Can cruise TAs book directly with the airlines?

[NMTraveller]

I was just wondering if the cruise TAs can book directly with the airlines or should I book directly?

 

I do not want to book through Cruise Air.

[southernbreezes]

4 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

I was just wondering if the cruise TAs can book directly with the airlines or should I book directly?

 

I do not want to book through Cruise Air.

Yes they do. I Iike to book myself directly with the airline, I can see all the flight opitons and prices and not have someone else deciding whats best for  me.

[cruisestitch]

What do you mean the cruise TA’s?  The Celebrity CVP staff? Or travel agency companies that specialize in booking cruises?

[terrydtx]

My TA can book our air, but I prefer to do it myself, so I have control over the flights. I do use my TA for access to her consolidator contacts for Business Class airfare. I also do book flights with Flights by Celebrity, myself, since I can cancel up to final payment, if I find better deals on my own or if my TA's consolidators find better deals. 

[NMTraveller]

4 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

What do you mean the cruise TA’s?  The Celebrity CVP staff? Or travel agency companies that specialize in booking cruises?

 Travel agency companies that specialize in booking cruises.

 

 

[jwlane]

11 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

 specialize in booking cruises.

But they'll also book air, rail, hotels, tours, yada yada.  Specialize does not equate to exclusively.

[megr1125]

Some do, some don't, some will not.  Air doesn't generally pay commission anymore so many agents won't book it since they don't make money unless they charge a fee.  

[Ashland]

We personally find there is no advantage to having a 3rd party book anything for us.

[southernbreezes]

On 1/16/2023 at 9:29 PM, Ashland said:

We personally find there is no advantage to having a 3rd party book anything for us.

Travel agency companies that specialize in booking cruises almost always will save you money. They have group rates which have saved me $1,000's plus you always get a extra OBC from them. I have a great one that I can email, call her office and even have her cell phone number. I do all the planning and then email her what I want it works for me. If I see a price decrease or a better cabin just send her an email and its taken care of.