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alexb
LIF Adult
Member since 5/13 960 total posts
Name:
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Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Hi everyone,
Looking to book a cruise for this summer- specifically the Anthem of the Seas RC (Bermuda).
Wanted to know if a TA was necessary for such a straightforward trip?
Also, does anyone have any experience with this ship? My children will be 3 and 1 by this time and i need a ship that will keep them entertained.
Lastly, should we bring a sitter with us or are the kid/ nursery clubs enough to fill that void? Ideally, we would like to spend half the trip with kids, the other half alone. The trip is only five days.
This would be a first time cruise for me so i am looking for something that is super easy!
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Posted 11/12/15 5:17 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
If you would like on board credit, I would suggest a travel agent.
I have done both, booked on my own and travel agents and have gotten better deals with the agent.
If you need my agents name, let me know. She is giving us $275/per room on my next cruise. 
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| Posted 11/12/15 11:19 AM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
i used a TA last year for a Disney cruise. like you said, cruises are pretty straightforward trips.... but i look at it as supporting a small business. it doesn't cost you anything to use a TA, but they get some money from the commission- so you're helping their business out on a trip you would take anyway  Plus, like the other poster said, you can sometimes get things like onboard credits, and other little things through the TA.
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| Posted 11/12/15 11:59 AM |
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queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
I used cruise.com twice and got great rates plus free gratuities.
I honestly have no idea what a TA does now that it's all avail on the internet
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| Posted 11/12/15 5:21 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
The advantage of using a TA for cruises is additional perks. Pricing might be the same but TAs will often throw in extra on board credit etc. My parents and friends like Costco.
You sound like you might need some guidance too. I am not sure about Anthem so a TA might be more helpful. But you should know most ships do not allow non potty trained children into their pools. Some ships have a splash pad type area but not all do, so make sure your 3 and 1 year old have a place to play. Most ships children's programs do not begin until 3.
I cruised with 2 and 4 year olds and had a great time (celebrity not RCCL) but it is not a I only want to spend half the time with family type trip. It was much more hands on. We went with my parents who took the kids when we wanted a quiet drink before dinner or go to a show. With kids that age you might be better on Disney cruise line, bringing the sitter for those times you want adult time or trying one of the land resorts that offers sitting/clubs for young children. Your 3 year old, if potty trained, will be able to do much more than the 1 year old who might be very limited.
Babysitting on RCCL is $19 an hour three hour minimum up yo three kids but it is IN room sitting. Some ships have a nursery that is $6 an hour during the day and $8 at night. Once your child is pull up/diaper free they can go free into the kids program which starts at age 3. There is a charge after I think 10 pm but it is minimual, like $8 an hour or less. They do have a tot time for under three but you need to go with them, it isn't a drop off. I think it will depend when you say you want 1/2 adult time...are you thinking evenings only if do, it is totally doable, but if not you might want to think about it.
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| Posted 11/13/15 8:42 AM |
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Posted by Lillykat
The advantage of using a TA for cruises is additional perks. Pricing might be the same but TAs will often throw in extra on board credit etc. My parents and friends like Costco.
You sound like you might need some guidance too. I am not sure about Anthem so a TA might be more helpful. But you should know most ships do not allow non potty trained children into their pools. Some ships have a splash pad type area but not all do, so make sure your 3 and 1 year old have a place to play. Most ships children's programs do not begin until 3.
I cruised with 2 and 4 year olds and had a great time (celebrity not RCCL) but it is not a I only want to spend half the time with family type trip. It was much more hands on. We went with my parents who took the kids when we wanted a quiet drink before dinner or go to a show. With kids that age you might be better on Disney cruise line, bringing the sitter for those times you want adult time or trying one of the land resorts that offers sitting/clubs for young children. Your 3 year old, if potty trained, will be able to do much more than the 1 year old who might be very limited.
Babysitting on RCCL is $19 an hour three hour minimum up yo three kids but it is IN room sitting. Some ships have a nursery that is $6 an hour during the day and $8 at night. Once your child is pull up/diaper free they can go free into the kids program which starts at age 3. There is a charge after I think 10 pm but it is minimual, like $8 an hour or less. They do have a tot time for under three but you need to go with them, it isn't a drop off. I think it will depend when you say you want 1/2 adult time...are you thinking evenings only if do, it is totally doable, but if not you might want to think about it.
RCCL have kids clubs that are free until 10pm at night. After that time, they charge a small fee.
My kids have always gone when they were younger and we were able to have couple time.
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| Posted 11/13/15 10:06 AM |
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hope123
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1097 total posts
Name:
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Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
If you are a costco member, check to see if they offer on board credit. Cruise will cost you the same as booking directly with the cruise line but TA and costco can offer extras.
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| Posted 11/13/15 12:25 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Posted by afternoondelight828
Posted by Lillykat
The advantage of using a TA for cruises is additional perks. Pricing might be the same but TAs will often throw in extra on board credit etc. My parents and friends like Costco.
You sound like you might need some guidance too. I am not sure about Anthem so a TA might be more helpful. But you should know most ships do not allow non potty trained children into their pools. Some ships have a splash pad type area but not all do, so make sure your 3 and 1 year old have a place to play. Most ships children's programs do not begin until 3.
I cruised with 2 and 4 year olds and had a great time (celebrity not RCCL) but it is not a I only want to spend half the time with family type trip. It was much more hands on. We went with my parents who took the kids when we wanted a quiet drink before dinner or go to a show. With kids that age you might be better on Disney cruise line, bringing the sitter for those times you want adult time or trying one of the land resorts that offers sitting/clubs for young children. Your 3 year old, if potty trained, will be able to do much more than the 1 year old who might be very limited.
Babysitting on RCCL is $19 an hour three hour minimum up yo three kids but it is IN room sitting. Some ships have a nursery that is $6 an hour during the day and $8 at night. Once your child is pull up/diaper free they can go free into the kids program which starts at age 3. There is a charge after I think 10 pm but it is minimual, like $8 an hour or less. They do have a tot time for under three but you need to go with them, it isn't a drop off. I think it will depend when you say you want 1/2 adult time...are you thinking evenings only if do, it is totally doable, but if not you might want to think about it.
RCCL have kids clubs that are free until 10pm at night. After that time, they charge a small fee.
My kids have always gone when they were younger and we were able to have couple time.
Her 3 year old is free in the club but not the 1 year old. Sorry f I did not clarify.
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| Posted 11/13/15 1:25 PM |
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by afternoondelight828
Posted by Lillykat
The advantage of using a TA for cruises is additional perks. Pricing might be the same but TAs will often throw in extra on board credit etc. My parents and friends like Costco.
You sound like you might need some guidance too. I am not sure about Anthem so a TA might be more helpful. But you should know most ships do not allow non potty trained children into their pools. Some ships have a splash pad type area but not all do, so make sure your 3 and 1 year old have a place to play. Most ships children's programs do not begin until 3.
I cruised with 2 and 4 year olds and had a great time (celebrity not RCCL) but it is not a I only want to spend half the time with family type trip. It was much more hands on. We went with my parents who took the kids when we wanted a quiet drink before dinner or go to a show. With kids that age you might be better on Disney cruise line, bringing the sitter for those times you want adult time or trying one of the land resorts that offers sitting/clubs for young children. Your 3 year old, if potty trained, will be able to do much more than the 1 year old who might be very limited.
Babysitting on RCCL is $19 an hour three hour minimum up yo three kids but it is IN room sitting. Some ships have a nursery that is $6 an hour during the day and $8 at night. Once your child is pull up/diaper free they can go free into the kids program which starts at age 3. There is a charge after I think 10 pm but it is minimual, like $8 an hour or less. They do have a tot time for under three but you need to go with them, it isn't a drop off. I think it will depend when you say you want 1/2 adult time...are you thinking evenings only if do, it is totally doable, but if not you might want to think about it.
RCCL have kids clubs that are free until 10pm at night. After that time, they charge a small fee.
My kids have always gone when they were younger and we were able to have couple time.
Her 3 year old is free in the club but not the 1 year old. Sorry f I did not clarify.
Thanks. I never had a child that young on a cruise.
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| Posted 11/13/15 1:28 PM |
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alexb
LIF Adult
Member since 5/13 960 total posts
Name:
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Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Everyone raises some pretty good points that i never thought of- thank you!
Maybe a resort is better since my daughter wont be able to partake in the toddler clubs yet. At the same time, i love not having to fly anywhere and just go into the city for the ship.
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| Posted 11/14/15 8:00 AM |
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Posted by alexb
Everyone raises some pretty good points that i never thought of- thank you!
Maybe a resort is better since my daughter wont be able to partake in the toddler clubs yet. At the same time, i love not having to fly anywhere and just go into the city for the ship.
I would say go for the cruise. I am partial though as I love them and have gone with and without kids and still would do it again.
I have seen many families with small children on board and I think there are many options for them to do.
Speak with a travel agent so you can get a better idea if this is the best choice for you and your family
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| Posted 11/14/15 8:48 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
I would still consider the cruise. We have been on three with our kids. But you have to know what you are getting into and be okay with it. It won't be a prekids cruise. You can have a great time. But if you are honestly looking for something where you honestly want 50% of your trip as adult time only at their ages a land trip might be better. However, if you are just looking for a quiet drink or two in a bar after dinner and a show, you can definitely find some sort of babysitting (kids club for your 3 year old and nursery or in room sitting for the 1 year old) that suits those needs.
I haven't been, but understand some all inclusive resorts offer more for younger ones in their nurseries. Leaving more time for adult only escapes. With a beach right there you don't have to worry about finding family time or if they are potty trained and can swim. Maybe if you want 50% adult time you might want to wait until the little one is three and potty trained so you know they can do the kids club.
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| Posted 11/14/15 4:59 PM |
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TyReseGreen
Lil Prince is here
Member since 8/11 6338 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
I booked our upcoming Spring 2016 cruise on my own. It was in September when they had the BOGO 1/2 off on Royal Caribbean but through AAA website. They had on board credits ($50) I think and bottle of champagne on arrival in the cabin.
Can't wait.
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| Posted 11/20/15 11:24 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Posted by alexb
Everyone raises some pretty good points that i never thought of- thank you!
Maybe a resort is better since my daughter wont be able to partake in the toddler clubs yet. At the same time, i love not having to fly anywhere and just go into the city for the ship.
I would NOT recommend a cruise with children under 3. You will get NO alone adult time and there is nowhere to just hang out and relax in the sun while the kids play....you are engaged the ENTIRE time on the ship. Some people love that, but based on what you said you're looking for you will be disappointed with a cruise. Unless you do a Disney cruise, which is going to be $$$, or a cruiseline that specifically offers babysitting for kids under 3. Otherwise, wait another couple of years.
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| Posted 11/23/15 10:28 AM |
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TyReseGreen
Lil Prince is here
Member since 8/11 6338 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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Re: Travel agent for cruise- necessary?
Posted by Pomegranate5
Posted by alexb
Everyone raises some pretty good points that i never thought of- thank you!
Maybe a resort is better since my daughter wont be able to partake in the toddler clubs yet. At the same time, i love not having to fly anywhere and just go into the city for the ship.
I would NOT recommend a cruise with children under 3. You will get NO alone adult time and there is nowhere to just hang out and relax in the sun while the kids play....you are engaged the ENTIRE time on the ship. Some people love that, but based on what you said you're looking for you will be disappointed with a cruise. Unless you do a Disney cruise, which is going to be $$$, or a cruiseline that specifically offers babysitting for kids under 3. Otherwise, wait another couple of years.
I disagree we took our oldest when she was 2 on a Carnival Cruise. This was 18 years ago but we had a great time. DH and I were discussing taking the kids in August on a cruise(our family trip for the summer. By that time my little ones will be 2 and 1.
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| Posted 11/24/15 11:36 PM |
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