cruisingallover Posted July 28, 2011 #1 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Just wondering should I be booking with RCCL directly or using a travel agent and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommypenguin29 Posted July 28, 2011 #2 Share Posted July 28, 2011 We always use a travel agent because she watches for the deals for us and takes care of everything...just easier in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lj1231 Posted July 28, 2011 #3 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I used a TA and got a generous OBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCC retired Posted July 28, 2011 #4 Share Posted July 28, 2011 If you already are set on a ship/date why not compare both ? If the TA is quoting you exactly what is offered by RCI , try another TA. Price may be the same but expect something extra thrown in (like OBC) Especially if it's a big ticket booking (expect possible group rate and/or OBC , ect.) ;) Be sure the TA isn't charging you any fees for changes, booking or cancelation:rolleyes: If you need help choosing a cruise , who better can help you do that than a good cruise specialist TA ?:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clean1owner Posted July 28, 2011 #5 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Either way you are using a commissioned travel agent. Go with whomever gives you the most perks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Faith Posted July 28, 2011 #6 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I used a TA and got a generous OBC. That's why we use a TA. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare silentbob007 Posted July 28, 2011 #7 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I tend to use a TA for benefits. HOWEVER, I also don't need or expect much service because I'm comfortable making other arrangements myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toyland Posted July 29, 2011 #8 Share Posted July 29, 2011 I used a TA and got a generous OBC. What is considered a generous OBC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwcruisers Posted July 29, 2011 #9 Share Posted July 29, 2011 We prefer to book directly with the cruise line, as that gives us complete control over the entire booking process. Some of our friends have travel agents that they swear by, but our experiences with travel agents (in our early cruising days) were not very positive. When you book your cruise directly, however, you are responsible for every detail of your entire vacation. Now, I love doing that -- but it's way too much hassle for some folks! :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted July 30, 2011 #10 Share Posted July 30, 2011 What is considered a generous OBC? We just got a 222 obc,125 spa credit and specialty dinner for 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rancher Dave Posted July 30, 2011 #11 Share Posted July 30, 2011 We just got a 222 obc,125 spa credit and specialty dinner for 2. To be fair you have to share what your cabin cost to give folks an idea of what you paid to get that OBC. A $222 OBC for a low cost cabin is very different than for a $10,000 cabin. To OP, keep in mind if the TA is giving away most of their income back to you as OBC, they aren't able to dedicate much time to helping you. So if you go for a deal with lots of OBC...keep in mind when you need them to change cabins etc...you may pay service fees and/or have to wait until the normal working 40 to get help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly333 Posted July 30, 2011 #12 Share Posted July 30, 2011 What is considered a generous OBC? about 10% would be generous, imo. If no perks, book with RCL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toyland Posted July 30, 2011 #13 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I was considering moving my booking to a travel agent, but the one that was recommended to me offered nothing more than to "continually check prices" and help with pre and post cruise transportation. No OBC or other perks. I'll pass. I'll check the prices myself much more often than they would anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babyberger Posted July 30, 2011 #14 Share Posted July 30, 2011 We are using a TA that offers 10% OBC and NO FEES!!! I mistakenly once used a TA that charged change and cancel fees, never again!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rummenroman Posted July 30, 2011 #15 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I use a TA as well, but my TA is family, and booked all my cruises before she was a TA anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluefintuna Posted July 30, 2011 #16 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Out of 29 cruises we have probably booked 20 with the same online TA; never a problem. If booking a RCCL cruise at this time ours offers free gratuities. It pays to shop around whichever cruise line you choose, but we find dealing with the cruise line directly offers nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aml716 Posted July 30, 2011 #17 Share Posted July 30, 2011 We just got a 222 obc,125 spa credit and specialty dinner for 2. wow. I just got $50obc. but I'm eyeing another cruise which I'll get obc, dinner for 2 at 2 speciality restaurants, and prepaid grats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxxedout2 Posted July 30, 2011 #18 Share Posted July 30, 2011 OP.. I wish I knew how to find a good TA. Nobody on this forum can give names. Used a TA once, long ago. It was horrible. Decided then that TAs couldn't pay me enough OBC to use them again. ...so I book all my trips, cruises, flights and excursions for myself. Have been since the '80's. However, since reading posts to the contrary here on CC...I might, try to find a good TA. There must be one out there. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braidburn2 Posted July 30, 2011 #19 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I used a TA for the two cruises I've been on so far but have just booked a RCCL cruise direct online with 5% discount and $100 OBC. BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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