You can also make reservations through your travel agent or by calling disney cruise line at 800 95532. Before you book a cruise, consider working with a travel agent and make sure to ask these questions to get the most from the cruising experience. The benefits of booking a cruise through a travel agent. Cruise critics experts answer common questions about booking a cruise with a travel agent.
Theres so much advice we can offer, it helps to have an agent before you go on a. Cruise travel agencies are able to block out groups of cabins on many sailings. Agents at these businesses are cruise experts who have firsthand experience with the most popular ships and can tailor recommendations for your particular needs. The short answer is, not always, but you should always book with a travel agent. Reasons you should never book a cruise through a travel agent the oncebooming travel agent industry has seen more than its share of changes in recent decades. 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. Unlike costco, nonaaa members can at least book flights, hotel rooms, cruises, and rental cars online without.
We could easily spout statistics like the fact that 51% of all u. Several airlines accept the iata id card as a travel. May 15, 2020 discover why you should consider using a cruise agent to book your cruises from now onwards. They can also ensure you make the right decisions about when to travel, what sights to see and which guides to hire. Pros and cons of using a travel agent to book a cruise miles for. Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent, or on your own. Should you be using a cruise agent to book your cruise. Booking shore excursions independently vs booking through.
While most of us can book online and secure a holiday with the click of a. The ease of online travel booking sites and companies like uber and airbnb. In the 21st century, it is not difficult to reserve a cruise for your family, but travel agents provide a great deal of service and expertise that goes beyond simply placing a reservation. When you book your trip through a travel agent, the agent will probably offer you the option to purchase a trip protection plan. Its easy to find and book a disney cruise on our cruise listing page. Book carnival cruise direct or through travel agent. Booking shore excursions independently vs booking through the. Theyre making commission and maybe even a bonus for booking your travel. A travel agent can save your money and will also be there for you if you have issues. Should you use a travel agent for a cruise youtube.
Disney travel agents have to not only be a regular. Book your cruise with a travel agent 6 reasons why you. Why you should use a travel agent to book a cruise. A question were often asked is why should i book with a travel agency instead of just calling the cruise lines directly. Com travel vacations travel agent marni becker, director of cruise sales for protravel international in new york city, says that depending u.
Career cruisers have the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your summer vacation at sea. As matt said, most incentives come in the form of onboard credit. While it may not be for everyone, cruises are extremely popular for many vacationers. You should book your cruise with a travel agent if youre a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to. Many are adept at it and have no problems doing it. Apr 10, 2015 experienced cruise agencies are often able to contract prices with the cruise lines long before the sail date.
Benefits of booking with a travel agent vs booking online. Why you should use a travel agent to book a celebrity cruise. Nov 20, 2019 lets go through the choices and see why using a travel agent to book a cruise makes the most sense. May 08, 2019 one of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail on your trip. If a foreign office warning is put in place under the package travel regulations, you should be able to get a refund within 14 days even if the trips not been cancelled but always check first with the firm before you cancel. Travel agent commissions are always automatically built into the price of your cruise or tourit is the way the industry has always priced itself. Jan 31, 2020 a travel agent has indepth knowledge about the various cruise lines, their ships, amenities and onboard programs offered, dining options, and so on. While travel agents have access to perks that the average cruiser does not have, some still prefer to book directly through the cruise lines and do all the planning on their own. When to use a hawaii travel agent for your vacation. Is it better to book a cruise through a cruise line or a. We have been to every sandals resort and go back every year. You can score lower rates on car rentals, cruises, tourist attractions, hotels and airfare if you have an iata card on hand. When you purchase trip protection from a travel agent, it typically only covers the services that you also book directly from the travel agent, such as your hotel and flight.
This question gets asked a lot on the cruise discussion boards. Dec 22, 2016 travel agents constantly research the ships and cruise lines, sailing often as well as taking ship tours. The advantages of booking with a cruise travel agency. Oct 20, 2016 since many agents have access to their own booking and distribution systems, which offer access to cruise packages, airline tickets and hotel rooms, they can typically access the same web. Airfare you should always do yourself, as ta here charge a booking fee. While it seems like it may be the best option to purchase it through the agent, this is not always true. If you travel when there is a foreign office warning, most travel.
Should i use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise. Sep 04, 20 the river cruise companies that allow you to book through a travel agent broker expect that this agent broker will bring them business. Yes, you should still use a travel agent to book a cruise. Travel agents serve as your advocate when things go astray. Why you shouldnt purchase a policy through your travel agent. Feb 21, 2020 while travel agents have access to perks that the average cruiser does not have, some still prefer to book directly through the cruise lines and do all the planning on their own. Breaking down the pros and cons of using a travel agent. What is aaa travel and can it save you money on travel.
Lets look at the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision. Should i use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise line. In a crisis the agent is there to support you and also will offer price adjustments if the cruise line changes its fare. Should you book direct with the cruise line or use a travel agent to handle the booking. Jun 02, 2010 should i book a cruise through a travel agent or do it on line myself.
Does it cost more to book my cruise with a travel agent. Travel agents are all inclusive hotels, vacation package companies and cruise lines include our commissions in their published prices. In fact, we wish everyone would ask because we think the answers are clear and compelling. Mar 15, 2018 so why call a sandals travel agent or book your sandals honeymoon, vacation or destination wedding with a sandals specialist. If youre new to cruise, or looking for something particular, a travel agent offers. Helpful hint choosing to use a cruise travel agent can take some time, but once you find a good one, stay with them as they develop their relationship with you. You can always book your sailing directly with the cruise line, but consider turning to a trav. An agent can often get you the best room in a hotel or the top cabin on a cruise ship. The agent can secure a complimentary upgrade, offer a breakfast benefit or food and beverage credit or throw in a free spa treatment during your stay. After locking in a rate itself, theres choosing a cabin, booking the dinner seating, airfare. It can be a complicated, timeconsuming process that involves dozens of open tabs and maybe a spreadsheet or two. Should i book a cruise through a travel agent or the cruise line. Therefore, they are more likely to know which type of cruise would suit your style. Aug 11, 2016 you dont save money when you book your cruise direct through the cruise line.
Do you use a travel agent or book directly through rcl. We just spent some time answering this, but the real answer is that you should use a travel agent for booking much more than just cruises. Theres no onesizefitsall answer to whether you should use a travel agent or book your cruise directly with the cruise line. Due to a suggestion that travel agents can sometimes offer perks unavailable directly through carnival, i spoke with a travel agent to compare pricing and offers.
But the cruise market is different, with a lot of fluctuations and quirks. This might be at a conference or large group meeting, but there should also be ongoing inperson and ondemand training in place throughout your career as an agent. Feb 07, 2020 a good travel agent can be a gamechanger your conduit to vip treatment at your destination. There is a common misconception going around that travel agents have gone the way of the dinosaur and are not needed to book a cruise. You do the online checkin, book port adventures, book ticketed meet and greets, book palo, etc. We were told no one can undercut what the cruise line charges. Reasons you should never book a cruise through a travel agent. Although each ta goes about doing it somewhat differently. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call. Travel agents typically get up to a 1015% commission on selling you a cruise, on the cruise cost only not taxes or port fees.
Ten reasons to book a cruise through a travel agent. Booking directly with cruise line or through an agency. Or maybe, why should i use a travel agent to book a cruise when i can simply do it myself. Why you should book disney with a travel agent travelingmom. This seems to be a frequent question the answer is subjective.
When youre about to head on a cruise it can be a little stressful to make sure youre fully prepared before you leave. Should you use a travel agent to help you book your cruise. Oct 05, 2017 why you should use a travel agent to book a cruise the occasional cheaper cabin. Jan 21, 2021 most cruises are about both the fantastic onboard experience as well as the ports of call you visit.
Have you ever asked, should i use a cruise travel agent to book my cruise. You can even go to our vegan river cruise website and book a cruise later in the future. If you do all the work, they pocket the difference. Theres no onesizefitsall answer to whether you should use a travel agent or book your cruise directly with the. This would cover booking a cruise through a thirdparty website or directly on the cruise lines website. If you already have a trusted travel agent, then youre probably better off consulting with them about your travel plans. After all, we have the internet and anyone can book that. Hi cruisers, today we take a quick look at the question should you use a travel agent for a cruise. In addition, the waiting time to get through to the cruise line is generally incomparable to that of a travel agent. In the 21st century, it is not difficult to reserve a cruise for your family, but travel agents provide a great deal of service and expertise that goes beyond simply placing a.
Knowing all of the steps that happen before you leave port and how long it can take will help you arrive with plenty of. Book your cruise with a travel agent 6 reasons why you should. Mar 12, 2018 like costco travel, aaa lets you book travel online without the help of an agent. Good cruise travel agents have been on many cruises and know the ins and outs of the various cruise lines. Always wise to purchase travel insurance, especially for cruises. Not all travel agents are experts in the cruise industry. Whether sailing the warm caribbean or historic mediterranean, youll likely want some sort of plan for while youre in port. The biggest advantage of booking a cruise through a travel agent is personalized advice from a knowledgeable source. Instead of calling the cruise line or the online company and having to. Is it cheaper to book a cruise through a travel agent.
Everyone has the innate ability if you are computer versed or if you know how to pick up a phone to do their own reservations. However, you can just as easily visit a cruise website and book remotely. Cruises are bigticket items, and if you dont plan correctly, you could risk not getting the vacation youve paid for, particularly if you are a firsttime cruiser. When you work with a travel agent, you can utilize this knowledge to your advantage and ensure that you book your cruise on a ship that includes everything you were hoping for. Should you use a travel agent when booking a cruise. If you book direct, the company just pockets the commission, and you get nothing in return. These agencies book dedicated space on popular sailings and often have cabins on cruises that everybody else lists as sold out. One of agents biggest bugbears is that customers will regularly book. Most travelers save time and money by comparing flights, hotels and cruises, and there is no good reason to avoid comparing your travel insurance options as well. She quoted me the exact same price and deals, and i felt as though i was more familiar with the current specials than she was. Cruising power is the top agent resource from the royal caribbeanbranded cruise lines.
Occasionally, you can find a travel agent, that through a special promotion, has a lower per person cabin fare than what is currently advertised by the cruise company. We mentioned that if you have pre or post cruise plans, an agent can help with your hotel, car, and other reservations but it turns out some people take trips that arent cruises. The oncebooming travel agent industry has seen more than its share of changes in recent decades. Jun 04, 2018 reasons you should never book a cruise through a travel agent the oncebooming travel agent industry has seen more than its share of changes in recent decades. Use a travel agent and you wont be spending hours on the internet, hanging on phone hold for eternity or wasting any precious time wondering and worrying. Some travel agencies will simply send you a booking confirmation. You might be a pro at buying airfare online, but booking cruises is another game altogether.
I want to explore the best ways to book your cruises as you look to return to cruising, whether its the shortterm, the mediumterm, or the longterm, and explore whether you should be booking with a cruise agent or in some other way. The level of service and interaction you can expect to receive from a travel agent after booking your cruise varies significantly. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Its best to find a travel agent that specializes in helping travelers book cruises. The pros and cons of using a travel agent travel us news. Travel agents are not allowed to undercut the cruise lines, so the base price you pay is exactly the same as the cruise lines. Occasionally, cruise lines offer irresistible deals and specials that are far cheaper than anything you can book through a travel agency. If you can pay the exact same price, but someone else can make a living, its a good thing to me. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a. How far in advance should i book a cruise to get the best.
Oct 25, 2020 should i use a travel agent to book a cruise. If youre trying to get tickets for a coveted event or attraction that s already booked up, a travel agent may be your best way in. 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. Updated 122818 cruising power is a vital resource for travel agents booking individual or group res. With access to exclusive discounts and perks, it pays to find a good agent. Thats why the vast majority of travelers still use a travel agent for cruises. You might be drawn to a certain price or itinerary, but a travel agent will ask all the right questions to match you with your best ship. May 30, 2017 any cruise payments need to go through the travel agent, and they would be the ones to book the rooms, change rooms if you wanted to switch locations, etc. Dec 29, 2020 you should use a local travel agency to get group rates, amenities, wholesale flights, all inclusive packages, cruises and personalized service. Should i use a travel agent for my disney trip or disney.
Folks ask us all the time why they need to book their family vacations with a travel agent. Many travel agents have strong relationships with some of the most. It is really a personal preference, i have been a travel agent in the past for many years, so i recommend it. We booked through a travel agent and the last cruise was with orbitz.
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