New to Celebrity - huge price variations between TAs?

[vacruizer]

Hi Celebrity experts!  I’m looking to book my first Celebrity sailing this fall and am not familiar with their pricing structures. 
Please note……I am not looking to name TAs or agencies or asking for recommendations for one since I know that’s against CC rules.  I’m just curious if this is normal with Celebrity. 

I know with some other lines TAs sometimes have some small discounts or perks, but typically nothing significant. As I’ve been pricing a particular sailing using the all included rate, I’ve got one large online agency quoting many hundreds of dollars less than several other agencies or what I see on Celebrity’s website.  Are they possibly just selling group space? Or are they just not being upfront with what costs really are or what’s included?    I’ve done a mock booking online and called them as well and both website and agent claim the rate has the all included tips/Wi-Fi/drinks. Anyone run into this?  The skeptic in me says “buyer beware” but the bargain hunter in me wants to save the extra money - and we are talking well over $600pp so not a small amount. 

[cruiserchuck]

They probably are offering a group rate.  I have received similar discounts in the past with a group rate.

[davekathy]

When comparing prices read the small print and ask alot of questions when dealing with TAs. 

[thebutlerdidit]

If you’re sure you’re comparing apples to apples, it’s possible that the TA has a special. Not too long ago I did a mock booking at an online agency I had never used before but had just become aware of. I found A2 staterooms priced lower than any other veranda category. It was a great deal that I was unable to take advantage of because I had already booked with a different TA. 

[sanger727]

The TA I use that offers much better prices than Celebrity usually offers me an obstructed view balcony. They also use group rates. So between those two we tend to get good rates. 

[Jeremiah1212]

TA's can't really offer 'specials'. Celebrity does not allow it. What they can do is offer slightly different rates types. Most commonly that is through group space which is cheaper than booking direct. The way Celebrity does this differs from other lines quite a bit and frequently results in a significant savings. To you the "group" means nothing, you just get the benefit of the lower rate, a refundable deposit, wifi/tips/grats and usually extra OBC. 

[Denny01]

Agree it sounds as its a Group Rate the TA has. My TA has done that a number of times with a significant change.

 

But a couple of questions to make sure it is apples-apples:

 - Does this include all costs including taxes, port fees…this is the final price.

 - what does the TA have as included withholding a deposit beyond Celebrity. Some may charge you for cancelling that goes beyond the cruise line.

 

Give those a check. I once booked with an online company that had a name Very close to the Cruise Line, and I thought I was booking with the Line. When I had to cancel just a month or so after and it was a year away, they kept my deposit.worked it through my chargecard company and insurance. 

 

Den

[Wink87]

I ALWAYS get a better rate with my TA and emails are answered immediately. No waiting on hold on the phone.

[jwlane]

Our TA happened to have some group rates on the Silhouette sailings that we had chosen back in May---saved hundreds.

[SUESEABE]

Also, check if it is refundable deposit or not. That will make a difference.

[LB_NJ]

21 hours ago, vacruizer said:

Hi Celebrity experts!  I’m looking to book my first Celebrity sailing this fall and am not familiar with their pricing structures. 
Please note……I am not looking to name TAs or agencies or asking for recommendations for one since I know that’s against CC rules.  I’m just curious if this is normal with Celebrity. 

I know with some other lines TAs sometimes have some small discounts or perks, but typically nothing significant. As I’ve been pricing a particular sailing using the all included rate, I’ve got one large online agency quoting many hundreds of dollars less than several other agencies or what I see on Celebrity’s website.  Are they possibly just selling group space? Or are they just not being upfront with what costs really are or what’s included?    I’ve done a mock booking online and called them as well and both website and agent claim the rate has the all included tips/Wi-Fi/drinks. Anyone run into this?  The skeptic in me says “buyer beware” but the bargain hunter in me wants to save the extra money - and we are talking well over $600pp so not a small amount. 

 

Sounds like a group rate.  Just ask the TA.  They should tell you if it is.