Travel Agent Pro/Con

[Krunu15]

Just wondering what the benefits of booking with a T/A were over going through travel websites or just going through the cruise websits. What are the pros and cons of all these methods, which one works best?

[Plant]

It's really a matter of personal preference. We prefer to book through a "brick & mortar" TA. I like to be able to sit down with her and discuss our options, even if we've already decided which cruise we want. She's always available to answer my questions no matter how silly they are :). She also gives us a price that's better than anything I've seen online (for bookings before final payment) and sends us a small gift onboard.

 

It's also nice to have someone to run interference for you if something goes wrong. We've had two small problems and she had them fixed within a day. TA's have access to people at the cruise line that we don't have!

 

JMO,

[JACJAM]

If you book a cruise during a cruise the line gives you ship board credit for the cruise your are booking, I know Celebrity and RCCL does this. My TA matches the credit! If you book a 12 nighter, you get $200 from the ship and $200 from him! Great deal!

 

J

[Twinsmomct]

I'd like to book via a TA, but I'm not sure how to go about finding a good one. None of our friends cruise so I can't ask them for a recommendation. Any ideas?

 

Patty

[boards]

We so far have always booked through a TA. On our last cruise we had a post-stay in Sydney, Aust. Our TA booked our hotel for us and saved us several hundred dollars. I am sure she has saved us money times too, but this time we know for sure. We will continue use a TA.

[Plant]

I'd like to book via a TA, but I'm not sure how to go about finding a good one. None of our friends cruise so I can't ask them for a recommendation. Any ideas?

 

Patty

 

I found my TA by looking for a local company that had been in business for a long time. She's with a large agency and she's also a Certified Cruise Specialist and the one person in the office who only books cruises.

 

The first time I went to talk with her she answered most of my questions before I even asked them! It doesn't cost you anything to visit with a TA and see if you are a "match" :).

 

Good luck & I hope you find a TA as great as ours,

[terrytallent1]

I have booked both with and without a travel agent. I second all the comments about what travel agents can and should do for you. I think you owe it to yourself to interview several nearby travel agents to see if you are compatible. Our travel agent will almost always match my best online price. The one thing I always book is airfare unless the package from the travel agent includes the airfare. The travel agent can listen to what it is you want to do and then give you options to fit your budget. If you explain why you feel you are getting a better deal direct from the cruise line you can always let the travel agent know. Chances are they can match the offer and like a previous post says you get a small gift many times from the travel agent like a bottle of wine. I have yet to be disappointed by my travel agent and she knows there are many other travel agents that would love to have me as a client if she ever did disappoint me! terrytallent1

[tnsail]

I agree with most of the posters about TA's. I even let my TA book my flight as I watch the travel sites and when I'm ready, I call up and tell them. They always match the travel sites quote and when they add their fee its not any higher and the travel sites fees.

 

When we were re-scheduled to a different flight intienary than agreed to by the airlines the TA went to work and resolved the issue ASAP. I didn't have to do a thing but sit back and let her do the work. She's worth her weight in gold as far as I'm concerned........

[studiog1]

My wife and I made a mistake when we booked our first cruise by going through RCCL directly. We overpaid by alot. Since then we have sailed numerous times and have used a T/A. She has not only saved us money, ( her prices includes port fee's and taxes which comes in less than what RCCL lists on their website). but she is always there if we have a issue. I think that even in todays society of web seaching and buying, that a T/A invaluable.

[fllady]

Another post for going with a T/A. Ditto what everyone else has said. Any problems they will handle it and no stress for me except figuring out what to pack!:D

[newmexicoNita]

I'd like to book via a TA, but I'm not sure how to go about finding a good one. None of our friends cruise so I can't ask them for a recommendation. Any ideas?

 

Patty

Not having a friend to recommend someone to you, the next best thing is to find a TA company that specializes in cruises. Usually they will run ads in the Sunday travel section of your paper or check the phone book. good luck, l

[maofthree]

we used cruicecompete.com for the last 2 cruises booked with the one with the best deal, as simple as that . all agency;s are dyin for your business :rolleyes: