| Posted By |
Message |
TheLucille2
Yayicanpickmyowntitle!
Member since 6/11 1058 total posts
Name:
|
Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
I have been looking around on the internet and even consulted with an agent (Liberty Travel) quotes on a Norwegian Encore cruise we want to take. We know which cruise and which room we want and all of the prices come back within pennies of each other. What is the benefit of booking with a TA vs a site like Expedia? Also, if you have any exceptional recommendations I am open to them. Thanks!!
|
Posted 11/21/19 8:55 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19453 total posts
Name:
L
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
Go to the cruise line directly, or Costco travel. A travel agent might get you some on board credit.
|
| Posted 11/21/19 9:16 AM |
| |
|
NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
Posted by LSP2005
Go to the cruise line directly, or Costco travel. A travel agent might get you some on board credit.
This. I would either book directly or through Costco. The cruise line typically offers certain specials. You will get those special offers with Costco plus a Costco Cash card back, too.
We always use Costco.
I would not use Expedia. No benefit to putting a middle-man in there, so to speak.
|
| Posted 11/21/19 12:30 PM |
| |
|
FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7789 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
I always use a TA. She continuously checks for upgrades or on board credits. Also, I think another huge benefit is having an actual person to call in the event there is some sort of problem.
|
| Posted 11/21/19 9:07 PM |
| |
|
hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7983 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
Posted by FirstMate
I always use a TA. She continuously checks for upgrades or on board credits. Also, I think another huge benefit is having an actual person to call in the event there is some sort of problem.
I agree, I've used TA many times
|
| Posted 11/21/19 9:32 PM |
| |
|
justbeachy
So close....
Member since 7/07 2900 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
I think it depends on how hands-on you are with your booking? Do you monitor for price drops? Will you need to make changes to your reservation at any point?
If you keep tabs on pricing, I’d reaaaaaallly make sure your agent is on top of things, knowledgeable about the cruise line you’re traveling on, and even familiar with the ship.
We used one from a large company (best deal from cruisecompete.com), and I don’t think I’ll use them again. She cost me a big price drop reduction because she didn’t return my calls/emails right away. Over $1k. My hands were tied because she was handling my reservation and I couldn’t make changes directly with the cruise line without her.
Next time I’ll either book directly, or work with a well known agent who is responsive.
If you just want to get a lot of on board credit and don’t have reason to make changes to the reservation, use a big box company. They DO give the best on board credit.
|
| Posted 11/21/19 11:39 PM |
| |
|
EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
I agree with a couple of the previous posters and go with Costco. They are the best to work with. I have heard nightmares from some other TA's or discount cruise line sites.
|
| Posted 11/22/19 10:21 AM |
| |
|
pnbplus1
Family
Member since 5/09 5751 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
I think for some the benefit is getting on board credit. However, we've cruised Disney twice and I've just booked my own cruises. I did lots of research beforehand and while waiting for our sail date and really prefer the ability to make changes when I want them without having to wait for someone else to do it. Whenever I had a question or wanted to add or change something (like dining or excursions), I just called Disney directly.
|
| Posted 11/22/19 11:47 AM |
| |
|
NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Benefits of using a travel agent for cruise?
Posted by pnbplus1
I think for some the benefit is getting on board credit. However, we've cruised Disney twice and I've just booked my own cruises. I did lots of research beforehand and while waiting for our sail date and really prefer the ability to make changes when I want them without having to wait for someone else to do it. Whenever I had a question or wanted to add or change something (like dining or excursions), I just called Disney directly.
FWIW, most cruise lines allow you to make all these changes online yourself. We've booked through Costco but still make our own dining reservations, beverage package purchases, excursions, etc. The only thing you really need to contact Costco for is if you want a price adjustment (like the price goes down on your cruise). And even then, they call your carrier for you while you're on the phone.
|
| Posted 11/25/19 2:09 PM |
| |
|
