Help with TA

Just would like to ask you knowledgeable cc'ers out there how I would go about researching or finding a good TA to use for my future cruises. I have been doing it myself for a few years now (Princess does make it so easy) and taking advantage of any price drops when they occur as I just regularly keep checking once initially booked, but then I read here that TA's can get you even lower pricing(?), extra OBC, gifts, etc.

But where to start to find a good TA and one that might be able to get me a lower price and some extra OBC at times? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Pooh

Interview the ones that are local...I've talked to 2 local TAs and got "no extra goodies and Princess doesn't allow us to discount" line. Yeah, sure.

Talk to others on the ship, especially at the M&G.

Call the online TAs and ask "what will you do for me?".

Search for one of the websites that allows TAs to bid for your business.

I don't use local agents. The ones I used 20 plus years ago had never cruised and didn't discount. I knew more about cruises then they did and honestly, had traveled more then they did. There were several who were Disney specialists and knew Disney well but that wasn't what I wanted.

Also, I would not use a website where people compete for your business. If you think about it, these agents don't have enough business themselves so have to seek business. Many many be new and may not have been in the business long or are not that great. I did know of an agent who did this, I had used the agent 20 years ago and she was awful (which would probably explain why she couldn't keep repeat clients). I would shy away from this.

Definitely ask about cancellation fees outside of the cruise line and change fees. If you call with a price change, will they do it free of charge or charge you for it.

I would also stay away from booking websites. If something goes wrong (hurricane, natural disaster, terrorism attack, etc...), will they be there to help you make adjustments. For example, if a ship has been cancelled for repair, a good agent will know about it quickly and will quickly try to book you on another ship within minutes within your time frame. An order tacker or website booking site won't do this.

I suggest asking fellow cruisers who they use.

I don't think any cruise line allows agents to "discount." If they quote you a lower price than their web site it is because they are taking the "discount" out of their commission. Same with any "gifts" they are giving you. However, the cruise line's often offers promotions which the agents can give you without a "bite" on their commissions. Some agents will make you think that they are giving you that obc, drink package, etc. but, in truth, all they are doing is booking you with the cruise line promotion. Some agencies can, also, hook you to a group even though you are not a member of the group. The agent forming the group has negotiated lower fares, perks, whatever, what you will get, too. Agents get group rates by booking a certain number of cabins rather than the Ladies Quilting Guild (lol).

As others have said, the best way to find a good agent is to ask around at M&G and other cruisers you know. As in anything you do, not all agents are the same. One who is great for one person, may not be great for you. I, for instance, want one that is available 24/7 (well almost) and not have to depend on open office hours if a fare drop comes up or other questions. My agent will return e-mails within the hour most of the time and answer his cell phone right away even if it is 10:00 on a Sunday night. If he doesn't immediately know the answer, he will have it for me as soon as he can get it Monday morning.. I don't like the large agencies because they tend to turn over employees so I may not be able to deal with the same person all the time when the right hand doesn't know what the left hand has done or promised.

.My agent knows my preferences. When he was contacted about an upgrade for us when we were out of pocket, he accepted one he knew we would like. Another time when that happened, he knew we would not like it so declined. Another time, we were offered an upsell from an inside to a balcony on an Alaskan Cruise for $150 more per person.. Because he knew us, he accepted it. He did say later he was prepared to "eat" it if we raised a fuss but he was pretty sure we wouldn't.(lol) If he hadn't acted on it quickly, the opportunity would have gone away. Occasionally, when a good deal comes along he knows we might be interested in, he will contact us.

So,it is advantageous to find an agent you like and trust and stick with them and not just cherry pick whoever is giving you the best deal that day. Maybe you will pay a little more but usually not and he/she will most likely save you money in the long run.

Had to smile at Tucker's post which is absolutely wrong. There are sometimes special deals that are available through certain cruise agencies (generally the very reputable high volume agencies) that will not be available on the Princess web site. In many cases these deals are not permitted to be advertised and will only be known to those who have registered with the various agencies...to get access to special fares.

And then there are the last minute deals which also may not even show on a cruise line web site. A few years ago we had an interesting telephone conversation with a Princess Supervisor (at their reservation center) about pricing. I had found a very good price available from one of our favorite (we use 4) cruise agencies. Because of a similar discussion (like this thread) I immediately called Princess and asked if they would match the cruise agency's offer (which is a win for Princess since they would not have to pay any commission). That is when I was transferred to a supervisor and I explained the cruise agency offer. The Princess rep told me to go ahead and book with the cruise agency because Princess would not match the offer (or come close). She explained that Princess does not want to undercut agencies...since the agencies handle most bookings (we have heard up to 80%).

We currently have a booking that we made on a recent HAL cruise....for a future cruise in 2019. If I transfer it to one of my cruise agencies they will give me an $1100 On board credit which is not available if I keep the booking with HAL. Now the last poster might want to quibble about whether that $1100 is a discount or reduced commission for the agency or whatever......but to me it is simply $1100 I will save on that particular cruise.

Hank

The big internet travel agencies can often get you a great deal. Their websites are easy to navigate, and they book all cruise lines. Problem is, some of their agents are newbies. I have been using the same agent at a mega-cruise travel site for many years. Unfortunately, rules here prevent me from giving you his name.

Just an example of what agencies might have that Princess doesn't. On a particular cruise where Princess is/was showing SOLD OUT of Inside on their website, my agency is/was selling Inside on a GTY basis. I saw that on another category as well. So, in that case if a customer booked with Princess, they would have to book in a more expensive category such as OV to get on the ship whereas they could have booked desired Inside with the agency. I do admit no cabin selection possible, but lots of people book GTY.

Are TA's more apt to get you an upsell or upgrade? I am watching the prices but also have a TA that is really good. I am wondering if she will see drops in price be offered upgrades I wouldn't be offered. Also, do you have a better chance at an upgrade if you are on a longer cruise?

Just an example of what agencies might have that Princess doesn't. On a particular cruise where Princess is/was showing SOLD OUT of Inside on their website, my agency is/was selling Inside on a GTY basis. I saw that on another category as well. So, in that case if a customer booked with Princess, they would have to book in a more expensive category such as OV to get on the ship whereas they could have booked desired Inside with the agency. I do admit no cabin selection possible, but lots of people book GTY.

Yes, actually - TAs can have space on sold out cruises also! Yes, they can reserve group space and sell those categories or ships until Princess reclaims that space.

Are TA's more apt to get you an upsell or upgrade? I am watching the prices but also have a TA that is really good. I am wondering if she will see drops in price be offered upgrades I wouldn't be offered. Also, do you have a better chance at an upgrade if you are on a longer cruise?

I think your chances are the same. People here report getting both, regardless of how they book.

Upgrades and upsells are completely dependent on how well the ship and categories have sold on that sailing. If it is more popular and all the upper categories are booked, less upsells and upgrades. A lot of people report getting upgrades on 1-3 day cruises (repos on West coast).

The big internet travel agencies can often get you a great deal. Their websites are easy to navigate, and they book all cruise lines. Problem is, some of their agents are newbies. I have been using the same agent at a mega-cruise travel site for many years. Unfortunately, rules here prevent me from giving you his name.

I won't ask you for his name since I don't want to break any rules. But sure would like to know. lol

The big internet travel agencies can often get you a great deal. Their websites are easy to navigate, and they book all cruise lines. Problem is, some of their agents are newbies. I have been using the same agent at a mega-cruise travel site for many years. Unfortunately, rules here prevent me from giving you his name.

We partially agree with you, but find that the best deals come from shopping around among several very reputable high volume cruise agencies. The reality is that certain agencies seem to have special relatons with specific cruise lines....so, for example, the agency where we usually find the best deals on Celebrity (or any RCI product) is different from the agency we generally use for Princess, Cunard, or MSC. As to the actual agents, we use them when necessary but prefer to simply do most of our bookings online. In fact, our favorite discount cruise agency charges extra (I think its $50) for bookings made with an agent...vs just doing it online. And this makes sense since it costs them more to use a human....as opposed to a few clicks via computer.

When we decide what we want to book (and we do book at 70-100 days of cruises a year) we quickly compare offerings from among 3-5 cruise agencies (this usually takes me about 30 min) and then book with the agency that has the best overall deal. Just did this this morning for a last minute Princess cruise. Only one of our favored agencies even offered the deal we booked (which was only open for a couple of hours)....and it was an amazing deal. There is no harm in shopping around, and the results often pay off...sometimes in the thousands of dollars.

Hank

We partially agree with you, but find that the best deals come from shopping around among several very reputable high volume cruise agencies. The reality is that certain agencies seem to have special relatons with specific cruise lines....so, for example, the agency where we usually find the best deals on Celebrity (or any RCI product) is different from the agency we generally use for Princess, Cunard, or MSC. As to the actual agents, we use them when necessary but prefer to simply do most of our bookings online. In fact, our favorite discount cruise agency charges extra (I think its $50) for bookings made with an agent...vs just doing it online. And this makes sense since it costs them more to use a human....as opposed to a few clicks via computer.

 

 

 

When we decide what we want to book (and we do book at 70-100 days of cruises a year) we quickly compare offerings from among 3-5 cruise agencies (this usually takes me about 30 min) and then book with the agency that has the best overall deal. Just did this this morning for a last minute Princess cruise. Only one of our favored agencies even offered the deal we booked (which was only open for a couple of hours)....and it was an amazing deal. There is no harm in shopping around, and the results often pay off...sometimes in the thousands of dollars.

 

 

 

Hank

I have to ask, how did you know of the deal open for only a couple of hours? An email from a TA or Princess?

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If you see me on the cruise. I will tell you of a great TA. I got the TA from a guy who new a guy that now a different guy that told me. :D :D I think word-of-mouth is the best way to find a good one.

Tony

How is the service from the big on line agencies?

We use a TA who offers great service and wonder what we might lose by changing.

How is the service from the big on line agencies?

 

We use a TA who offers great service and wonder what we might lose by changing.

Many of those big online agencies that specialize in cruises , use home based Cruise Specialist TA's .

Many are well trained and have earned certification by CLIA and the Cruise Line training programs.

Trouble is , some are not so you should interview your TA before ever booking with one.

My travel agent is a very good friend. We cruise with her often.She probably has cruised more on Princess than any travel agent out there. I feel her services (and she fights to get us

deals even after final payment) far outweigh any of those so called discount agencies.

A few years ago I was booked with an agent . There was a problem with our ship and it looked like maybe we wouldn't sail. We were flying to Europe to catch the ship. Never heard from our agent we booked with (a discounter). My friend who had a large group of friends booked on it too, kept me informed every few hours as she spoke to Princess for updates . Day of flying out got the good word. Never heard from my agent. After that, my good friend handles all bookings for me . She is worth it(and we do get goodies and some discount),

So I learned the cheapest agents out there are not necessarily the best.

Hank and Tony,

I wish I was sailing with both of you soon because I'm going to be needing a new TA real quick. How about coming with us on Royal Princess March 20, 2018 sailing?

Mike

Hank and Tony,

 

I wish I was sailing with both of you soon because I'm going to be needing a new TA real quick. How about coming with us on Royal Princess March 20, 2018 sailing?

 

Mike

LOL Mike, that would be around the time we are thinking about packing to go to Singapore to join the Golden Princess :). I love these travel/cruise agent threads and reading everyone's opinions. For us, we use a basic rule that we expect to save 7-10% (sometimes more) of what a cruise costs if booked on the cruise line's own web site. Now those savings would include any extra amenities such as OBCs, pre paid gratuities, etc....since many times the price will be about the same. As an example, just looking at a particular Regal Princess cruise for next year.....one of our favorite cruise agencies is offering over $700 in OBCs on a $2500 total price booking. As to being "friendly" with our cruise/travel agent we view cruise agents as only being as good as the last booking. If somebody saves me 10%...they do not need to be my friend.....but I will toast them once aboard the cruise :).

So perhaps here is a good rule of thumb for any booking. Price out what you want on the cruise line site. Then price it out on 2 or 3 reputable cruise agency web sites. And finally, if you have a travel agent friend price it out with them and perhaps a local travel agency. And if you are not saving over 7% (when compared to the cruise line site)....then its time to shop around among a few other reputable cruise travel agents. Over the years (and dozens of cruises in recent years) we have cut down our favorite cruise agency list to only 3......although we keep checking at least 1 or 2 others before we book any cruise. We also listen to other cruisers (when aboard ships) and check out some of their favorite agencies...hoping to improve our favorite short list. I think its become somewhat of a hobby (international travel has long been our primary hobby).

There are some other interesting factors in play with agencies. For example, there is a very popular cruise agency (located in the Northwest of the USA) with lots of frequent HAL cruisers. This particular agency usually has pretty large groups on the longer (and more expensive) HAL cruises...and the agency will host some parties, frequent discussion groups, etc. They are very reputable, we have talked to a few of their agents (who we met on cruises) and really would love to book with them because they are so nice. But the problem is that their prices suck....when compared to some of the competition. But a friend of ours, who is aware of their lousy pricing, still books with them because she just likes one of their agents and appreciates the onboard party (where she gets a free drink). On one long cruise I pointed out to her that the "free drink" cost her several thousand dollars...but to her that was unimportant since she just liked that agency. I would love to be a car salesman if I had customers like her :). I would quickly be able to afford a World Cruise in a large suite.

Hank

Hank,

I truly appreciate the information you provide here at Cruise Critic. I may not always agree with you, but I do like that you nearly always shoot straight and too the point, trying to help people.

I'm afraid I don't have the patience to do all of the comparison shopping that you do. I was perfectly happy with my TA until her untimely death. I also received excellent service and felt I always got a fair price, obc and frequently our gratuities paid for. Had I comparison shopped, maybe I could have found better prices.

I'm not certain what my DW and I will do now when it comes to booking cruise travel.

Delete.

Many of those big online agencies that specialize in cruises , use home based Cruise Specialist TA's .

Many are well trained and have earned certification by CLIA and the Cruise Line training programs.

Trouble is , some are not so you should interview your TA before ever booking with one.

Happy with the TA we use on Princess but if we could save a bunch more would consider changing.

If you deal with a large online TA would think you would be speaking to a different person each time you contact them.

Happy with the TA we use on Princess but if we could save a bunch more would consider changing.

 

If you deal with a large online TA would think you would be speaking to a different person each time you contact them.

The large agencies using Homebased TA's ,you will have the the same TA to handle your questions/ booking as well as future bookings. You may even find one that is local to you?