transferring a booking to a new travel agent

[caggfamily]

We've been using the same travel agency for years, but for reasons i won't go into, we no longer wish to use them. However, we currently have 6 cabins booked with them for a cruise in december. Can we transfer our booking to a different agent and is there a fee?

[cherylandtk]

Depends on your agent. Technically, they 'own' the booking and have to agree to release it. Some agents charge a fee to do so, some do not. Since you have not yet reached final payment, one option is to cancel and rebook with your new agent. Do note that any special pricing or TA gifts may disappear if you change agents.

[Keith1010]

I would first get with the cruise line to see how the process would work and then get with the TA.

 

Keith

[leaveitallbehind]

As mentioned, the TA "owns" the booking that you placed through them - even if it originated with the cruise line directly and then was transferred subsequently to them. The cruise line will not typically touch the reservation as a result.

 

Typically the cruise line also won't intervene between you and the TA unless there is a demonstrated problem with the TA or an issue with them that could negatively affect a booking in place. And the the likely action may be to take the booking back directly by the cruise line. I don't think they will handle a transfer to a new TA directly from one to another.

 

You would have to contact the current TA yourself and request a release of the booking under whatever terms and conditions they may impose to do so and then - as it would likely return to the cruise line - request that the cruise line then transfer it to a different TA. There may also be restrictions on this as well depending on how or when the booking was originated.

 

Ultimately it may be easier and better to just leave things as they are and originate future bookings with a different TA. But if you feel it necessary to try to move the booking, you would have to talk with the current TA first to see what options are available. But be prepared for them to resist this as you would be interfering with their commission, and they likely will impose a penalty to do so.

Edited July 5, 2014 by leaveitallbehind

[Krazy Kruizers]

Some TA's will charge for transferring a cruise to another TA.

And there are even some TA's that may even charge a fee if you cancel your booking with them.

And if you do cancel the 6 cabins, you may not get the same cabins with the new TA.

[paul929207]

Before transferring the booking be sure you understand any ramifications. Possible problems could be:

 

Old agent charges a few.

Old agent was giving you OBC, but the new one won't.

Old agent cancels the booking. Original rate/perks/cabins may not be available when you try to rebook.