Jump to content

Help....Travel Agency questions(no names mentioned)


Luckybee
 Share

Recommended Posts

Ok so Im frustrated and part of my frustration is the cc policy on TA's. Dh and I are considering our first Seabourn cruise to South Africa in March of 2019. Ive read a bunch of threads which have led me to the belief that it is far more cost effective to use an agent than it is to book yourself but I never use agents for travel as I'm too much of a control freak. I get that booking through an agent appears to be beneficial for cruising however so Im willing to do so.

All of that said how does one find a good agent for Seabourn. I don't want to contact one that is just so so and there appears to be many online that are just mass agents with no personal service at all.

I understand that we cant get referrals on here but how in heavens name do we find this great agent without referrals?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The answer to your question is probably not that difficult.

 

Instead of arriving on this forum with a rant, why not try providing some info on where you're trying to book from and what your preferences might be. Why are you thinking Seabourn might be good.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im not trying to be difficult Sparky...we know that we want to book the March 5, 2019 Sojourn SA cruise and we're looking to get he best price possible and we want to book refundable preferably in US dollars although we are in Canada.

We're looking at this cruise because it happens to be very similar to what we were going to do as a land based trip but with a lot less travel aggravation esp getting to Mauritius and the Maldives from SA.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Talk to friends that have been successful with their Travel Agent. It took me many years to finally find one that knows what they are doing, and service with a smile! (Not to mention great perks!) Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Talk to friends that have been successful with their Travel Agent. It took me many years to finally find one that knows what they are doing, and service with a smile! (Not to mention great perks!) Good luck!

 

That is how we found ours just talking to friends.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frankly, to get the best out of a good TA you will have to relinquish some of the control in order to let him/her do the job for you. If you're not willing to do that saved the TA and yourself a lot of trouble and keep booking yourself. You won't get the benefits but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it all on your own.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have a really good one with Signature and the travel agency's amenities offered on many cruises as well. Know her name or the agency here can't be posted here and am uncertain if I can give you my email so you can ask me directly....anybody know the rules on that? Don't want to be banned from CC!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have a really good one with Signature and the travel agency's amenities offered on many cruises as well. Know her name or the agency here can't be posted here and am uncertain if I can give you my email so you can ask me directly....anybody know the rules on that? Don't want to be banned from CC!

 

Unfortunately the restriction applies to requests for and the providing of email addresses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave, I have seen many e-mail addresses on the boards but not about enquires for Travel Agents. I think you can put your e-mail in your profile on CC or signature.

 

Dave your contact is in your post.

 

Absolutely correct on both counts Purplelady1. The banning is if you in any way mention that you are looking for a TA or have a travel agent. Many of us use the addresses for planning excursions on board but, any mention of a TA along with a email address is strictly enforced by the Host's and they can and do delete those posts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Talk to friends that have been successful with their Travel Agent. It took me many years to finally find one that knows what they are doing, and service with a smile! (Not to mention great perks!) Good luck!

 

Tried that already....don't know anyone who has a good one for cruises...most of our friends do land based

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frankly, to get the best out of a good TA you will have to relinquish some of the control in order to let him/her do the job for you. If you're not willing to do that saved the TA and yourself a lot of trouble and keep booking yourself. You won't get the benefits but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it all on your own.

 

There isn't much for the TA to do at this point...we know exactly what we want to book, so it is just a matter of deciding how we're booking and in order to save what appears to be a pretty hefty chunk of change Im willing to ease off the reigns :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hopefully what Im asking now will be acceptable and if not I can be appropriately scolded....

 

I've seen pricing with some big online TA's that would save us with a combo of discounts and onboard credits about 9 or 10 %. Is there any reason not to book with the big online consultants ? I realize we wont get personal attention, but is there any other downside ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hopefully what Im asking now will be acceptable and if not I can be appropriately scolded....

 

 

 

I've seen pricing with some big online TA's that would save us with a combo of discounts and onboard credits about 9 or 10 %. Is there any reason not to book with the big online consultants ? I realize we wont get personal attention, but is there any other downside ?

 

 

 

Sorry to have to comment again. Apparently you have found your itinerary with this cruise.

You are trying to book on Seabourn. Discounts & fluff as in OBC's are not generally what motivates Seabourn'ers to sail. Again I ask why do you think this cruise is for you? Maybe another cruise line?

 

Just try'n to be real.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my experience using a good online agent does not mean a lack of personal interaction. In fact I have found the degree of kindness and respect for your needs is quite honorable and meticulous. The final pluses are great discounts. Instantaneous interaction of email pleases me as land based travel agents are often quite slow in answering requests for information.

You can still hold the reigns by doing all your ancillary bookings like flights, hotels and transfers where you can often do better than agents by booking direct and have more control if you require changes to these details.

I hope you find the perfect deal and enjoy Seabourn cruising as much as we do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is the BIG difference. The online agent will not be your agent if you run into a problem. The online agent will not rebate to you as other agents who are selling high end cruises. Your online agent may get you a pittance of OBC but you are not getting the attention if you need something that goes wrong and chances are you will not get the same online agent. Our TA is available 24hrs for emergencies and our benefits far outweigh what an online agent will get you.

 

Your online agent may have not experienced the cruise line or ports. In the end you are losing by not going with a good agent or agency that has actually cruised the line and has actually been to the ports or countries. All the information you receive is from a computer they read.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my experience using a good online agent does not mean a lack of personal interaction. In fact I have found the degree of kindness and respect for your needs is quite honorable and meticulous. The final pluses are great discounts. Instantaneous interaction of email pleases me as land based travel agents are often quite slow in answering requests for information.

You can still hold the reigns by doing all your ancillary bookings like flights, hotels and transfers where you can often do better than agents by booking direct and have more control if you require changes to these details.

I hope you find the perfect deal and enjoy Seabourn cruising as much as we do.

 

I totally disagree with you. A powerful high selling agent can get you upgrades and better prices than an online agent and many other amenities that you will not get. I don't care how nice the mass agents are.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hopefully what Im asking now will be acceptable and if not I can be appropriately scolded....

 

I've seen pricing with some big online TA's that would save us with a combo of discounts and onboard credits about 9 or 10 %. Is there any reason not to book with the big online consultants ? I realize we wont get personal attention, but is there any other downside ?

 

No reason at all not to book with the online TAs. If you get the cruise you want at a big discount, go for it. However, a good TA will get you the same price and discounts, plus he/she will keep an eye on the price and get you a price reduction if there are any after you book. Also, some may offer you special benefits, such as a guided tour in some ports. Plus, they can help you book hotels and further travel if you are interested. And I second all the other reasons above - extra amenities, upgrades, emergency availability, etc.

 

Some times you find the best references while you are on board and talking to fellow travelers. So maybe for your second cruise...?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unfortunately in our region of the world these extras you speak of are rarely offered by the travel industry. Although happily I book my cruises with O'S online agent and receive a great discount plus great service.

I have experienced the agony of trying to alter flights booked by agents as being my worst experience of travel , another instance when the agent changed my flight plan without letting me know. Fortunately the airline company rescheduled us and advised us against using travel agents for flight bookings. In the last five years I have had great value in online booking and not a glitch in 8 Cruise holidays.

It takes time and patience to research , watching airline prices to get the best flight deals. However I enjoy the chase, to get the best value for my money. It is therefore that with discounts, frequent flyer points and traveller savy learned over the years we have afforded another Seabourn adventure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry to have to comment again. Apparently you have found your itinerary with this cruise.

You are trying to book on Seabourn. Discounts & fluff as in OBC's are not generally what motivates Seabourn'ers to sail. Again I ask why do you think this cruise is for you? Maybe another cruise line?

 

Just try'n to be real.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Condescending much ?

Let me be real in response. Im not motivated by the discount but I'm sure as heck not going to pass it up . This cruise is for us because of the port locations and gets us to the places we want it to get us to. I don't really care if you happen to think it is tacky to want to get the best price while I happen to think it is foolish not to. If I book direct dh and I will spend roughly $2500 usd that we don't need to spend. In order to save that both by a lower price and on board credit I will book through an agent and relinquish control. And in so doing if I don't fit the mold of a good Seabourn'er well....there is an old line in Gone with the Wind I could quote.

That said, if you can advise me of another cruise that goes through the same terrific ports in South Africa, through the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mauritius and finishes in the Maldives I'd certainly compare....we had intended to land base this trip but the ease of getting to the places we wanted to get to at a price that was much better than our usual land based trips was simply too good to pass up.

Edited by Luckybee
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Luckybee,

 

I would not just use any on-line TA. If you do, be sure that you understand what the penalties are should you cancel and also know how you can reach them.

 

You have been given very good advice by Host Dan and Henry (Wripro) such as how to find an agent and letting them do their job.

 

I would ask friend and anyone else who you know and have respect for if they have an agent that they can recommend.

 

I do think it is helpful if you can find an agent who not only specialized in cruising but who has sailed luxury lines including Seabourn.

 

Even get a few recommendations and then interview them on the telephone.

 

As savvy as I consider myself and as independent as I am, I learned that getting a strong agent added tremendous value in looking at options I had never considered which has saved us money. Also a good agent can cut through the red tape at cruise line(s) if you run into issues as they know who to go to.

 

Like all professions cruise specialist are not the same and do not provide the same level of service.

 

Keith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Purplelady1: I feel your frustration and would help if I could. Am not promoting our TA, just trying to pass along my impressions and experiences. Seems a shame I can't even give you my email but if those are the rules....

 

I found our TA by researching online and read the endorsements on the company's website. We've saved heaps of $$ in amenities and rebates and know she and the agency would help if we encountered trouble along the way. Hopefully you'll stumble on her company while searching online.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...