Travel Agent vs. NCL Booking

[cruisin'couple]

Someone on another post had said that now you can't get upgraded unless you book through NCL directly. Is this true, does anyone know??

 

Not true--at least not in my case. We reserved through a TA for a window cabin on the Aloha May 1st. We were told at that point all the balcony cabins were gone. Last month NCL contacted our TA to see if we wanted to upgrade to a balcony for $312 total. Not apiece, but total. We grabbed it.

 

But it's my understanding that NCL must be the one to contact people--not people contacting NCL for upgrades. Don't know for sure if that's right.

[fodorspeter]

That is correct - so that's not a difference in customer service and in fact might be a good reason to use NCL direct as you know you will always get a call (and before you TA's jump on that by saying you might get a call, but if you're not at home they won't call back - not true - cruise before last they called me four times in two days until they got ahold of me).

 

What's interesting about these responses is that they are mostly all TA's giving me general differences when I asked for specific ones. They also seem to beat the same drum about there is a difference between those cruisers that do their own research and are experienced cruisers verses those that are newbies and don't even know about sites like this to ask their questions. THEN I SAY, WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS POSTING ON THIS SITE AND OBVIOUSLY IS WILLING TO DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH THE ADVICE TO USE A TA???????

 

Maybe you should stop stalking these sites where participants aren't your target audience and let those of us who aren't biased relate our personal cruising experiences.

 

Peter

[newmexicoNita]

That is correct - so that's not a difference in customer service and in fact might be a good reason to use NCL direct as you know you will always get a call (and before you TA's jump on that by saying you might get a call, but if you're not at home they won't call back - not true - cruise before last they called me four times in two days until they got ahold of me).

 

What's interesting about these responses is that they are mostly all TA's giving me general differences when I asked for specific ones. They also seem to beat the same drum about there is a difference between those cruisers that do their own research and are experienced cruisers verses those that are newbies and don't even know about sites like this to ask their questions. THEN I SAY, WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS POSTING ON THIS SITE AND OBVIOUSLY IS WILLING TO DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH THE ADVICE TO USE A TA???????

 

Maybe you should stop stalking these sites where participants aren't your target audience and let those of us who aren't biased relate our personal cruising experiences.

 

Peter

 

Of course we are biased, but we also get and give information from checking these sights a couple times a day if time permits. Did it ever dawn on you, our cruising experiences are just as valuable and interesting as yours. Some people come to these sites looking for information that many of us can give, others like you, I am not sure why you do? NMnita

[seahorse]

That is correct - so that's not a difference in customer service and in fact might be a good reason to use NCL direct as you know you will always get a call (and before you TA's jump on that by saying you might get a call, but if you're not at home they won't call back - not true - cruise before last they called me four times in two days until they got ahold of me).

 

What's interesting about these responses is that they are mostly all TA's giving me general differences when I asked for specific ones. They also seem to beat the same drum about there is a difference between those cruisers that do their own research and are experienced cruisers verses those that are newbies and don't even know about sites like this to ask their questions. THEN I SAY, WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS POSTING ON THIS SITE AND OBVIOUSLY IS WILLING TO DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH THE ADVICE TO USE A TA???????

 

Maybe you should stop stalking these sites where participants aren't your target audience and let those of us who aren't biased relate our personal cruising experiences.

 

Peter

 

Click............click........click.........there is that same broken record.

 

Stalking:confused: WOW I feel that some "stalk" ta`s with their personal agenda. Not biased, please

 

Didn`t know that we were people who cruise and not allowed to give our experiences and advice. Most of the advice you have given is not to use ta`s.

 

Time to move on:p

[fodorspeter]

Wasn't the oringinal question whether to use TA's or book direct. Yes, my answer is book direct with NCL. The TA's always say book with TA's - obvious, right? Some, though do say book with TA's when you don't know a darn thing about cruising. My point is you'e wasting your breath (words, really) because that person isn't on cruisecritic to be informed that he should get off cruisecritic and call a TA before he learns anything about something he knows nothing about. The person who is on cruisecritic is here to learn about cruising so that they don't have to rely on a TA to choose and book a cruise. And yes, you can share your cruise experiences - I've seen a lot of good advice about the ins and outs of cruising from TA's. As you have pointed out, when I see TA's answering somebody's question about using TA's or direct with cruise lines, I'm going to weigh in with the same message until you stop.

 

Peter

[cruise freak]

Using TA's can get you a better price as they cut their commission. Doesn't everyone want to get to cruise cheaper than they can book themselves? That is the best reason for a seasoned traveler to use a TA.

[NJcruiser21]

looking to book the jewel or the dawn again (the 10 day itinerary)....used a TA this time..hated the service..price was cheaper than NCL....I'm thinking about those online sites...any advice?

[newmexicoNita]

Wasn't the oringinal question whether to use TA's or book direct. Yes, my answer is book direct with NCL. The TA's always say book with TA's - obvious, right? Some, though do say book with TA's when you don't know a darn thing about cruising. My point is you'e wasting your breath (words, really) because that person isn't on cruisecritic to be informed that he should get off cruisecritic and call a TA before he learns anything about something he knows nothing about. The person who is on cruisecritic is here to learn about cruising so that they don't have to rely on a TA to choose and book a cruise. And yes, you can share your cruise experiences - I've seen a lot of good advice about the ins and outs of cruising from TA's. As you have pointed out, when I see TA's answering somebody's question about using TA's or direct with cruise lines, I'm going to weigh in with the same message until you stop.

 

Peter, you make almost no sense. The person here wants to learn more so they do not have to depend on a TA, I doubt that has much to do with anything. As you know, I happen to be a TA, I do not always think one needs to book through us: if you are a seasoned cruiser, know exactly what you want. have hours to spend on the computer, etc most of us understand booking other ways, but you don't pay more by using a TA and you have the assistance of someone who knows the business or should anyway. I know many say we are just order takers, I wish all those order takers would find another occupation so we can better our reputation.

 

/QUOTE]

[fodorspeter]

What you just said is what I said. Thanks.

 

Peter

[serendipity1499]

I'm not a Travel Agent but was in the International Airline Business for 31 years...Have also escorted Travel Agents to Africa...Have been to many far away places on our own...But I also have a great respect for Good Agents! Many passengers are not that well-informed enough, have not traveled a great deal, or don't want to deal with the hassle of making their own Reservations, etc...It’s fine to obtain information through sites such as this, but you also have to be prepared to handle emergencies...Some don’t know what to do if suddenly their flights are cancelled, or they suddenly become ill on day of departure..These passengers should book through a knowledgeable & reputable Agent that is on call (24 hour service) if something should go wrong...

 

That said we book both ways...When we have Round Trip Cruises out of Florida & other East Coast cities, we usually book directly with the Cruise Line, book our own Insurance (on-line), our Car rentals, Hotels & Air to & from the Cruising point...We spend many hours of research & watch for fare reductions on a daily basis…We always leave our-selves enough time to handle an emergency…ie: for an 8:p.m. departure out of MIA, we will leave our home on the West Coast of Florida in the morning (only a 2 ½ hour drive) to be sure we have enough time in case our Car broke down, or there was a traffic tie-up…

 

When we have a One-Way Cruise with an International destination, we prefer booking with a well known Travel Company that has blocked space...Their itinerary always includes transfers...(trying to transfer your own luggage for a 21 day or more cruise is a major pain, especially for the older passenger)..The agent usually includes a first class hotel in the destination city for one or two extra days, some sightseeing, and always transfers back to the Airport... We've found this Agent's price is well below the Cruise Lines price & because of that we don't get upgrades, but that is not important to us..When we used this agent in South America, we had a Deluxe hotel in Santiago, a wine & city tour, & a farewell dinner (which was so so)...But the Crowning Glory was when our bus arrived at the airport for our overnight flight home, everyone’s luggage was on individual carts at the curb..We wheeled our carts through security, up to the counter & completed our check in within a half hour...Now that's Service! I wish I could tell you the name of the Company, but regs. forbid it!

 

We still book our own Car Rental, Insurance & often book our tours through a Local Tour operator in the port city rather than taking ships tours....You must do your homework, be knowledgeable enough & willing to handle emergencies if plan to book directly..Maybe it’s because we are a bit older (not old) & retired, but I don’t always want to handle our own Air, Transfers, Hotels etc. anymore...Please don’t take offense, as this is just my opinion…Happy Cruising Everyone...

[seahorse]

I'm not a Travel Agent but was in the International Airline Business for 31 years...Have also escorted Travel Agents to Africa...Have been to many far away places on our own...But I also have a great respect for Good Agents! Many passengers are not that well-informed enough, have not traveled a great deal, or don't want to deal with the hassle of making their own Reservations, etc...It’s fine to obtain information through sites such as this, but you also have to be prepared to handle emergencies...Some don’t know what to do if suddenly their flights are cancelled, or they suddenly become ill on day of departure..These passengers should book through a knowledgeable & reputable Agent that is on call (24 hour service) if something should go wrong...

 

That said we book both ways...When we have Round Trip Cruises out of Florida & other East Coast cities, we usually book directly with the Cruise Line, book our own Insurance (on-line), our Car rentals, Hotels & Air to & from the Cruising point...We spend many hours of research & watch for fare reductions on a daily basis…We always leave our-selves enough time to handle an emergency…ie: for an 8:p.m. departure out of MIA, we will leave our home on the West Coast of Florida in the morning (only a 2 ½ hour drive) to be sure we have enough time in case our Car broke down, or there was a traffic tie-up…

 

When we have a One-Way Cruise with an International destination, we prefer booking with a well known Travel Company that has blocked space...Their itinerary always includes transfers...(trying to transfer your own luggage for a 21 day or more cruise is a major pain, especially for the older passenger)..The agent usually includes a first class hotel in the destination city for one or two extra days, some sightseeing, and always transfers back to the Airport... We've found this Agent's price is well below the Cruise Lines price & because of that we don't get upgrades, but that is not important to us..When we used this agent in South America, we had a Deluxe hotel in Santiago, a wine & city tour, & a farewell dinner (which was so so)...But the Crowning Glory was when our bus arrived at the airport for our overnight flight home, everyone’s luggage was on individual carts at the curb..We wheeled our carts through security, up to the counter & completed our check in within a half hour...Now that's Service! I wish I could tell you the name of the Company, but regs. forbid it!

 

We still book our own Car Rental, Insurance & often book our tours through a Local Tour operator in the port city rather than taking ships tours....You must do your homework, be knowledgeable enough & willing to handle emergencies if plan to book directly..Maybe it’s because we are a bit older (not old) & retired, but I don’t always want to handle our own Air, Transfers, Hotels etc. anymore...Please don’t take offense, as this is just my opinion…Happy Cruising Everyone...

 

Thank You,

 

Why would anyone take offense? You are an intelligent traveler most aren`t and that is why a good TA is necessary. You can handle things on your own but you know when it is not worth the hassle.

 

I have a very nervous client leaving on Fri. and I told her "Don`t worry, I am your lifeline", she knows that I will be there 24/7.

 

There are more complex itinararies then a simple cruise to Bermuda.

 

Happy cruising to you too:D

[jjfla]

I have used TA's in the past but since this computer can give you just about anything you want I chose to do it myself. I have been planning our Alaska trip since last November, searched every online cruise broker and still got a better deal with NCL direct. Since I live an hour away from the nearest Big town having access to this medium has been a life saver. It is a personal preference, do your research, it's fun!! And best of all is this website, great info and feedback.

 

Only one thing I don't understand, why do some of you take comments and questions so personal. Think about it folks, we are so lucky to have this information just a click away, this is Vacation, leave all the rudeness on shore!!!

[Fayecruises]

At this point travel agents can still discount NCL . For example- if a NCL cruise is $3000 , a TA can charge you less . This can;'t be done on a Celebrity or RCCL cruise but it can on NCL. So it is almost always cheaper to go with a TA.