TA Question...Please Refresh My Memory

I haven't sailed on Carnival for about 2 years, and I remember at that point there was no incentive to book with a TA.

I am looking at the Sunshine for 9/2, and have, what I consider a good rate (casino rate).

If I decide to book, is there any advantage with using a TA? Can I get this rate from a TA? (when I do a dummy TA booking this option doesn't come up...although I enter my past passenger #)

Thanks

I haven't sailed on Carnival for about 2 years, and I remember at that point there was no incentive to book with a TA.

 

I am looking at the Sunshine for 9/2, and have, what I consider a good rate (casino rate).

 

If I decide to book, is there any advantage with using a TA? Can I get this rate from a TA? (when I do a dummy TA booking this option doesn't come up...although I enter my past passenger #)

 

Thanks

Are you perhaps asking about booking with a PVP (reference the sentence about putting in your past passenger #)? If that is the case, you can get any rate that you qualify for through your PVP. I always use my PVP because he is incredibly helpful and provides me with one point of contact for anything I may need regarding my booking. When you book online and have to make changes/ask questions, you are limited to calling the 800 number for their highly inconsistent help.

Are you perhaps asking about booking with a PVP (reference the sentence about putting in your past passenger #)? If that is the case, you can get any rate that you qualify for through your PVP. I always use my PVP because he is incredibly helpful and provides me with one point of contact for anything I may need regarding my booking. When you book online and have to make changes/ask questions, you are limited to calling the 800 number for their highly inconsistent help.

No..not a PVP...a separate TA

Last I checked they couldn't reduce the rates or give OBC. I want to know if that's still the case.

Just answered my own question.....TA gives a small OBC

My TA also gives a small OBC.

A TA cannot change a Carnival price. They have access to all of the rate codes that Carnival does. They can give on board credit, but it usually comes from their commission.

If they don't charge you for the service, then there isn't any disadvantage to using them. If they charge then you have to decide if the service they provide is worth it.

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A TA cannot change a Carnival price. They have access to all of the rate codes that Carnival does. They can give on board credit, but it usually comes from their commission.

 

If they don't charge you for the service, then there isn't any disadvantage to using them. If they charge then you have to decide if the service they provide is worth it.

 

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There is one disadvantage, and that really varies from TA to TA. Once you have booked with a TA, you cannot deal directly with Carnival. So, price adjustments and any changes will have to be made through the TA. It really depends on how attentive and responsive they are.

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For a brief time period, Carnival restricted the TA's from providing booking perks. It did not go over well with the TA's and Carnival rescinded. I have always booked my cruises through a TA to get the bonus $50 - $100 OBC that a PVP cannot provide. And, on other cruise lines (like NCL), the TAs have provided us with a lower rate than booking through the cruiseline by booking one of the TA's blocked group rate cabins. I have never had issues with using a TA, and they have assisted me with taking advantage of price reductions every time.

I will say, I did use a PVP to book my parents cruise for them. My mom is handicap and required special medical and mobility accommodations. I felt that dealing directly with Carnival would be the best to ensure my parents received what they needed.

Having control of my booking is well worth foregoing any token OBC bribe that the TA might provide.

Having control of my booking is well worth foregoing any token OBC bribe that the TA might provide.

I have always loved your pure objective viewpoints......

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