TA or Direct? Adriatic & Aegean Treasures or Turkey, Greek Isles & adriatic won

[Sader417]

New to Seabourn and looking for the collective wisdom on two questions:

 

Assuming booking a year in advance, will booking directly with Seabourn be cheaper than using a TA?

 

Appreciate any comments on relative merits of the two different Aegean crises.

 

Thanks much.

[JaneBP]

I don't think there is a price differential, but you might get a special trip from a TA who is in a group. Look for a Virtuoso agent. Not sure where you are located. With the transition from Seabourn to HAL, I would not book with them directly. Seems to be too many glitches in the system and the CSRs are not up to par, yet.

 

Check out the thread for the Referral Coupons ( a sticky at the top) and the other threads about other OBC's. Lots of help here, and the search function at the top right of this Forum page is helpful.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

[markham]

Book through a travel agent. He/she will represent you if you have a problem with Seabourn better than you can do so yourself given that they have purchasing power eg if Seabourn drops its fare after you have booked, you don't get a credit from a referral or another source, you don't get some pre-cruise materials etc. Who else can give you impartial help and advice?

 

I have never thought that cruise lines are in the sales business and that remains the case today with all that appears uneven with the transition to HAL.

[Keith1010]

New to Seabourn and looking for the collective wisdom on two questions:

 

Assuming booking a year in advance, will booking directly with Seabourn be cheaper than using a TA?

 

Appreciate any comments on relative merits of the two different Aegean crises.

 

Thanks much.

 

I would always book through a TA over the cruise line.

 

The price will be the same but the TA can offer you additional amenities above the cruise line such as on board credits.

 

Also, the TA can provide additional expertise related to pre and post travel plans and will also be your advocate if something goes wrong with the cruise.

 

With that said, you can book your cruise directly with Seabourn and then move the booking to a TA. If you go this route, just be sure at the time of booking you go through the process with the Seabourn reservation representative so you know the time frame by which you must move your booking to a TA.

 

Keith

[markham]

I beg to differ with Keith1010. The price may well differ and this depends on the market in which you buy the cruise. No question about it; look at whatever the cruise line shows and then contact a cruise specialist travel agent to see if there is a difference.

 

Happy cruising!

[lincslady]

I beg to differ with Keith1010. The price may well differ and this depends on the market in which you buy the cruise. No question about it; look at whatever the cruise line shows and then contact a cruise specialist travel agent to see if there is a difference.

 

Happy cruising!

 

 

At least in the UK you should get a cheaper price from a TA than direct from SB, and the discount will vary according to the agent, so a bit of judicious looking on the internet is a good idea. Not sure if this also applies in other countries - I have the impression that you are more likely to get some on board credit from a US agent.

[Sader417]

Thanks, all.

[wripro]

The reason you may get a cheaper price from a TA in the UK is that SB pays TAs a higher commission there and so they can rebate you a part of it. HOWEVER, and this is a big however, you cannot get a refund of that deposit should you wish to cancel your booking at any time whereas in the US you can get a refund up to final payment time. Also, and this is a generalization I know, I have heard from several British friends and people who have booked through UK TAs that they do not get the same level of service. That is not to say that some UK TAs are not terrific. And of course not all US TAs are equal either. Just saying!!!!!

[Martita B.]

I have used Travel Agents to book Seabourn sailings for many years

but decided last year I would simply book directly with Seabourn. I use a seasoned, veteran Seabourn rep. ~still in Miami~ and have been extremely pleased. So for now I'll keep booking through him.

Happy Sailing:p

Martita B.

[Chairsin]

Everyone's experience is different -- I use a UK TA and receive better service and pricing ( I just have to watch the exchange rate)than I used to get from a US Virtuoso TA.

[3418ahl]

We used a TA in the USA and saved about $1000 for the two of us. Since we use him exclusively, he may have rebated us part of his commission, I don't really know.

 

So excited, leaving in two days for our first cruise on the Pride!