Is your TA knowledgeable about MSC?

Our TA has always impressed us with his knowledge of all the cruiselines we've sailed. However, when we recently mentioned that we will be booking MSC, we learned that he didn't even know there is a Status Match program.

I know MSC is a newer product here, and there is lots to learn; even though we sailed MSC in the Caribbean in 2002, we are doing all we can to educate ourselves on the current MSC.

For those of you who have used your TA to book, do you feel you got enough accurate information before your cruise?

Our TA has always impressed us with his knowledge of all the cruiselines we've sailed. However, when we recently mentioned that we will be booking MSC, we learned that he didn't even know there is a Status Match program.

I know MSC is a newer product here, and there is lots to learn; even though we sailed MSC in the Caribbean in 2002, we are doing all we can to educate ourselves on the current MSC.

For those of you who have used your TA to book, do you feel you got enough accurate information before your cruise?

What info are you looking for?

I normally book through a big box store that shall not be named here. For MSC, I went with a friend who was courted by MSC as part of their push into the US market. But she told me up front that she didn't know much but would research for me. Since I plan to do my own research, I figure I can educate her as much as she can educate me.

I'll add that I find I always have more info that most because of what I learn on these boards. Even the big cruise lines.

My TA told me that MSC does not pay high commissions. A lot of TA won't book MSC because of this, therefore they don't know much about them.

NO. ours was not! She gave me 3 email arguments about Status Match before she would actually go and look.

We basically did all ourselves and so far not a thank you. I need a new one or probably just continue to do my own.

Want to add, all I need to know has been gleaned from these boards!!! Yeah Cruise Critic!

They do pay a decent commission.

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My TA mostly deals with folks who sail luxury lines. But she is willing to learn. After a cruise I go to see her and brief her on it, and give her the menus and activity sheets. She tucks them into a file, in case someone comes along wanting info on that line. EM

Many TA’s do not want to learn about MSC because they hear the customer service horror stories and don’t want to spend their time on it. Personally as a TA I have become very knowledgeable about them both through personal experiences sailing as well as assisting clients. They are not bad to work with when you take the time to learn how.

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MSC has a problem staffing the phones not only for guests, but also for TAs. Wait time is excessive.

NO. ours was not! She gave me 3 email arguments about Status Match before she would actually go and look.

We basically did all ourselves and so far not a thank you. I need a new one or probably just continue to do my own.

Want to add, all I need to know has been gleaned from these boards!!! Yeah Cruise Critic!

I think that would be a hint that it's time to cut ties, at least for this sailing. I would want a TA who is ready, willing and wanting to help me out with as much as they can even if it means researching because they're not familiar with a product. Otherwise, what is the benefit?

I contacted a TA for my first cruise with MSC and she admitted she had never booked anything with them. So I looked elsewhere.

The agency I used was familiar with the status match, said MSC had "improved" as far as wait time and said she heard Divina was a beautiful ship. So I booked that first cruise with her. Then I booked Seaside with her too.;)

My TA told me that MSC does not pay high commissions. A lot of TA won't book MSC because of this, therefore they don't know much about them.

not true

I don't expect a TA to know more about NCL or MSC than me.

A TA sell lots of different kind of vacations so I don't expect them to know more than me, unless they are cruisespecialists but we don't have any "cruisespecialist TA" in my town.

MSC in Sweden are easy to get in contact with by phone so if I need it I can contact them.

I don't expect a TA to know more about NCL or MSC than me.

 

A TA sell lots of different kind of vacations so I don't expect them to know more than me, unless they are cruisespecialists but we don't have any "cruisespecialist TA" in my town.

 

MSC in Sweden are easy to get in contact with by phone so if I need it I can contact them.

Thanks you for your offer. However, I am sure you have more to do than wait on line for all of us. LOL

Obviously, all TA's are not the same. Not all TA's can know all and be at the expert level in every travel related area. Many specialize so they can focus their attention.

If a TA has not taken the available training, and built a working relationship with their BDM, They should acknowledge their lack of understanding and either offer to do research or turn them over to another agent who has the working knowledge.

While the internet and groups such as this has a wealth of knowledge, I am also amazed at how much misinformation there is. Most people are well meaning, and offer answers based on their own experience, without having enough information about the client who is asking the question. When a European client gets an "American" answer, it just may not hold true for the European. Same holds true when an American client gets a answer from someone who lives and deals with MSC in Australia or Great Britain.

As we have learned from here, the same MSC ship sailing a European itinerary, will operate differently than the same ship sailing the caribbean. It would surely help if people gave more information when they asked questions, or gave more information when they gave answers.

I see nothing wrong with asking a TA if they have traveled on a specific cruise line. And I see nothing wrong with continuing to look for a TA who has direct experience with the line you are looking to book.

We have many "experts" on here, some more expert than others. Some may actually be more versed than many TA's. But I would venture a guess that there are TA's out here who are more knowledgable on the product than any of the non TA experts on here.

My TA is very knowledgeable on all lines. With that said, I've been cruising since 1977 and probably know as much as he does. I do my own research before I book anything. I mainly use my TA because of the extra perks I get from him and cheaper pricing over booking directly with the cruise line. Making changes are easier also.

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We use both a TA and MSC for our bookings, the latest guy we used for our second Divina cruise at Xmas and Meraviglia next year also sails MSC and recently did one week in a Fantastica cabin and one week in the YC, he is also on Seaview in October. He is quite knowledgeable about them despite the fact that sometimes they are a pain to work with.

Like most things in life, I use professionals but I also do my own homework.

My introduction to MSC was from other cruisers on a NCL cruise. They told us about the status match. We had not intention on actually following up but I found myself on CC and reading MSC cruisers experiences.

Fast forward, status matched Plat Plus to Black and then booked with MSC online (YC.)

Then, read on CC about others getting OBC etc from TA. Our Big Box store does not do MSC.

Searched online and found an agency in Orlando. Easy to switch res to. TA. Since changing to TA , he’s been able to add new perk to our cruise and change cabin. We saved approx $ 700 on our cruise, no complaints here . I did find the “nicer” cabin and asked that him to change us. Easy peasy. As far as what I can expect on the cruise , I will rely on CC and the good folks here that are so helpful and informative.

Our TA was happy to book us on MSC, but I do feel bad because he is often on hold for more than an hour to get questions answered. He had to contact a friend who worked on the ship we have booked to confirm the cabin is the layout on the website, because the booking agent said it was one room (not one bedroom with a sitting area...1 bedroom grand suite).

MSC needs to work on their land based customer/TA service, no questions asked, but their ship experience is good according to our TA. Time will tell...

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My TA on my upcoming cruise knew a "certain amount" about MSC and is trying to up his volume however he says the wait times for calls for TAs are horrible. And he had never heard of MSC doing any upsells (which is not correct.)

Once a booking has been confirmed, MSC will only normally deal with a T.A via Email !

Once a booking has been confirmed, MSC will only normally deal with a T.A via Email !

May be true for UK but not US. I've put over 1800 clients onboard MSC ships and I email very rarely. Only for such things as cancellations to have a record of it. Hold times are atrocious but after working with them over 10 years, you learn back doors.

Bret

My TA specializes in MSC (as well as other lines) and has sailed with them a number of times.

May be true for UK but not US. I've put over 1800 clients onboard MSC ships and I email very rarely. Only for such things as cancellations to have a record of it. Hold times are atrocious but after working with them over 10 years, you learn back doors.

 

 

 

Bret

Can you make bookings for UK residents too? US deals are so much better then what we get

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I need a new agent, she won’t even help me with MSC, real attitude against them. Will be in YC in 2 days, will book on board perhaps.