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They have done a great deal of research through familiarization trips and cruise line seminars, so you don't have to do the work yourself. Even better, agents often have access to special discounts or perks -- or know best where to find them -- and as the cruise lines pay their commissions, you don't pay more for their services and expertise. If you're interested in a specific type of cruising (such as river cruising or luxury travel), look for agencies that specialize in the line or type of cruising you prefer.
Margaritaville at Sea Is Adding More Travel Agent Resources - TravelAge West
Margaritaville at Sea Is Adding More Travel Agent Resources.
Posted: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise: Offers
Titled “Small Ship, Small Talk, Big Commissions,” the event featured representatives from river cruise companies and luxury small-ship lines. You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you. You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences. A good cruise travel agent will not only help you navigate these tricky questions they will hopefully provide you with some reassurance.
Can I save money by booking a cruise with a travel agent?
Refer to the key on the right side of the results page to understand CLIA Certification levels. Generally speaking, the prices that travel agents can provide are the same as what the cruise lines offer. Travel agents are prohibited from rebating their commissions -- in order to lower pricing or give significant onboard credit rewards -- by almost every single cruise line. Some agents still practice rebating, but if they're caught by the cruise lines, they could lose their selling privileges. Yes, there are differences between booking directly with the cruise line versus using a travel agent. Most specifically, travel agents are known for giving more personalized service than cruise lines, though some cruise sales representatives can be attentive and helpful.
Should You use a Travel agent to Book a Group Cruise?
When you book a cruise several months or even a year or more in advance, cruise lines will ask for a deposit (which may or may not be refundable). Cruise line final payment dates range from 120 days before your cruise, to 60 days before your cruise. Be ProfessionalWhen touring a ship, always remember that you’re a guest onboard. And, those other travel advisors are trying to make the most of their ship tour, too. In addition to new ships, many cruise lines are also investing in their private islands.
It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before. From booking your first cruise to understanding onboard perks -- the questions can be overwhelming, especially for anyone that is new to cruise. It’s worth giving this some consideration, as there are pros and cons to using a travel agent versus booking directly. According to the Cruise Line International Association, when people did use a travel agent, they reported a high degree of satisfaction with the advice, knowledge and value received.
Royal Caribbean's top travel agents prove why you need one more than ever - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean's top travel agents prove why you need one more than ever.
Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Experienced Local Travel Agents
If you’re planning a group cruise with friends or family (like a multi-generational cruise), the travel agent will work with each party to make sure all their questions are answered. In addition, they’ll coordinate dining reservations and cabin locations. Some travel agents charge an administrative fee, or even a cancellation fee. While booking the cruise may be free, booking a flight or hotel may have additional fees. It may still be worth their service, however if you’re keeping track of your cruise vacation budget, it’s good information to know.
Small Ships Have a Place, Too
They are with you -- figuratively -- from your first call of enquiry through the booking process to the moment you disembark the ship at the end of your voyage. If anything goes wrong during the planning process or on the vacation itself, your agent is just a phone call or email away. If there's a problem onboard, let your agent know immediately so he or she can work out a solution with the cruise line while you enjoy the ship and ports of call. (And they'll likely have a recommendation for that guide!) Having an excellent luxury cruise travel agent in your corner can mean the difference between an OK cruise and a fantastic one. Agents that focus on the luxury cruise niche will have a level of firsthand knowledge about the industry that you could never be expected to match. They've traveled on all of the luxury cruise lines, they've taken cruise line-sponsored workshops to learn more about each ship and destination, and many have even hosted trips aboard these luxury vessels.
Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal. You can book your cruise with a travel agency or directly through the cruise line. This can mean using a local travel agency or booking online through a cruise vacation website.
Rates are subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed until a specific cabin category has been confirmed and a deposit on final payment has been applied. You can search for a CLIA-certified travel agent on the organization's website. Use the search tool to locate agents in your area with a variety of levels of CLIA training.
However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes. (Cruise lines pay agents a commission, though a few very high-end consultants do charge a planning fee.) Yet they can save you money, time and headaches, and ensure you have the best cruise experience. Another advantage of using a travel agent or cruise specialist, is being able to book when they have a special promotion with the cruise line. Agencies partner with cruise lines at certain times of the year and will offer a booking incentive, such as prepaid gratuities or specialty dining. One of the biggest advantages of using a travel agent to book a cruise is getting great advice. A cruise specialist can guide you to the right cruise line and ship based on your vacation preferences and goals for the trip.
While there’s often overlap between the two, knowing what you want to see can help you make the most of any free time you have to explore the ship on your own. Especially if there’s a specific cabin type you’d like to see that’s not on the official inspection list. In a bid to capitalize on this strong demand, cruise lines have ordered a plethora of new ships—both large and small. The CLIA member fleet is projected to surpass 300 ocean-going vessels for the first time this year, with eight new ships coming online in 2024 alone. Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises.
If you don't see a sign or advertisement, always ask -- the agent may have fabulous offers the cruise lines won't let him or her publicize. In addition, ask if the agent can meet or beat the best price you've seen elsewhere. Booking with a travel agent gives your transaction a personal touch -- you have a resource for asking questions and someone to contact if something goes wrong during your travels. But, your relationship with an agent doesn't tend to end after one trip.
You can book a cruise through a huge travel retailer with branches around the country, a local cruise agency or even a home-based agent who will talk cruising with you at your local coffee shop. In my experience, they are passionate travelers themselves, and can offer excellent first person advice. However, when it comes to cruising, you need a travel agent that specializes in cruise travel. Travel Market Report spoke to a number of cruise-selling travel agents to find out their top tips for getting the most out of every second of a cruise ship tour. Under normal circumstances, you may only transfer a booking from the cruise line to a travel agent, and that transfer must be done within a certain timeframe after the booking is made.
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