Best way to book Seabourn cruise

Hello, I posted a message yesterday, but I can no longer find it.

I am getting married later this year and my fiancee and I want to go on a Seabourn cruise for a honeymoon. We already know the itinerary, but I am wondering where the best place to book the cruise is? I am wondering if it is better to purchase direct from Seabourn or from a travel agent? Please note I am not asking for the name of a travel agent (as I realize that is against the site rules), but I am wondering which avenue to go down.

I have heard that some people get cabin upgrades, shore excursions, on board credit, etc. This is a big purchase for us, so we want to make the most of it.

Thank you for your time.

DEFINITELY use a good travel agent who is experienced and knowledgeable about luxury cruise lines. It will not cost you a penny extra and you will get benefits you won't get directly from Seabourn.

DEFINITELY use a good travel agent who is experienced and knowledgeable about luxury cruise lines. It will not cost you a penny extra and you will get benefits you won't get directly from Seabourn.

I agree with wripro. A great agent is invaluable! (and yes, naming a TA or HINTING is not allowed on CruiseCritic) Also, be sure to participate in the referral program, thread is a sticky at the top of the page.

Another vote for a using a TA -- price does matter to me but good service as well. A good TA will give you both. Here is case in point. The cruise fate went down on an upcoming cruise. My TA secured the lower fare for us saving us thousands.

Don't forget to go to the top of the Seabourn page on here and get yourself a referral coupon which will get you $400 onboard credit.

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I will look for a travel agent.

We already booked the cruise, but it is refundable until sometime in August.

Thanks!

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I will look for a travel agent.

 

We already booked the cruise, but it is refundable until sometime in August.

 

Thanks!

On most cruise lines, you can book with the line and then transfer the booking to a travel agency. No need to cancel and rebook. I don't remember the time limit on transferring a booking, but I'm sure someone else who posts here does.:)

In addition to having someone to watch out for your best interests, many travel agents will discount the fare and / or offer ship board credits, private tours, or other amenities. The cruise industry is one place, at least for the time being, you do not want to book directly with the supplier. While we rarely have a problem on Seabourn, one time we did with a credit that Seabourn Square folks were trying hard for more than a couple of days to get resolved, once we contacted our agent she got it resolved within an hour.

You have gotten very good recommendations.

I would try to ask family and friends for recommendations.

As mentioned by Wripro I would try to get someone who not only knows luxury lines but also Seabourn.

If you can, interview a couple of them on the phone. Ask questions such as how long they have been a cruise specialist, what they believe are the attributes that they bring to their clients and their knowledge about the cruise line.

A good Travel Specialist can truly help to prevent mistakes and also knows how to cut through red tape and also is your advocate if something goes wrong.

Yes, they also provide amenities. But I can tell you from experience but the emphasis on their expertise and their interest of you as a client rather than making the amenities the main factor in your decision.

Keith