Booking with NCL vs TA

[sowhynot]

We're planning on cruising on the NCL Star to Alaska in July. We have travel credits left from a cruise we took a year ago. When I search online at discount travel agencies that I've used in the past the price for a balcony cabin seems to be the same as booking with NCL. The only "perk" might be a free shore excursion.

 

Since I booked online with NCL (but have until tomorrow to make my deposit) I could sure use some Cruise Critic advice on keeping my reservation as is (any perks booking with NCL directly) or should I switch for the same price (plus a shore excursion) to a discounter?

 

Thanks!

[newmexicoNita]

Absolutely no perks booking directly with the cruise line, but this doesn't mean it is a bad idea. I would try calling a cruise specialist this afternoon if it isn't too late, if not today the first thing tomorrow. See what they can do for you. Then decide which way to go. The best way to book is with an agent, next is through the cruise line and last via the net. There is nothing wrong with booking via the net, but you may not be aware of special discounts being offered, when things don't go exactly as planned often you are not notified and the rates are not always better: sometime they are. Internet webs often charge an extra fee or a cancellation fee if you have to cancel after the booking is entered. Just my opinion and yes, I am a TA. I know someone is going to bring this up. LOL Have a good cruise. NMNita

[Barb Nahoumi]

We always book trips and cruises with a TA. There is peace of mind in knowing that there is a person to call when questions arise.

 

Barb

[packercruising]

We always book trips and cruises with a TA. There is peace of mind in knowing that there is a person to call when questions arise.

 

Barb

 

I'm with Barb on this one. If you do any amount of traveling at all shop around for a TA that suits you. A good TA is a great stress reliever! :)

[can'twaittogoagain]

I may get laughed off the boards for this question, but here goes: We have always booked our cruises (only 3 so far since June of '02) through an internet site with the exception of our upcoming cruise which we booked with NCL directly. How does one go about getting a "good" travel agent...I thought that was what we were doing when we used the internet. Apparently, not so.

[newmexicoNita]

I may get laughed off the boards for this question' date=' but here goes: We have always booked our cruises (only 3 so far since June of '02) through an internet site with the exception of our upcoming cruise which we booked with NCL directly. How does one go about getting a "good" travel agent...I thought that was what we were doing when we used the internet. Apparently, not so.[/quote']

As I have said, internet agents are not all bad but you never build the same reporte as you do with a real agent. The best way to get a good one is ask friends who they have used in the past. Next best way is to find an agency that specializing in cruises. Even if the agent isn't the best around the company will be knowledgable. It would be great if we could recommend good agents to you but CC will not let us and that is a good thing, not a bad thing. These boards are not meant to be a form of advertisements. I just recently have starting reading a board that does allow even agent to push their wares. I do not enjoy reading it anymore. NMnita

[SDiMera]

Be aware that when you book thru a Travel Agent you lose all control of the Reservation. If you decide to call the cruise line to make a change they will have to refer you back to your travel agent. Most of you probably will become upset and confused on why the agent at the cruise desk cannot edit your record. But this is a policy to protect the travel Agency and the Direct Passenger. So make sure you trust and feel comfortable with your Travel Agent. And stop calling the Cruise Lines to complain about how your Travel Agent will not help you. You booked with them. deal with it.

[SHINEMAN]

As I have said, internet agents are not all bad but you never build the same reporte as you do with a real agent. The best way to get a good one is ask friends who they have used in the past. Next best way is to find an agency that specializing in cruises. Even if the agent isn't the best around the company will be knowledgable. It would be great if we could recommend good agents to you but CC will not let us and that is a good thing, not a bad thing. These boards are not meant to be a form of advertisements. I just recently have starting reading a board that does allow even agent to push their wares. I do not enjoy reading it anymore. NMnita

 

Wouldn't it be helpful if Consumer Reports or similar organizations would get into the rating of the various services?

They do it with products as complex and varied as automobiles, why not the cruise industry to include ships, cruise lines, purchasing options etc.

[newmexicoNita]

Wouldn't it be helpful if Consumer Reports or similar organizations would get into the rating of the various services?

They do it with products as complex and varied as automobiles, why not the cruise industry to include ships, cruise lines, purchasing options etc.

It may be a good idea but sometimes I don't totally trust Consumers Report either. I do know what you are saying and it would help. NMNita

[Catbiri2]

It may be a good idea but sometimes I don't totally trust Consumers Report either. I do know what you are saying and it would help. NMNita

 

A little off the beat question: Ok, lets say we know someone on here is a TA, are we allowed to ask them to e-mail us if we think that they are knowledgable and we want to book through them? I am not currently looking myself, just curious.

[Host CMLA]

A little off the beat question: Ok, lets say we know someone on here is a TA, are we allowed to ask them to e-mail us if we think that they are knowledgable and we want to book through them? I am not currently looking myself, just curious.

No, those types of questions aren't allowed on the board. The board guidelines are pretty clear about TA's involvement on the board.

[Catbiri2]

No, those types of questions aren't allowed on the board. The board guidelines are pretty clear about TA's involvement on the board.

 

Thank you Cecilia, I was just double checking. I thought that is what I read, but wanted to make sure.

[Host CMLA]

Thank you Cecilia, I was just double checking. I thought that is what I read, but wanted to make sure.

You're welcome. I think back in the day when they allowed TA recommendations some of the larger agencies sent people here to farm for business and they ruined it for everyone. Now no one can even mention the name of their TA. :(

[Catbiri2]

You're welcome. I think back in the day when they allowed TA recommendations some of the larger agencies sent people here to farm for business and they ruined it for everyone. Now no one can even mention the name of their TA. :(

That stinks. I had read that the TA wasn't allowed to "advertise" their e-mail or ask you to e-mail them for further detail, just didn't know if the person could ask the TA to e-mail them, but it makes sense, and it is a good policy. (oh, and I love the updates on your baby, he is adorable)

 

Sowhynot: Have never booked directly with a cruise line, but have booked both online, and with a real breathing human being, and have found both to have worked for me. IMO if the Cruise Line has the same price, work with them, that way you might have a better chance at getting an upsel if you are interested.

[sowhynot]

Have never booked directly with a cruise line, but have booked both online, and with a real breathing human being, and have found both to have worked for me. IMO if the Cruise Line has the same price, work with them, that way you might have a better chance at getting an upsel if you are interested.

 

After calling a local agency that "supposedly" specializes in cruises and found them less than knowledgeable and the same price as NCL, I'm going to keep our reservation as is. The upsell thing occurred to me as well and, since I have credits at NCL from a prior cruise (missed port of call), I'm thinking that it may be easier to make sure they are posted if I'm dealing with NCL directly.

 

Thanks for everyone's advice on this. Sure which there was a way on this board to be able to get good recommendations on TAs but understand the reason behind the policy.

[Catbiri2]

After calling a local agency that "supposedly" specializes in cruises and found them less than knowledgeable and the same price as NCL, I'm going to keep our reservation as is. The upsell thing occurred to me as well and, since I have credits at NCL from a prior cruise (missed port of call), I'm thinking that it may be easier to make sure they are posted if I'm dealing with NCL directly.

 

Thanks for everyone's advice on this. Sure which there was a way on this board to be able to get good recommendations on TAs but understand the reason behind the policy.

 

Good luck, and with your previous credits, I do believe you are making the right choice. Hope all goes well.

[jogr]

Sowhynot:

 

I think you made the right decision.

 

When booking our cruise, I got some quotes from travel agents, several online quotes and a quote from NCL's. The agent at NCL seemed much more knowledgeable about the ship and getting us 2 rooms close together. The prices were about the same. I did get one lower online quote from a travel company I had never heard of but there was no way I was using that. Some of the reputable online quotes came with $50 or $100 incentives but that wasn't worth it to me not to book directly with Norwegian. Independant travel agents are out to make a profit. You can call NCL directly anytime about anything. Their airfare quotes were quite similiar also. It's peace of mind booking airfare with the cruise, since the transfer is included and NCL is responsible for getting you to the ship on time.