act as a proxy between the Air Dept. and oneself?

Yes   unless  we cannot find   cheaper air  we will use the Oceania air   but lately we try for BUS class  & O is not any better than what I can find

JMO

[alcpa1]

I know the Connoisseur agents are highly recommended but they do not always provide everything.

I guess we got lucky because our regular agent, who gives us great service, just happened to have the best fare and perks when we booked a cruise for 2021. Her agency is a preferred company but not a member of the Connoisseur Club. 

I think you will find the air department a little difficult to use particularly if you want to deviate their schedule to arrive a few days early or stay after your cruise. There are fees for deviations. Then the fares may be at the same rate, or higher, as your preferred carrier and you lose direct control with your carrier. Business class fares are generally higher with O's air too. Flight sites live Kayak will be an easy tool to find what works for you.

I hope everything works out well for you and you can sail safely and enjoyably.

FYI, Oceania did a great hygiene job as we sailed in February. No one on our segment or the extended Marina voyage after ours got sick with the Covid 19 virus and we had passengers from all over the globe.

 

[corpkid]

8 hours ago, LHT28 said:

Yes   unless  we cannot find   cheaper air  we will use the Oceania air   but lately we try for BUS class  & O is not any better than what I can find

JMO

Thanks - I'm one of those credit card points guys so BUS is usually not a problem (in fact, supposed to be on a Singapore Air flight right now in BUS (before Covid)).  I am booking this cruise this early to hit a minimum spend of $4k on a new card and to take advantage of the crazy price reductions. I won't bore you but this is my new favorite hobby and it really does pay off if you play they airline loyalty game correctly. Thank you again - I think I have found our new agent.

[LHT28]

2 hours ago, corpkid said:

Thanks - I'm one of those credit card points guys so BUS is usually not a problem

You are lucky then

 

[LHT28]

I do not understand  the problem with the air dept

I give my TA the flights/dates/carrier I want

She tells me if O can do it   & if there is  an upcharge or not

Once  they could not give me what I wanted  we just ask for what they could give us

 Paid the deviation fee 

done

[corpkid]

39 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

I do not understand  the problem with the air dept

I give my TA the flights/dates/carrier I want

She tells me if O can do it   & if there is  an upcharge or not

Once  they could not give me what I wanted  we just ask for what they could give us

 Paid the deviation fee 

done

We used it once and deviated and it was fine.  Honestly though we have business credit cards and literally rack the "miles/points" up so might as well fly in style.  LOL  Also work for Marriott/Starwood so no need to spend points on hotels - I got that.  😉 

 

Edited May 20, 2020 by corpkid

[LHT28]

3 minutes ago, corpkid said:

We used it once and deviated and it was fine.  Honestly though we have business credit cards and literally rack the "miles/points" up so might as well fly in style.  LOL  Also work for Marriott/Starwood so no need to spend points on hotels - I got that.  😉 

 

I was  not referring to you  as you did say you have points

 

I see others posting about  problems with the air dept

 Maybe they just do not ask for what they want ??? 😁

[corpkid]

3 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

I was  not referring to you  as you did say you have points

 

I see others posting about  problems with the air dept

 Maybe they just do not ask for what they want ??? 😁

LOL.  On that point... Nobody seemed to answer this for me.  What do you ask for with your TA?

About to break into the 5+ club with Oceania (in 7 years).  And probably going to 8+ because of pent-up vacation time and desire. Do I have leverage? How do I not be a jerk and ask for concessions? I don't even know what to ask for.

[LHT28]

23 minutes ago, corpkid said:

LOL.  On that point... Nobody seemed to answer this for me.  What do you ask for with your TA?

About to break into the 5+ club with Oceania (in 7 years).  And probably going to 8+ because of pent-up vacation time and desire. Do I have leverage? How do I not be a jerk and ask for concessions? I don't even know what to ask for.

I am happy with my TA & the service  so  I am not one to ask for  part of her income (commissions)

It is not easy being  a TA  with the WWW so easy for people to book  their own travel

 

Maybe  when you are interviewing agencies  ask what they give as perks  & if that is their best offer

Keep shopping around until you find the TA  that gives you the deal you are looking for

it is  a personal choice  IMO

 

As for air  (probably not for you)

I check the ITA matrix site  find the flights I want/ dates I want  & ask my TA to see if Oceania can do those  flights

Most of the time they do have contracts with the airline I want 

Happy hunting 

hope you find a TA that works for you

 

[pinotlover]

Corpkid;

 

Great to see you back posting again and still cruising! Hope all has been going well for you and the mad ex Top Gun!

[Flatbush Flyer]

37 minutes ago, corpkid said:

LOL.  On that point... Nobody seemed to answer this for me.  What do you ask for with your TA?

About to break into the 5+ club with Oceania (in 7 years).  And probably going to 8+ because of pent-up vacation time and desire. Do I have leverage? How do I not be a jerk and ask for concessions? I don't even know what to ask for.

In all fairness to TAs, some customers require a lot of handholding -particularly when their travel savvy is zero. And how many cruises you've had is somewhat irrelevant if you still need handholding.

 

Thus, as you book more with specific agencies over time, how much care you need will become clear and that can help a TA decide how much commission to share.

 

Again, the average range for rebate or non-refundable SBC is about 5-10% of the COMMISSIONABLE fare (not your total fare). Plus, remember that Oceania pays TAs on a sliding scale associated with sales volume. And,  then another factor is whether the TA belongs to a consortium with its own Oceania deals for gratuities coverage or other incentives - thus not eating into the commission.

 

IMO, if you're booking 2-3+ Oceania cruises per year, understand the maze of O Life and other O idiosyncrasies, DIY air and pre/post cruise arrangements AND have demonstrated that savvy to a particular TA over time, it would not be unreasonable to ASK to split the commission.  But, do have some sense of how much below that you are willing to go as well as what help you may end up needing for any SNAFUs.

 

BTW, asking (nicely) for a deal has little to do with being perceived as a jerk (ergo, the importance of being reasonable). Want to hone that skill? Go car shopping!

Finally, when it comes to shopping, I am always thankful that I grew up in Brooklyn where the first sentence you are taught to speak is: "Never pay retail."

 

 

 

Edited May 20, 2020 by Flatbush Flyer

[pinotlover]

One of the sad parts in these conversations is the abbreviation TA is far to often used interchangeably, even in the same paragraph. TA gets used for both Travel Agent and the Travel Agency for which they work. Many of the perks discussed are provided by the Agency not the Agent, while most of the service is provided by the Agents.

 

Agents are compensated by a variety of different methodologies, and often not by commissions. This is especially the case on high value “ house” accounts that demand significant rebates from the Agency.

Edited May 20, 2020 by pinotlover

[Flatbush Flyer]

38 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

One of the sad parts in these conversations is the abbreviation TA is far to often used interchangeably, even in the same paragraph. TA gets used for both Travel Agent and the Travel Agency for which they work. Many of the perks discussed are provided by the Agency not the Agent, while most of the service is provided by the Agents.

 

Agents are compensated by a variety of different methodologies, and often not by commissions. This is especially the case on high value “ house” accounts that demand significant rebates from the Agency.

Agreed. TA(gencies) may have limits set on what their TA(gents) can provide and compensation formulas may vary (as might added incentive funds from a cruise line).

 

In any case, my use of TA in this thread does ultimately refer to the agency. What they do with their half of the commission (in the simplest sharing scenario) is their business.

 

I'm just trying to give OP a ballpark understanding.

[Flatbush Flyer]

4 hours ago, corpkid said:

..... Thank you again - I think I have found our new agent.

So, now it's time to "pay it forward."

Without naming the TA, please share (for others also looking) what steps you took to ID the new agency/agent. Thanks! 

[corpkid]

3 hours ago, pinotlover said:

Corpkid;

 

Great to see you back posting again and still cruising! Hope all has been going well for you and the mad ex Top Gun!

Hola our friend!  We're supposed to be on the ATW cruise in SE Asia right now!  LOL

 

That didn't work out.

 

How have you been?  We are doing well - bored, and very ready to get on the first plane that is safe, but well.  🙂 

[corpkid]

2 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

So, now it's time to "pay it forward."

Without naming the TA, please share (for others also looking) what steps you took to ID the new agency/agent. Thanks! 

Let's just say my old agent read this thread and connected me with my new agent (who I originally defaulted to, but didn't get two responses so figured I'd made them upset or something).  

[pinotlover]

5 minutes ago, corpkid said:

Hola our friend!  We're supposed to be on the ATW cruise in SE Asia right now!  LOL

 

That didn't work out.

 

How have you been?  We are doing well - bored, and very ready to get on the first plane that is safe, but well.  🙂 

😢. That’s sad! You got him to retire, do a 6 month cruise and that happens! 
 

Hopefully we’ll soon sail together again ! 
 

🍷