bobbye7 Posted September 19, 2014 #1 Share Posted September 19, 2014 This is my first cruise and I've got tons of questions. I've been working for a week with one TA who is a cruise specialist. She's given me two choices she says are "the best deals out there." The prices are good until this coming Monday. I'm afraid to hold off or prices may go up, but she isn't answering my questions in a timely fashion. I get the feeling she's impatient with me but that may just be my sensitivity. Is it okay to seek out another agent in the meantime? And do I have to tell the first one or not? Seems like, if you can shop around for a car you should be able to shop around with TAs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCC retired Posted September 19, 2014 #2 Share Posted September 19, 2014 (edited) No need to tell TA that you are shopping around , she probably already knows and expects it. If she is impatient with you before the booking ( working with her for a week could do that , eek!) , imagine after the booking is made and you have a ? or problem ? What is not fair is giving the next TA her price , who of course will offer something a bit better before you get off the phone (a good salesman ,perhaps not a good TA?) Select your TA by recommendation from friends, relatives , neighbors or coworkers who cruise often. Interview the TA before booking: Any fees? TA's certification (such as CLIA) and experience. 7 day coverage of phone/email ? Edited September 19, 2014 by MCC retired Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leaveitallbehind Posted September 19, 2014 #3 Share Posted September 19, 2014 (edited) You certainly can talk with as many different TA's (or cruise lines) as you wish in researching a cruise. But once you book with a TA, they "own" the booking. You should ask before booking if the TA charges any additional fees not charged buy the cruise line for originating, modifying, or cancelling a booking and if they do, I would suggest looking for one who does not. Some TA's charge these fees but many others do not. Also, with most mass market cruise lines there is no difference in the stateroom rate booked directly or through a TA - they do not discount their fares through a TA. If the stateroom you are being quoted is part of a block of rooms reserved by a TA there may be a slight discount based on the number of rooms they are holding. Also many TA's will offer OBC's or other ship "perks" out of their commission as an incentive to book through them. But the stateroom rates will be the same. Do some homework to understand the TA's policies - in particular regarding fees - before you book. Edited September 19, 2014 by leaveitallbehind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted September 19, 2014 #4 Share Posted September 19, 2014 No problem with talking with any number of T/A's to get an idea of what you want to book - but in most cases once you actually book a cruise the agent will " own" the booking, and you can no longer switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted September 19, 2014 #5 Share Posted September 19, 2014 If you are having bad vibes from her before you have even booked, she may not be the best choice for you to use as TA. By all means, shop around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_BJ Posted September 19, 2014 #6 Share Posted September 19, 2014 OK to use more than one realtor when buying a house??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 19, 2014 #7 Share Posted September 19, 2014 If you find an agent that will give you a better price and better perks -- go with him/her. You are not obligated to report back to the first TA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinman66 Posted September 19, 2014 #8 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Yes look around and get the best deal If your gut is saying something on the ta listen to it Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janetz Posted September 19, 2014 #9 Share Posted September 19, 2014 (edited) If you are having bad vibes from her before you have even booked, she may not be the best choice for you to use as TA. By all means, shop around. Agreed! If she is not timely with questions now, I bet customer service will be worse after she has your booking. I would look elsewhere ;) Edited September 19, 2014 by janetz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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