Question re: TA's and shipboard credits

[kerpsicle]

The Crystal Cruise we're interested in (Grand Mediterranean spring 2012) has no shipboard credits so we'll have to pay for excursions out of pocket which will increase our costs dramatically. I understand that TA's who work through travel consortiums often give shipboard credits. What's a reasonable dollar amount to expect/request from a TA for shipboard credits?

[Keith1010]

In the end the amount of credits will not only vary to some extent by TA but will also be based on your cabin accommodations since that relates to your total cruise fare

 

My recommendation is to find a TA who is part of either a major independent travel agency or one of the major travel consortiums such as Signature, Ensemble or Virtuoso as these agencies typically offer shipboard credit.

 

If you don't have a TA, just call a few TA's who fall under this umbrella and see what each of them would do for you for this cruise.

 

Try to find a TA who has a lot of experience with Crystal and with luxury cruise lines and that includes having sailed with them as a good TA is worth their weight in gold and that goes beyond the amount of credits they can provide.

 

Keith

[kerpsicle]

Thanks, Keith.

[alexandra cruiser]

cruise agency,,,after checking 3 or more sites,,,and got $500 OBC,,plus less than cruiseline posted for cabin I wanted...and they were available for answering many questions,,,etc...but do agree with above,,good to check many options.;)