LadyLac0410 Posted September 28, 2016 #1 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Hi all, I am looking to book my family's first real vacation (other than a long weekend to the city, we haven't really gone anywhere together yet), and we are really excited to cruise. DH, DD (10), and I have decided we want to cruise on RCI's Anthem of the Seas leaving Bayonne in July 2017. my first thought was to just go onto RCI's website and book the cruise through them, but I have noticed several posts mentioning travel agents. is this a better way to go? I assume travel agents charge a fee, so isn't this more expensive? Are there perks to using a TA as opposed to booking direct with RCI? I have never really travelled, and have no idea how this all works. I appreciate any help you can offer!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazycargirl Posted September 28, 2016 #2 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Following. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheezedr Posted September 28, 2016 #3 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Hi all, I am looking to book my family's first real vacation (other than a long weekend to the city, we haven't really gone anywhere together yet), and we are really excited to cruise. DH, DD (10), and I have decided we want to cruise on RCI's Anthem of the Seas leaving Bayonne in July 2017. my first thought was to just go onto RCI's website and book the cruise through them, but I have noticed several posts mentioning travel agents. is this a better way to go? I assume travel agents charge a fee, so isn't this more expensive? Are there perks to using a TA as opposed to booking direct with RCI? I have never really travelled, and have no idea how this all works. I appreciate any help you can offer!:) Travel agents income comes from the companies they book you with. If an agent requires a fee to book for you, you should walk out the door. You can find brick and mortar TA's as well as many online. We cannot mention names on CC. Search on line or ask friends who they use. Not all travel agents are as conversant as others with cruising. Some agents will offer a variety of perks for booking through them so you can ask about that. Mine gives OBC which I can use on the cruise or can be refunded if unused. Travel is fun and planning for travel while time consuming at times can also be part of the fun. Use these boards as one source to determine where and when you might want to travel. When you contact an agent it helps to have some idea of what you are willing to spend, where you would like to travel, how long a trip you are interested in and roughly when you desire to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenrod Posted September 28, 2016 #4 Share Posted September 28, 2016 (edited) Sent from my iPhone using Forums Edited September 28, 2016 by goldenrod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grandmarnnurse Posted September 28, 2016 #5 Share Posted September 28, 2016 I know many people use TA, and I use to do also, but now, I just book online. I have even called the cruise line and talked with a cruise consultant that has helped me---especially on our last cruise when other cabins were booked for family members and linking our dinner times, etc. I do not believe a TA charges a fee. The nice thing about a TA is that they often throw in some perks, like a bottle of wine or cheese platter in your cabin. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grandmarnnurse Posted September 28, 2016 #6 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Let me add, that if you are new to cruising, and planning a vacation, a TA might be best for you to help guide you and make sure you get everything you want, and need. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted September 28, 2016 #7 Share Posted September 28, 2016 If you use a travel agent, make sure it's one who knows a lot about cruises, not just a travel agent who occasionally books cruises. Look for CLIA certification or specific cruise line designations (in the OP's case, a Royal Caribbean Cruise Specialist). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 28, 2016 #8 Share Posted September 28, 2016 We are not allowed to mention the travel agencies we use. But I will tell you that we use a large travel agency -- they do not charge any fees for booking or canceling cruises. There are some smaller TA's that do charge cancellation fees and this is a question you need to ask before you make a deposit. You really need to go and talk with a TA and ask questions. We prefer a TA because of the extra perks we get from her. She knows what we like. We also like the fact that we can go and see her or call her whenever we have a problem (also can e-mail her and we are fortunate that since we have used her for over 25 years, we can call her at home if a real major problem comes up). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchcanrican Posted September 28, 2016 #9 Share Posted September 28, 2016 80% of the time I book directly through the cruise line. The other 20% I use a large online TA that specializes in cruise vacations only. They provide great deals, sometimes better than the cruise direct. Enjoy your first cruise! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenrod Posted September 29, 2016 #10 Share Posted September 29, 2016 There is a service on the internet that lets different TA's compete for your business on the cruise you want to book, we just saved about $ 2000 on a 22 day river cruise compared to a quote from Viking for a suite. Google it you'll find the site. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted September 29, 2016 #11 Share Posted September 29, 2016 Travel agents do not charge you extra for booking with them. The cruise line pays them. Worth it for the cruise line because they can have less customer service reps. Finding a GOOD travel agent is so worth it. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPacificbound Posted September 29, 2016 #12 Share Posted September 29, 2016 I book directly with the cruise line, but by phone not website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now