Apr 24, 2017 did you know that 72 percent of consumers globally use a travel agent to book a mainstream or premium cruise, and a whopping 93 percent do so when booking a luxury cruise. Is it cheaper to book a cruise through a travel agent. Complexity of booking cruises was a major theme discussed at cruise line international. Due to a suggestion that travel agents can sometimes offer perks unavailable directly through carnival, i spoke with a travel agent to compare. We were told no one can undercut what the cruise line charges. Is it best to book a beaches vacation directly through beaches or are there advantages to booking with an agent. When booking directly through a cruise line, the price usually increases as the sailing date nears however, when you use an agency like ours, that specializes in securing lower prices for your cruise, years in advance, you can save up to thousands of dollars. At seawhy you dont want to book a cruise yourself 8 reasons why youre better off booking a family cruise through a travel. They also offer military discount, which also applies.
Shore excursions book with cruise ship or travel agent i see a lot of a bad talk about local island travel agent on this page. When i booked, i just call the cruise line and booked through them. When an agent books a hotel room, cruise, tour, etc, this means the provider doesnt have to sell, market, or service the booking the agent takes care of all of that. Special travel agent rates from variety cruises travel. Travel leaders group survey finds 95 percent of advisors expect new clients after the pandemic. Have you ever asked, should i use a cruise travel agent to book my cruise. Practically every cruise line offers group benefits and perks that you can gain access to through our travel agents. The best way to find a really great cruiseoriented travel agent is a referral from friends or family.
Can price adjustments be made through travel agents if discounts become available, or it that only. At least for simple trips one airline, maybe a simple return, i have a hard time believing this to be the case. Cruise critic member molliemoo writes that she booked a cruise through a major u. Complexity of booking cruises was a major theme discussed at cruise line international associations clia cruise 360 conference in vancouver in june 2016. You can look on the website for the cruise line international association clia to find a cruise certified travel agent in your area. Several top cruise industry executives said they dont envy the job of todays travel seller. When you book through a travel agent, you will have more options from different airlines and you got to choose, some of these options might have nice transit cities in the middle, which might. They also offer military discount, which also applies to veterans. Please contact your travel agent for specific details, requests or to make changes to your booking. Unlike when booking online, you cant book a cruise with an agent in the middle of night. Jan 30, 2018 with more than 16,000 agents globally, virtuoso is one of the largest networks. Contact the cruise line first and get a price, then shop around through travel agents. The corollary to this accepted truth is that finding and using a cruise travel agent to book a cruise will get you highly personalized service but generate a higher price for doing so. Some package holidays booked in 1 country to go to another.
A good travel agent is paid commission by royal caribbean on the cruises they book, so you are not paying anything extra. If you have booked through a travel agent, while we are happy to discuss general information with you about your cruise, we are unable to discuss any aspect of your booking with anyone other. Did you know that 72 percent of consumers globally use a travel agent to book a mainstream or premium cruise, and a whopping 93 percent do so when booking a luxury. Princess cruises and cruisetours are available for sale worldwide. Cruises should i use a travel agent to book a cruise. Unlike booking online, if you go to a travel agent, youll be paying an extra fee. Jun 15, 2017 when i booked, i just call the cruise line and booked through them. For example, in seven out of eight cases, booking with cruise thomas cook by phone rather than online would have been either the same price or cheaper. From time to time, i read that booking flights through a travel agent, either online or physical, can lead to cheaper prices. Im looking to travel business class sfo del july 115. Do you use a travel agent or book directly through rcl. Find an agent who asks about your family, your interests, hobbies etc. Why firsttime cruisers should use a royal caribbean travel agent.
With more than 16,000 agents globally, virtuoso is one of the largest networks. Finally, if you book your cruise with a travel agent, youll have to carry out all communications with the cruise line through the agent, which can sometimes slow the. We booked through a travel agent and the last cruise was with orbitz. Book directly with royal caribbean or through travel agent. Variety cruises, with 11 upscale yachts ranging in capacity from five to 36 cabins, focuses on. Travel agents and online booking services both have their place in the cruise universe. Our ama travel agents are here to help you through the entire process before, during and after your trip. If you would like the assistance of a travel agent near you, select from the options below. Travel agents charge a fee, but if they book multiple cruises and then sell them, they get a group rate, which can save everyone money. Most specifically, travel agents are known for giving more personalized service than cruise lines, though some cruise sales representatives can be attentive and helpful. Why firsttime cruisers should use a royal caribbean. Carnivals new upgrade program for those who book cruises.
Should you use a travel agent to help you book your cruise. Booking a cruise through a travel agency is buying the cruise that is the best for you. Book your cruise with a travel agent 6 reasons why you should. Should i use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise line. Cruise on the worlds top cruise lines including carnival, royal caribbean and norwegian. Should i use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise.
Cruise lines also offer discounts to senior citizens, fire, police and medical personal, regardless if youre retired or not. Your local professional travel agent is a great resource to help you plan your cruise. Please select your country below or your nearest neighbour for information. Travel magazine also suggests that booking a cruise online is unlikely to save you money. Head over to the american society of travel agents and find a certified travel agent.
Many have turned to online travel sellers in the u. The prevailing wisdom is that booking a cruise online will get the lowest prices, but also that its a very impersonal experience. Is it really bad if there are rough seas vs extra room giv. Why use a travel agent to book your vacation ama travel. In europe, especially in the uk usually cheaper through a travel agent.
Book a trip with a virtuoso agent, said albert herrera, the. It takes a lot of time sometimes years to build a loyalty base of repeat and wordofmouth referrals based on your customer service and dependability. If you have booked through a travel agent, while we are happy to discuss general information with you about your cruise, we are unable to discuss any aspect of your booking with anyone other than a representative of your travel agency. The travel industry is based on selling and servicing travel to the public. Shop around and you could save a further 25%, just by choosing one agent over another. Any cruise travel agent can ask a series of questions and book you on a 7nighter out of portmiami. When booking directly through a cruise line, the price usually increases as the sailing. Dec 08, 2008 cruise lines also offer discounts to senior citizens, fire, police and medical personal, regardless if youre retired or not. Be the hero is an upgrade program designed specifically for those who book their cruises though a travel agent. I showed her that i would be able do get her a similar trip but much cheaper if she did the work herself, but in her case it made more sense to pay more to have someone else do all the work for her. What are pros and cons of booking direct through royal caribbean, or booking through travel agent. View cruises from boston and book your next cruise with cruise travel outlet.
The right one for a specific cruiser depends on the needs of that cruiser. You can look on the website for the cruise line international association. Cruise lines depend on travel agents to sell cruises and help service those bookings, so they certainly dont want to undercut the agencies they work with. With travel agents, you can often also meet facetoface.
While using a travel agent has many perks, this is certainly one of the biggest. Jan 08, 2020 when youre ready to purchase your cruise, you can either go directly to the cruise line youve chosen, or you can book a cruise with a travel agent. A good travel agent who books lots of cruises on a particular line can often offer perks that you dont get booking directly through the cruise line. I just want people to understand that the cruise ship want you to not trust travel agent because it puts money in their pocket. About a quarter said they liked travel professional, and only % went with travel agent. Group cruise travel agent book a group cruise today cruise. This varies by cruise line and by length of cruise, with cheaper cruises. Jun 11, 2017 about a quarter said they liked travel professional, and only % went with travel agent.
Shore excursions book with cruise ship or travel agent. Every cruise line has a certain specialty, and a travel agent who takes the time to get to know you will find that perfect vacation. The biggest benefit to booking with a travel agent over using a site like expedia or even booking it yourself is that they are there for you. Book a trip with a virtuoso agent, said albert herrera, the companys senior. Rely on these industry experts to plan the perfect cruise. As such, a travel agent may get a commission from the cruise line youre sailing with. What do i lose by not booking flights through a travel agent. Something around 10% of cruises are booked exclusively online without talking to a travel agent according to clia the cruise line industry association. Theres no onesizefitsall answer to whether you should use a travel agent or book your cruise directly with the cruise line. Also, if you book your cruise with a travel agent, youll have to carry out all communications with the cruise line through the agent, which can slow the process down and become frustrating.
Bottom line you should book your cruise with a travel agent if youre a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to get the best deals. Experienced cruise agencies are often able to contract prices with the cruise lines long before the sail date. When you book cruises on expedia, you can be confident that your cruise is from a premier cruise line and has the cheapest cruise prices. Travel advisors prepare now for new customers later. Finally, if you book your cruise with a travel agent, youll have to carry out all communications with the cruise line through the agent. Reasons you should never book a cruise through a travel agent. Travel agent locator princess cruises cruise vacations. I also had a friend book a trip through a travel agent recently. Yes, there are differences between booking directly with the cruise line versus using a travel agent.
As matt said, most incentives come in the form of onboard credit. Bookings can be made online or over the phone with either the cruise line or the travel agent. Does it cost more to book my cruise with a travel agent. Aug 11, 2016 the best way to find a really great cruise oriented travel agent is a referral from friends or family. Use these travel agents to book your next cruise travel. On expedia, youre guaranteed to find deals on cheap cruises and offers for these leading cruise lines and ships. Also check out our list of the 5 best cruises from boston. Save money on your cruise from boston with our best price guarantee. Carnival cruise line has added a new program called be the hero. Book your cruise with a travel agent 6 reasons why you. The sites like expedia book the trip and then after that it can be really hard to get a hold of them if there is a problem, change etc. When youre ready to purchase your cruise, you can either go directly to the cruise line youve chosen, or you can book a cruise with a travel agent.
Jan 29, 2012 there are no free trips like many people think tas get. Hi guys me and my better half are planning a first time cruise this summer. I am not sure about the advantages of using a travel agent. There are no free trips like many people think tas get. Travel magazine also suggests that booking a cruise online is unlikely to save you. Book carnival cruise direct or through travel agent. Or maybe, why should i use a travel agent to book a cruise when i can simply do it myself. The best travel agents do more than book airline tickets or rental cars.
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